The holidays can be expensive, that’s why we are here to help. After all, anyone can have fun on a budget, you just need to know where to look! And we’re ready to share what we’ve found for January. Here are the best free and cheap things to do in Edmonton this January!

ICE ON WHYTE

The Ice on Whyte Festival is back! At the end of this month, some amazing ice sculptors will be creating stunning pieces all along Whyte Ave. Whether you’re taking a peek during a shopping trip, checking them out before or after dinner one night, or just going see them by themselves, this is a great option in Edmonton for January.

When: January 24th to 29th, 2033
Where: Whyte Avenue
Cost: TBA – but generally around $6

SNOW WAY OUT

Ready to get lost? Downtown Edmonton’s first snow maze will be in the Fan Park, directly next to Rogers Place! The massive 75’x75’ Oilers themed maze will include multiple photo opportunities, a slide, and a locker room.

When: Open until January 29th, 2023
Where:  Ice District,  Fan Park, 10128 104 Ave NW
Cost: $18

DEEP FREEZE: A BYZANTINE WINTER FEST

Deep Freeze festival is undoubtedly a must for anyone looking to make the most of the colder months. This celebration of local art, and the city itself, offers a ton of incredible art installations, learning opportunities, and more.

When: January 21st and 22nd, 2023
Where: Locations around Edmonton
Cost: Free

TUBING AT EDMONTON SKI CLUB

Have you tried tubing at the Edmonton Ski Club? Well, it is the least expensive option in the city, and this spot offers some classic, family-friendly fun and of course, more than earns the price of admission with a magic carpet to get you up the hill.

When: Open throughout January
Where: 9613 96 Avenue NW
Cost: $15.75 for GA

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ICE DISTRICT SKATING RINK

Like tubing, skating season is here, so get your skates and head to the ICE District Plaza! The rink located in the centre of the plaza is now open to the public and you can use of the rink for free!

When: Open daily 10 am to 10 pm
Where:  ICE District Plaza
Cost: Free

ELK ISLAND NATIONAL PARK

Elk Island is a veritable winter wonderland year after year, and luckily, you can check it out no matter the weather. Whether you’re hitting the trails, stargazing, or trying to see some buffalo in true winter fashion, this national park is always worth the drive out there.

When: Open throughout January
Where: 54401 Range Road 203, Fort Saskatchewan
Cost: $8.50 for admissions

ART GALLERY OF ALBERTA

The AGA has pulled out all the stops for the winter, and if you’re looking to spend a few hours staring at pretty art, it doesn’t get much better than this.

When: Open throughout January
Where: 2 Sir Winston Churchill Square
Cost: $14

ACC ICE WALL

The Ice Wall is back in Edmonton this winter! At last, we can experience the thrills of ice climbing, without, you know, having to try and make our way up a frozen waterfall and really freaking out about it.

When: Open throughout January
Where: 9613 96 Avenue NW
Cost: $19+

LASER FLOYD: DARK SIDE OF THE MOON

Every weekend, the Telus World of Science hosts a nostalgic (but still stunning) laser show set to, really, the best band for it- Pink Floyd. Whether you’ve been a fan of their music for years, or want to try something new, this is a great option.

When: Fridays and Saturdays throughout January
Where: 11211 142 Street NW
Cost: $14.95 for GA

WINTER WAGON RIDES

A little pricier on the list, but we had to include the magical scenic Winter Wagon Rides. Enjoy twinkling lights strung up around Fort Edmonton Park’s historic streets, while bundled up in a festive horse-drawn wagon ride throughout the entire park!

When: Select dates between January 7 to 21st, 2023
Where:7000 143 St NW
Cost: $25 per adult

Enjoy the month!