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!
Zoominescence
From dazzling installations to entertainment and more, Zoominescence is here and it’s enchanting!
Bundle up and head over to the Edmonton Valley Zoo for Edmonton’s Favourite Winter Festival, celebrating light, artistry, imagination, and the strong spirit of our community in the winter.
When: On now until Wednesday, January 3rd, 2024
Where: 13315 Buena Vista Road
Cost: $15.95
Ice Grooves
Bring your cool moves to City Hall Plaza Ice Grooves! Dance and skate with live DJs on Fridays from 6 to 9 PM.
The Edmonton Arts Council will also be providing free skate rentals all week long: from Monday — Friday, free rentals from 5:00 — 9:00 PM, Saturday, free rentals from 12:00 — 9:00 PM, and Sunday, free rentals from 12:00 — 5:00 PM.
When: Fridays starting January 5th, 2024 until February 23rd, 2024
Where: 1 Sir Winston Churchill Square
Cost: Free
Chiseled: Edmonton’s International Ice Carving Competition
The Ice on Whyte Festival is back, with a new name: Chiseled: Edmonton’s International Ice Carving Competition, and it is moving to the Ice District.
There, you can see the work of some of the world’s elite carvers. Artists have thirty-four hours to complete their work, with the full splendour revealed on January 16th
Want to try your own hand at ice carving? Ice on Whyte, which is now named Activate Arts Alberta, will be returning to McIntyre Park, with ice sculpting demonstrations, lessons, and more.
When: January 18th to 20th, 2024
Where: Ice District Plaza
Cost: TBA
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 20th and 21st, 2024
Where: 90–95 ST & 118 AVE
Cost: Free & by donation
Taking place at venues across the city, this festival is a showcase of amazing talent from Alberta and beyond.
Check out the lineup, pick a band/show you like, or go all in and grab a festival wristband.
When: January 24th to 28th, 2024
Where: Venues around Edmonton
Cost: Varies, starting around $17+
Head outdoors this weekend! Cross Country Ski under the light of the full moon, or by light of your headlamp under the new moon!
When: Saturday, January 27th, 2024
Where: Waskehegan Staging Area, Range Rd 210, Sherwood Park
Cost: $15
Flying Canoe Volant
One of the city’s most well known festivals is back to kick off at the end of January!
Enjoy some live entertainment, eat delicious food, and of course, make sure to check out the canoe races.
When: January 31st to February 3rd, 2024
Where:Mill Creek Ravine and La Cité francophone – 8627 Rue Marie-Anne-Gaboury (91 Street), Edmonton
Cost: Free to attend
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: 10104 104 Ave NW, Edmonton
Cost: $21
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 throughout January
Where:7000 143 St NW
Cost: $25 per adult
Elk Island National Park
Elk Island National Park is a wonderland any time of year. Enjoy some hiking and exploring during the day, then kick back for some stargazing afterwards before you head home.
When: Open throughout January
Where: 54401 Range Road 203, Fort Saskatchewan
Cost: $8.50 for admissions
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+ tax
Enjoy the month!
