It’s beginning to look a lot like… well… winter. With some frostier days ahead of us, we think knowing the best things to do in Edmonton this December is a must! Turn that frown upside down with incredible options, be it outdoor activities, holiday lights, or some live shows!
Here are the best things to do around Edmonton this December.
Recent Posts:
Here’s where to watch FIFA World Cup 2022 in Edmonton
World Waterpark in Edmonton to put on huge indoor fireworks show this New Year’s
Live Theatre & Concerts
ALBERTA BALLET- THE NUTCRACKER
This iconic Christmas ballet is touching down in Edmonton for a few days this month! Relive the magic of Tchaikovsky’s holiday extravaganza, is a very fun (and cultured) fashion.
When: December 7th to 11th, 2022
Where: 11455 87 Avenue NW
Cost: $65+
EDMONTON SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA
For those craving something even more refined, the ESO has got you covered. The renowned orchestra has several performances throughout the month, including Christmas events, as well as a visit from the Barenaked Ladies. Great if paired with a treat-yourself dinner before or after.
When: Concerts throughout December
Where: 4 Sir Winston Churchill Square
Cost: Varies
SPONSORED PICK: CATCH CITADEL THEATRE’S HOLIDAY EXTRAVAGANZA, A CHRISTMAS CAROL BY DAVID VAN BELLE
It sure is beginning to look a lot like Christmas. And to make our season more festive, The Citadel Theatre is bringing back its musical extravaganza, A Christmas Carol by David van Belle.
Back by popular demand, the musical adaptation of Charles Dickens’s Christmas classic is returning to the theatre for its 4th year. And along come the exciting characters, the fun, sing-along tunes and an epic Christmas tale that will transport you into a magical era of films like It’s a Wonderful Life and Miracle on 34th Street.
Where: Maclab Theatre (at Citadel Theatre), 9828 101A Ave, Edmonton
When: Saturday, November 26th to Friday, December 23rd, 2022
Time: 1:30 PM and 7:30 PM
Cost: $111.15 + taxes
Looking for a space to dance on a Saturday night? Look no further than Morgan Page, who is bound to make that happen. Best part? It’s free before 10:30 pm.
When: Saturday, December 10th, 2022
Where: Union Hall, 6240 99 St NW
Cost: Free before 10:30 pm, $31.31 after
FUNK THE HALLS ft THE FUNK HUNTERS
BC’s The Funk Hunters are back with their annual Funk The Halls!
When: Friday, December 16th, 2022
Where: Union Hall, 6240 99 St NW
Cost: $38.46
Take a break from the holiday shopping, and check out Kane Brown this month on his Drunk or Dreaming tour.
When: Sunday, December 18th, 2022
Where: Rogers Place
Cost: $37.60 +
GET TOGETHER FESTIVAL featuring ABOVE & BEYOND
Get your New Year’s Eve parties started early at this year’s Get Together Festival, featuring multiple electronic music acts including Above & Beyond.
When: December 27th and 28th, 2022
Where: Edmonton EXPO Centre
Cost: $128+
View this post on Instagram
Holiday Events
LUMINARIA
It’s only right that we kick this part of the list off with one of the best activities for both the holiday season and winter in general. Luminaria will be transforming the already beautiful U of A Botanic Garden, with an insane array of incredible displays, seasonal treats, and more!
When: On now until December 31st, 2022
Where: 51227 AB-60, Spruce Grove
Cost: $24
ZOOMINESCENCE
From dazzling installations to entertainment and more, Zoominescence has returned and it’s going to be enchanting! Bundle up and head over to the Edmonton Valley Zoo to celebrate 10 wonderful years of Light, Love, and Animal Conservation!
When: Starts Friday, December 2nd, 2022
Where: 13315 Buena Vista Road
Cost: $14.95 for GA
It’s back, Edmonton! The Rad Torque Raceway will once again host one of the city’s most magical holiday experiences, The Magic Of Lights Drive-thru. Stretched across its massive track, those who check it out will be able to see over 1 million lights, animations, and a variety of stunning displays, so crank the Bublé and enjoy!
When: November 24th until January 1st, 2023
Where: 50342 Range Rd 253, Edmonton International Airport
Cost: $30+ per car
Showcasing over a million bulbs and fairytale displays, this unique event will dazzle and delight light-loving Edmontonians of all ages. The best part? You’ll actually be able to do so without freezing your butt off! Check out the link above for tickets.
When: December 1st to January 1st, 2023
Where: 7515 118 Avenue NW
Tickets: $22.99+ for GA
Get ready, because one of Edmonton’s most iconic holiday experiences returns this holiday season! An event that’s been around for years, Candy Cane Lane is a Christmas extravaganza that features incredible decorations, lights and fun – plus, it’s free to check out!
When: Select nights from December 9th to 23rd
Where: 148 Street between 99 Avenue to 92 Avenue
Cost: Free
NIKKA YUKO GARDENS WINTER LIGHTS FESTIVAL
Though its best known for its green grass and gardens, Nikka Yuko is an incredible spot in the wintertime. Don’t believe us? Check it out and enjoy a magical evening of lanterns, and lights.
When: Starts Wednesday, November 30th
Where: Corner of 9th Ave S &, Mayor Magrath Dr. S, Lethbridge
Cost: $12.50
ENCHANTED FOREST
This December, wander through the ‘Enchanted Forest’ a Christmas tree festival where Edmontonians from all walks of life have purchased and decorated Firs with tinsel, beads, lights and love – for your enjoyment! Check it out, get dazzled and leave bright-eyed!
When: On now until January 7th, 2023
Where: 10005 102 St
Cost: FREE
EDMONTON CHRISTMAS MARKET
Featuring local vendors, artists, food, crafts and more – this month, you have got to check out our last and final shopping event – the Edmonton Christmas Market. With so many things under one roof – and in celebration of the season – you won’t regret starting your engine for this one, assuming you’ve got a good long to-buy list with some unique items on it. Don’t miss it, friends, and have fun!
When: Wednesday, November 30th to December 18th, 2022
Where: 7000 143 St NW, Edmonton
Cost: $15
View this post on Instagram
Sports & the outdoors
EDMONTON OILERS
The Oilers are at home in December for eight games, including one on December 31st!
When: Games throughout December
Where: 10220 104 Avenue NW
Cost: Varies per game
GO SKATING
We’re not complaining about the relatively mild fall so far, but it has pushed back the opening of the city’s various skating rinks. With any luck, these guys will be open in the coming days, offering a perfect way to unwind and have some fun one evening.
When: Opening TBA
Where: All around Edmonton
ACC ICE WALL
The Ice Wall is coming back to 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: Opening TBD
Where: 9613 96 Avenue NW
Cost: $19+
SNOW VALLEY
Edmonton has no shortage of local ski hills for you to check out. First up is Snow Valley, which has already opened for the season!
When: Open throughout December
Where: 13204 Rainbow Valley Road NW
Cost: Varies
SUNRIDGE
Next up on our local ski tour is Sunridge, which also recently opened for the season. In addition to the classic downhill runs, this spot also offers snow tubing for those who don’t really want to get fully kitted up to enjoy their time on the slopes.
When: Open throughout December
Where: 10980 17 Street NW
Cost: Varies
EDMONTON SKI CLUB
Last but not least, we come to the Edmonton Ski Club! The home of the Ice Wall, the Edmonton Ski Club offers classic skiing options plus a snowtube park, making it one of the most versatile local attractions in the city.
When: Open throughout December
Where: 9613 96 Avenue NW
Cost: Varies
View this post on Instagram
And some indoor activities
ROYAL ALBERTA MUSEUM
Learn a little bit about everything this month at the Royal Alberta Museum! From geology to botany, archeology to Indigenous studies, there’s no doubt you’ll be leaving that much more knowledgable about the province than when you came in.
When: Open throughout December
Where: 9810 103a Avenue NW
Cost: Varies
December is the perfect month to visit the AGA, since it’s getting cold and there are a ton of exhibitions to check out.
When: Open throughout December
Where: 2 Sir Winston Churchill Square
Cost: $14
NEW YEAR’S EVE BEACH BALL – WEST EDMONTON MALL
This December, head to West Edmonton Mall’s World Waterpark for a New Year’s event unlike anything else in the city – heck, all of Alberta! With a live DJ, caricature artists and an all-you-can-eat buffet, you and yours are encouraged to enjoy a night of splish-splashing fun – no matter your age!
When: Saturday, December 31st, 2022
Where: 8882 170 St NW, Edmonton, AB T5T 4J2
Cost: $69 (presale prices until November 30th)
That’s what we’ve got in mind for the best things to do in and around Edmonton this December! Stay warm!
