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! Bundle up, and get ready to experience the best this season offers.
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.
Zoominescence
From dazzling installations to entertainment and more, Zoominescence is returning and it’s going to be 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: Friday, December 1st until January 3rd, 2024
Where: 13315 Buena Vista Road
Cost: $15.95
Glow Edmonton
If you like celebrating the season among sparkling light, Glow is back in Edmonton. A spectacular indoor display that will keep you, your date or your whole family amazed and super toasty, Glow will take place at the Edmonton Expo Centre from December 1st and January 1st.
When: Friday, December 1st and January 1st, 2023
Where: 7515 118 Ave NW
Cost: $22.99
Sponsored Pick: A Christmas Carol
Get ready for a holiday heart-melter! Can a trio of spirited sidekicks thaw Scrooge’s icy heart in the nick of time? ‘A Christmas Carol’, an adaptation by David van Belle, is bringing its festive fiesta to Edmonton’s Citadel Theatre this winter season and mark our words, you’ll exit with your Christmas spirit cranked up to 11.
When: Friday, November 25 – Saturday, December 23, 2023
Where: Citadel Theatre | 9828 101A Ave, Edmonton, AB T5J 3C6
Cost: $100+
Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree
The Muttart Conservatory’s new feature “Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree” will get you into the holiday spirit! You can surround yourself with beautiful Muttart-grown poinsettias and a Christmas tree so big and beautiful that you’ll have to see it to believe it.
When: On now until January 2nd, 2024
Where: The Muttart Conservatory, 9626 – 96A Street
Cost: $14.95
Sponsored Pick: Moxies Winter Menu
Tis the season for cozy eats, which is good news because Moxies just announced their new menu for the colder season. Check out tasty new additions, like Maple Glazed Brussels Sprouts, Short Rib Bolognese, and Rigatoni Arrabbiata, along with some returning favourites from last year, like the Mushroom Mosaic Dip and Sticky Toffee Pudding. This new winter menu is available for a limited time, so don’t wait to book your reso and try it for yourself!
When: Available now until Sunday, January 14th
Where: Moxies restaurant locations across Canada
Serena Ryder
Love Serena Ryder? This month, you can celebrate both cherished and contemporary Christmas classics performed by Serena, and re-discover the magic of the holidays!
When: Tuesday, December 5th, 2023
Where: Winspear Centre, 4 Sir Winston Churchill Sq
Cost: $39+
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: Wednesday, December 6th to Sunday, December 10th, 2023
Where: 11455 87 Avenue NW
Cost: $69+
Holiday Movies at Cineplex for $2.99
Cineplex’s $2.99 family favourites are back in December, with holiday movies! You can check out The Polar Express, as well as Dr. Seuss’ The Grinch.
When: Saturday, December 2nd, 9th, and 16th, 2023
Where: Cineplex locations
Cost: $2.99
Candy Cane Lane
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! If you want a sleigh ride, those are ticketed and available online.
When: Select nights from Friday, December 8th to January 1st, 2024
Where: 148 Street between 99 Avenue to 92 Avenue
Cost: Free, accepting donations for the food bank
Edmonton Oilers
If you want to get into the hockey action this season, The Edmonton Oilers are in town for six home games this December.
When: Games throughout December
Where: 10220 104 Avenue NW
Cost: Varies per game
Edmonton Christmas Market
‘Tis the season! The holidays are here, and the Edmonton Christmas Market is back at Fort Edmonton Park. Head over to Fort Edmonton Park to experience holiday magic, do a little shopping, and enjoy some food and drinks.
When: November 29th to December 17th, 2023
Where: 7000 143 Street NW
Cost: $19.03 for General Admission
Winter Wagon Rides
Can you hear those sleigh bells jingling? This season, you can head to Ford Edmonton Park to discover the magic of winter, admire twinkling lights while bundled up for a festive horse-drawn wagon ride.
There will be a hot chocolate stop, and a toasty bonfire in the end!
When: December 6th, 12th, and 19th, 2023
Where: Fort Edmonton Park, 7000 143 Street Northwest
Cost: $25 per adult, $10 per youth
Sip & Solve
Puzzle lovers, this one is for you. Get a fun workout at Sip & Solve, and adult only night in the Mazes & Games Exhibition at TELUS World of Science.
When: Thursday, December 14th, 2023
Where:TELUS World of Science,
Cost: $12.95
Bright Light Skate Night
Want to check out a free skate night? Bundle up and head to Sir Winston Churchill Square and the City Hall Plaza for Bright Light Skate Night on December 16. The free family-friendly event will feature skating, a DJ, fire pits, Indigenous and cultural performers and more!
When: Saturday, December 16th, 2023
Where: Sir Winston Churchill Square and City Hall Plaza
Cost: Free
miyitowin ᒥᔨᑐᐃᐧᐣ Exchange of gifts LAST MINUTE SHOP TILL YOU DROP EVENT
If you need some last-minute holiday shopping, head to Alberta’s Biggest Lill All Indigenous Experience & Market this December. Share in the authentic local Indigenous Experience, share in stories, art, products, FREE Prize Draws, and non-stop live entertainment.
While admission is free, they are asking for donations of clean, gently used winter clothing and footwear, as well as NEW UNUSED: socks, underwear, toiletries, and women’s sanitary items.
When: Saturday, December 16th, and Sunday, December 17th, 2023
Where: Edmonton Downtown Farmers Market, 10305 97 St NW
Cost: Free
Candlelight Christmas
Candlelight concerts is exactly what it sounds like, the magic of a live show lit by candles. And this season, you can catch A Charlie Brown Christmas at Betty Andrews Recital Hall under the gentle glow of candlelight, or Candlelight: Holiday Special Featuring “The Nutcracker” & More.
When: December 14-16th, and December 17th, 2023
Where: Betty Andrews Recital Hall, Room 11-150, 11110 104 Avenue NW, MacEwan University
Cost: $45+
A Lightly Classical Christmas
Another holiday experience coming your way. Check out the ESO performing works inspired by Christmas and holiday traditions. This is the best way to get you into the Christmas spirit.
When: Friday, December 15th and Saturday, December 16th, 2023
Where: Winspear Centre, 4 Sir Winston Churchill Sq
Cost: $33.50+
Borealis Lights
Borealis Lights Drive Thru Christmas Lights Display returns to The St. Albert Kinsmen RV Park for another year, and it is open for the season. The experience is estimated to take 25 to 30 minutes to complete.
When: On now until January 7, 2024
Where: Borealis Lights Light Park – Christmas Drive-Thru Light Display, 47 Riel Dr
Cost: $32+
Nutcracker Afternoon Tea
Tis the season for festive dining. You can experience the Grandest of Holidays at Edmonton’s river valley castle. As part of the holiday culinary programming, there is a Nutcracker Afternoon Tea featuring holiday faves.
When: Throughout December
Where: Fairmont Hotel Macdonald, 10065 100th Street
Cost: $89
Corteo
Corteo is described as Cirque du Soleil’s most enchanting arena production and it is in Edmonton for the very first time. This one-of-a-kind production will be at Rogers Place for 7 performances only, so don’t miss it!
When: December 27-31, 2023
Where: Rogers Place, 10220 104 Ave NW
Cost: $49+
Hollywood for the Holidays
We love us an Edmonton Symphony Orchestra, especially during the holiday season. For this show, you will hear tunes from your favourite movies like Star Wars, Harry Potter, and The Lord of the Rings.
When: Thursday, December 28th and Friday, December 29th, 2023
Where: Winspear Centre, 4 Sir Winston Churchill Sq
Cost: $33+
Get Together
Get Together music festival is back this winter, and for one night only. This year, Multi Platinum, GRAMMY award-winning artist/dj/producer Zedd is headlining.
When: Thursday, December 28th, 2023
Where: Edmonton EXPO Centre, 7515 118 Avenue NW
Cost: $89.50
New Year’s Eve Beach Ball
Escape the cold and head to the World Waterpark this New Year’s eve. You’ll get live entertainment, a buffet, many character appearances, free caricature artist drawings brought to you by Coca Cola, a spectacular indoor fireworks show with NEW pyrotechnic effects, and great company!
When: Sunday, December 31st, 2023
Where: 8882 170 St NW
Cost: $69+
Brett Kissel
With three Platinum and ten Gold singles, two Gold-certified albums, and sixteen Top-10 radio hits, Brett Kissel has become one of Canada’s most celebrated artists. And you can spend New Year’s Eve at his concert!
When: Sunday, December 31st, 2023
Where: River Creek Resort and Casino, 300 East Lapotac Boulevard, Enoch, AB
Cost: $84+
2024 Edmonton International New Year’s Eve Gala
Looking for a gala this New Year’s Eve? Check out the Edmonton International New Year’s Gala, with food, fun, and entertainment, all in support of The Stollery Children’s Hospital Foundation.
When: Sunday, December 31st, 2023
Where: Beverly Hills Ballroom, 17700 87 Ave
Cost: $188.79
Have an awesome December!
