We’ve decked the halls. We’ve wrapped the presents. We’ve set up the mistletoe. We’ve given love and thanks to family near and far. Now experience the most exciting time of year, Edmonton style! Groups and businesses around the city have teamed up to help us celebrate Christmas in safe and exciting ways, with some meeting you right where you are! So let’s remind ourselves of some classic seasonal stops and discover some we may have forgotten. From outdoor holiday fun to virtual visits of Christmas spirit, let us all kick back, shake off the stress of this time of year, and celebrate the season the right way. Merry Christmas, and happy holidays! Don’t celebrate Christmas, or just feel like doing something else this weekend? Don’t sweat it: we’ve got you covered.
Available all weekend long
- Stony Plain Winter Light Up
- Until Dec 31
- Experience every facet of a classic Christmas with the Stony Plain Winter Light Up! Bring the family along for a virtual Christmas tree light up, a decorating contest, an online advent calendar, and drive in New Year’s Eve fireworks. Return your household to that feeling of Christmas as a kid with a trip out to Stony Plain this weekend! || 4905-51 Avenue, 780-963-2151
Northern Light Dining Experience
Until Dec 31
Make the memories this holiday season extra special with a dining experience that captures all the love, care, and togetherness of Christmas. With Luminaria just outside, experience an exclusive dining space for the whole evening! When you’re done, grab a cider and bask in the beauty of the winter YEG landscape. || 51227 AB-60, (780) 492-3050
Zoominescence
Until Jan 3
Grab a hot chocolate and take a walk around your favourite animal kingdom, Edmonton Valley Zoo! With installations created by local artists and a shared love of the season, Zoominescense is a great place to break in the Christmas weekend! || 13315 Buena Vista Rd., 780-442-5311
Winter Wonder Forest
Until Jan 3
Presented by True Start Foundation in partnership with Snow Valley lies a world of winter enchantment and eye-catching lights! Watch as 115,000 sq feet of YEG camp-ground is moulded into a dazzling light display pretty enough to drive out for! Blast the carols and pack some snacks, for a visual experience sure to make your night. || 13204 Rainbow Valley Rd., 780-434-5531
Holiday Swing with the Mercury Five
Until Dec 27
Usher in the spirit of the season (especially that Christmas musicality we know and love) with Mercury Opera and the Maclab Centre for the Performing Arts. This special online Holiday Swing with the Mercury 5 features the height of swing and so many more eras with this exclusive virtual concert. || 9320 106a Ave
Best enjoyed Christmas Day
Candy Cane Lane
Until Jan 1
After opening presents, experience another touchstone of the season! Explore the light displays of Candy Cane Lane while revelling in the creativity of your fellow Edmontonians. This ten-block stretch of residential sights features an array of dazzling sights and sounds, perfect for entertaining the whole family! || 148 St between 92 Ave & 100 Ave.,
A Christmas Carol
Until Dec 31
Citadel Theatre returns with a holiday classic: A Christmas Carol. Return to an Edmonton tradition with this keystone production in a new digital streaming format! Follow up your Christmas Eve events with a fun night of love, laughter, and music with the fam. || 888-425-1820
20th Annual Silent Night Christmas Concert
Until Dec 25
Spoil the music aficionado in your life by celebrating the season with a night full of beautiful melodies! This 20th annual concert will be virtual this year, available at 3 pm on Dec 13 until Christmas Day. Get into the charity spirit this Christmas, as the event supports the University of Alberta Campus Food Bank. || 780-492-1444
Deck the Halls Digital Concert
Until Dec 31
Support the ESO and guest conductor Lucas Waldin as they guide you through a carefully curated audio-visual experience! This online program features performances of classic works from “Ave Maria,” to “Deck the Halls.” Watch the performance between December 18 at 3 pm to December 31 at 11:59 pm || 780-428-1414
Other seasonal fun
Metro Cinema Popcorn Pop-Up
Until Dec 25
There’s nothing that movie-goers crave more than a bag of classic cinema popcorn, with that undecipherable balance of butter, salt, and seasoning! As families settle in for seasonal movie marathons, indulge in the Metro Cinema’s Pick-up Popcorn Pop-up! Through pre-order only, experience Metro’s array of snacks and popcorn from December 21–25. Pickup is available on December 26 from 12 pm-6 pm. || 780-425-9212
Royal Bison Boxing Day Sale
Until Dec 27
Shop the online Royal Bison experience with Boxing Day Deals that are kind to your wallet (especially after a whole season of gift-giving.) Treat yourself with exclusive works from more than 60 of your most beloved Edmonton regional makers! || royalbison.ca
