Find a Meaningful Gift at:
The quirkiest crafters from across Western Canada gather together to sell their wares at the Royal Bison Art & Craft Fair (December 2 – 4 & 9 – 11)! Browse beautiful boutique-like displays featuring goods such as handmade clothing, jewellery, artwork, and eclectic accessories. New this year, the Biblio-Bison is where you can browse bookshelves filled with titles from local publishers and relax with a new book in the reading area.
Don’t miss these other crafty markets:
Make It | November 24 – 27 | Edmonton EXPO Centre
Crafters Christmas Sale | November 25 – 27 | Devonian Botanic Garden
Indigenous Artisans’ Holiday Market | November 30 | Enterprise Square
Butterdome Craft Sale | December 1 – 4 | U of A Butterdome
O Tannenbaum!
Festival of Trees | November 24 – 27
Over 100 gloriously decorated trees fill the Shaw Conference Centre for this annual fundraiser for the University Hospital Foundation. This year, the fest is helping bring Canada’s first stroke ambulance to the hospital, which will help give more immediate care to victims in rural communities. View all of the stunning trees, or take in one of the many events, including a fashion show, a gala, and a pancake breakfast with Santa.
Singing Christmas Tree | December 15 – 18
Filled with holiday wonder, 150 carollers pack a 35-foot Christmas tree along with thousands of dazzling lights at this local holiday tradition. Enjoy the whimsical magic of this event as singers are joined by a live orchestra to perform popular holiday songs. edmontonsingingchristmastree.com
Local Traditions
For over 40 years, the residents of Crestwood in Edmonton have been one upping each other with impressive light displays and spreading holiday cheer. Grab a hot chocolate or apple cider, and stroll down Candy Cane Lane between December 9 and January 2 to see all the illuminated splendours of the season (candycanelane.trav-graphics.com). For more dazzling lights, visit Celebrate the Season (December 1 – 23) at the Alberta Legislature Grounds to see the trees covered in every illustrious colour possible. And, every weekday afternoon and evening features performances from a live choir!
A Historical Holiday
Learn about early Christmas traditions at Fort Edmonton Park’s annual Christmas Reflections (December 16 – 23 & 28 – 30). Hear stories of Christmases past from Edmonton settlers, and enjoy horse-drawn wagon rides around the park. You can also hop on a sleigh and tour the historic Old Strathcona neighbourhood when you need a break from shopping its unique boutiques on Saturdays in December.
Treat the Kids to:
1. Santa’s Parade of Lights | November 19
Bundle everyone up in their favourite pair of mittens and a toque, and find the ideal spot to watch the glowing floats and Santa himself pass by! Head to Churchill Square afterward to write a letter to Santa and warm up by the bonfire. edmontonsantasparade.com
2. Zoominescence | December 9 – 18
Admire the dazzling light installations created by local artists, participate in festive crafts, and visit the animals at the Edmonton Valley Zoo! valleyzoo.ca
3. A Prairie Christmas | December 10 – 11
The cozy, rustic Prairie Gardens and Adventure Farm welcomes young and old to join in their many holiday activities, including a ride on the magical Polar Express, a family photo with Santa, a snowball fort, and treats in Mrs. Claus’ kitchen. prairiegardens.org
4. Winterfest | December 2 – 4
At this kick-off to Snow Valley’s skiing season, enjoy fun activities such as a marshmallow roast, free hot chocolate, and a scavenger hunt! snowvalley.ca
Witness the City’s Neighbourhoods Light Up at:
DBA Holiday Light Up | November 12
A 72-foot-tall tree adorned with 14,000 LED lights will alight amid cascading snowflakes and stars, while everyone enjoys festive activities with balloon artists, stilt walkers, and carollers in Churchill Square. edmontondowntown.com
All Is Bright | November 19
Ward off the dark winter season a little longer with this celebration of all that is bright, including fantastic light displays on 124 Street businesses, live musical acts, and more family fun at this free festival. 124street.ca/all-is-bright
Quick Sellout
Thousands of candles light the pathways in the snow-covered Kurimoto Japanese Garden at Luminaria (December 2 – 4). As you wander the stunning space, you’ll be entertained by the delightful snow sprites and the strolling a cappella singers. The event makes for a magical night and often sells out weeks ahead of time, so don’t delay in grabbing your tickets! devonian.ualberta.ca
