Light shows and markets and Santa, oh my! Here’s what’s on this weekend in Edmonton!
Festivals & Special Events
1) Zoominescence | On Now
Visit the zoo’s winter-loving residents and discover stunning light displays along the trails.
2) Leduc Country Lights | On Now
Enjoy a peaceful walk through Leduc’s biggest and brightest outdoor light display.
3) Enchanted Forest | On Now
Fort Saskatchewan welcomes the return of its annual holiday tree display, with trees decorated by local community groups and businesses.
4) Edmonton Christmas Market | Dec. 3–5
Whyte Avenue’s Army & Navy building becomes a holiday hotspot for local vendors, culinary experiences, live entertainment, and more.
5) Royal Bison Art and Craft Fair | Dec. 3–5
Find quirky and unique gifts from over 40 local vendors at this beloved craft fair.
6) River Cree Resort & Casino Holiday Market | Dec. 3–5
This brand-new holiday market features gifts and goods from local Indigenous vendors and artisans.
7) ACUA Christmas Market | Dec. 4
Shop for locally-crafted art, crafts, and Ukrainian goods, just in time for the holidays.
8) Winter Wonderland at Manchester Square | Dec. 4
Discover glimmering ice sculptures and a cozy indoor vendor’s market, along with lots of wintery activities.
9) Downtown Holiday Light-Up | Dec. 4
Take a ride on the Holiday Express as light, art, and music fills Churchill Square.
10) St. Albert Indoor Christmas Market | Dec. 4–5
Enjoy a holiday-themed, indoor version of St. Albert’s beloved Farmers’ Market.
11) Sustainable Kitchen Cooking Classes | Dec. 4 & 6
Learn to make croissants and holiday cookies with these free virtual classes from Edmonton Public Library.
Family Events
1) Festive Festival PJ Party | Dec. 4
Come to the Arden in your holiday pyjamas to enjoy a fun circus show for the whole family!
2) Let’s Build a Village | Dec. 4
Help build an enormous LEGO village at Kingsway Mall!
3) Virtual Live Storytime with Santa | Dec. 5
Get cozy with the family as Santa reads you a Christmas story!
4) Santa Photos and Hay Rides | Dec. 5
Get into the festive fun at The Market Place at Callingwood!
Concerts & Music
1) Christmas Carol Sing-Along | Dec. 3
Celebrate 20 years of lifting hearts and supporting neighbours through holiday favourites.
2) Audiofreq | Dec. 3
Audiofreq, AKA Sam Gonzalez, brings high energy and big sound to the Union Hall stage.
3) Sounds & Sweets | Dec 3–4
Enjoy plenty of sweet treats as you kick back with live music at The Art of Cake!
4) Celebrate the Season | Dec. 4
Enjoy a free performance by the Brasstactics while surrounded by the magnificent lights of the Alberta Legislature’s holiday displays.
5) Del Barber | Dec. 4
See JUNO and CCMA-nominated artist Del Barber live at Festival Place.
6) An Evening on Ice | Dec. 5
Chill out with a concert of icy, wintery tunes at Grindstone Theatre.
On Stage
1) Alberta Ballet’s The Nutcracker | Dec. 2–5
Journey to the Land of Sweets with the return of this Edmonton holiday tradition.
2) 2021: Le QR RiRe | Dec. 3–4
Send off 2021 with sketches, songs, and plenty of laughs.
3) Mike Lynch | Dec. 3–4
Catch one of Canada’s newest comedy stars live at Yuk Yuk’s comedy club.
4) House of Hush Presents: Office Holiday Party | Dec. 4
Get ready for some holiday mayhem with this fun, silly burlesque show.
5) Jessica Kirson | Until Dec. 4
Jessica’s comedy is a celebration of silliness, with ridiculous characters aplenty.
6) The World Goes ‘Round | Until Dec. 5
From Chicago to Kiss of the Spider Woman, the works of John Kander and Fred Ebb are reimagined as standalone theatre pieces in this unique revue.
7) Sconacts | Starts Dec. 6
See the works of future theatre stars in this virtual festival featuring eight student-directed plays.
Sporting Events
1) Pandas vs. Griffins Hockey | Dec. 3–4
The University of Alberta and MacEwan University women’s hockey teams face off in an all-Edmonton matchup at Clare Drake Arena and the Downtown Community Arena.
2) Golden Bears vs. Griffins Hockey | Dec. 3–4
The U of A Golden Bears and MacEwan Griffins men’s hockey teams take to the ice at the Downtown Community Arena and Clare Drake Arena.
3) Golden Bears vs. Griffins Volleyball | Dec. 3–4
The University of Alberta and MacEwan University men’s volleyball teams play in two back-to-back games, the Golden Bears’ last home games of 2021.
4) Edmonton Oilers | Dec. 5
The Oilers take on the Los Angeles Lakers in a home game at Rogers Place.
