With dazzling lights and festive displays, all of these events in Edmonton will lift your spirits and spread some holiday cheer! Grab some friends and family — and a hot cup of cocoa or apple cider — and prepare to wander and enjoy these seasonal celebrations.
Christmas on the Square Holiday Light Up | November 14
Kick off the festive season with activities and entertainment for the whole family, including free balloon artists and face painting, stilt walkers, mascots and carollers, singers and musicians. Santa himself will be around to light up the majestic 72-foot tree adorned with more than 14,000 LED lights, cascading snowflakes and stars, followed by an impressive fireworks display.
Sir Winston Churchill Sq. | 102 Ave. & 100 St. | 780-944-7740
All is Bright Festival | November 21
Delay the coming of the dark winter season by celebrating all that is bright in the great outdoors! From brilliant light displays designed by local artists to live musical acts, everything at this fantastic fest is free and fun for the whole family.
124 St. between 102 Ave. & 108 Ave.
Santa’s Parade of Lights | November 21
Santa’s coming to town! Celebrate the wonders of winter at this festive parade with the jolly old man. Don’t forget to bring your letters for Santa—you can meet him at the end of the parade in Churchill Square! View a map of the parade route to find the best viewing spot here.
Downtown Edmonton | Jasper Ave. & 99 St.
Festival of Trees | November 26 – 29
This annual fundraiser for the University Hospital Foundation boasts a stunning display of over 100 gloriously decorated Christmas trees, with special events such as a fashion show, a gala, and a pancake breakfast with Santa!
Shaw Conference Centre | 9797 Jasper Ave. | 780-421-9797
Celebrate the Season | December 3 – 23
The first day of this month-long event features a choir performance and the Premier’s ceremonial turning on of the colourful lights outside the Legislature buildings. During the rest of the month, guests can enjoy afternoon and evening choir performances when visiting the Legislature rotunda.
Alberta Legislature Building | 10820-98 Ave. | 780-427-7362
Festival of Light | December 4 – 13
Explore the Edmonton Valley Zoo after dark during this fantastic, outdoor festival. The Zoo comes alive at night with beautiful light installations, roaming animals (with zookeepers by their side, of course), ice skating, hot chocolate, and more!
Edmonton Valley Zoo | 13315 Buena Vista Rd. | 780-442-5311
Luminaria | December 5 – 6
Thousands of candles creating a quiet oasis light the paths of the Kurimoto Japanese Garden during this annual event at the Devonian Botanic Garden. Take a stroll while sipping hot apple cider, enjoy the wandering snow sprites and a capella singers, or take in some of the interactive activates and family-friendly entertainment!
Devonian Botanic Garden | Located on Hwy 60, 5 km north of Devon | 780-987-3054
Christmas Reflections | December 11 – 30
Step back in time to learn how Edmontonians hosted each other and celebrated the holiday season over a century ago! On top of hearing stories of Christmases past, you can also enjoy horse-drawn wagon rides around the park.
Fort Edmonton Park | Fox Dr. & Whitemud Dr. 7000-143 St. | 780-496-8787
Prairie Garden Christmas | December 12 – 13
Bundle up and enjoy some seasonal family fun at the cozy, rustic setting of Prairie Gardens and Adventure Farm. Join in an interactive Gingerbread man story, ride the magical Polar Express, get a family photo with Santa, explore an indoor snow ball fort, and enjoy hot chocolate and other treats in Mrs. Claus’ kitchen.
Prairie Gardens & Adventure Farm | 56311 Lily Lake Rd., 25 km north of Edmonton | 780-921-2272
Candy Cane Lane | December 11 — January 3
Grab a hot chocolate and take a stroll down Candy Cane Lane, a 10-block stretch of impressive residential displays of colourful Christmas lights and decorations.
148 St. between 92 Ave. & 100 Ave.
