Dust off your favourite Christmas sweater, these exciting opportunities are waiting for you! Edmonton is always filled with festive fun and this year is no exception. You can maintain an Albertan tradition by grabbing tickets to the ballet or try something new with a festive improv show.
Edmonton
A Celtic Family Christmas | November 26
Musicians Natalie MacMaster and Donnell Leahy are returning to Edmonton with their touring Christmas special. Armed with their trusty fiddles and accompanied by their talented children, these JUNO Award winners create a night of music that is perfect for the whole family. They will be performing your favourite Christmas tunes alongside some Celtic classics.
A Christmas Carol | November 26 – December 23
A visit to the Citadel Theatre during the holiday season is an Edmontonian must. With the original version of A Christmas Carol running for 19 years, David van Belle’s new adaptation took the stage in 2019. This fresh take on an old classic November 26 features some exciting changes, including the use of a 1940s-style set to remind audiences of old Hollywood films. Van Belle has also incorporated traditional Christmas carols into the show! A touching tale of humanity and community, this show breathes new life into a time-honoured narrative.
The Blank Who Stole Christmas | December 2 – 17
Say goodbye to the Grinch, there’s a new villain in town. Edmonton improv troupe Rapid Fire Theatre is offering a refreshing twist on a well-known Christmas story: each performance will be derailed by an unexpected guest. The 2019 version of this show delighted audiences with its quick wit and exciting twists and the group is excited to be back for 2022! Containing both improvised and scripted scenes, this show is the perfect addition to your holiday event roster.
The Nutcracker | December 7 – 11
Celebrate a Christmas tradition with Alberta Ballet. This magical performance follows Klara as she enters the Land of Sweets and befriends a vibrant cast of characters. Wowing audiences since it was first performed in 1892, Tchaikovsky’s score pairs perfectly with the breathtaking choreography performed by 120 dancers. Plus, this year’s production will feature exciting new additions to Act 2’s Kingdom of Sweets. This event is great for families and a wonderful introduction to the magical art of dance.
Home for the Holidays | December 12
After the success of their 2021 holiday concert, Edmonton Opera are decking the halls of the Jubilee Auditorium once again! Join them for a night of classical favourites performed by Canadian Opera Company’s Jamie Groote and internationally acclaimed tenor Spencer Britten, supported by the Edmonton Opera Chorus and the Edmonton Symphony Orchestra. There’s no better way to spend the holiday season than through celebrating operatic arts.
A Lightly Classical Christmas | December 22 & 23
Soak up the sounds of Christmas with the Edmonton Symphony Orchestra this holiday season. With the help of the Richard Eaton singers, this historic ensemble will be performing a unique program containing old favourites, like “Deck the Halls” and “Joy to the World,” alongside traditional hymnals.
Beyond Edmonton
Big Hank and the kingpins tribute to the blues songs of christmas | November 19
Tired of “Jingle Bells” and “Deck the Halls”? Go beyond classic Christmas carols this holiday season with an exciting event at Festival Place. Playing the songs of Blues music legends like Etta James and Big Joe Turner, Big Hank will wow audiences with his powerful voice and impactful delivery. He’ll be supported by immaculate horns and a rhythm section that is sure to get you moving.
magic of lights | November 24 – January 1
Experience all the magic of the holiday season from the comfort of your car! This fan-favourite drive-through exhibition contains over one million lights and spans 2.5 kilometers. Using LED technology to recreate some iconic holiday moments, Magic of Lights is a vibrant source of festive cheer.
michelle wright | december 1
With three decades of country music hits under her belt, JUNO Award- winner and Canadian
Country Music Hall of Fame inductee Michelle Wright is taking over the Festival Place stage for an unforgettable night of music. Alongside tracks from her beloved album Now & Then, Wright will be playing some of her favourite Christmas songs like “White Christmas” and “Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer.”
The Barra MacNeils: An East Coast Christmas | Nov 26
Take a trip to the Maritimes with this talented family of musicians, where you’ll be treated to a collection of Cape Breton classics: Gaelic ballads, step dancing, and Celtic twists on your favourite classics. Packed with vibrant harmonies, entertaining stories, and electric dance numbers, this is one of the best concerts on the seasonal circuit.
3 Knights with a Tenor & A little Mistletoe | December 3
From his 2004 start with The Canadian Tenors to his 2009 Carnegie Hall debut, Ken Lavigne has been capturing hearts across the nation with his smooth vocals and contemporary style. In this unique show, Lavigne pairs the music of three British knights—Andrew Lloyd Webber, Paul McCartney, and Elton John—with some holiday hits. Partnering these classic tunes with personal stories and hilarious experiences, Lavigne creates a night of music that will live forever in your memory.
Check out our events calendar for even more holiday fun!
