The days may be short, but the festivities last all season long! Find a reason to celebrate at these holiday events in the city.
LIGHT THE NIGHT
Zoominescence | Throughout December
Every weekend in December will include this celebration of light, artistry, and imagination. Admire the dazzling light installations created by local artists, participate in festive crafts, and visit the animals at the Edmonton Valley Zoo!
Edmonton Valley Zoo, 13315 Buena Vista Rd.
Castrol Raceway’s Magic of Lights | Through January 4
Festive and vibrant LED illuminated displays create a magical 2 km route! Enjoy the spectacular light displays and animations from the comfort of your own vehicle.
Castrol Raceway, Highway 19 & Highway 2 (2 km West), Nisku.
Celebrate the Season | Throughout December
Visit the Alberta Legislature Grounds to see trees covered in every illustrious colour. Every weekday afternoon and evening features performances from a live choir!
Alberta Legislature Building, 9820-107 St.
Candy Cane Lane | December 12 – January 1
Grab a hot chocolate or apple cider, and stroll down Candy Cane Lane to see all the illuminated splendours of the season. For over 40 years, the residents of Crestwood in Edmonton have been spreading holiday cheer and trying to one-up each other with impressive light displays. The first night is car-free!
148 St. between 92 Ave. & 100 Ave.
SANTA SIGHTINGS
Santa in Old Strathcona | December 7
Santa Claus is coming to town, and he’s hanging out in Old Strathcona! Be on the lookout for Santa and his crew as they wander through the neighbourhood, stopping for photo ops and spreading holiday cheer.
Old Strathcona neighbourhood, Whyte Ave.
Christmas at Reynolds | December 7
It’s a pajama party! Wear your comfiest PJs and get ready to make Christmas memories. Have your photo taken with Santa, write your wish list, decorate cookies, make a Christmas craft, and more!
Reynolds Alberta Museum, 6426-40 Ave., Wetaskiwin
Glow Gardens | Through January 4
This enormous, indoor Christmas festival includes an interactive musical light tunnel and a spectacular Christmas light garden, featuring more than 80,000 square feet of light sculptures! Shop the Christmas market, explore the magic castle playground, and even visit Santa.
Edmonton EXPO Centre, 7515-118 Ave.
Enjoy Light Festival | Through January 5
Head to the Enjoy Centre for ELF, the Enjoy Light Festival! The indoor wintery fun includes an interactive light garden and light tunnel, local performers, photos with Santa, and holiday treats.
The Enjoy Centre, 101 Riel Dr., St. Albert
HOLIDAY SHOWS
The Nutcracker | December 5–8
This classical holiday tale of Klara and her Nutcracker battling the evil Rat Tsar set to Tchaikovsky’s immortal score will dazzle all audience members in this glittering production. Alberta Ballet’s production includes a live performance by the Edmonton Symphony Orchestra.
Northern Alberta Jubilee Auditorium, 11455-87 Ave.
Shumka’s Nutcracker | December 14–15
Shumka’s Nutcracker is a fairy tale-like production featuring ballet, folk dance, and character dance in a celebration of Tchaikovsky’s beloved score. Witness the gorgeous classic story of young Clara and her dream prince.
Northern Alberta Jubilee Auditorium, 11455-87 Ave.
A Christmas Carol | Through December 23
This mix of old and new is not to be missed! The Citadel Theatre’s traditional holiday show is being presented with an all-new adaptation. Packed with your favourite classic Christmas tunes, it whisks you away into the magical era of films like It’s a Wonderful Life and Miracle on 34th Street.
Citadel Theatre, 9828-101A Ave.
The Singing Christmas Tree | December 19–22
Enjoy the whimsical magic of this local holiday tradition as 150 carollers pack a 35-foot Christmas tree along with thousands of dazzling lights. With dancing Santas, beautiful ballerinas, and a live orchestra accompanying the popular holiday songs, this is fun for the whole family.
Northern Alberta Jubilee Auditorium, 11455-87 Ave.
Plus, did you know several local theatres are showing holiday films on the big screen? Click here to find out what’s coming up!
