Christmas in YEG
Primeau & Co's curated Christmas to-do list for Edmonton and surrounding area this holiday season!
1. Christmas Lights in YEG
This holiday season, take the time to visit some Christmas light displays around our city. Start downtown at Churchill Square and the AB Legislature grounds, then head across the river to McIntyre Park. Head West to 148th Street and take a drive down Candy Cane Lane. Don't forget to bring a donation for the Edmonton food bank to leave it in one of the donation bins!
1. Churchill Square
Lightup Edmonton 2021 | Edmonton Downtown Business Association
2. McIntyre Park
Winter Whyte Light Up 2021 - Old Strathcona Business Association, Edmonton
3. Candy Cane Lane
YEG Candy Cane Lane | Edmonton, YEG
Photo credit: Edmonton Downtown Holiday Light Up - CFWE (cfweradio.ca)
2. Music, Ballet, & Theatre
Edmonton is home to some exquisite productions and Christmas is the perfect time to take in these amazing shows! Four shows at the top of our list:
1. Edmonton Symphony Orchestra Holiday Magic at the Winspear Centre
About Edmonton Symphony Orchestra | Winspear Centre
2. Nutcracker Ballet at the Jubilee Auditorium
The Nutcracker | Alberta Ballet
3. A Christmas Carol at the Citadel Theatre
A CHRISTMAS CAROL - The Citadel Theatre
4. Elf the Musical
Elf the Musical at Festival Place | Family Fun Edmonton (familyfuncanada.com)
Photo credit: Shumka's Nutcracker | Explore Edmonton | Explore Edmonton
3. Glow YEG
If you haven't checked out Glow YEG yet, be sure to add it to your list this year! This family friendly indoor holiday festival has been a favorite since opening. This festival is complete with food, entertainment, an artisan market, and oh so many glowing lights!
Find tickets and all the details here:
Glow Edmonton | Family Friendly Holiday Festival of Lights (glowyeg.ca)
Photo credit: Light Gardens - Glow Edmonton (glowyeg.ca)
4. Shop Handmade Markets
The Christmas season is the best time of year in our city to find the most unique handmade items from one of our amazing local vendors.
Edmonton Christmas Market is a favorite of ours and this year it takes place in two locations! Visit this webpage for all the details: Edmonton Christmas Market (publicxmasmarket.com)
Here's an extensive list of Christmas markets happening this year in YEG:
40+ Christmas Markets and Fairs in Edmonton 2021 (todocanada.ca)
Photo credit: The Ultimate Guide to Christmas Markets & Craft Shows in & Around Edmonton, 2018 - Edmonton Mama
5. Christmas Photos
It wouldn't be Christmas without that classic photo with Santa! In addition to Santa, there's an opportunity to get a photo with the Snow Queen this year! And don't forget about your furry family members, they would love to meet Santa and that photo will be too cute!
1. Where to find Santa
Where and When to see Santa in Edmonton - 2021
2. Where to find the Snow Queen
Enchanted Photo Session with the Snow Queen! Tickets, Edmonton | Eventbrite
3. Pet Photos with Santa
Pet Photos with Santa | Kingsway Mall, 109 Street & Kingsway Edmonton | To Do Canada
Photo credit: Hire Santa Edmonton - Santa Claus in Edmonton, Alberta (gigsalad.com)
6. Luminaria
Luminaria is an incredible outdoor winter festival located at the University of Alberta Botanic Garden just 15 minutes SW of Edmonton. Wander the candle-lit pathways in the serene Kurimoto Japanese Garden and take in unique Indigenous Dark Sky Storytelling.
More information and tickets can be found here: Home - Luminaria - The University of Alberta Botanic Garden (ualberta.ca)
Photo credit: Home - Luminaria - The University of Alberta Botanic Garden (ualberta.ca)
7. Drive/Walk Through Light Displays
The Edmonton area is home to several spectacular drive through light displays! You may have to leave the city to take these events in, but you will not regret it!
1. Magic of Lights (drive-through)
Castrol Raceway Lights Display | Edmonton AB Canada | Magic of Lights
2. Winter Wonder Forest (drive-through)
3. Country Christmas Lights (walk-through)
Leduc Country Lights - Leduc Christmas Lights, Charity
Photo credit: Contact-less Christmas festival coming to Edmonton river valley | CTV News
8. Shop Local for Unique Gifts
More than ever before we need to support the local businesses in our city. You will not find the same quality and truly unique items in the big box stores as you will find at our local merchants.
Check out the Hideout Distro on 124th Street for a one stop shop of all things made right here in our amazing city! Edmonton's best shop for local goods, unique gifts + vintage clothing – Hideout Distro
An excellent guide to shopping local can be found here: Shop Local in Edmonton | Explore Edmonton
Photo credit: Shop Local in Edmonton | Explore Edmonton