From enjoying Cirque du Soleil show to taking in fabulous lights and fun theatre, there are plenty of fun and exciting family fun things to do during the Christmas holidays/winter break in Edmonton & Alberta Capital Region.
December 22, 2023 – January 7, 2024
For all other events, see December in Edmonton.
Things to Do on Christmas Day in Edmonton – December 25.
1. Cirque du Soleil: Corteo
December 27 to 31, 2023
Rogers Place, 10220 104 Ave NW, Edmonton
$49 – $145 +charges
2. Narnia – The Lion The Witch & The Wardrobe
“Narnia: The Musical” combines enchanting melodies, lively choreography, and breathtaking set designs to create a visually stunning and emotionally stirring theatrical experience. The production showcases the transformative journey of the four siblings, as they not only discover their own inner strength but also forge deep bonds of friendship and uncover their destinies as the rightful rulers of Narnia. Details
December 15 to 29, 2023
Festival Place, 100 Festival Way, Sherwood Park
$28 to $46 +fees
3. Bluey’s Big Play
Take your young children to see Bluey, Bingo, Bandit and Chilli live in their first stage show—Bluey’s Big Play! Blueys Big Play is a brand new theatrical adaptation of the Emmy award winning childrens television series, with an original story by Bluey creator Joe Brumm, and new music by Bluey composer, Joff Bush. Details
January 5 to 7, 2024
Northern Alberta Jubilee Auditorium, 11455 87 Ave. NW, Edmonton
$30 – $137+fees
4. See Christmas / Holiday Lights
Go for a winter wonderland drive and enjoy great Christmas displays in Edmonton & Alberta’s Capital region.
There are many drive-thrus, including twinkling Candy Cane Lane, and many more!
- Borealis Lights — until January 7, 2024 @ St. Albert Kinsmen RV Park, 47 Riel Dr., St. Albert
- Candy Cane Lane— Until January 1, 2024 @ 9915 148 St, Edmonton
- Zoominescence — until January 3, 2024 @ Edmonton Valley Zoo, 13315 Buena Vista Road, Edmonton
- Celebrate The Season — Until January. @ Legislative Building Grounds, 10800 97 Avenue NW, Edmonton
- Glow Edmonton — January 1, 2024 @ Edmonton Expo Centre, 7515 118 Ave NW, Edmonton
- Enchanted Forest — Until January 7, 2024 @ Various Locations, Fort Saskatchewan
- Magic of Lights — Until Saturday, January 6, 2024 @ RAD torque Raceway, Alberta 19, Leduc County – Edmonton International Airport
- Country Christmas Lights — Until December 31 @ Leduc West Antique Society, 49541, Range Rd 260, Calmar
5. Go on a Scavenger Hunt at the Alberta Legislature
Explore the Legislature Grounds through a scavenger hunt, and experience Alberta’s history in a whole new way by going on a scavenger hunt. Find answers to questions like: “Although I am 20 000 000 years old, I have only been Alberta’s official stone for 34 years, What am I?”, “There are 150 imprints of birds on this monument. Which monument is this?” and more!
Make it a festive evening by exploring the Legislature Grounds all aglow with festive lights.
Though a bit pricey (and intended mainly for tourists), why not explore Legislature grounds on a segway. Join for a 60 minute segway adventure through the beautiful legislative grounds and see over 300 trees extravagantly decorated with over 3000 gleaming christmas lights.
6. Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree
Surround yourself with beautiful Muttart-grown poinsettias and a Christmas tree so big and beautiful that you’ll have to see it to believe it! There will be many lights creating a magical holiday glow throughout the pyramid.
November 25 – January 7, 2024
Muttart Conservatory, 9626 96A Street, Edmonton
Regular Admission
7. Holiday Fun at TELUS World of Science Edmonton
Immerse yourself in a winter wonderland at TELUS World of Science – Edmonton! Experience a season of enchanting activities, including crafting mathematically accurate snowflakes and exploring the Health Zone’s “Jingle Smells” challenge, as well as igniting creativity with “Merry Makers” in the STEAMengine. TELUS World of Science – Edmonton is your destination for a winter filled with joy, discovery, and memorable family moments. Details
Until January 7, 2024
TELUS World of Science Edmonton, 11211 142 St NW, Edmonton
Regular Admission
8. Cheer Edmonton Home Teams
- Edmonton Oilers vs. Philadelphia Flyers on Tuesday, January 02, 2024 | 7:00 PM
- Oilers Skills Competition Presented by Rogers on Thursday, January 4 at 7:00 PM
- Edmonton Oilers vs. Ottawa Senators on Saturday, January 06, 2024 | 8:00 PM
9. The Secret Life of Christmas Trolls
A production written for kids, and a meal designed with kids in mind! Join us for a fun-filled morning of laughter, music and food! Details
December 23, Janaury 6 | 6 PM & December 26, Janauray 2 | 5:30 PM
Jubilations Dinner Theatre, 2061, 8882 170 Street, Edmonton
$41.95 to $44.95
10. A Christmas Carol by Citadel Theatre
Packed with your favourite classic Christmas tunes, this adaptation of the beloved tale of a miserly old man who is invited to change his ways by the Ghosts of Christmas, will carry you away into the magical era of films like It’s a Wonderful Life and Miracle on 34th Street. Details
Until December 23, 2023
Citadel Theatre, 9828 101 A Avenue, Edmonton
$40.25 – $150.25
11. Hollywood for the Holidays
Enjoy a fun concert for the whole family. Hear your favourite music from the big screen performed live by your Edmonton Symphony Orchestra. Enjoy tunes from Toy Story, Star Wars, The Lion King, Harry Potter, Titanic, Aladdin, Pirates of the Caribbean, Jurassic Park, Beauty and the Beast, and much more. Details
December 28 & 29, 2023
Winspear Centre, 102 Avenue, Edmonton
$33.50 – $97.50
12. Birding during Winter/Christmas Bird Count
Why not go on a winter hike around river valley and other Edmonton natural areas and discover birds that winter over locally. See whether your little ones can spot Black-capped Chickadee, Pine Grosbeak, Pileated Woodpecker and other birds.
What are the popular winter birds that you can spot? Can you notice any winter adaptation changes in them? Grab a pair of binoculars, download a bird ID app, and try to name all the birds that you can spot. Do a Christmas Bird Count. If you don’t want to venture outside, do an unofficial count of the birds that visit your bird feeder.
13. YEGICE – Ice Climbing Wall
Alpine Club of Canada Edmonton Section offers an introduction class to ice climbing that is available to all and requires no prior experience. Details
During Winter Season
Edmonton Ski Club, 9613 96 Ave NW, Edmonton
$19 to $49
14. Taylor Swift | The Eras Tour Concert Film
Immerse yourself in this once-in-a-lifetime, concert film, spanning a 17-year award-winning musical career, with a breathtaking cinematic view of the history-making tour that Ben Sisario of The New York Times called “A Cultural Juggernaut.” Details
December 28 – December 31, 2023 and January 4-7, 2024
TELUS World of Science Edmonton, 11211 142 St NW, Edmonton
$13.13 to $19.89
15. Welcome 2024
New Year’s Eve Fireworks are in full swing this year. Welcome 2024 by participating in various family-friendly activities.
16. Winter at Elk Island National Park
Elk Island National Park is ready to welcome you with lots of different ways to spend the day and create lasting memories. Enjoy snowshoeing, stargazing, Christmas bird Count and more!
17. Strathcona Wilderness Centre
Strathcona Wilderness Centre is a fabulous place for a day trip. Explore the park on boots, skis or on snowshoes!
On New Year’s day, special activities include a toonie skate and a fun cross-country ski loppet.
18. Winter Wagon Rides
Can you hear those sleigh bells jingling? Discover the magic of winter in Edmonton’s scenic River Valley. Admire twinkling lights strung up around Fort Edmonton Park’s historic streets, while bundled up in a festive horse-drawn wagon ride throughout the entire park. Enjoy a cozy hot chocolate stop to warm up before you continue your tour. Wrap your evening up with a toasty bonfire under the starry night sky.
January 6, 2024
Fort Edmonton Park, 7000 143 Street Northwest, Edmonton
$10 to $25
19. White Christmas
Join us for a magical winter wonderland experience with White Christmas! Get ready to embrace the holiday spirit and immerse yourself in a festive atmosphere.
Veterans Bob Wallace and Phil Davis have a successful song-and-dance act after World War II. With romance in mind, the two follow a duo of beautiful singing sisters en route to their Christmas show at a Vermont lodge, which just happens to be owned by Bob and Phil’s former army commander.
December 21 to 30, 2023
Fort Edmonton Park, 7000 143 Street Northwest, Edmonton
$35-$45
20. Go on a Winter Walk
Edmonton is a winter city, but one with some of the largest urban parkland in the world. Check out some of these 25 places to enjoy walking (or snowshoeing) and hiking during winter in and around Edmonton.
More places for walking:
21. Outdoor Skating
Getting the best of Edmonton in the winter means sharpening your skates! Alberta Capital Region offers so many options for hitting the ice, and so many different types of ice to hit: try out the city’s new Iceways, one of the many frozen ponds (ice needs to be at least 15 cm thick for safe skating), or pick up a game of shinny at one of the maintained community league rinks.
- Edmonton Outdoor Skate Rinks – Opening Schedule
22. Tubing
Get out to the hill and slide in the tube park at Edmonton’s iconic River Valley ski & snowboard destination since 1911. The tube park is located directly North of the Carpet Lift.
Where to Go Snow Tubing in Alberta
23. Downhill Skiing
Get active and go skiing and snowboarding at Ski clubs in and around Edmonton: Edmonton Ski Club, Snow Valley Ski Club, Sunridge Ski Area, and Rabbit Hill Snow Resort. Ski Hills are closed on Dec 25.
24. Sleigh/Horse Rides
- Iron Horse Turtle Ranch in Sherwood Park offers sleigh or carriage rides.
- If you are looking for an intimate ride for two or want to take your family on a sleigh ride, head to Dick Lauren’s (530048 Range Road 183) to travel over snowy fields than with a sleigh ride.
- Want to enjoy a sunny winter day outside riding a horse through country trails? Visit Putting Horse Ranch, Spruce Grove to your horse through snow-covered fields or walk beside your children as they try to stay astride.
25. Other Outdoor Winter Activities
Enjoy a glorious winter day with the family, exploring Edmonton and surrounding natural areas by snowshoeing, tobogganing the many hills, skiing down the ski hills (you can even meet Santa) or hiking the many River Valley trails.
- Winter in Parkland County
- Winter in St. Albert
- Super Fun Outdoor Winter Activities in and around Edmonton
- Things to Do during Winter in Strathcona County
26. Outdoor Art Works
Looking for something new to do in Edmonton while keeping the recommended physical distance? Check out these Public Art Features! You can see many of them from your car or on a walk around the city. Look for local artists’ work while you’re out and about.
27. Christmas Dinner
There are plenty of options in Edmonton for a delicious festive Christmas dinner. Support local and choose from one of these take-home Christmas dinners or dine out at these local restaurants and caterers’ kitchens.
Nutcracker Afternoon Tea
- Indulge in a selection of the finest loose leaf teas served with finger sandwiches, fine pastries, and house-made Mac Honey Scones. The tea menu features our own unique blend, Lady Agnes Tea, named after the original First Lady of Canada, Lady Agnes MacDonald. @ Harvest Room – Fairmont Hotel Macdonald, 10065 100th Street, Edmonton
28. Check out some books from the library
Your city’s/town’s recreation department (Edmonton) and local libraries offer plenty of low cost (free programs) during Christmas break.
Get a great book online and read it with your child, OR download an audiobook from EPL (or your town’s library), gather round the fireplace and enjoy listening to the story. The library also holds plenty of holiday programs – check out the calendar and plan to attend a family program.
29. Watch Some Movies
See some family-friendly movies released during this season.
- Landmark Theatres — Every Sunday, kids can get out of the house, a movie ticket and Snack Pack (popcorn, drink, choice of candy treat) @ Edmonton City Centre/St Albert/Spruce Grove location.
- Cineplex – What’s On
- Telus World of Science Imax theatre: Shows
30. Visit Edmonton Tourist Attractions
Holiday hours of major attractions
For all others like Laser Tag, mini-golf, see Indoor Attractions, Amusement Centres, and Playgrounds in Edmonton.
- Edmonton Valley Zoo is open during Zoominescence, Closed on December 25.
- TELUS World of Science
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- Monday to Sunday: 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Sunday, December 24: 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Monday, December 25: CLOSED
Tuesday, December 26 to Sunday, January 7: 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
- Monday to Sunday: 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
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- Royal Alberta Museum
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- Open: 10 am – 4 pm (10 am – 8 pm on Thursdays) Dec. 26 – 30, Jan. 2Closed: Dec. 24 – 25, Dec. 31 – Jan. 1Regular hours resume Jan 3. — Wed, Fri-Sun | 10 am – 4 pm & Thursday | 10 am – 8 pm
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- Art Gallery of Alberta
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- December 24: Open
December 25 & 26, January 1: Closed
December 27-31: Open - Wednesday: 11am-5pm
Thursday: 11am-7pm
Friday to Sunday: 11am-5pm
- December 24: Open
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- Marine Life
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- Open Daily, Hours Vary.
December 25, January 1: 11 AM to 4 PM
December 26: 11 AM to 4 PM
- Open Daily, Hours Vary.
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- Alberta Aviation Museum
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- Tuesday to Friday 10:00 am – 4:00 pm
- Saturdays, Sundays & Holidays 10:00 am – 5:00 pm
- CLOSED: Christmas, Boxing Day, and New Year’s Day
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- John Janzen Nature Centre
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- Daily: 9am-4pm
- Christmas Day, New Year’s Day: Closed
- Tuesday, December 26: 11am-4pm
- December 27-31: 9am-4pm
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- Muttart Conservatory
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- Monday, Tuesday, Friday to Sunday: 10am-5pm
Wednesday & Thursday: 10am-9pm
December 25: Closed
- Monday, Tuesday, Friday to Sunday: 10am-5pm
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- Galaxyland
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- Open Daily, Hours Vary
- December 24: 11:00 AM to 6:00 PM
- December 25: Noon to 5:00 PM
- December 26: 11:00 AM to 7:00 PM
- December 31: 11:00 AM to 6:00 PM& NYE Celebration
- January 1: 11:00 AM to 6:00 PM
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- World Waterpark
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- Open Daily, Hours Vary
- December 24:11:00 AM to 6:00 PM
- December 25: Noon to 5:00 PM
- December 26: 11:00 AM to 6:00 PM
- December 31: 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM & NYE Celebration
- January 1: 11:00 AM to 5:00 PM
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- Drive
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- Open Daily, Hours Vary
- December 24: 11:00 AM to 6:00 PM
- December 25: Noon to 5:00 PM
- December 26: 1:00 PM to 9:00 PM
- December 31: 11:00 AM to 6:00 PM
- January 1: 11:00 AM to 6:00 PM
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31. Visit a Provincial Park
Don’t miss your chance to explore some of Alberta’s parks this winter.
32. Christmas Getaway
Around Alberta, there are so many exciting and different ways to enjoy a holiday getaway with loved ones: head up north for calm and tranquillity; head south where it might be a bit warmer; vacation in Alberta’s Rockies with a bit of luxury; or travel east to the Lakelands for fun in the snow and plenty of ice-fishing. Go on a trip this Christmas break.
Must-Visit Places to See Magical Christmas Lights in Alberta
10 Small Towns & Cities in Alberta For a Holiday Getaway
Banff Outdoor Activities
From late fall to early spring, Banff National Park turns into a winter wonderland, becoming a dreamland for all kinds of winter activities.
While skiing may be why most people head to Banff National Park in the winter, there’s so much more to do than just that. We’ve rounded up 25 winter activities in Banff that aren’t skiing.
Visit Waterton National Park
Slightly off the beaten track, located in the southeastern part of the province bordering the United States, Waterton National Park is a stunning area where the prairie meets the mountain. Phenomenal vistas, adventures, animals and experiences await you here. Step away from the busy places and head south to find some peace and quiet amidst the sparkling, snow-covered scenery of Waterton.
Jasper Winter Activities
Surrounded by the spectacular Rocky Mountains, Jasper National Park offers unlimited recreational opportunities during winter — it’s the perfect destination for any outdoor or indoor activity. Whether your passion is snowboarding at Marmot Basin, browsing paintings by local artists at the Jasper Art Gallery, or tasting local craft beer in front of a snapping fire…Jasper has an unforgettable experience just waiting for you!