Edmonton
A list of Christmas Santa Claus Parades, Activities, Holiday Theatre and other fun holiday events happening in & around Edmonton 2018.
Note: Santa Claus Parades might be cancelled or postponed due to inclement weather. Please confirm before travelling.
You might be interested in
Christmas Lights and Decorations in Edmonton
Christmas Carols and Concerts in Edmonton
I. Santa Claus Parades & Santa Events
1. Edmonton Santa Claus Parade
Santa’s Parade of Lights will be held in conjunction with the CN Grey Cup Parade this year.
2. Gibbons Parade of Lights
Town of Gibbons is hosting its first ever Parade of Lights as part of Home Town Weekend. Details
51st St & 48 Ave, Gibbons
3. Leduc Santa Claus Parade
Annual parade & family festivities. Details
Route starts at Bank of Montreal, goes West, turns North on 50th Street, and ends at 52 Ave.
4. Santa Claus Parade – Fort Saskatchewan
By Fort Saskatchewan Chamber of Commerce. Details
Downtown Fort Saskatchewan – from the corner of 99th Ave, it will travel down 99th Ave and right again on 100th Street, Fort Saskatchewan
II. Christmas / Holiday Events & Theatre
All is Bright on 124
All is Bright is a FREE festival celebrating the coming of the winter season. With light installations and ice sculptures, we will welcome the season with open arms and festive spirits! Event include Live music, DJ dance party, Food trucks, Street performers, Fire dancers, Light installations, Ice sculptures, Horse-drawn sleigh rides along 124 Street. Carolers, Drop-in street hockey & more! Details
centered at 124 Street at 108 Avenue; throughout the 124 Street district.
Great Russian Nutcracker
Patrons of all ages are invited to Moscow Ballet’s classic Christmas story the Great Russian Nutcracker. The performance features up to 40 Russian dancers and stunning choreography. There are playful 10 foot tall puppets, and sets and 200 costumes hand-made in Russia. Moscow Ballet’s Great Russian Nutcracker is the holiday tradition for 24 years! New York Times raves, “Hot Ticket!” and Los Angeles Times, “Bravura expertise!” Details
Myer Horowitz Theatre – 8900 114 Street NW, Edmonton
For Christmas Lights and decorations: Christmas Lights and Decorations in Edmonton
For all Christmas Carols: Christmas Carols and Concerts in Edmonton
Homes for the Holidays
13th Annual Homes for the Holidays Tour – Beautifully Decorated Homes That Will Inspire! Details
Saturday, November 17, 2018 | 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Sunday, November 18, 2018 | 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Various decorated Homes, Edmonton, Tour begins at Westmount Community Hall
Martin Deerline’s Green Christmas
Join Martin Deerline for a free family event full of Christmas fun! Come out to Green Christmas to have your picture taken with Santa on a John Deere tractor, build Christmas crafts, enjoy Christmas treats and save some money on John Deere gifts! Details
Saturday, December 8 @ Martin Deerline South Edmonton
Martin Deerline West & South, Edmonton
Christmas Around the World
Experience Christmas around the world through dance. Timothy J Anderson returns to guide you through centuries of culture, costume, traditions and stunning choreography. Details
Chateau Louis Conference Centre 11727 Kingsway NW, Edmonton
Home Town Weekend
Markets, Horse Drawn Carriage rides, Santa’s Store, Children’s Crafts, Hot Chocolate and Carolers, Pictures with Santa, and more!Details
Gibbons
Celebration of Lights
Kick off the holiday season at Strathcona County’s Celebration of Lights Festival and Information and the Volunteer’s Festival of Trees. Enjoy a FREE afternoon full of magical and unforgettable activities including: Cookie decorating and hot chocolate, Visit with Santa, Mrs. Claus and Santa’s reindeer, Sleigh rides, Petting zoo & more. Details.
Festival of Trees
Christmas at Fort Edmonton Park
Little Red Riding Hood: A Christmas Pantomime
You may have heard of this classic European fairy tale about a young girl and a Big Bad Wolf, but this story is unlike any other. Starting December 14th, come experience Little Red Riding Hood at the Capitol Theatre and watch the story of a free-spirited little girl with the dream of becoming a pop star.Details
Adult: $40
Holiday Brunch
Feel the warmth of great friends, close family, and delicious eats, this holiday season! Show the people in your life just how thankful you are to have them by inviting them to Holiday Brunch at Fort Edmonton Park. A lineup of fresh pastries, fruit, juices, and breakfast favourites will be prepared by our best-in-class culinary team. Details
Seniors – $38.09
Children – $28.57
Children (Under 4) Free
Winter Wagon Nights
Experience that enchanted Christmas spirit with friends, family or your special someone at Fort Edmonton Park! Details
St. Albert Children’s Theatre
St. Albert Children’s Theatre presents Tuck Everlasting. Based on the bestselling novel by Natalie Babbitt, Tuck Everlasting is a touching story of family, never-ending life and the realization that it is the “life in years,” not the “years in the life” that truly matters. Details
Arden Theatre, 5 St. Anne Street, St. Albert
Miss Bennet: Christmas at Pemberley
A witty, fun, “sequel” to the Jane Austen classic, Pride and Prejudice. The story focuses on Mary, the bookish, often over-looked middle child, as she navigates a potential romance with Darcy’s smart but awkward cousin Arthur. Details
Citadel Theatre – 9828 101A Avenue, Edmonton
Christmas in the Heartland
Join us for a welcome to winter in a self-guided driving tour of the halls and churches of Ward 5, Strathcona County. Steeped in tradition, each stop offers a different experience. From French Canadian to Indigenous traditions, our venues offer a wide variety of interactive learning. Shopping at most venues is also offered. Artisans and crafters alike offer have a variety of ideas for the hard-to-buy for on everyone’s list. Details
Antler Lake, Ardrossan, Collingwood Cove, Half Moon Lake, Hastings Lake, Josephburg, North Cooking Lake, South Cooking Lake
Christmas in the Park
Activities include: Visiting with Santa and his reindeer, Walking through the candle luminary maze and discovering its unique design, Dashing through the snow on a horse drawn hay ride, Challenging your family to an old fashioned tea boiling contest, Singing Christmas Carols, Enjoying a warm bowl of chili and a hot dog. Details
Devon Lions park; Park n’ Ride from 17 Athabasca Ave, Devon
Breakfast with Santa – YMCA
Come join us at the YMCA for breakfast, crafts, games, and a visit with Santa. Get an early start on the joy of the holiday season and come celebrate with us! Details
Sun, Nov 25 | 8:30–9:30 AM or 10–11:00 AM @ William Lutsky, 1975 111 ST NW, Edmonton
Sun, Dec 2 | 9–12 PM @ Jamie Platz, 7121 178 ST NW, Edmonton
Christmas Tailgate Block Party
Join us for a FREE BBQ, face painting, music, lantern making, friendship & fun! Details
Robertson-Wesley United Church, 10209 123 Street, Edmonton
Disney On Ice presents Dare To Dream
Believe in what’s possible as five Disney Princesses spark the courage inside us all in Disney On Ice presents Dare To Dream! In her Disney On Ice debut, see how far Moana will go in an action-packed adventure with demigod, Maui, to save her island and discover her true identity. Join Belle as she fearlessly befriends the enchanted castle staff and reveals the Beast’s gentleness. Experience Anna’s devotion to her sister, Elsa, on her life-changing journey to stop an eternal winter.Details
Edmonton EXPO Centre — 7515 118 Avenue NW, Edmonton
Dickens Fest Edmonton
Dickens Fest Edmonton is a new festival that builds on Edmonton’s exuberant embrace of its status as a Winter City. There will be Christmas teas, a 19th century Christmas dinner, and a street market in the Citadel’s large central corridor, as well as a dazzling display in the theatre’s iconic Lee Pavilion and Citadel Theatre is presenting two 19th century, Christmas-themed productions. Details
Citadel Theatre, 9828 101 A Avenue, Edmonton
A Christmas Carol
Join for this holiday theatre tradition in Canada and watch Ebenezer Scrooge being visited by the Spirits of Christmas Past, Present and Future. Details
Maclab Theatre 9828 – 101 A Avenue, Edmonton
Nutcracker in a Nutshell
Nutcracker (in a Nutshell) takes children through the classic ballet The Nutcracker in just 30 minutes. Set to Tchaikovsky’s music, The Nutcracker Prince, Rat King, Snow Queen, Sugar Plum and her friends all make an appearance in this not so traditional rendition of the Christmas classic.
Grindstone Theatre, 10019 81 Avenue Northwest
Santa Shuffle Fun Run & Elf Walk
This merry event helps The Salvation Army to assist families and individuals in need during the Christmas season and throughout the year. Pledges raised for the Santa Shuffle will support people in your community who may be struggling to make ends meet. Details
Hawrelak Park, 9930 Groat Rd NW, Edmonton
Christmas in the Country
Get started on your shopping at these Christmas markets in south rural Strathcona County.
Come and enjoy sleigh rides, fun activities, delicious food and fireworks!
Light up Strathcona:
At the end of your self-guided tour, join us at Strathcona County’s South Contact Office for more holiday fun with free: Children’s activities and a fireworks display to light up the season
Multiple Venues, South Strathcona County.
Light up Strathcona:Fire Station #2, 22142 South Cooking Lake Road
Karol Wojtyla 2018 Nativity Play
Prepare for the Christmas season by coming out to an old-fashioned nativity play, the 12th annual Karol Wojtyla Nativity Play. Bring the whole family to enjoy a one-hour matinee amateur performance featuring local children and youth. Details
The Orange Hub Theatre, 10335 84 Ave NW, Edmonton,
Sleigh Rides in Old Strathcona
Ring in the holiday season with a festive holiday sleigh ride around Old Strathcona! Details
Old Strathcona
The Debaters Christmas Show
What better way to get into the holiday spirt than coming to Festival Place for The Debaters Live Christmas Show! The Debaters Live is the comedy stage show where comics go toe to toe in a battle of laughs and logic and the audience picks the winner. This special live Christmas event features host Steve Patterson and two of his favourite comics performing stand-up and two hilarious debates in the format made popular by the hit CBC Radio One program. Details
Festival Place, 100 Festival Way, Sherwood Park
Twas The Night Before Christmas
Everyone can’t wait for Santa’s arrival on Christmas Eve, even with visions of sugar plums dancing in their heads! But somewhere along the line, the jolly old elf seems to have mislaid his sack of presents. What’s worse is that Old Man Winter is determined to stop him. Will Christmas have to be cancelled? Not if Mrs. Claus and the reindeer can help! DuffleBag expands the beloved Clement Clarke Moore poem in fun new directions just in time for the holidays! Details
Saturday, December 1, 2018 | 2:00 PM @ Horizon Stage Performing Arts Centre
Krampusnacht Edmonton
Bringing the traditions of our German and Austrian heritage home to Kanada. What happens to all the bad children at Xmas? Why Krampus of course! Details
Dr. Wilbert McIntyre Park, 8331 104 Street Northwest, Edmonton
Celebrate the Season
Alberta Legislature Building, 10800 – 97 Avenue, Edmonton
Candy Cane Tea
A Christmas celebration just for seniors, the perfect way to relax on a cold December day! Guests can enjoy special performances from the children of 100 Voices as well as engage in amazing educational animal encounters and talks. To wrap up a perfect afternoon, guests will enjoy complimentary tea, hot chocolate and festive baked goodies. Details
Wednesday December 5, 2018 | 01:00 PM – 03:00 PM
Edmonton Valley Zoo
Oil Kings – Teddy Bear Toss
vs. Kamloops Blazers Details
In support of 630 CHED Santas Anonymous
Rogers Place, Edmonton
The Nutcracker Ballet
Magic returns this holiday season with the classic storytelling of The Nutcracker — ushering young and old into a rich and festive holiday world.The magical tale of Klara and her Nutcracker defeating the evil Rat Tsar and his army of mice continues to dazzle audiences in our glittering production set to Tchaikovsky’s timeless score. The Nutcracker.
Jubilee Auditorium, 11455 — 87 Avenue Edmonton
A Christmas Past
Join us for a traditional Rutherford House Christmas. Experience the unique sparkle of this elegant house with the halls decked for the holidays. Enjoy the sweet harmonies of seasonal music and taste cookies baked in a wood burning oven. Visit the historic kitchen and sample some hot apple cider. Spice up this holiday season with a visit to Rutherford House!
Rutherford House Provincial Historic Site, 11153 Saskatchewan Drive, Edmonton
Leduc Festival of Trees
eighth annual Canadian Tire Leduc Festival of Trees and will include a full weekend of Christmas Themed Vendor Market, Children’s Activities, Christmas Tree Display and Silent Auction, Special Events and Entertainment.
Sunday, December 9, 2018 | 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Candlelight Christmas
Traditions weave people together through a common experience. For more than twenty years, the McDades have participated in this wonderful Christmas tradition at John Walter Museum. Join us for music, good cheer and enjoy the simple beauty of these 19th century homes. You will hear two 45-minute musical performances in each of the oldest of John Walter’s homes, and during intermission, you can enjoy seasonal treats in our interpretive centre.
John Walter Museum, Edmonton
Holiday Happenings
Come celebrate the holidays with us on December 1. Our Art Gallery is being transformed into a Holiday Artisan Market in the weeks leading up to Christmas and Dec. 1 is the Opening Reception. Come meet the makers and find unique hand created items. Will will have live music provided by the talented and local A Powell Band. We plan on brewing some hot apple cider on the wood burning stove and serving up holiday treats. In the museum, families can work on some old fashioned Christmas activities. – Details
Multicultural Heritage Centre, 5411- 51 Street Stony Plain.
Canadian Pacific Holiday Train
Holiday Train is about 1,000 feet in length with 14 rail cars decorated with hundreds of thousands of technology-leading LED lights and a modified boxcar that has been turned into a traveling stage for performers. Details
Edmonton Area
The Best Little Newfoundland Christmas Pageant…Ever!
The Best Little Newfoundland Christmas Pageant…Ever!” is seemingly a dull task for Mrs. O’Brien, who has been put in charge when the original leader, Mrs. Armstrong, hits a moose with her car. What could be so hard? It’s always the same Mary and Joseph and the same old Christmas carols. But no one was expecting the Herdmans to show up for the auditions!!! Details
Also at Horizon Stage Performing Arts Centre, Spruce Grove on December 8, 2018 | 7:30 PM and at Dow Shell Theatre, Fort Saskatchewan on Friday, December 7, 2018 | 7:30 PM.
Backstage Theatre, 10330 84 Ave., Edmonton
A Prairie Christmas
Come for a weekend of Christmas family fun – there’s a snowman cookies to decorate, engaging fun with an indoor snow ball fort, bale mazes, and train rides on the Prairie Polar Express, (or hay rides if it snows) free family photos with Santa Claus, and more. – Details
Prairie Gardens & Adventure Farm
56311 Lily Lake Road, Bon Accord
Hay Rides & Santa Photos
the Marketplace at Callingwood invite you to bring the family to meet Santa Claus who’ll be visiting us in the lobby of the Professional Centre. Get your photo taken with him and get it printed instantly. Then hop on a FREE horse drawn hay ride around the parking lot. Details
The Marketplace at Callingwood Professional Centre, Edmonton
Oh! Christmas Tree
Lucy, an overworked party planner with a doggedly sentimental attachment to Christmas, is looking forward to sharing her family’s holiday rituals (most of which involve spontaneous ethnic dances and eating stinky fish) with her fiancé Algar, especially now that they are living together. Algar, who loves Lucy but hates Christmas, decides to take a stand by refusing to put up a Christmas tree. – Details
Roxy on Gateway, 8529 Gateway Blvd, Edmonton
The Simply Perfect Holiday Luncheon
Join us for a celebratory holiday buffet in the Centre Suites Ballroom at Delta Hotels by Marriott Edmonton Centre Suites. Share the spirit of the season with friends and colleagues. Discover delightful holiday cuisine expertly prepared by our famous chefs and enjoy tempting traditional dishes and delectable new favourites. – Details
Delta Hotels by Marriott® Edmonton Centre Suites
Be Merry
This choreographic series features 6 short seasonally-inspired balletic works by Ballet Edmonton company dancers. To make the evening especially festive, we have invited some guests from the theatre and musical communities to join us for a night of entertainment. And stay after the show for seasonal cocktails by Strathcona Distillery! – Details
The Varscona Theatre
10329 83 Ave NW, Edmonton
Yule Ave
A weekend of FREE and FUN activities for you and yours aimed at CREATING YOUR OWN CHRISTMAS, not buying it! Details
118th Ave around 92nd street at the Alberta Avenue Community League, The Nina Haggerty Centre and places in between.
Singin’ in the Rain
The “Greatest Movie Musical of All Time” is faithfully and lovingly adapted by Broadway legends, Betty Comden and Adolph Green, from their original award-winning screenplay in Singin’ in the Rain. Each unforgettable scene, song and dance is accounted for, including the show-stopping title number, complete with an onstage rainstorm! Hilarious situations, snappy dialogue and a hit-parade score of Hollywood standards make Singin’ in the Rain the perfect entertainment for any fan of the golden age of movie musicals. Details
Festival Place, 100 Festival Way, Sherwood Park.
Child $25.00 + charges
Nativity Display
Come out to see over 400 beautiful Nativities from many nations, in many different sizes, colours and artistic styles. As you pause to take in the displays, there will be music and singers to enjoy as well as activities for the children. Hot chocolate and cider is available for all. Details
West End Christian Reformed Church, 10015 – 149 St., Edmonton
Live Nativity Story
On the last Saturday before Christmas for four years in a row, we have created a typical Nativity Scene on the lawn of the church in the snow. People from the congregation and from the community are given the opportunity to dress up as their favorite character from the nativity story — the story of Jesus being born in a manager among the animals in Bethlehem with the shepherd and wise men being sent by the angels to journey to Bethlehem and see the son of God. Details
Robertson-Wesley United Church, Edmonton
Cirque Musica Holiday Presents Wonderland
CIRQUE MUSICA HOLIDAY presents Wonderland is an all-new concert experience featuring the cast of Cirque Musica together with your favorite holiday songs performed by a live symphony orchestra. Cirque Musica Holiday will bring audiences on a journey into a world of “Wonderland” with unforgettable visuals and amazing acrobats, aerialists, hilarious hijinks and holiday cheer. Details
Northern Alberta Jubilee Auditorium, 11455 87 Ave NW, Edmonton
Clara’s Dream…Edmonton’s Ukrainian Nutcracker!
Shumka presents Clara’s Dream: A Ukrainian Folk Ballet based on Tchaikovsky’s Nutcracker! Reflective of the city and its ethnic vitality, the production features ballet, folk dance, and character dance in a celebration of Tchaikovsky’s beloved Christmas classic. Clara’s Dream blends the grace and lyrical nature of classical movement with the strength and power of Ukrainian character dance, leaving audiences exhilarated and entertained. Details
Saturday, December 23, 2018 | 2:00 PM & 7:30 PM
Northern Alberta Jubilee Auditorium, 11455 87 Ave NW, Edmonton
Christmas Eve Church Service Listings – Here & Here
Places to Dine Out or Order in for Christmas and Holidays in Edmonton
Hi Folks:
Just to let you know the CP Holiday Train will be making a stop in Edmonton December 8, 2016 at 7:45 across from United Cycle. Performing at 8:15 will be country star Dallas Smith. Bring a donation for Edmontons Food Bank
Hello Again, The St. David’s Welsh Male Voice Choir and Special Guests
will perform: “A Wonderful Christmas Concert” at Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church 10014-81 Ave Edmonton from 2:30 to 4:30 PM on Sunday, December 10, 2017. Tickets $15.00 Call Bob at (780) 475-4140.
Join us for a delightful afternoon of festive music, followed by light refreshments.