From enjoying live shows to taking in fabulous lights and fun theatre, there are plenty of fun and exciting things to do during the Christmas holidays/winter break in Edmonton & the Alberta Capital Region.
December 19, 2025 – January 4, 2026
For all other events, see December in Edmonton.
Things to Do on Christmas Day in Edmonton – December 25.
1. Christmas Streetcar
December 19 to 21, 2025
Edmonton Radial Railway Society, 8408 Gateway Boulevard, Edmonton
$10
2. Roald Dahl’s Charlie and the Chocolate Factory
The world-famous Willy Wonka is opening the gates to his mysterious factory…but only to a lucky few. Young Charlie Bucket and four other golden ticket winners will embark on a life-changing journey through Wonka’s world of pure imagination including chocolate waterfalls, nutty squirrels and the great glass elevator, all to be revealed by Wonka’s army of curious Oompa-Loompas. Details
Until December 28, 2025
Festival Place, 100 Festival Way, Sherwood Park
$27.62 to $46.67
3. Miracle on 34th Street: The Musical
Kris Kringle is in the right place at the right time, ready to don the red suit and fill in for Santa during the Thanksgiving Day Parade. He is such a hit with customers that they keep him on for the season, but his authenticity begins to draw too much attention. By the composer of The Music Man, this family-friendly holiday classic puts the spirit of the season on trial. Will Canada Post come in to save the day? Details
December 18 to 23, 2025
Fort Edmonton Park, 7000 143 Street NW, Edmonton
$42.80 & up
4. The Polar Express Train Ride
The magical story of The Polar Express comes to life as the train departs Stettler, Alberta, for a one-hour-long round-trip journey to the North Pole. Details
December 18 to 23, 2025
Alberta Prairie Railway Excursions, 47 Avenue, Stettler
$75 to $105+fees
5. Galaxyland Afterdark
Lights down, thrills up! Enjoy unlimited rides under neon lights, dance to a LIVE DJ, and capture epic moments at the 360° photobooth. You might just run into the “Mean One” roaming the park with some live holiday characters! Details
Friday, December 19, 2025 | 6 PM – 10 PM
Galaxyland, 8882 170 St NW #2784, Edmonton
$45
6. Nitro Circus “Off The Rails”
Get ready for an exhilarating ride you gotta see to believe. Co-founded by iconic superstar Travis Pastrana, Nitro Circus features world-class athletes and world-class daredevils at the top of their game in FMX, BMX, Skate, Scooter, and everything in-between. Details
Saturday, December 20, 2025 | 7:00 PM
Rogers Place, 10220 – 104 Avenue, Edmonton
$60 & up
7. Brunch With Santa – Christmas Day
Fantasyland Hotel invites you to celebrate the holidays on December 25th at the Beverly Hills Ballroom for a festive brunch buffet with Santa. Delight in a mouthwatering spread of savoury roasts, premium seafood, and decadent desserts that will tantalize your taste buds. Details
Christmas Day – December 25
Fantasyland Hotel, 17700 – 87 Ave NW Edmonton
Adults (13+): $89
Seniors (65+): $69
Children (5–12): $39
8. Christopher Gowen’s Handcrafted Magic
In this show, you WILL NOT see cups and balls, linking rings, rope tricks or any of the standard routines, but a mixture of magic that has been forgotten to the past married with sleight-of-hand illusions that are on the cutting edge of where the art form is today. Details
December 26 to 30, 2025
The Rec Room South Edmonton Common, 1725 99 St NW, Edmonton
$40.06
9. Ice Castles Edmonton
Ice Castles is an awe-inspiring, must-see winter phenomenon that brings fairy tales to life. Let your imagination run wild as you explore caverns and tunnels made entirely from ice. Race down an ice-carved slide and squeeze through crawl spaces and slot canyons to discover new experiences around every corner. With fountains, thrones, wishing wells, snow tubing, and more, you’ll be mesmerized by this unique, and family-friendly attraction. Don’t miss your chance to experience the magic! Details
Credit: Ice Castles Edmonton
December 27 to 31, January 1 to 4
Fan Park, 10104 104 Ave NW, Edmonton
$15 to $24
10. Canada Strong Pass
Free admission for all visitors to national historic sites and national parks, and discounted admission to provincial museums.
- Parks Canada: Free admission for all visitors to national historic sites, national parks and national marine conservation areas administered by Parks Canada.
25% discount on camping fees. - National museums and the Plains of Abraham Museum, Provincial Museums: Free admission for children aged 17 and under and a 50% discount for young adults aged 18 to 24.
When: December 12, 2025, and January 15, 2026,
National Parks & Historic Sites in Alberta to visit during winter:
- Waterton, Banff, Jasper, Elk Island
- Banff Park Museum National Historic Site, Cave and Basin National Historic Site
Museums:
- Reynolds Museum (Wetaskiwin)
- Remington Carriage Museum (Cardston)
- Frank Slide Interpretive Centre (Frank)
- Oil Sands Discovery Centre (Fort McMurray)
- Royal Tyrrell Museum (Drumheller)
- Royal Alberta Museum (Edmonton)
- Rutherford House Provincial Historic Site (Edmonton)
- Lougheed House (Calgary)
- Head-Smashed-On Buffalo Jump World Heritage Site (Fort Macleod)
11. 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!
- Candy Cane Lane— Until January 2, 2026 @ 9915 148 St, Edmonton
- Zoominescence — until January 4, 2026 @ Edmonton Valley Zoo, 13315 Buena Vista Road, Edmonton
- Celebrate The Season — January 4, 2026 @ Legislative Building Grounds, 10800 97 Avenue NW, Edmonton
- Glow Edmonton — December 31, 2025 @ Edmonton Expo Centre, 7515 118 Ave NW, Edmonton
- Enchanted Forest — Until January 7, 2026 @ Various Locations, Fort Saskatchewan
- Magic of Lights — Until Saturday January 3, 2026 @ 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
- Lights in the Park – Until December 30 @ Greenland Garden Centre, 23108 Hwy. 16, Sherwood Park
12. Enjoy Immersive Experiences
- Horizon of Khufu: an immersive expedition to Ancient Egypt: The Horizon of Khufu transports you 4,500 years back in time to explore the Great Pyramid of Giza in stunning virtual reality. Walk inside one of history’s greatest monuments and uncover the mysteries of ancient Egypt. @ West Edmonton Mall, 8882 170 Street Northwest, Edmonton – Details
- Infinity Experiences Presents: Life Chronicles: Life Chronicles invites you to journey through 3.5 billion years of evolution — from the first living organisms to the reign of the dinosaurs — in a breathtaking, scientifically grounded immersive experience. @ West Edmonton Mall, 8882 170 Street Northwest, Edmonton – Details
13. Christmas/Hollywood Concerts
- The Little Match Girl Passion: Andersen’s story of a poor young girl struggling to find warmth and comfort on a cold winter’s night is brought to life through Lang’s hauntingly beautiful composition. — Sunday, December 21, 2025 | 7:30 PM @ All Saints’ Anglican Cathedral, 10035 103 St NW, Edmonton — Details
- The Annotated Christmas Song Book: Behind every song is a story. And the songs of Christmas are linked to a world of fascinating legends, ideas and history. Saturday, December 20, 2025 | 7:30 PM @ Holy Trinity Anglican Church, 10037 84 Avenue NW, Edmonton – Details
- A Very Merry Pops: A beloved family tradition, this concert will transport you back to your childhood with all of your favourite Christmas and holiday carols. — December 19 to 23, 2025 @ Winspear Centre, 4 Sir Winston Churchill Square NW, Edmonton — Details
- Hollywood for the Holidays: Hear your favourite music from the big screen performed live by your Edmonton Symphony Orchestra. December 29 & 30, 2025 @ Winspear Centre, 4 Sir Winston Churchill Square NW, Edmonton — Details
14. Winter Wonderland
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.
Until January 4, 2026
Muttart Conservatory, 9626 96A Street, Edmonton
Regular Admission
15. Holiday Fun at TELUS World of Science Edmonton
December 20 to January 4, 2026
TELUS World of Science Edmonton, 11211 142 St NW, Edmonton
Regular Admission
16. Cheer Edmonton Home Teams
- Edmonton Oilers vs. Vegas Golden Knights — Sunday, December 21, 2025 | 6:00 PM
- Edmonton Oilers vs. Calgary Flames — Tuesday, December 23, 2025 | 7:00 PM
- Edmonton Oil Kings vs. Lethbridge Hurricanes — Sunday, December 28, 2025 | 4:00 PM
- Edmonton Oilers vs. Boston Bruins — Wednesday, December 31, 2025 | 7:30 PM
- Edmonton Oil Kings vs. Red Deer Rebels — Thursday, January 01, 2026 | 2:00 PM
- Edmonton Oilers vs. Philadelphia Flyers — Saturday, January 03, 2026 | 1:30 PM
- Edmonton Oil Kings vs. Seattle Thunderbirds — Sunday, January 04, 2026 | 4:00 PM
- Plus: PWHL TAKEOVER TOUR: Minnesota Frost at Vancouver Goldeneyes – Saturday, December 27, 2025 | 1:00 PM
17. Barbie and Ken Save Christmas
What happens if Barbie disappears along with all of her plans for the Christmas party? Can Ken learn how to fly a plane and save Christmas? 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 6, 2025 – January 10, 2026
Jubilations Dinner Theatre, 2061, 8882 170 Street, Edmonton
$43.95 to $46.95
18. 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 24, 2025
Citadel Theatre, 9828 101 A Avenue, Edmonton
$40.00 – $144.00
19. Rogers Place Holiday Skate
Lace up for a festive Rogers Place Holiday Skate featuring one hour on the iconic ice, a family photo at the Oilers locker room door, and exclusive entry to the Oilers Hall of Fame Room. Explore decades of team history and enjoy meet-and-greet moments with mascots Hunter the Lynx and Louie the Lion. Details
Sunday, December 28, 2025 | 10 AM – 11:30 AM
Rogers Place, 10220 104 Ave NW, Edmonton
$20 to $30
20. Full Moon Birkie
Embark on an evening cross-country ski adventure at Waskehegan Staging Area in Cooking Lake-Blackfoot Provincial Recreation Area. Glide under the starry sky and propel yourself forward while enjoying a unique landscape of shadows created by the full moon. Enjoy stories, hot chocolate and snacks in the warmed huts at the start or midway.
Saturday January 3, 2026 | 6:00 – 10:00 p.m.
Waskahegan Staging Area, Range Rd 210, Sherwood Park
$23.34 to $26.25
21. 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.
22. YEGICE – Ice Climbing Wall
Alpine Club of Canada Edmonton Section offers an introductory class to ice climbing that is available to all and requires no prior experience. Details
During the Winter Season
Louise McKinney Park, Edmonton
23. Welcome 2026
New Year’s Eve Fireworks are in full swing this year. Welcome 2026 by participating in various family-friendly activities.
24. 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!
25. 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.
26. 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 2, 2026, Various times
Fort Edmonton Park, 7000 143 Street Northwest, Edmonton
$12 to $27
27. 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:
28. Outdoor Skating
Credit: City of Edmonton
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.
29. 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
Photo Credit: Edmonton Tourism
30. 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.
31. 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.
32. 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
33. 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.
34. 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.
35. 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.
36. 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 a 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
37. 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, which are all aglow with festive lights.
Though a bit pricey (and intended mainly for tourists), why not explore the 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.
38. 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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- December 20 to January 4 – open daily – 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
December 22 (Monday) – Open – 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
December 24 – Science Centre closed at 2:00 p.m. The IMAX Theatre and Galaxy Gift Shop closed at 4:00 p.m.
December 25 – Closed
December 26 – Open – 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
December 29 (Monday) – Open – 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
January 1 – Open – 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
- December 20 to January 4 – open daily – 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
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- Royal Alberta Museum
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- Open Winter Break
- Closed – December 25, 26, January 1
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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, Friday to Sunday: 11am-5pm
Thursday: 11am-7pm
- December 24: Open
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- Marine Life
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- Open Daily, Hours Vary.
December 25, 31, January 1: 11 AM to 4 PM
December 26: 11 AM to 5 PM, Sea Lion Show – 2:00 PM to 2:20 PM
- Open Daily, Hours Vary.
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- Alberta Aviation Museum
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- Tuesday – Friday 10am to 4pm
- Saturday/Sunday 10am – 5pm
- Holidays – 10am to 5pm
- New Years Eve – 10am-1pm
- CLOSED: Mondays, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, Boxing Day, and New Year’s Day
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- John Janzen Nature Centre
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- Daily: 9am-4pm
- Christmas Day Closed
- Holidays – 11am-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: 12:00 PM to 5:00 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
- 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: 12:00 PM to 5:00 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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39. Visit a Provincial Park
Don’t miss your chance to explore some of Alberta’s parks this winter.
40. 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!