Downtown Winterval: Edmonton Getting a Free New Holiday Festival This December

Downtown Winterval, a new winter festival in the city, is set to bring holiday cheer with a variety of free events on December 1st and 2nd, 2023, along 104 Street north of Jasper Avenue.

Credit: Downtown Edmonton

This family-friendly celebration includes outdoor concerts, cultural activities, and a range of festive attractions.

On December 1st, the festival will feature an outdoor concert from 4:00 pm to 10:00 pm, headlined by platinum recording artist Jamie Fine and audience engagement expert Rich Aucoin.

Concurrently, the Fawkes Coffee Shop will host the Pawliday Party, a fun-filled event for pets from 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm, offering dog treats, photo opportunities, and more.

Another highlight of the festival is the free horse-drawn sleigh rides, available from 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm on both days, departing every 20 minutes from ICE District Plaza and 104 Street & 102 Avenue.

On December 2nd, the focus shifts to a free concert by Rare Americans, a band with over half a billion streams and a JUNO nomination. This event also runs from 4:00 pm to 10:00 pm.

Things to Do This Christmas & Holidays in Edmonton

Downtown businesses are participating enthusiastically in Winterval with special offers and activities. Dining deals include special menus at Birdog, DeVine Wines offering discounts and tastings, and various other establishments like Wayback Burgers, Home & Away, Black Pearl, Jack’s Burger Shack, and Tiffin providing unique deals and dishes.

Family-friendly activities include photos with Santa at Rocky Mountain Icehouse, and creative workshops like lantern-making and puppet-making classes. Additional entertainment options include karaoke, free arcade games, ice carving lessons, and a shoe shine shack offering a quick clean and a free candy bar.

For those interested in crafts, Alberta Craft will offer free lessons in fabric bunting, crochet, and pom poms on December 2nd only.

The festival also features several attractions to see, such as an interactive LED wall by Epcor, an indoor Christmas market at the Revillon-Boardwalk Building (10310 102 Ave)., roaming Santa, a Caribbean Christmas Market (10420 103 Ave) with live music, and glowing forest animal sculptures by Ken Hacke.

Trip Planning: Downtown Winterval

What: Chill in the heart of Festival City at Downtown Winterval. Wander historic 104 Street and kick off the season with activities and giveaways: