20 things to do in Edmonton this week: December 16 to 19

December is zooming by, so let’s slow down and enjoy these 20 things to do in Edmonton from December 16 to December 19. Paul Brandt, The Singing Christmas Tree, and more.

For more things happening around town, check out our events section.

Monday, December 16

Celebrate the Season at the Alberta Legislature

What: Musical ensembles from across Alberta will perform festive music in the Legislature rotunda throughout the holiday season. Over 40 groups will perform in 2019, including singers, fiddlers, and more.

When: Now until December 23, 2019
Time: 6:30 pm daily,  plus 12 pm on weekdays
Where: Alberta Legislature Building – 107 St and 97 Ave NW, Edmonton
Admission: Free

Enjoy Light Festival

What: Enjoy Light Festiva sees The Enjoy Centre turn into a winter wonderland with interactive lights garden, photos with Santa, live performers, festive market, light tunnel, and local food vendors.

When: Now until January 5, 2020
Time: 4 to 10 pm
Where: The Enjoy Centre – 101 Riel Drive, St. Albert
Tickets: Online

YEG Candy Cane Lane

What: YEG Candy Cane Lane is a holiday tradition where the neighborhood from 148 Street between 100 Avenue to 92 Avenue decorates exteriors of homes for everyone to enjoy. Attendees are encouraged to bring non-perishable food items to donate to Edmonton Food Bank, with green bins for donations placed all along the lane. There will also be sleigh rides on select dates in the park on 148 street and 100 avenue.

When: Now until January 1, 2020
Time: Sunset to midnight
Where: 148 Street between 100 Avenue to 92 Avenue
Admission: Free

Westview Village Night Market

What: An evening market with over 20 vendors, including knitting, soaps, jewelry, and more.

When: December 16, 2019
Time: 5 to 8 pm
Where: Westview Village Community Hall — 10770 Winterburn Rd NW, Edmonton
Admission: Free

Merk The Halls: A Holiday Soleil

What: Dammitammy Productions presents Merk The Halls: A Holiday Soleil, a one-lady Christmas show that features no Christmas and more than one lady on December 16 at The Sewing Machine Factory. Ages 18+.

When: December 16 2019
Time: Doors 6:30 pm, show 7:30 to 9 pm
Where: The Sewing Machine Factory – 9562 82 Ave, Edmonton (Alley Entry)
Tickets: Online

Tuesday, December 17

Paul Brandt

What: Canadian Country Music Hall of Fame inductee Paul Brandt performs three shows alongside Edmonton Symphony Orchestra this holiday season. Enjoy a mix of Brandt’s big hits with Christmas favourites.

When: December 17, 18 and 19, 2019
Time: 7:30 pm
Where: Winspear Centre Edmonton – 4 Sir Winston Churchill Square Northwest & Corner of 99 Street &, 102 Ave, Edmonton
Tickets: Online

Candlelight Christmas with the McDades 

What: The McDades have performed Candlelight Christmas at John Walter Museum for over 20 years. Enjoy two 45-minute musical performances in the 19th centurey home on evenings and select afternoons throughout December.

When: Now until December 22, 2019 (no shows Monday)
Time: 7:30 pm (plus 2 pm on December 21 and 22)
Where: John Walter Museum – 9180 Walterdale Hill, Edmonton
Register: Online

Glow Christmas Festival

What: Glow Christmas Festival is back this year at Edmonton Expo Centre with stunning light displays, delicious seasonal food and drink, and an opportunity to take pictures with Santa. The festival — which is entirely indoors — will have LED Swings and Hanging Picture Frames to light up your Instagram feed, as well as a Christmas market to find unique gifts for the special people in your life.

This year, you can stroll through festive light displays and illuminated historical landmarks from China, India, Holland, Mexico, France, and England. The festival has a playground and a train for little kids, and adult beverages for the big kids, as well as live entertainment.

When: Now until January 4, 2020 (closed on Sundays)
Time: Various times
Where: Edmonton Expo Centre, 7515 118 Ave NW, Edmonton
Tickets: Available online

Open Improv Jam at Grindstone Theatre

What: Meet fellow Edmonton comedians and learn from various professional improvisers every Tuesday at Grindstone Theatre’s Open Improv Jam.

When: Every Tuesday
Time: 8 to 9 pm
Where: Grindstone Theatre – 10019 81 Ave NW, Edmonton
Tickets: Online

Craft Night at Bonnie Doon

What: Bonnie Doon Community League hosts a Christmas Lanterns craft night on December 17, led by instructor Joey Tramer Burdziuk. Attendees must bring their own lantern (between 12″ and 16″), though a limited supply will be available for purchase for $10.

When: December 17, 2019
Time: 7 to 9 pm
Where: Bonnie Doon Community League – 9240 93 Street Northwest, Edmonton
Tickets: Online

Wednesday, December 18

A Christmas Carol

What: The 20th anniversary of Citadel Theatre annual holiday production of A Christmas Carol. This brand new adaptation features the classic story accompanied by classic Christmas music.

When: Various dates until December 23, 2019
Time: Various times
Where: Citadel Theatre – 9828 101 A Avenue, Edmonton
Tickets: Online

The Canadian Tire Magic of Lights

What: The Canadian Tire Magic of Lights is two kilometres of festive and vibrant LED-light displays that you can enjoy as a drive-through experience. At every turn, and in every direction, the magical route is overflowing with spectacular displays and animations, with multiple holiday themes coming to life through hundreds of thousands of sparkling lights.

A portion of proceeds from every vehicle goes to support 630 CHED Santas Anonymous and Canadian Tire Jump Start charities. You can also tune your radio to 88.7 FM to enjoy merry melodies and get in the holiday spirit with Christmas music provided by 96.3 The Breeze.

When: Daily until January 4, 2020
Time: 5 to 10 pm
Where: Castrol Raceway – 50342 Range Rd 253 Edmonton International Airport, Leduc County
Tickets: Online

Winspear Overture Tour

What: The Edmonton Symphony Orchestra and the Winspear Centre open the curtains for a free one-hour backstage tour and info session. Learn the history of the ESO and the Winspear plus the vision they have for their future. Lunch and beverages will also be provided.

When: December 18, 2019
Time: 12 to 1 pm
Where: Winspear Centre — 4 Sir Winston Churchill Square, Edmonton
RSVP: Online, admission free

Edmonton Story Slam

What: Edmonton Story Slam is an uncensored competitive storytelling event. Up to 10 storytellers will take the stage to tell fiction or non-fiction tales, with five random audience members acting as judges. The winner will receive money from a hat passed around after the show.

When: December 18, 2019; January 15, 2020; February 19, 2020; March 18, 2020 (Slam Off); ​April 15, 2020
Time: Sign-up 7 pm, show 7:30 pm
Where: 9910 —  9910 109 St, Edmonton
Admission: Free, donations collected for the winner after the show.

The Best Little Newfoundland Christmas Pageant…Ever!

What: Whizgiggling Productions presents The Best Little Newfoundland Christmas Pageant…Ever!, a holiday show about turning the worst pageant ever into  the best one, and discovering the true meaning of Christmas.

When: December 18 until December 22, 2019
Time: 7:30 pm (2 pm on Sundays)
Where: Backstage Theatre – 10330 84 Ave, Edmonton
Tickets: Online

Thursday, December 19

Edmonton Christmas Market

What: Edmonton Christmas Market will be open every week from Thursday to Saturday, and will feature delicious food and traditional drinks, festive light displays, games, activities, vendors, workshops, and more.

If you’re in the mood for some DIY, you can get creative on site and learn how to make Christmas gifts with love in workshops for all ages and skill levels. You can also get pictures taken with Santa, or roam around with beverages from local Bent Stick Brewery, or some traditional mulled wine — the signature drink of the market — and enjoy some great music and drinks with friends and family. There will also be a variety of vendors, so you can purchase unique gifts for the special people in your life, and some delicious food on hand to make sure you don’t leave hungry.

When: Now until December 21, 2019
Time: 3 to 8 pm (Thursday to Friday), 12 to 6pm (Saturday)
Where: ATB Place — 10025 Jasper Ave, Edmonton
Admission: $3 to $10, admission packages available online

Alberta Craft Feature Gallery – Re:consider

What: Re:consider is a curated, group exhibition that ponders ways a sustainable future can be created. The artists works explores the theme of sustainability in thoughtful and holistic ways.

When: Mondays to Saturdays until December 24, 2019
Time: 10 am to 5 pm (until 6 pm on Thursdays)
Where: Alberta Craft Gallery Edmonton — 10186-106 Street Edmonton
Admission: Free

Tiny Bear Jaws’ Annual Holiday Micro-Play Reading Night

What: An evening of risky and risque micro-plays starring a lineup of Edmonton actors, playwrights, and interdisciplinary theatre makers. Each play is under 10 minutes, and is presented by Tiny Bear Jaws in partnership with Fringe Theatre.

When: December 19, 2019
Time: 7 to 11 pm
Where: Fringe Theatre Adventures – 10330 84 Avenue Northwest, Edmonton
Tickets: Online