Keep the wintertime fun going with our picks of 25 things to do this weekend in Edmonton on December 6, 7, and 8. Check out Edmonton Oil Kings Teddy Bear Toss, The Nutcracker, and more.
For more things happening around town check out our events section.
Friday, December 6
Edmonton Oilers vs Los Angeles Kings
What: The Edmonton Oilers face-off with the LA Kings on December 6 at Rogers Place.
When: December 6, 2019
Time: 7 pm
Where: Rogers Place – 10220 104 Avenue NW, Edmonton
Tickets: Online
Art-O-Rama 2019 Christmas Art Sale Fundraiser + Bohemian Extravaganza
What: Harcourt House Artist Run Centre presents its 2019 Christmas Art Sale Fundraiser and Bohemian Extravaganza from December 6 to December 14. Artworks from Canadian artists from Edmonton, Calgary, Mississauga, and Ottawa will be showcased, including paintings, ceramics, photography, sculptures, and more. All original, small-format creations will be available for $500 or less. The official opening on December 6 from 7 to 10 pm features a martini, wine, and cheese reception with live jazz. There is also an Art-O-Rama Brunch on December 7 from 12 to 6 pm with treats, live music, and more.
When: December 6 until December 14, 2019
Time: Various times
Where: Harcourt House Artist Run Centre — 3rd Floor, 10215 – 112 Street Edmonton
Admission: Free
Unified MMA 39
What: Unified MMA host Unified 39 at River Cree Resort and Casino on December 6. Featuring main events of Teddy Ash versus Alex Polizzi in a light-heavyweight bout, and Shane Campbell versus Dawond Pickney in a super-lightweight bout.
When: December 6, 2019
Time: 7:30 pm
Where: River Cree Resort and Casino — 300 East Lapotac Boulevard, Edmonton
Tickets: Online
CP Holiday Train
@cpholidaytrain/Instagram
What: The 21st edition of the Canadian Pacific Holiday Train will travel across Canada this holiday season and will be making its annual stops in Alberta this December. Bring non-perishable donations to support your local food bank, and enjoy live performances by Scott Helman and Madeline Merlo.
When: December 6, 2019
Time: Camrose between 1:05 to 1:45 pm, Wetaskawin between 3:25 to 4 pm, Ponoka between 5 to 5:45 pm, Lacombe between 6:50 to 7:30 pm, and BlackFalds between 8:05 to 8:45 pm
Where: Camrose — 52 Avenue and 50 Street, next to Moose Family Centre; Wetaskawin – CP ES Building, 4009 50 Street; Ponoka – 50th Street and 47 Avenue; Lacombe – Len Thompson Fish Pond; BlackFalds – CP tracks at Greg Street between Broadway Avenue and East Avenue
Admission: Free
Handel’s Messiah
What: Music Director Emeritus, Bill Eddins conducts Handel’s Messiah alongside Edmonton Symphony Orchestra; Jacqueline Woodley, soprano; Catherine Daniel, mezzo-soprano, Andrew Haji; tenor; Andrew Mahon, bass-baritone; the i Coristi Chamber Choir; and Da Camera Singers
When: December 6 and December 7, 2019
Time: 7:30 pm
Where: Winspear Centre Edmonton — 4 Sir Winston Churchill Square Northwest and Corner of 99 Street and 102 Avenue, Edmonton
Tickets: Online
Saturday, December 7
YEG Candy Cane Lane
What: YEG Candy Cane Lane is a holiday tradition where the neighbourhood 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: December 7 to January 1
Time: Sunset to midnight
Where: 148 Street between 100 Avenue to 92 Avenue
Admission: Free
Edmonton Oil Kings Teddy Bear Toss 2019
Edmonton Oil Kings
What: Attendees of the Edmonton Oil Kings’ December 7 game versus the Calgary Hitmen are encouraged to bring a new or gently loved stuffed animal in a clear plastic bag to throw onto the ice the first time the Edmonton Oil Kings score a goal. All stuffed animals are gifted to families in need this holiday season.
When: December 7, 2019
Time: 7 pm
Where: Rogers Place – 10220 104 Avenue NW, Edmonton
Tickets: Online
Metal for Mutts
What: The second annual Metal for Mutts is a charity show in support of the Edmonton Humane Society. Featuring performances by Solborn, Hazzerd, Omniarch, and Immunize, along with a silent auction, games and prizes, and more.
When: December 7, 2019
Time: Doors 8 pm
Where: The Starlite Room – 10030 – 102 Street Northwest, Edmonton
Tickets: 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 Avenue NW, Edmonton
Tickets: Available online
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, roam around with beverages from local Bent Stick Brewery, or try some traditional mulled wine. 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: Thursday to Friday, 3 to 8 pm; Saturday, 12 to 6 pm
Where: ATB Place — 10025 Jasper Avenue, Edmonton
Admission: $3 to $10, admission packages available online
2019 Santa Shuffle
Santa Shuffle (StockPhotosLV/ Shutterstock)
What: A festive-focused fun run to help the less fortunate in the community. The 2019 Santa Shuffle features a 5 km fun run and 1 km Elf Walk. The coast-to-coast event raises money for the Salvation Army. Each runner will also receive a finisher medal.
When: December 7, 2019
Time: 10 am (5 km run starts, with the 1 km run to follow)
Where: William Hawrelak Park, Edmonton
Register: Online
St. Albert Indoor Christmas Market
What: The 2019 St. Albert Indoor Christmas Market features over 75 vendors each Saturday from November 23 to December 21. Shop for fresh produce, baking, Christmas gifts, home décor, and more.
When: Every Saturday until December 21, 2019
Time: 10 am to 3 pm
Where: St. Albert Place — 5 St Anne Street, St Albert
Admission: Free
Cineplex Community Day
What: Cineplex wants you to treat yourself to a free movie day on December 7. For the ninth consecutive year, Cineplex Community Day will treat guests to a selection of popular movies. All proceeds from donations and select concession sales will go toward supporting the Boys and Girls Club of Canada. Popcorn, drinks, and select candy will be available to purchase at $2.50, a reduced price. Film this year include: A Christmas Story, Elf, Gremlins, National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation, and The Polar Express.
When: December 7, 2019
Time: Doors open at 9 am
Where: Participating theatres across Canada
Price: Movies are free, concession snacks at $2.50
Sunday, December 8
What: Alberta Ballet presents the holiday tradition, “The Nutcracker” with a live orchestra, a cast of more than 120 dancers, choreography by Edmund Stripe, and stunning sets and costumes designed by Emmy-award winning designer Zack Brown. Follow Clara and The Nutcracker as they encounter The Mouse King, The Sugar Plum Fairy, and more.
When: Now until December 8, 2019
Time: Various times
Where: Northern Alberta Jubilee Auditorium — 11455 – 87 Avenue, Edmonton
Tickets: Online
Edmonton Oilers vs Buffalo Sabres
What: The Edmonton Oilers take on Buffalo Sabres on December 8 at Rogers Place.
When: December 8, 2019
Time: 6 pm
Where: Rogers Place – 10220 – 104 Avenue NW, Edmonton
Tickets: Online
Zoominescence
What: Valley Zoo Development Society hosts Zoominescence, stunning light installations at Edmonton Valley Zoo. Celebrate the season by exploring the light displays, visiting the animals, ice skating, hot chocolate, and more.
When: Fridays to Sundays until December 29, 2019, plus Boxing Day
Time: 5 to 9 pm
Where: Edmonton Valley Zoo – 13315 Buena Vista Road, Edmonton
Tickets: Online
A Christmas Carol
What: It’s the 20th anniversary of Citadel Theatre’s annual holiday production of A Christmas Carol. This brand new adaptation features the 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
Sensory-Friendly Santa Experience
Photos with Santa/Santa School
What: Edmonton’s Kingsway Mall is hosting its free sensory-friendly Santa Claus experience again this year. The special times with Santa are designed to accommodate children with Autism Spectrum Disorder, other sensory processing disorders, or mobility needs. These kids often have trouble with loud noises, bright lights, and crowds — which are common in shopping centres.
When: December 8 and December 15, 2019
Time: 6 pm
Where: Main level of Kingsway Mall near Starbucks and HomeSense
Price: Free (photo prints extra)
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 century home on evenings and select afternoons throughout December.
When: December 6 until December 22, 2019 (no shows Monday)
Time: 7:30 pm (2 pm on December 14, 15, 21, and 22)
Where: John Walter Museum — 9180 Walterdale Hill, Edmonton
Register: Online
Luminaria 2019
What: University of Alberta Botanic Garden hosts Luminaria, an event that features thousands of candles along Kurimoto Japanese Garden pathways. Guests are invited to light a candle by donation in honour of a loved one. The event also features a capella singers, winter displays in the Aga Khan Garden, ice sculptures, hot apple cider, and more. Bring gofts, toys and donations for Spruce Grove Kinettes’ Christmas Hamper program (no food donations).
When: December 6 to 8, 2019
Time: Various times
Where: University of Alberta Botanic Garden — 51227 AB-60, Spruce Grove
Tickets: Online
Bed and Breakfast
What: Theatre Network presents Bed and Breakfast by Mark Crawford, the story of Brett and his partner Drew starting their new life as modern B&B owners. Mathew Hulshof and Chris Pereira play over twenty characters each in the production directed by Bradley Moss.
When: Now until December 8, 2019
Time: Friday and Saturday, 8 pm; Sunday, 2 pm
Where: Theatre Network Live at the Roxy — 8529 Gateway Boulevard, Edmonton
Tickets: Online
Enjoy Light Festival
Shutterstock
What: Enjoy Light Festival 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
Gingerbread Decorating Event
What: South Side Memorial Chapel hosts a gingerbread decorating event, where attendees can decorate gingerbread and enjoy snacks and hot cholocate!
When: December 8, 2019
Time: 1 to 3 pm
Where: South Side Memorial Chapel — 8310 104 Street Northwest, Edmonton
Tickets: Online, Free. RSVP by calling 780-432-1601 or emailing [email protected]