53 things to do in Edmonton this winter

Winter is nearly here, and Edmonton is filled with great events happening in the new season and new year. From New Year’s Eve to The Strumbellas, here are 53 events you need to check out around the city.

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

Explore the city and the great outdoors

Alt After Dark: Alternative Night Market

What: Alt After Dark is a showcase of over 40 alternative vendors, including artists, makers, designers and businesses. There will also be food trucks, door prizes, and live entertainment throughout the evening.

When: December 20, 2019
Time: 7 to 11 pm
Where: Old Strathcona Arts Centre — 8426 Gateway Blvd, Edmonton
Tickets: Online, Free

The Witchery Market

What: The Witchery Market features vendors, tarot readers, crafts, presentations, and more. Plus the first five people in the door each day will receive The Witchery Swag bag filled with items from vendors.

When: December 21 and 22, 2019
Time: 10 am to 8 pm (Saturday), 10 am to 4 pm (Sunday)
Where: Acacia Hall -10433 83 Avenue Northwest, Edmonton
Admission: Free

CHROMA YEG

What: CHROMA YEG is an interactive pop-up taking place this holiday season inside Kingsway Mall, featuring colourfully painted murals designed to brighten up the mall and serve as fun backgrounds for your indoor photoshoots. From now until December 31, stop by the mall to check out each of the four installations. A map of where the murals will be located in the mall can be found here. The murals were created by Hayley Wright from Edmonton, Rhys Douglas Farrell, Tyler Lemermeyer, and Michelle Hoogveld from Calgary.

When: Now until December 31, 2019
Time: Mall Hours
Where: Kingsway Mall – 109 Street and, Princess Elizabeth Ave NW, Edmonton
Admission: Free

Edmonton December Tellaround

What: Storytelling Alberta hosts Edmonton Tellaround at Parallen Community Hall. Storytellers share stories and pieces in progress. All skill levels are welcome, and everyone is invited to listen.

When: January 8, February 12, March 11, 2019
Time: 7 to 9 pm
Where: Parkallen Community Hall – 11104 65 Ave NW, Edmonton
More Info: Online

2020 Edmonton Whisky Festival

What: The 11th Annual Edmonton Whisky Festival is a fundraiser for MS Society Of Canada – AB & NWT Division, and showcases over 175 varieties of whiskey from around the world. Meet distillers, master blenders, and whisky experts, enjoy appetizers, bid on silent auction items, and more. Unlimited samples are included with ticket.

When: January 15, 2020
Time: 7 to 10 pm
Where: Delta Hotels by Marriott Edmonton South Conference Centre – 4404 Gateway Boulevard Northwest, Edmonton
Tickets: Online

Winterruption YEG

What: The first-ever Winterruption YEG features a variety of live music and comedy events, outdoor events, craft beer and community happenings in venues around downtown Edmonton.

When: January 23 to February 2, 2020
Time: Various times
Where: Various locations
Tickets: Online

Boardwalk Ice On Whyte

What: The Boardwalk Ice On Whyte and the International Ice Carving Exhibit takes place in Dr. Wilbert McIntyre Park from January 23 to February 2. Up to 10 professional ice carving teams will compete, and after viewing the sculptures, attendees can try making their own small ice carving in a heated tent.

When: January 23 to February 2, 2020
Time: Various times
Where: Dr. Wilbert McIntyre Park – 8331 104 Street NW, Edmonton
Tickets: Online

Edmonton Renovation Show

What: Get inspired for your home renos at the 2020 Edmonton Renovation Show. Discover the years hot new trends, find products and services, and learn how to do your renos the proper way.

When: January 24 to 26, 2020
Time: Various times
Where: Edmonton Expo Centre – 7515 118 Ave NW, Edmonton
Tickets: Online

Silver Skate Festival

What: The 30th annual Silver Skate Festival features a variety of winter activities for the whole family. Enjoy winter sports, snow sculptures, horse-drawn sleighs, live performances, competitions, and more.

When: February 7 to 17, 2020
Time: Various times
Where: Hawrelak Park, Edmonton
Price: Various, including free

Winefest Edmonton

What: Winefest Edmonton offers an all-inclusive sampling of wines from all over the world, as well as delicious hors d’oeuvres on February 21 and 22. There are three sessions to choose from – Friday evening, Saturday afternoon and Saturday evening.

When: February 14 and 15, 2020
Time: 7 to 10 pm (Friday and Saturday), 2 to 5 pm (Saturday)
Where: Edmonton Convention Centre, Hall D – 9797 Jasper Avenue NW, Edmonton
Tickets: Online

Marvel: Universe of Super Heroes

What: TELUS World of Science Edmonton is featuring an epic Marvel exhibition on now that runs until February. The exhibition will feature more than 300 artifacts, including some of Marvel’s most iconic and sought-after pages, costumes, and props, chronicling the story of Marvel and its influence on visual culture while exploring the narratives of individual characters such as Captain Marvel, Spider-Man, Black Panther, and Doctor Strange.

When: Now until February 17, 2020
Time: Various times
Where: TELUS World of Science – 11211 142 St NW, Edmonton
Tickets: Online

Edmonton Spring Rock N’ Gem Show

What: Search for new rocks and gems for your collection at the Edmonton Spring Rock N’ Gem Show, with 41,000 kilos of hand selected pieces from around the world at the family friendly event. Amethyst, quartz, saphhires and more to be found.

When: March 12 to 15, 2020
Time: 10 am to 8 pm (Thursday to Saturday), 10 am to 5 pm (Sunday)
Where: Mayfield Toyota Ice Palace – West Edmonton Mall – 8882 170 Street Northwest Edmonton
Tickets: Online, Free

Edmonton Boat and Sportsmen’s Show

What: The Edmonton Boat & Sportsmen’s Show features over 500,000 sq. ft of outdoor fun. Discover the latest makes and models of boats and quads, hunting and fishing gear, outdoor services, companies and more. There will also be family entertainment each day of the show.

When: March 12 to 15, 2020
Time: Various times
Where: Edmonton Expo Centre – 7515 118 Ave NW, Edmonton
Tickets: Online

Edmonton Home + Garden Show

What: The Edmonton Home + Garden Show features a huge variety of vendors in its exhibition area, speakers and celebrity guests, contests and more.

When: March 19 to 22, 2020
Time: 12 to 9 pm (Thursday and Friday), 10 am to 9 pm (Saturday), 10 am to 6 pm (Sunday)
Where: Edmonton Expo Centre – 7515 118 Ave NW, Edmonton
Tickets: Online

Square Dance at the Hall

What: Square dancers of all skill levels are invited to do-si-do every Monday at the Hall. Solo and couple dancers are welcome, with new dancers and mainstream dancers from 7 to 8:30 pm, and mainstream dancers from 8:30 to 10 pm.

When: Every Monday until May 4, 2020
Time: 7 to 10 pm
Where: Queen Mary Park Community League – 10844 – 117 Street NW, Edmonton
Admission: $7

Remembering the First World War

What: Remembering the First World War spotlights items that evokes memories from Royal Alberta Museum’s Military and Political History collection.

When: Now until October 17, 2020 (closed Mondays)
Time: 10 am to 5 pm
Where: Royal Alberta Museum – 9810 103a Ave NW, Edmonton
Tickets: Online

Ring in the New Year

New Year’s Eve Downtown Festival & Fireworks

What: Alberta Legislature Grounds hosts a family-friendly, alcohol-free New Year’s Eve celebration, with live entertainment, games, crafts and more from 7 to 9 pm. Then cap things off with a fireworks display at 9 pm.

When: December 31, 2019
Time: 7 to 9 pm (family-friendly activities) 9 pm (fireworks)
Where: Federal Building – 9820–107 Street, Edmonton, Visitor Centre, and Capital Plaza
Admission: Free

NYE After Dark at Galaxyland

What: Celebrate New Year’s Eve at Galaxyland with unlimited rides, photobooth, live DJ, and a countdown at midnight. NYE After Dark tickets are 50 per cent off regular admission.

When: December 31, 2019
Time: 7 pm to midnight
Where: West Edmonton Mall – 1755, 8882 170 Street, Edmonton
Tickets: Online

St. Albert’s New Year’s Eve Fireworks

What: The City of St. Albert invites everyone to ring in 2020 with their New Year’s Eve Fireworks at Mission Park.

When: December 31, 2019
Time: 8:30 pm
Where: Mission Park, St. Albert
Admission: Free

Stony Plain Family Fest

What: Stony Plain’s annual New Year’s Eve celebration, Family Fest, features a variety of family-friendly events, including live DJ, outdoor skating, horse drawn carriage rides, and fireworks at 9 pm

When: December 31, 2019
Time: 6 to 9 pm
Where: Heritage Park – 5100 – 41 Avenue, Stony Plain
Admission: Free

Holiday and Christmas Events

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

St. Albert Indoor Christmas Market

What: The 2019 St. Albert Indoor Christmas Market features over 75 vendors each Saturday from now until 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

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
Time: 7:30 pm (plus 2 pm on December 21 and 22)
Where: John Walter Museum – 9180 Walterdale Hill, Edmonton
Register: Online

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

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

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

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

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

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

Eat fresh at farmers’ markets

Edmonton Downtown Farmers Market

What: The longest-running farmers market in Edmonton. Shop over 60 vendors at Edmonton Downtown Farmers Market indoor location, including fruit and vegetables, crafts and more. There will also be entertainment and live music for the whole family to enjoy.

When: Every Saturday
Time: 9 am to 3 pm
Where: Edmonton Downtown Farmers Market — 10305 97 St NW, Edmonton
Admission: Free

Old Strathcona Farmers’ Market

What: Edmonton’s first indoor farmer’s market. The Old Strathcona Farmers’ Market showcases over 130 vendors every Saturday, including vendors with locally grown produce, arts and crafts, specialty foods, clothing, and more.

When: Every Saturday
Time: 8 am to 3 pm
Where: 83rd Ave and 103 St NW (just off Whyte Ave)
Admission: Free

Salisbury Farmers’ Market

What: Shop for local fresh foods and arts and crafts every Thursday at Salisbury Farmers’ Market. Every week there is a new Feature Vendor. The first 20 customers to make a minimum $5 purchase at the Feature Vendor of the week will each receive $5 in Salisbury Market Bucks towards their next vendor purchase at the market that Thursday.

When: Every Thursday year-round
Time: 4 to 7:30 pm
Where: Salisbury Greenhouse — 52337 Range Rd 232, one mile South of Wye Road, Sherwood Park
Admission: Free

Bountiful Farmers’ Market

What: Bountiful Farmers’ Market offers a wide variety of fresh goods, including local vegetables and meat, coffee roasters, and beer and wine. There is also an ethnic food hall, a children’s play area, live entertainment, and more!

When: Every Friday, Saturday and Sunday year-round
Time: 9 am to 5 pm
Where: 3696 97 St, Edmonton
Admission: Free

Explore Arts and Concerts

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

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: 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.

Get Together Holiday Massive

What: Headlining the festival will be Kaskade and REZZ, while other performers set to take the stage on either December 26 or 27 include SAN HOLO, SLANDER, DESTRUCTO, Said The Sky, Kompany, BONNIE X CLYDE, Dabin, Nitti Gritti, Peep This, and Atmos vs Enzeo.

When: December 26 and December 27, 2019
Time: Doors open at 8 pm
Where: Edmonton Convention Centre – 9797 Jasper Avenue NW, Edmonton
Tickets: Online

The Jim Cuddy Band

What: The Jim Cuddy Band brings the Countrywide Soul Tour to Winspear Centre on January 4. Expect to hear re-imaginings of solo and Blue Rodeo hits, plus classic covers.

When: January 4, 2020
Time: 7:30 pm
Where: Winspear Centre – 4 Sir Winston Churchill Sq.,
Edmonton
Tickets: Online

INVISIBLE

What: A group exhibition by artists of the non-profit arts organization PAINTER8, curated by Contact C.. Featuring artwork from Craig Talbot (Cardston), Tim Rechner (Edmonton), Beth Pederson (Edmonton), Tom Cummins (Vancouver), Chrissy Cheung (Vancouver), Rafael Sottolichio (Montreal), miss hatt (Montreal) and guest artist, Kai Chan (Toronto).

When: Now until January 11, 2020
Time: Doors 7:30 pm
Where: Galerie Cité, La Cité Francophone — 8627 Rue Marie-Anne Gaboury (91 Street N), Edmonton
Tickets: Online

Half Moon Run

What: Indie-rock band Half Moon Run is coming to Edmonton on the Canadian leg of their A Blemish in the Great Light world tour.

When: January 18, 2020
Time: 8 pm
Where: Winspear Centre – 4 Sir Winston Churchill Sq.,
Edmonton
Tickets: Online

Alexisonfire with The Distillers

What: Southern Ontario–born indie band Alexisonfire is coming to Edmonton in January. Opening the shows for Alexisonfire on all dates are reunited modern-day punk icons The Distillers. Meanwhile, Montreal garage punk rockers Nobro will be opening all Canadian show dates.

When: January 22, 2020
Time: 7 pm
Where: Rogers Place – 10220 104 Ave NW, Edmonton
Tickets: Online

Theory of a Deadman

What: Theory of a Deadman bring their Say Nothing world tour to Winspear Centre on February 7.

When: February 7, 2020
Time: 8 pm
Where: Winspear Centre – 4 Sir Winston Churchill Sq.,
Edmonton
Tickets: Online

Bedouin Soundclash

What: Toronto alt rockers Bedouin Soundclash perform at The Starlite Room on February 11 with special guests Odario.

When: February 11, 2020
Time: Doors 8 pm
Where: The Starlite Room – 10030 102 St NW, Edmonton
Tickets: Online

Dear Evan Hansen

What: Dear Evan Hansen, the story of a teenage boy who gets wrapped up in a tragic event by happenstance, is playing in Edmonton this February, as part of the Broadway Across Canada 2019/20 Season. Dear Evan Hansen picked up six Tony awards in 2017, including best musical, as well as a 2018 Grammy Award.

When: February 11 to 16, 2020
Time: Various times
Where: Northern Alberta Jubilee Auditorium 11455 — 87 Avenue, Edmonton
Tickets: Online

The Glorious Sons

What: Kingston rockers and JUNO Award winners The Glorious Sons perform at Edmonton Convention Centre on March 19 with special guest Black Pistol Fire.

When: March 19, 2020
Time: 7:30 pm
Where: Edmonton Convention Centre – 9797 Jasper Avenue NW, Edmonton
Tickets: Online

The Blue Stones

What: Windsor alt-rock duo The Blue Stones are comprised of Tarek Jafar and Justin Tessier. They perform at The Starlite Room on March 20 with special guest Mute Choir.

When: March 20, 2020
Time: 8 pm
Where: The Starlite Room – 10030 102 St NW, Edmonton
Tickets: Online

Yvonne Mullock: Gift-Love

What: Explore ideas of intimacy, care, touch, and connection through textiles at Yvonne Mullock’s new work, Gift-Love. The glove is a representation of Mullock’s endearment for both loved ones and strangers. Organized by the Art Gallery of Alberta, curated by Lindsey Sharman, and presented by Capital Powered Art.

When: Now until March 20, 2020
Time: 11 am to 5 pm
Where: Art Gallery of Alberta — 2 Sir Winston Churchill Square, Edmonton
Admission: Online

grandson

What: Toronto singer-songwriter grandson performs at Midway on March 21. grandson won the SOCAN Songwriting Prize for his song “Blood // Water”, and released A Modern Tragedy Vol. 3 last September, the final installment of the Modern Tragedy trilogy.

When: March 21, 2020
Time: 8 pm
Where: Midway – 6107 104 Street NW, Edmonton
Tickets: Online

Wide Open Mic Wednesdays

What: A weekly open mic series at Grindstone Bistro, hosted by David Dempsy and showrunners Will Hannigan and Natasha Lyn Myles.

When: Every Wednesday
Times: 10 pm to midnight
Where: The Grindstone — 10019 – 81 Avenue NW, Edmonton
Admission: Free

Open Mic at Anvil

What: Anvil Coffee House hosts an Open Mic Night every Friday. Poets, musicians, comedians and more are all welcome to perform.

When: Every Friday
Time: 7 to 9 pm
Where: Anvil Coffee House – 6148-90 Avenue, Edmonton
Admission: Free

Cheer on the home teams

Edmonton Oilers

What: The Edmonton Oilers continue their NHL season this winter at Rogers Place.

When: Various dates
Time: Various times
Where: Rogers Place – 10220 104 Avenue NW, Edmonton
Tickets: Online

Edmonton Oil Kings

What: Edmonton Oil Kings continue their WHL season at Rogers Place in winter.

When: Various dates
Time: Various times
Where: Rogers Place – 10220 104 Avenue NW, Edmonton
Tickets: Online