29 festive and fantastic things to do in Edmonton this December
December has just about arrived in Edmonton, and while we may be starting to wind down 2025, there’s still an incredible amount to see and do around the city this month.
From Christmas festivals to craft fairs and all our favourite winter events, check out 30 fantastic things to do in Edmonton this December.
St. Albert Indoor Christmas Market
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What: Be sure to check out the St. Albert Christmas Market, where up to 10,000 people visit every Saturday to get in the festive spirit and pick up unique gifts.
When:Â Open 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. every Saturday from Nov. 15 to Dec. 13
Where:Â 101 Riel Dr., St. Albert, Alta.
Cost:Â Free
Art Party: Studio
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What: Head to the AGA on Dec. 5 for an unforgettable Art Party: Studio! Skip the usual holiday party—dance, explore immersive exhibitions and live figure drawings, join art battles and workshops, and sip cocktails late into the night.
Whether you’re there for the art or the vibes, this is one holiday night you won’t forget.
When:Â Friday, Dec. 5, 2025
Where: Art Gallery of Alberta — 2 Sir Winston Churchill Sq. NW
Cost:Â Tickets cost $100 per person
Oddbird Art & Craft Winter Fair
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What: Edmonton’s quirkiest indie art market, OddBird Art & Craft Fair, is flocking to Old Strathcona this winter. With over 100 talented artists and community arts groups from Edmonton and beyond, this is your chance to snag one-of-a-kind finds and support local creativity.
When: Friday, Dec. 5 to 7
Where: Old Strathcona Performing Arts Centre — 8426 Gateway Blvd. NW
Cost:Â $5 admission
Butterdome Holiday Craft Sale
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What: The Butterdome Holiday Craft Sale has been Edmonton’s premier holiday shopping event since 1990 and is one of Alberta’s largest craft sales.
When:Â Thursday, Dec. 4 to 7
Where: Butterdome, University of Alberta — 87th Avenue and 114th St. NW
Cost: Ticket prices range from $5 to $10
Bountiful Farmers Market
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What: Bountiful Farmers Market offers a wide variety of fresh goods, including local vegetables and meat, coffee roasters, and beer and wine. It also has an ethnic food hall, a children’s play area, live entertainment, and more.
When: Every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday year-round
Where: 3696 97th St. NW
Admission: Free
Zoominescence
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What: Zoominescence, hosted by The Valley Zoo Development Society and presented by The King’s University, offers thousands of Edmontonians and winter travellers a special opportunity to visit the Edmonton Valley Zoo at night and see it in a whole new light. Make the most of December at Zoominescence as the zoo is transformed into a magical nighttime exhibition, featuring artistic animal light installations and custom local art pieces, all showcased within the unique and picturesque setting of the Edmonton Valley Zoo. This is an event you won’t want to miss.
When: Friday, Nov. 28 to Sunday, Jan. 4, 2026
Where: Edmonton Valley Zoo — 13315 Buena Vista Rd. NW
Cost:Â Find tickets online
Paranormal Tours at Fort Edmonton Park
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What: Are you brave enough to learn the lore and trek through some of Fort Edmonton Park’s most haunted places? Learn the fundamentals of conducting paranormal investigations using a variety of tools and techniques while exploring Fort Edmonton Park after dark.
When: Various evenings from Sunday, Oct. 5, to Wednesday, Dec. 3
Where: Fort Edmonton Park — 7000 143rd St. NW
Cost: $67; find tickets online
Check out the Royal Alberta Museum
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What: Marvel at the Royal Alberta Museum’s vast collections. From its archaeology, Indigenous studies, and work-life industry sections to Earth and Life Sciences that will wow you, it’s one of the most intriguing things to do in Edmonton.
When: Hours vary
Where: 9810 103A Ave. NW
Cost: $10 to $21; tickets can be found online
Muttart Conservatory
What: Be amazed at the stunning Muttart Conservatory, with each glass pyramid showcasing a different environment for plants from around the globe. It’s a relaxing, insightful, and beautiful experience and a lovely thing to do in Edmonton.
When: Open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on weekends
Where: Muttart Conservatory — 9626 96A St. NW
Admission: $14.95 adult admission
Glow
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What: Are you ready to be dazzled by a million Christmas lights, including a light tunnel and a visit by Santa Claus himself? The dates for the Glow Christmas Festival at the Edmonton Expo Centre are out, and it’s shaping up to be one of the largest indoor holiday festivals of the season. Tickets sell out fast, so grab them as soon as you can.
When: Thursday, Dec. 4 to 25, 2025
Where: Edmonton Expo Centre — 7515 118th Ave. NW
Tickets: Start at $23.99 for general adult admission; tickets can be found online.
Candy Cane Lane
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What: Candy Cane Lane is one of Edmonton’s must-see holiday events and has become a staple over its more than 50-year history. You can check it out from your vehicle or walk along the sidewalks and admire each home’s decadent displays.
Where: 148th St. from 99th to 92nd Ave.
When: Friday, Dec. 12, 2025, to Friday, Jan. 2, 2026
Tickets:Â Free
Telus World of Science
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What: Head over to the Telus World of Science this December, where you can experience wicked screenings in IMAX, exercise your brain by navigating through mazes, and try your hand at some awesome games and challenges.
When:Â Open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. every day except Mondays
Where:Â 11211 142nd St. NW
Cost:Â $24.95 general adult admission
Cheer on the Edmonton Oilers
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What: Grab your jersey, head down to Rogers Place, and cheer on the Oilers this December with tons of home games to check out.
When: Various dates through December
Where: Rogers Place — 10220 104th Ave. NW
Cost: Varies; find tickets online
Christmas lights at the Alberta Legislature
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What: For more than 30 years, the grounds have been a festive haven for many, with a massive Christmas tree placed on the grounds and numerous surrounding trees being adorned with lights. It’s a lovely spot to go for a stroll with friends, on a date, or for the perfect holiday Instagram photo. Check it out ASAP.
When:Â Lights up Wednesday, Dec. 3
Where: Alberta Legislature – 10800 97th Ave. NW, Edmonton
Cost:Â Free
Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas in Concert
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What: The FILMharmonique Orchestra embarks on another unforgettable adventure with Tim Burton’s iconic stop-motion masterpiece. Scored by the legendary Danny Elfman, the film follows the earnest-but-misguided adventures of Jack Skellington, Halloween Town’s beloved Pumpkin King, as he attempts to take over the Christmas holiday. Against the advice of Sally, a lonely rag doll who has feelings for him, Jack enlists three mischievous trick-or-treaters to help him kidnap Santa Claus. Led by Maestro Francis Choinière, this concert is sure to be a treat for the whole family.
When: Sunday, Dec. 14, at 3 p.m.
Where: Northern Alberta Jubilee Auditorium — 11455 87 Ave. NW
Cost: Tickets start at $64 each
Edmonton Christmas Market
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What: Returning for its seventh year, the Edmonton Christmas Market is three weeks of market venues with local Alberta vendors, light displays, culinary experiences, roving performances, live theatre, family-friendly workshops, tasty treats, horse-drawn wagon rides, and a healthy dollop of holiday cheer.
When: Saturday, Nov. 29 to Sunday, Dec. 21
Where: Fort Edmonton Park — 7000 143rd St. NW
Cost: Starts at $20.95; find tickets online
Hit up the WEM World Waterpark
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What: It’ll feel like a bit of a tropical getaway when you visit the World Waterpark at West Edmonton Mall. Shoot down some massive slides or relax in the wave pool. Whatever you choose, it’s a prime way to spend the day.
When: Hours vary throughout the week
Where: West Edmonton Mall — 8882 170th St. NW
Cost: Ticket prices vary and can be found online
Go ice skating
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What: Lace up those skates and wear your warmest winter jacket. Skating during the holidays is perfect, and there are several spots across Edmonton you can go to. It’s some of the best fun you can have for free in the city.
Where:Â Various locations
Tickets:Â Free
Canadian Tire Magic of Lights
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What: The Canadian Tire Magic of Lights Holiday Display is back at RAD Torque Raceway. Enjoy a cozy drive-through adventure from the warmth of your vehicle as over two million twinkling LED lights light up 2.5 kilometres of pure holiday magic.
When: Nov. 20 to Jan. 3, 2026
Where: RAD Torque Raceway — 50342 Range Rd. 253, Leduc County
Cost:Â Pass prices vary and can be purchased online
Nitro Circus
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What:Â Co-founded by action sports icon Travis Pastrana, Nitro Circus features elite athletes and world-class daredevils at the top of their game in Freestyle Motocross, BMX, Skate, Scooter, and everything in between. This elite athlete lineup will push the boundaries of what’s possible with mind-blowing stunts, high-flying tricks, and heart-pounding excitement. Experience all-new competitions that pit the best against the best in never-before-done showdowns.
When:Â Saturday, Dec. 20, at 7 p.m.
Where: Rogers Place — 10220 104th Ave. NW
Tickets:Â Start at $60
Art Gallery of Alberta
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What: Right in the heart of downtown, the Art Gallery of Alberta has been Edmonton’s go-to for art and culture for 100 years. With rotating exhibitions, workshops, and events, it’s the perfect spot to get inspired, learn something new, or just soak up some creativity.
When: Open Wednesdays, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Thursdays, 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.; and Fridays to Sundays, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Where: 2 Sir Winston Churchill Sq. NW, Edmonton
Cost: $13.33 adult admission
Go tobogganing
What: Whether you’re an adult or a child, tobogganing is one heck of a way to pass the time during the winter. Check out our roundup of some of the best tobogganing hills in Edmonton to visit for some sliding fun. Nothing beats some sledding over the holiday and winter break in Edmonton, that’s for sure.
A Christmas Carol
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What: David van Belle’s adaptation of the Charles Dickens classic is making its return to the Citadel. Watch the story unfold of Ebenezer Scrooge as he faces a single transformative night, guided by the Ghosts of Christmas Past, Present, and Future. Step into the nostalgic charm of the mid-1950s with beloved tunes like “I’ll Be Home for Christmas” and “White Christmas,” and immerse yourself in the enchanting spirit of the season.
When: Saturday, Nov. 22 to Dec. 24
Where: Citadel Theatre — 9828 101A Ave. NW
Cost:Â Ticket prices vary and can be purchased online
Fairmont Hotel Macdonald Christmas Eve Dinner
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What: Whether you’re creating new traditions or celebrating long-lasting memories, surround yourself with friends and family and have festive fun in the city’s most timeless setting. This festive dinner is served in the hotel’s iconic Harvest Room, featuring a progressive twist on an authentically local, festive, three-course menu.
When:Â Wednesday, Dec. 24, 2025
Where:Â 10065 100th Street NW
Cost:Â $129 per guest
Canada’s Ukrainian Nutcracker presented by Shumka
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What: Experience the magic of Canada’s Ukrainian Nutcracker at the Northern Alberta Jubilee Auditorium this Christmas. Presented by Shumka, this beloved holiday tradition features more than 80 performers, blending classical ballet with vibrant Ukrainian dance. Follow Clara, the Prince, and Drosselmeier on a dazzling journey filled with stunning sets, intricate costumes, and beautiful orchestral music featuring Edmonton’s Kappella Kyrie Slavic Chamber Choir in an exciting new 2025 partnership. Don’t miss this festive celebration of culture, music, and holiday spirit.
When:Â Saturday, Dec. 20 and 21
Where: Northern Alberta Jubilee Auditorium — 11455 87th Ave. NW
Cost:Â Ticket prices vary
Old Strathcona Farmers’ Market
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What: Edmonton’s first indoor farmers market has been a Saturday staple since 1983, and you can now visit on Sundays too. Located just off Whyte Avenue, the market is filled with vendors offering locally grown and produced goods. Some of our favourite finds include fresh produce, baked treats, and homemade kimchi.
When:Â Open Saturdays from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. and Sundays from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Where:Â 10310 83rd Ave. NW, Edmonton
Check out an Oil Kings game
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What: Cheer on the Edmonton Oil Kings this month with tons of home games in December. It’s a fun atmosphere, and the ticket prices aren’t bad either.
When:Â Various dates in December
Where: Rogers Place — 10220 104th Ave. NW
Cost: Varies; find tickets online
PWHL Takeover Tour: Vancouver Goldeneyes vs. Minnesota Frost
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What: Hockey lovers, are you ready?! The PWHL Takeover Tour returns to Edmonton ice on Dec. 27, as the Vancouver Goldeneyes face off against the Minnesota Frost for an exciting neutral-site matchup. This marks the second time Edmonton will host a neutral-site game on the PWHL Takeover Tour™️, following a sold-out matchup during the tour’s inaugural season in February.
When: Saturday, Dec. 27, 2025
Where: Rogers Place — 10220 104 Ave. NW
Tickets:Â Start at $40
Galaxyland
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What: You can never go wrong with a trip to the amusement park, and Galaxyland is North America’s largest indoor amusement park. It features 27 Hasbro-themed rides and more for all ages.
When: Hours vary throughout the week
Where: West Edmonton Mall — 8882 170th St. NW
Cost: $64 general admission; get tickets online