18 amazing things to do in Edmonton this week: Dec. 8 to 12
Friday marks the first light-up of 2025 for Candy Cane Lane, which makes it official: the holidays are here in Edmonton, and we’ve found plenty of festive events for you to enjoy this week.
From cheerful light displays to all of our favourite YEG holiday traditions, check out these 18 awesome events happening in Edmonton this week.
Candy Cane Lane
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 Street from 99th to 92nd Avenue
When: Friday, Dec. 12, 2025, to Friday, Jan. 2, 2026
Tickets: Free
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: Until Dec. 24
Where: Citadel Theatre — 9828 101A Ave. NW
Cost: Ticket prices vary and can be purchased 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
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: Until Sunday, Jan. 4, 2026
Where: Edmonton Valley Zoo — 13315 Buena Vista Rd. NW
Cost: Find tickets online
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: Until Jan. 3, 2026
Where: RAD Torque Raceway — 50342 Range Rd. 253, Leduc County
Cost: Pass prices vary and can be purchased online
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.
Visit the 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
Cost: $13.33 regular adult admission (free from 4 to 7 p.m. on the final Thursday of every month)
Cheer on the Edmonton Oilers
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What: Grab your jersey, head down to Rogers Place, and cheer on the Oilers this week as they face off against the Buffalo Sabres and Detroit Red Wings.
When: Tuesday, Dec. 9, at 7 p.m. vs. Buffalo and Thursday, Dec. 11, at 7 p.m. vs. Detroit
Where: Rogers Place — 10220 104th Ave. NW
Cost: Varies; 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
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: Evenings until the end of January
Where: Alberta Legislature – 10800 97th Ave. NW, Edmonton
Cost: Free
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
Cost: Free
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: Until Sunday, Dec. 21
Where: Fort Edmonton Park — 7000 143rd St. NW
Cost: Starts at $20.95; find tickets online
Telus World of Science
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What: Head over to the Telus World of Science this week, where you can experience wicked screenings in IMAX, exercise your brain, and so much more!
When: Open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. every day except Mondays
Where: 11211 142nd St. NW
Cost: $24.95 general adult admission
Bike/hike in the River Valley
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What: Edmonton’s River Valley is vast, and boy, are we ever lucky to have the largest urban park in North America. With more than 160 km of maintained pathways and 20 major parks, the River Valley is a gem and a natural wonder for all to enjoy. It’s the perfect place to spend a bright summer afternoon.
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
Happy hour at Muttart Conservatory
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What: Each Wednesday from 5 to 9 p.m., you can explore the stunning and ever-changing displays of the conservatory’s glass pyramids while sipping on a cocktail or two. It’s insightful, entertaining, and a lovely activity this week.
When: Wednesday evenings from 5 to 9 p.m.
Where: Muttart Conservatory — 9626 96A St. NW
Cost: $14.95 for adult admission
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
Elk Island National Park
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What: Located just 35 minutes east of Edmonton, Elk Island National Park offers rolling hills, glassy lakes, and some of the best stargazing around. Explore over 80 km of trails or paddle the lakes while spotting bison, elk, and hundreds of bird species.
When: Open 24 hours
Where: Improvement District No. 13, Alta.
Cost: Free admission