19 outstanding things to do this weekend in Edmonton: Dec. 5 to 7
We’ve hit the first frigid weekend of December, and with so many sights to check out around town, we can’t wait to bundle up and get out there.
From all kinds of Christmas and craft fairs to art parties and beyond, here are 19 outstanding things to do around the city this weekend.
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: Friday, Dec. 5, 2025
Where: Art Gallery of Alberta — 2 Sir Winston Churchill Sq. NW
Cost: Tickets cost $100 per person
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
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: Thursday, Dec. 4 to 7
Where: Butterdome, University of Alberta — 87th Avenue and 114th St. NW
Cost: Ticket prices range from $5 to $10
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: Find tickets 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.
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: Pass prices vary and can be purchased online
Cheer on the Edmonton Oilers
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What: Grab your jersey, head down to Rogers Place, and cheer on the Oilers this Saturday as they face off against the Winnipeg Jets.
When: Saturday, Dec. 6 at 8 p.m.
Where: Rogers Place — 10220 104th Ave. NW
Cost: Varies; find tickets online
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: Open 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. every Saturday from Nov. 15 to Dec. 13
Where: 101 Riel Dr., St. Albert, Alta.
Cost: Free
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
Oddbird Art & Craft Winter Fair
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What: Edmonton’s quirkiest new 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: $5 admission
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: Lights up Wednesday, Dec. 3
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
Admission: 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: Nov. 22 to Dec. 24
Where: Citadel Theatre — 9828 101A Ave. NW
Cost: Ticket prices vary and can be purchased online
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
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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 Square, Edmonton
Cost: $13.33 adult admission
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
Cost: $17.50 for family/group admission
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: Open Saturdays from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. and Sundays from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Where: 10310 83rd Ave. NW, Edmonton
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
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 and have plenty of fun doing it.
When: Open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. every day except Mondays
Where: 11211 142nd St. NW
Cost: $24.95 general adult admission