12 things to do this weekend in Edmonton: December 3 to 5

It’s December in Edmonton, so that means snow, of course, and plenty of holiday events to check out throughout your entire weekend.

From holiday light displays you can wander through to ones where you can drive your vehicle and admire them from your own car, here are 12 things to do this week in Edmonton, from December 3 to 5.

Leduc County Lights

What: It’s one of the largest and brightest holiday events: the Leduc Country Lights returns for another season. The 2019/20 season saw more than 28,000 people marvel over all the lights. Over the course of more than a decade, the event has grown into one of the largest winter attractions in the area, spread out over eight acres.

When: Now until January 2, 2022
Where: 49541, Range Road 260, Calmar
Cost: $2

Visit the “Griswold house” in Stony Plain

What: A man in Stony Plain has recreated the legendary light display from the holiday classic National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation, and it’s so accurate that it’s even got an RV parked out front with a life-size statue of Cousin Eddie. Last year, the home gained international attention, so you’d better get out and see what everyone is talking about.

When: Now until January 1, 2022
Where: 64 Briarwood Point, Stony Plain
Cost: Free

Luminaria

What: A classic holiday event has returned to the University of Alberta Botanic Garden, as Luminaria lights up the winter night. Explore candle-lit pathways, light displays, and warm fires around which you can enjoy a warm cup of apple cider.

When: Now until January 9, 2022 (excluding Christmas Day)
Where: University of Alberta Botanical Gardens — 51227 AB-60, Spruce Grove
Cost: $21 for adults, child, student, and senior discounts apply, available online

Glow Christmas Festival

What: Ready to be dazzled by a million Christmas lights, including a light tunnel and a visit from Santa Claus himself? The Glow Christmas Festival returns to the Edmonton Expo Centre, providing the perfect spots for that holiday selfie, a gift from the Christmas market, or delicious food. It’ll surely get you into the holiday spirit this weekend in Edmonton.

When: Now until January 2, 2022
Where: Edmonton Expo Centre
Cost: $16.99- $22.99; tickets can be found here

Magic of Lights

What: Immerse yourself in the dazzling display of thousands of Christmas lights at RAD Torque Raceway (formerly known as Castrol Raceway) as the Magic of Lights returns for another season. The 2.5-kilometre stretch boasts more than one million lights using LED technology and digital animations to depict holiday scenes and characters of the season. Pure holiday magic right there!

When: Now until January 8, 2022
Where: RAD Torque Raceway (50342 Range Road 253, Leduc County)
Cost: $30-$120. Tickets can be found here

Winter Wonder Forest

What: A winter forest just outside of Edmonton has a seven-acre dazzling display of Christmas lights, a snow maze, delicious food, and more. It’s the perfect spot for some holiday cheer!

When: Now until January 9, 2022
Where: 23136 Secondary Highway 643, Gibbons
Cost: Tickets start at $17.50 and can be purchased here

Zoominescence

What: This winter festival stages a spectacular exhibition of artistic light installations within the unique setting of the Edmonton Valley Zoo. Both humans and animals marvel over the Christmas lights. How cool is that?

When: December 3 until January 2, 2022
Where: Edmonton Valley Zoo (13315 Buena Vista Road & 87th Avenue NW, Edmonton)
Cost: Tickets start at $10.50 and can be purchased here

Enjoy a holiday event at Manchester Square

What: It’s one of Edmonton’s most unique blocks in the entire city and will soon be the perfect escape for some European holiday vibes, as Manchester Square holds a Winter Wonderland event. Sleigh rides, beer, pizza, ice sculptures, and more. Get into it!

When: December 4, 2021, from 10 am to 10:30 pm
Where: 10704 – 120 Street, Edmonton
Cost: Free, RSVP on their Facebook event page

Check out an Oilers game

What: Spend some of your Sunday at Rogers Place as the LA Kings arrive for a 6 pm game against the Oilers. They are having a red-hot season so far, so you better catch them in action.

When: December 5, 2021
Where: Rogers Place Arena
Cost: $72-$762; tickets can be found here

Laser Floyd: Dark Side of the Moon

What: Enjoy one of the most iconic albums of all time with a laser show of Pink Floyd’s Dark Side of the Moon at the Zeidler Dome at Telus World of Science. Good tunes and flashy, vibrant lights — now that’s a good Friday night and one of the greatest things to do this weekend in Edmonton.

When: December 3 and 4, 2021
Where: 11211 142 Street NW
Cost: $14.95, tickets can be found here

Visit the 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 this weekend in Edmonton.

When: Open year-round
Time: From Monday to Wednesday, 10 am to 5 pm, Thursday 10 am to 10 pm, Friday 10 am to 5 pm, Saturdays and Sundays 9 am to 5 pm
Where: Muttart Conservatory (9626 96A Street, Edmonton)
Cost: $7.75-$14.95, purchase online

Indigenous Peoples Experience at Fort Edmonton Park

What: For the first time in its history, Fort Edmonton Park is keeping its doors open into the fall season. Explore life through the diversity of First Nations and Métis peoples at Fort Edmonton Park’s new signature exhibit: The Indigenous Peoples Experience.

When: December 4 and 5, 2021
Time: Saturdays and Sundays from 12 to 4 pm
Where: Fort Edmonton Park (11455 87 Avenue NW, Edmonton)
Cost: $12-$20, purchase online