14 things to do this weekend in Edmonton: December 17 to 19

It’s the last weekend until Christmas, so get out there and enjoy all the festive things to do in Edmonton this weekend.

Explore Christmas light displays galore or lace up your skates and play some hockey. It’s the holiday season in Edmonton. Get into it!

Leduc Country 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

Christmas lights at the Alberta Legislature

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 or the perfect holiday Instagram photo. Check it out ASAP!

Where: Alberta Legislature (10800 97 Avenue NW, Edmonton)
Cost: Free

Go tobogganing

What: Whether you are an adult or a child, tobogganing is one heck of a fun 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.

Where: Various locations
Cost: Free

Go ice skating

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 this December.

Where: Various locations
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

Candy Cane Lane

What: Approaching its 50th season, Candy Cane Lane has become one of Edmonton’s must-see events of the holidays. Check it out from your vehicle or walk along the sidewalks and admire each home’s decadent displays.

When: December 10 to January 1, 2022
Where: 148 Street from 99 to 92 Avenue
Tickets: Free

Admire thousands of Christmas lights and enjoy a skate

What: Central Park in Spruce Grove has been decorated for the holidays, with Christmas lights strung across trees, including one display that has lights hanging from a massive tree. It’s a stunning backdrop for a great holiday Instagram photo with thousands of lights all around you.

Where: 450 King Street, Spruce Grove
Cost: Free

Go ice climbing 

What: The Edmonton ice climbing wall is the perfect chance for you to try your hand at ice climbing, with equipment rentals offered and orientations available as well for new beginners. It’s a winter acitivty usually found in the Rockies, right in our own backyard.

When: Now until February 21, 2022
Where:  9613 96 Avenue NW
Cost: $19-$49; information can be found here

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 week 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

Check out the “Griswold House”

What: This home in Stony Plain has been decked out for the holidays, emulating the classic home from National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation. It’s so accurate that it’s even got an RV parked out front with a life-size statue of Cousin Eddie.

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

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

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 week 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