Holidays in Edmonton

Now that the holiday season is well under way in Edmonton, I thought I’d share some ideas for family fun around the city. There are plenty of activities for little ones and grownups alike! I’ve included family entertainment from far and wide, as well as free activities you can choose closer to home. I like to think there’s a little bit of holiday spirit in each! I know my family and I have been looking forward to some of these all year long!

December 6 to December 29 – Festival of Lights

Prepare yourselves for an extraordinary light show this season with Zoominescence’s Festival of Lights at the Edmonton Valley Zoo! Artistic light installations within the unique setting of the Valley Zoo are sure to bring out the child in everyone who gets a glimpse! You’ll be so pleasantly surprised and spirited by the skating rink, maze, fire dancers, ice, light exhibits and 11 artist installations that you won’t be able to tear your eyes away! Enjoy this family event Fridays, Saturdays, or Sundays from December 6 to 29, from 5 to 9 pm nightly! At only $8.50 for adults and $6 for children, it will be a dazzling deal and an event they’ll be talking about all winter long! My family and I can’t wait for this one! Check out more details here.

Saturday, December 14 – Old Fashioned Hay Rides

Did you miss your chance to see Santa in Old Strathcona? Have no fear! You’ll still be able to meet him and tell him how good you’ve been all year at the Marketplace at Callingwood! And this time, from 11 am to 3 pm on December 14, get your chance to enjoy a free horse-drawn wagon ride for the whole family! The Marketplace at Callingwood is a summer farmer’s market that will be reopening for this one-day special event in honour of Santa, so they ask you bring a non-perishable food donation to be kind to others as well! Check out more details here.

December Weekends – Numerous Holiday Adventures

If you wish to expand the holiday adventure, you should check out more hayrides, cookie decorating, holiday stories, petting zoo, choir carols, holiday crafts, and unique shopping at Heritage Park! It will be open Saturdays & Sundays, November 23 to December 22 from 9:30 am to 4 pm. Ticket prices range from $5.75 to $11, depending on the ages of attendees. I’ve visited Heritage Park with KARA a few times during the summer months and know how beautiful it is, so it’s sure to be even more glorious when glittering with snow! Check it out here.

Month of December – Festive Window Contest

I’ve always dreamed of a fun date night downtown on Christmas Eve like you see in the movies. And now’s my chance! Nearly 30 shops from 95 street to 111 street and 97 avenue to 105 avenue have dressed up their windows with lights, décor, trees, and candles to celebrate the season! I’ll be sure to put this date night idea on my wish list! Find out more here.

December through January – Enchanted Forests

I’ve recently learned there are a few elegantly decorated forests within Edmonton and surrounding communities that families can go see at no cost. A few sponsors have graciously decorated a few spots to highlight the holidays, check them out:

• Dow Centennial Centre – 8700 84 Street
• Shell Theatre – 8700 84 Street
• City Hall – 10005 102 Street
• Fort Saskatchewan Public Library – 10011 102 Street

I do believe my friends and family will get a kick out of touring them this season! Learn more here.

All Season Long – Tobogganing

Certainly one of the best holiday past-times and my family’s favourite holiday activity; tobogganing! The City of Edmonton has created a list of what I believe are the best and safest tobogganing hills in the Edmonton area. They’ve also done their best to give families tips on how to make tobaggning as safe as possible. Enjoy this activity with your loved ones all winter long, as it’s one of the best ways to spend a cool, sunny day! Find the best hills here.

Continuing through the Winter – Ice Castles

The ultimate winter wonderland, the ice castles of Hawrelak Park, is certainly one of the most astonishing activities on our family holiday list of things to do this season. I know my boys won’t recall the last time we visited these extraordinary sights but I’m sure they will this year! Additionally, if your child (or you) is a fan of the Narnia Chronicles, I believe this will be the inspiration of the castles this year! I hope you and your family get to enjoy them too! Presale tickets are roughly $15 and children 3 and under are free! Check out the details here.

That’s All Folks!

Well, I hope my family’s list of holiday activities has given yours some ideas for the upcoming season! As always, please share your adventures with me and ideas with the KARA family! We would love to find more holiday escapades and enjoy the season together!