Looking for family friendly things to do with the kids this weekend? We’ve got you covered with a full list of fun events in & around Edmonton for November 24 to November 26.
Winter Wagon Rides – Fort Edmonton Park
Can you hear those sleigh bells jingling? Discover the magic of winter in Edmonton’s scenic River Valley. Admire twinkling lights strung up around Fort Edmonton Park’s historic streets, while bundled up in a festive horse-drawn wagon ride throughout the entire park. Enjoy a cozy hot chocolate stop to warm up before you continue your tour. Wrap up your tour with a toasty bonfire.
When: Select dates and times from November 21, 2023 to February 24, 2024
Where: Fort Edmonton Park
Magic of Lights – RAD Torque Raceway
Experience the ultimate holiday magic with the Canadian Tire Magic of Lights! This incredible event boasts a mesmerizing 2.5 kilometers of over 1.5 MILLION festive and vibrant LED-lighted displays, creating a truly enchanting drive-through experience that you can enjoy from the comfort of your own car.
When: November 23, 2023 – January 6, 2024
Where: RAD Torque Raceway, 50342 Range Rd, Edmonton International Airport
Santa Claus Parade – Millwoods Town Center
Get ready for the festive cheer at Mill Woods Town Centre’s Santa Claus Parade! Sleigh bells will be ringing as we welcome Santa and Mrs. Claus. Don’t miss the chance to be among the first 50 customers in line for photos with Santa, as they’ll receive one free!* (*One coupon per family.) It’s a jolly good time for everyone, so bring your holiday spirit and join in the merriment!
When: November 25, 2023; 11:30AM – 1PM
Where: Millwoods Town Center
Polar Express IMAX Experience PJ Party
The tradition continues at the TELUS World of Science in Edmonton with IMAX screenings of The Polar Express on Saturday and Sundays from November 25 to December 24, 2023. Come dressed in your warmest Christmas pajamas and enjoy family time at the movies watching the holiday favorite on Alberta’s largest theatre screen.
When: Every Saturday and Sunday from November 25 to December 24, 2023
Where: Telus World of Science Edmonton
Winter Whyte Light Up 2023
Old Strathcona’s favorite winter event is back for yet another awesome year! Join us on the last Saturday of November as Dr. Wilbert McIntyre Park lights up with more lights than ever. Performers will be entertaining the public all evening and many local partners are coming together for giveaways and to celebrate the beginning of the holiday season. There are plenty of activities for adults and children alike. From photo booths to story reading, and even a ticketed drag show to cap off the night! It’s fun for the whole family!
When: Saturday November 25, 2023; 4PM – 7PM
Where: Wilbert McIntyre Park, 8303 – 104 Street NW
BGC Leduc’s Winter Fun Fest
There’s something for everyone at the Boys and Girls Club of Leduc’s Winter Fun Fest! Ensure to make time to be at the Leduc Recreation Centre to get the entire family into the holiday spirit. The weekend offers a variety of different events sure to please everyone!
When: Friday, November 24 to Sunday, November 26, 2023
Where: Leduc Recreation Center/Coop Fieldhouse
Light Up the Nite – Morinville
Planned with young and old in mind, this event offers many wonderful, free activities to connect neighbors, friends, and families in the spirit of the holiday season. This year’s three-day activities are expected to include our Lite Up the Nite Parade featuring Santa and Mrs. Claus, Lite Up the Park at St. Jean Baptiste Park, and spectacular high-level fireworks display that can be viewed nearly anywhere in Morinville.
When: Various events, Friday, November 24 to Sunday, November 26
Where: Morinville, various locations
Milk ‘n’ Cookies with Santa – Fort Saskatchewan
Come and share some special time with Santa. Listen to Santa read a special story and then share delicious cookies and milk. Have fun coloring Christmas pictures. Each child will go home with a treat bag. The event is limited to 25 children for each session.
When: November 25 & 26, December 2, 3, 16 & 17, 2023; 10AM and 1PM
Where: Fort Saskatchewan Historical Society NWMP Program Room
Kidding Around (Rapid Fire Theatre)
Rapid Fire Theatre’s hilarious performers create this entire show right off the top of their heads, but in order to pull it off, we’re going to need help from all the kids in the audience. In this show kids are invited to shout out and participate – it’ll never be the same show twice!
When: Every Saturday afternoon until June 2024; 1:30PM – 2:30PM
Where: Rapid Fire Theatre
Lighting Up Ada Boulevard
Enjoy seasonal activities and help us celebrate as we light up Concordia University of Edmonton Main Campus and Magrath Campus. The afternoon will offer fun for the entire family including kids crafts, sing-alongs, the Coca Cola Holiday Truck and hot chocolate!
When: Saturday November 25, 2023; 3PM – 7PM
Where: Main Campus (Tegler Student Centre); 7128 Ada Boulevard; Magrath Campus (front lawn); 6240 Ada Boulevard
Santa’s Breakfast at Festival of Trees
After three long years, Santa’s Breakfast is returning to the Edmonton Convention Centre, bringing back long-time festival favorite activities. Join us at the Edmonton Convention Centre to celebrate the season with your loved ones. Families and friends will come together over a pancake breakfast and enjoy festive activities like the snowball toss, hockey shoot, letters to Santa and more. Plus, the beloved Santa’s den is back where families can take a quick photo with Santa!
When: Sunday, November 26, 2023; 8AM – 11AM
Where: Edmonton Convention Centre
Light Up in Central Park – Spruce Grove
Mark your calendars for Light Up 2023! Get into the holiday spirit and watch as the park magically transforms into a spectacle of light! Enjoy free hot dogs, maple taffy & hot chocolate/apple cider (while quantities last), live choirs and entertainment, train rides, axe throwing, kids ice carving, professional ice carving demonstration, crafts, cookie decorating, try curling (please bring clean indoor shoes), digital selfie photo station and more!
When: Saturday November 25, 2023; 3:30PM – 6:30PM
Where: Central Park & Agrena; 450 King Street, Spruce Grove
Christmas in the Park – Devon
Come on down to the town of Devon and enjoy an evening of activities with the entire family. Event activities include photo ops with Santa, his elves and the Grinch, live music, warm food and drinks, maple syrup taffy, antique fire truck rides, sleigh rides, crafts and more!
When: Saturday November 25, 2023; 4PM – 8PM
Where: Devon Lions Society Campground (Must take Park n’ Ride); 1140 Saskatchewan Avenue East, Devon
Lights Up! – Fort Saskatchewan
Is your family looking for a fun, safe, and free way to celebrate the holiday season? We have the event for you!Join us for our annual Lights Up! celebration, taking place both indoors and outdoors at City Hall.
When: Friday, November 24, 2023; 5:15PM – 7:30PM
Where: Fort Saskatchewan City Hall
Winter Delight – Terwillegar Community Church
Winter Delight is BACK! In many ways, “Winter Delight” is a fitting way to kick off the Christmas season. Enjoy the winter weather with a horse drawn sleigh ride, hot chocolate, cookies, and bonfires down at Tomlinson Common Park! Oh, and it’s been said that Santa even pays a visit! All are welcome!
When: Saturday November 25, 2023; 4PM – 6PM
Where: Tomlinson Common Park; 1765 Tomlinson Common NW
Leduc Santa Claus Parade
Join us on Saturday, November 25th, as Santa Claus himself makes his way through the Downtown District at the Annual Santa Claus Parade. Let’s all gather with our friends, family and community to wish Santa a wonderful Christmas with free hot chocolate in hand.
When: Saturday, November 25, 2023; 6PM – 7PM
Where: Leduc Downtown Business Association; 4810 50th Avenue, Leduc
Family Days at the Depot!
Sundays are Family Day at Santa’s Depot! Family Days are open to ages 6+, each child must bring an adult helper who will stay with them through the entire shift. Volunteers may be involved in any of the following activities: preparing gifts for individual children, bagging gifts for specific families, sorting toy donations, condensing sorted toy bins, and putting batteries in toys.
When: November 26, December 3 and December 10 from 9:30AM – 11:30AM or 12:00PM – 2:00PM
Where: Santa’s Depot; 12122 68 Street NW
Old Time Christmas Gathering
Join us for a festive celebration at the Historic McKay Avenue School! Experience the magic of an old-fashioned Christmas as we gather together for a day filled with joy and merriment. Immerse yourself in the holiday spirit as you explore charming stalls offering handmade crafts, delicious treats, and unique gifts. Delight in live performances of classic carols and traditional dances
When: Sunday, November 26; 2PM to 5PM
Where: McKay Avenue School; 10425 99 Avenue
Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree – Muttart Conservatory
Surround yourself with beautiful Muttart-grown poinsettias and a Christmas tree so big and beautiful that you’ll have to see it to believe it! There will be many lights creating a magical holiday glow throughout the pyramid. Stop and take a photo of your loved ones in Santa’s throne chair; if you time it just right you might even get your photo with Santa himself!
When: November 25, 2023 – January 2, 2024
Where: Muttart Conservatory; 9626 – 96A Street
Winter Wonderland Family Dance
Get ready to dance the night away with your family at our Winter Wonderland Family Dance, where the magic of winter comes alive!
When: Friday, November 24, 2023; 6PM – 9PM
Where: Beaumont Community Centre; 5204 50 Avenue
Books and Bites
Join us each week to read a new storybook, learn basic kitchen skills, and connect with other families in the neighborhood! This parented program will introduce participants to easy kitchen skills such as scooping and pouring ingredients, measuring, and cutting using wooden child-safe knives. Each session, we will read our book and then get to make and eat a snack themed around the story! Ages 0 – 6 years.
When: Friday, November 24, 2023; 10AM – 11AM
Where: Dunluce, 11930 162 Ave, Unit 9
Hanging With My Super Dad!
Children 4 plus and their “Super Dads” or other “Super Male” caregiver enjoy a light supper and fun interactive activities.
When: Friday, November 24; 4PM to 6PM
Where: Family Connection Center; 5600 50 Street, Stony Plain
Elf in Concert
Relive this heartwarming holiday classic on a giant screen as every note of John Debney’s wonderful score is played live to picture in: Elf in Concert!
When: Friday, November 24 at 7PM and Saturday, November 25 at 1:00PM
Where: Northern Alberta Jubilee Auditorium
Enchanted Forest in Fort Saskatchewan
The Enchanted Forest is a favorite holiday tradition in Fort Saskatchewan. Local organizations and businesses create unique, beautiful, and fun Christmas trees that represent them and reflect the holiday season.
When: Various times throughout the week from November 24, 2023 to January 7, 2024
Where: City Hall 10005 – 102 Street; Fort Saskatchewan Public Library 10011 – 102 Street; Dow Centennial Centre 8700 84 Street; Shell Theatre 8700 84 Street
A Classic Cars Christmas for Kids
Experience the magic of the season with your family, our family and Santa! Enjoy Santa photos in a classic car gallery, free gifts for the first 100 kids, live music and more! Don’t miss out on the opportunity to make heartwarming, festive memories at Yesterday’s Auto Gallery.
When: Sunday, November 26; 12PM to 5PM
Where: Yesterday’s Auto Gallery; 8707 51 Ave NW
Every Christmas Story Ever Told (And Then Some!)
Join the Leduc Drama Society for a mashup of Christmas traditions from around the world, seasonal icons from ancient times and every carol ever sung!
When: Friday and Saturday, November 24 and 25; 7:30PM
Where: Leduc Drama Society
Free Family Films at the Library
This weekend: How to Train Your Dragon 2
When: Sunday, November 26; 2PM to 4PM
Where: Whitemud Crossing Library
A Christmas Carol
A Christmas Carol is back at The Citadel. Based on the Charles Dickens classic, Edmonton’s favorite Christmas tradition is a perfect way to celebrate the holidays. Your favorite Christmas tunes adorn this version with a 1950s feel that will remind you of all the nostalgia of the season.
When: November 25, 2023 to December 23, 2023; 7:30PM, 1:30PM for matinee on select days
Where: The Citadel
Christmas in the Heartland
Welcome in winter with a trip to the country. Christmas in the Heartland is a driving tour of unique rural venues steeped in tradition. Local halls and churches will be filled with artisans and crafters, ice carvings, nativity displays, sleigh rides, holiday music and more.
When: Saturday, November 25, 2023, 10AM – 4PM; Fireworks at 7PM
Where: Josephburg – Bus rides available from Sherwood Park
See a Movie
Landmark Cinemas Kids’ Day Deal Sundays:
When: any Sunday
Time: any movie
Where: Landmark Cinemas:
- Edmonton City Centre: 10200 – 102 Avenue NW, Edmonton
- St. Albert: 800 St. Albert Trail, St. Albert
- Spruce Grove: 130 Century Crossing , Spruce Grove
- Tamarack: 955 Tamarack Way NW, Edmonton
Family Movies playing in the Cineplex Theatres this weekend:
- Taylor Swift The Eras Tour
- Butterfly Tale
- Paw Patrol: The Mighty Movie
- Trolls Band Together
- Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes
- The Marvels
- The Land Before Time 30th Anniversary : $2.99 Saturday morning Family Favorite Special
Cost: General Admission prices
Kids Christmas Shoppe
Kids can shop in a “secret no-parents/guardians” area of the mall. Volunteers from the GANG (Grandmothers of Alberta for a New Generation) will help your children choose a gift and wrap it for the holidays!
When: November 25 & 26, 2023; 10AM – 4PM
Where: Old Strathcona Antique Mall
Christmas Sale and Santa’s Gift Shop
Get ready for Christmas. Come for a yummy lunch of beef on a bun and pie- or just to shop or browse. Check out the local vendors and a great selection of baking, crafts, gently used gifts and books. Santa will drop by for a visit at 1 pm, and there will be shopping assistants available to help your kids to choose and wrap secret gifts for family members and friends.
When: Saturday, November 25, 2023; 9AM – 2PM
Where: Spirit of Hope United Church; 7909 82 Ave NW
Kids Only Secret Shopping
Kids can secretly shop for Christmas gifts for Mom & Dad with one of our elves and pick out a gift under $20! Our elves will assist the kids to wrap each gift. All you need to do is drop the kids off at our gift table and fill out a quick gift wish list. Then go relax in the café and our helpers will bring the kids back to you once complete! No peeking!
When: Saturday, November 25, 2023; 10AM – 12PM
Where: Leduc Coffee Shop; 4728 50 Avenue, Leduc
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Photo credit: Curiosity.com