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 December 15 to December 17.
YEG Candy Cane Lane
Bundle up and bring the entire family down to Candy Cane Lane! This much-loved Edmonton holiday tradition welcomes you to take a stroll and enjoy the lights and decorations that the residents have put up. You can even take in the dazzling lights on a sleigh ride! Don’t forget to bring a donation for the Edmonton Food Bank!
When: December 8, 2023 – January 1, 2024; Dusk to 11PM | Open streets nights – December 9, 16 and 23
Where: Along 148th Street in between 99 Avenue and 92 Avenue
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
Glow Edmonton
Come experience the magic under the twinkle of more than a million lights with Glow Edmonton! This holiday spectacular offers live entertainment, the Merry Maker’s Market, food and drink, meet and greets with various special guests such as Santa and The Grinch and more! Discover something for every member of the family and get into the holiday spirit with Glow Edmonton.
When: December 1, 2023 – January 1, 2024
Where: Edmonton Expo Center
Edmonton Christmas Market – Fort Edmonton Park
Experience the magic, fill your belly and shop the market at the Edmonton Christmas Market at Fort Edmonton Park. Enjoy offerings from over 100 vendors, partake in family workshops, listen to live entertainment and more!
When: November 30, 2023 – December 17, 2023; Thursday 3PM – 9PM; Friday 3PM – 10PM; Saturday 12PM– 10PM; Sunday 12PM – 8PM
Where: Fort Edmonton Park
Zoominescence: Festival of Light
Wander through our spectacular exhibition of artistic light installations within the unique setting of the Edmonton Valley Zoo, sip hot chocolate, interact with performers, take in an animal talk, and enjoy winter life in the North.
When: December 1, 2023 – December 17, 2023; Friday to Sunday | December 18, 2023 – January 3, 2024; Daily with the exception of Christmas Eve and Christmas Day
Where: Edmonton Valley Zoo
Holiday Fun at Telus World of Science Edmonton
Enjoy a variety of different programs and activities at TWOSE this holiday season. Discover the fascinating world of snowflakes, immerse yourself in wintery sounds and scents with Jingle Smells in the Health Zone and even use liquid nitrogen to make gingerbread ice-cream! All of these activities and more await the entire family at the science center!
When: December 1, 2023 – January 7, 2024; Most activities will occur during Winter Holidays (December 23, 2023 – January 7, 2024). See website for details on corresponding dates and activities.
Where: Telus World of Science Edmonton; 11211 142 Street NW
Borealis Lights – St. Albert Kinsmen RV Park
Come experience the magic of the season from the warmth of your vehicle! For 2023, Borealis Lights Christmas drive-thru lighting display offers dazzling new light displays that are sure to bring smiles to family, friends and colleagues! You don’t want to miss this beautiful holiday event boasting 800,000 twinkling lights!
When: November 17, 2023 – January 7, 2024
Where: St. Albert Kinsmen RV Park; 47 Riel Dr, St.Albert
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 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
Winter at the Garden – U of A Botanic Garden
Embrace the magic of winter at the Garden! Head on down any Saturday and Sunday from December 16 to February 11 and immerse the entire family in a variety of activities. Try kick sledding, snowshoeing and even cross country skiing. Then, enjoy a hot apple cider or hot chocolate while you warm up around the fire!
When: December 16, 2023 – February 11, 2024; Saturdays and Sundays from 10AM – 5PM
Where: University of Alberta Botanic Garden; 51227 AB-60, Parkland County
Michael’s Sunday Makebreak: Mini Canvas Gift Card Holder
Michael’s craft stores invite you to a free in store event! Come down this weekend and make a mini canvas gift card holder to give to someone you love this holiday season.
When: Sunday, December 17, 2023; 2PM – 4PM
Where: Various Michael’s stores
Ice Palace Holiday Spectacular – WEM
West Edmonton Mall’s Ice Palace will host it’s annual Holiday Spectacular, featuring Conrad Orzel, 2023 National Silver Medalist and World Team Member! This show will also include many of Canada’s top figure skaters. You won’t want to miss it! This family friendly show is free for all spectators, but a non-perishable food donation is strongly encouraged.
When: Sunday, December 17, 2023; 2PM – 3PM
Where: West Edmonton Mall; Level One, Phase 2
Edmonton Oil Kings Family Fun Sunday
Join the Edmonton Oil Kings for an action packed evening with Family Fun Sundays! With seats starting at just $20 each, bring the entire family down to Rogers place to enjoy the game! Meet Louie the Lion, take part in the concourse carnival and even meet the team for an autograph after the game!
When: Sunday, December 17, 2023; 4PM
Where: Rogers Place
Bright Light Skate Night
Bundle up and head to Sir Winston Churchill Square and the City Hall Plaza for Bright Light Skate Night. This free family-friendly event features skating, a DJ, fire pits, Indigenous and cultural performers and more! Enjoy the magical glow of the lights and don’t miss the holiday tree colors switching from white to festive holiday colors!
When: Saturday, December 16, 2023; 4PM – 8PM
Where: Sir Winston Churchill Square and City Hall Plaza; 1 Sir Winston Churchill Square
Free Recreation Swim with Inflatables – Emerald Hills
Dust off your swimsuits and goggles and head on over to the Emerald Hills Leisure Center for a free family swim! Get in some laps or take on the challenge of the inflatable obstacle course.
When: Saturday, December 16, 2023; 4PM – 8PM
Where: Emerald Hills Leisure Centre; 3555 Emerald Drive
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
The Blank Who Stole Christmas – Rapid Fire Theatre
Rapid Fire Theatre’s annual holiday tradition returns to the stage in December 2023. The Blank Who Stole Christmas is a somewhat-familiar but always original improvised take on the holiday classic by a similar name.
When: Saturday, December 2, 9, 16 and 23; 1:30PM-2:30PM
Where: Rapid Fire Exchange; 10437 83 Avenue
Narnia: An Adventure in the Forest
Prepare to be transported to a world where magic, wonder, and adventure await. Meet the iconic characters of Narnia as you take a guided tour through the forest! Enjoy activities along the way such as sharing tasty treats and taking a sleigh ride through the fields. Enjoy this beautiful 90 minute walk as you’re transported into the enchanting world of Narnia. Please note that children ages 5 and under are not permitted for this event.
When: December 16 and 17, 2023; Book a timeslot between 12PM – 9PM
Where: 23341 Twp Rd 514, Sherwood Park
Narnia- The Lion, The Witch and the Wardrobe at Festival Place
The entire family is sure to enjoy this season’s annual musical, Narnia- The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe. “Narnia: The Musical” combines enchanting melodies, lively choreography, and breathtaking set designs to create a visually stunning and emotionally stirring theatrical experience.
When: December 15 – 29, 2023; Various showtimes depending on the day
Where: Festival Place; 23341 Twp Rd 514, Sherwood Park
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: December 16 & 17, 2023; 10AM and 1PM
Where: Fort Saskatchewan Historical Society NWMP Program Room
Stillwater’s Holiday Event and Toy Drive
Bring the whole family for an afternoon of festive treats, hot cocoa, as well as a visit from Santa and your favorite Ice Queen! Don’t forget to bring your biggest smile for a photo opportunity. There will also be a kids coloring contest in which they can enter to win 2 different prizes! This event is in support of the Ronald McDonald House and an opportunity to spread joy to the children it helps. It’s encouraged to bring a toy or food bank donation.
When: Saturday, December 16, 2023; 12PM – 2PM
Where: Stillwater Sales Center; 2110 201 Street NW, Edmonton
Jingle Jammin’ at Eastwood
Eastwood Community League invites you to Jingle Jammin’! The evening boasts a variety of activities such as crafts, street hockey, horse and wagon rides, a visit from Santa, a free chili dinner and more. You won’t want to miss this fun filled event!
When: Friday, December 15, 2023; 3PM-9PM
Where: Eastwood Community League; 11803 86 Street
Friday Fun Skate – Leduc Recreation Center
T’is the season to be tacky! Come show off your favorite (or ugliest) Christmas Sweaters at Leduc Rec Center’s holiday fun skate. The evening will include music, activities, prizes, games and a whole lot of fun!
When: Friday, December 15, 2023; 7PM – 8:30PM
Where: Leduc Recreation Centre; 4330 Black Gold Drive
Kids on Track Christmas Celebration
The Kids on Track Christmas Celebration is back! Rewind the clock to the 80’s with a blacklight Christmas show. Isaiah Jones and the Seekers of the Lost Christmas Treasure delivers action and adventure galore as the audience is transported into a video game world of mystery, intrigue, and adrenaline-generating Christmas fun! This FREE event will include a blacklight Christmas show, a pizza dinner for you and your family, a family gift bag and more!
When: Saturday, December 16, 2023; 1PM and 6PM showtimes
Where: North Pointe Community Church; 14025 167 Ave NW
Holiday Spectacular – Terwillegar Community Church
The Terwillegar Community Church Holiday Spectacular event is back! This family friendly FREE event includes cookie decorating, photos with Santa, crafts, sleigh rides and more!
When: Saturday, December 16, 2023; 1PM – 4PM
Where: Terwillegar Community Church; 1751 Towne Centre Blvd NW, Edmonton
Leduc Country Lights
Bundle up and head on over to Leduc Country Lights. This festive event is a 100% volunteer coordinated Christmas Light Display located within Leduc County, Alberta. Immerse yourself with the holiday spirit that will prove to become a tradition for your family, as it has with many families over the last 15 years. This event is pet friendly, so feel free to bring your furry family members! Santa makes appearances on Friday, Saturday and Sunday evenings.
When: December 1 – December 31, 2023; Sunday – Thursday from 5PM-9M; Friday – Saturday from 5PM – 10PM
Where: 49541, Range Rd 260, Calmar, AB
Light Drive – Devon
Take a drive on over to Devon and experience 3 evenings of lights at the Devon Lions Campground. Stay cozy and warm in your car while you enjoy the twinkle of the festive lights! Donations are encouraged.
When: December 15, 16 and 17, 2023; 6PM – 8PM
Where: Devon Lions Campground; 1140 Saskatchewan Avenue East, Devon
Snowshoe and Stargaze – Elk Island National Park
Come take part in two unique experiences at Elk Island National Park: snowshoeing and stargazing! A short guided snowshoe hike around the shore of Astotin Lake takes you atop the snow like a snowshoe hare while stars twinkle overhead. With a park interpreter and Orion as your guide, settle in next to a campfire and gaze up into a sky full of stars and learn to navigate the night sky of the Beaver Hills Dark Sky Preserve. Without the glow of city lights you’ll see more than you knew existed!
When: Select Saturdays in December 2023 and January and February 2024
Where: Astotin Lake Recreation Area, Elk Island National Park
Polar Express IMAX Experience PJ Party
Help to keep the tradition alive 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 slippers and enjoy family time at the movies watching this holiday favorite on the province’s largest theatre screen!
When: Every Saturday and Sunday from November 25 to December 24, 2023
Where: Telus World of Science Edmonton
Brunch with Santa
Spend your morning enjoying brunch with the big guy himself! This family friendly event includes a catered brunch, pictures with Santa and gifts for the kids. All children under 12 are free! Don’t miss out on tickets for this fun filled morning.
When: Sunday, December 17, 2023; 10AM – 12:30PM
Where: Sherbrooke Community League; 13008 122 Avenue NW
A Christmas Past – Rutherford House
Deck the halls and check out Rutherford House for a traditional Christmas! Stay warm with cider and tasty treats in an old fashioned kitchen with a wood burning oven. You may even catch a glimpse of Santa Claus if you’re lucky!
When: Sunday, December 17, 2023; 12PM – 4PM
Where: Rutherford House Provincial Historic Site; 11153 Saskatchewan Drive NW
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
Skate with Santa
Get ready to glide into the holiday spirit! Join Santa and the Beaumont Chiefs Junior Hockey Club for an afternoon of ice skating, hot chocolate, photos, and festive fun. Admission to the event is free!
When: Sunday, December 17, 2023; 12:45PM – 2PM
Where: Ken Nichol Regional Recreation Centre; 5303 50 ST, Beaumont
Free Family Films at the Library
This weekend: Dr. Suess’ The Grinch
When: Sunday, December 17; 2PM to 4PM
Where: Whitemud Crossing Library
Laser Taylor Swift
Taylor Swift is one of the biggest pop stars on the planet. With over 200 million records sold, a shelf full of Grammys, and an army of fans, Taylor Swift is an inspiration for generations. Laser Taylor Swift takes her biggest hits and brings them to life in dazzling laser light. If you can’t score tickets to her concert, Laser Taylor Swift is the next best thing.
When: Select evenings from November 2023 to February 2024; 7PM
Where: Telus World of Science Edmonton
Free Family Films at the Library
This weekend: Home Alone
When: Sunday, December 17; 1:30PM – 3:15PM
Where: Stanley A. Milner Library
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:
- Wish
- Wonka
- Taylor Swift The Eras Tour
- Dr. Suess’ The Grinch – Family Favorites
- Trolls Band Together
Cost: General Admission prices
Photo credit: Edmonton Journal