20 Magical Holiday Experiences in Edmonton this Month - December 2025
December in Edmonton feels like stepping into a real-life snow globe—glittering lights, cozy markets, festive music, and winter magic around every corner. Whether you’re looking for twinkling light displays, unique local events, or classic holiday traditions, the city comes alive in a way that makes the cold totally worth it. To help you make the most of the season, here are 20 magical holiday experiences that will spark joy, inspire adventure, and fill your December with unforgettable moments. Let the festive countdown begin!
20 Magical Holiday Experiences in Edmonton in December
Light up at the Alberta Legislature
December 3, 2025
Every December, the Legislative Assembly celebrates the holiday season with Albertans by lighting up the Legislature Grounds and featuring free festive musical performances in the beautiful Legislature rotunda and grounds.
Watch a Christmas Movie at Old Yale Brewing
Weekly
Join the Old Yale Pop up, Miracle, Christmas experience for fun, pop-up movie nights through the season. Come for the free movie treat, and relax while you catch a movie on the big screen to enjoy the festive holiday cocktail menu.
Shop the Butterdome Craft Sale
December 4-7, 2025
Butterdome Craft Sale is a uniquely Canadian handmade marketplace in Edmonton that features the works of Canadian artists, artisans, makers, and designers from coast to coast.
Hand-build a Ceramic Gnome Cookie Jar with a Local Expert
December 5,6,7,12, 13 and 14
In this beginner-friendly, hands-on holiday workshop in Edmonton, you’ll create your very own ceramic gnome cookie jar. Three are six options available to craft your own, in this four-hour workshop. Grab your spot in this intimate workshop ($145) and make something you’ll treasure for years to come.
Art Party: Studio at Art Gallery of Alberta
December 5, 2025
Skip the ordinary holiday party and keep the night alive. The Gallery transforms into a playground for artists, creatives, and culture lovers, featuring live performances, tours, art battles, hands-on workshops, and figure drawing. Cocktails will be flowing, and the energy will last well into the night.
After Hours at Muttart Glow of the Pyramids
December 5, 2025
Take Part in a Cookie Swap
December 6, 2025
A festive twist on Edmonton’s YEG Cake Social Picnic—because this season deserves more sprinkles, more kindness, and all the cozy Christmas vibes. This family-friendly, volunteer-run event (hosted by Lunar Hive Baking Co) brings our baking community together to share treats, spread cheer, and support neighbours in need.
Take a Holiday Themed Cocktail Class at Alchemy Bar
December 10 and 18, 2025
This Edmonton hands-on cocktail workshop, led by a seasoned mixologist, will have you shaking, stirring, and sipping your way to mastery.
Catch Die Harsh: A Christmas Musical On Stage
December 11-28, 2025
Byron Martin and Simon Abbott are back at it again with their musical satire based on their favourite Christmas movie. This Edmonton production returns for the third year, this time even bigger and better!
‘Christmas in Wonderland’ on the Big Screen with Beer Samples
December 12, 2025
In this locally shot film, three kids and their Dad move from L.A to Edmonton. When they go shopping at West Edmonton Mall they find counterfeit cash. They inadvertently help catch the crooks, and later make a discovery about Santa.
Take a Walk Down Candy Cane Lane During Open Streets Night
December 13 and 23, 2025
Why go to the North Pole when you’ve got Candy Cane Lane right here in Edmonton? Making our spirits bright for 5 decades, this group of neighbours doesn’t stop at jingling bells; they’re laughing all the way with life-size Santas, reindeer, Christmas trees, snowmen, decorations and thousands and thousands of lights.
Holiday Jazz Night at Bar Oro Caffè & Lounge presented by Tosto Coffee Roasters
December 13, 2025
This intimate concert will feature a program of jazz standards and holiday favourites. The evening will combine the warmth and elegance of the season with an authentic and distinct performance.
How the Grinch Stole Breakfast at Dolly’s Cocktails
December 14, 2025
Fahoo forays, dahoo dorays, Welcome Christmas! Come this way into DRAG BRUNCH!! It’s an oops all Grinch brunch at Dolly’s Cocktails. Come enjoy a roast-beef, Who-Hash or Who-pudding and a silly show hosted by impersonator superstar Stretcher Hartout as The Grinch, with performer extraordinaires Félicia Bonée and Cedar T as The Grinch.
Bright Light Skate Night
December 14, 2024
Capture memories at the outdoor photo booth, enjoy the roving Glow Fairy and hula hoops, and watch skilled ice carvers create stunning sculptures. Join in the large space games or get creative at our craft stations, and help decorate the community tree inside City Hall. At 5 pm, join the Honourable Mayor Sohi in counting down to the official lighting of the Christmas Tree and watch as the City Hall skating rink comes alive with lights. A White Spruce tree on the west side of Sir Winston Churchill Square will be lit again this year in support of the City’s sustainability goals.
The Nightmare Before Christmas in Concert
December 14, 2025
The FILMharmonic Orchestra embarks on another adventure with Tim Burton’s stop-motion masterpiece! Scored by the legendary Danny Elfman, the film follows the earnest-but-misguided adventures of Jack Skellington.
Sing Your Heart out with Vox Collective
December 15, 2025
Get ready for a night of harmony, heart, and pure good vibes as The Vox Collective takes the stage with reimagined classics and indie favourites that will have you singing along from your seat.
Watch ELF on the Big Screen at Metro Cinema
December 18, 2025
Buddy was accidentally transported to the North Pole as a toddler and raised to adulthood among Santa’s elves. Unable to shake the feeling that he doesn’t fit in, the adult Buddy travels to New York in search of his real father, who turns out to be Walter Hobbs, a cynical businessman. After a DNA test proves this, Walter reluctantly attempts to start a relationship with the childlike Buddy with increasingly chaotic results.
Bright Lights: A Holiday Cabaret
December 22, 2025
Join us for a festive evening featuring some of your favourite artists hosted by Edmonton's most recognizable radio personality, Mark Connolly! Musical numbers from Dana Wylie, Darrin Hagen, Cathy Derkach, Christina Nguyen, Graham Mothersill, Amanda Neufeld (Krampus: A New Musical), Evan Dowling, (Die Harsh: The Musical), and Maureen Rooney (Morningside Road). Edmonton Pops Orchestra will be bringing the holiday cheer with And I'm Home: A Holiday Radio Play, a heartwarming series of musical vignettes about a family at Christmas. Though life can be tough, we create joy during hardships. Let's face the cold together!
Walk through the Lights Zoominessence
December 5 through Holidays
Nestled within Edmonton’s beautiful River Valley, each winter the Edmonton Valley Zoo becomes home to a spectacular exhibition of artistic light installations for guests of all ages to admire and enjoy. Zoominescence offers a unique and special way to experience the Zoo at night to help us celebrate light, artistry, imagination, and the strong spirit of our community in the winter.
Find Magic at Maisie’s Magical Christmas House
Until December 31, 2025
Visit this FREE Christmas house in Edmonton with hundreds of thousands of twinkling lights. Creating a small bit of seasonal happiness for the Edmonton area. The famous Maisie's Christmas House on 97 Street has over $150,000.00 in lights set up for Christmas.
