Normally, December is our busiest month of the year. So, it’s very strange for us to not be as immersed in the holiday event madness as we usually are. It’s a bit of a hard pill to swallow, but… now we get to take in all of the other outdoor lights, sights, and sounds of the holidays!
This holiday season, we’re focusing on spreading some holiday cheer and sharing some local love to our outdoor favourite events that we’re grateful are still able to take place this season.
Here are some of the events that our team has been visiting so far this holiday season:
Dates: November 26, 2020 to January 3, 2021 (+ December 21, 22, 23, 28 & 29)
Times: Thursday through Sunday, 3:30-9:30 pm
Location: Edmonton Valley Zoo
Zoominescence, hosted by the Valley Zoo Development Society, stages a spectacular exhibition of artistic light installations within the unique setting of the Edmonton Valley Zoo. Their vision is to celebrate light, artistry, imagination and the strong spirit of our community in the winter. Enjoy an evening of light, animals, skating, hot chocolate and fun for the whole family!
They are continuing to follow current health and safety guidelines, including timed ticketing, the one-way path throughout the zoo, and required masks or face coverings in indoor areas.
Tickets can be booked online at movelearnplay.edmonton.ca (limited tickets available).
Dates: December 1, 2020 to December 31, 2020 (except December 25th)
Times: Every evening, 5:00-10:00 pm
Location: University of Alberta Botanic Garden
Expect the traditional beloved elements of Luminaria – candlelight, starlight, peace and tranquility. But you can also expect to be dazzled by what’s new! Stroll through the candle-lit pathways in the Kurimoto Japanese Garden, check out the sculptures of light in the Aga Khan Garden, sip hot cider, enjoy live singers, be charmed by a miniature winter village, and more.
Dates: November 20, 2020 to January 2, 2021
Times: Every evening, 5:00-10:00 pm (some date restrictions apply)
Location: Castrol Raceway
The Canadian Tire Magic of Lights presented by MHCare Medical is 2.5 kms of festive and vibrant LED lighted displays celebrating the joy of the holidays. A “drive through” experience from the comfort of your own car. At every turn, and in every direction, the magical route is overflowing with spectacular light displays and animations. Multiple holiday themes come to life with hundreds of thousands of sparkling lights!
Dates: November 27, 2020 to December 20, 2020
Times: Fridays: 3:00-8:00 pm, Saturdays & Sundays: 11:00am-5:00pm
Location: Army & Navy Building
Sip: A series highlighting local makers and festive beverages. Keep your holidays ‘merry & bright’ with recipes to try at home!
Shop: Support a diverse vendor collective in person or online. Links to the weekly vendor directory, or find your favourite vendors online.
Eat: Edmonton Christmas Market has teamed up with The Public to bring you digital food experiences with local food creatives!
Play: FREE online entertainment to enjoy at home. Music sessions and weekly Story Time segments highlight your favourite Edmontonians!
Dates: November 27, 2020 to January 3, 2021 (Open all days throughout the Christmas season)
Times: Every evening, 4:30-10:00pm
Location: Rainbow Valley Campground
The Winter Wonder Forest, presented by True Start Foundation in partnership with Snow Valley, is Edmonton’s Enchanted Drive Thru Holiday Light Experience. Over 115,000 sq feet of campground has been transformed into a stunning and breathtaking Holiday light display to look at from the warmth of your own vehicle. Check out the activities calendar for live entertainment and a virtual vendor market. This event is a family-friendly, socially distanced event. Fun for everyone and their dog!
Dates: December 18, 2020 to January 3, 2021 (except December 25th)
Times: Every day, 1:00-10:00pm (Sundays 1:00-9:00pm; Christmas Eve 1:00-8:00pm)
Location: Edmonton Expo Centre
Experience the magic of the season (and help Santa along the way!). Safely enjoy over 90,000 ft² of family fun as you stroll through the million twinkly lights in the light gardens. Enjoy our delicious food, festive drinks, entertainment, illusion booth, selfie walls, and Christmas shopping at the Glow Merry Maker’s Market. And don’t forget, Santa needs your help! He has crashed his sleigh and his reindeer have scattered! Travel through the maze to find Santa‘s lost reindeer. Then cap off your adventure with a visit to the man himself—Santa Claus!
Dates/Times: Monday-Thursday: 4:00-11:00pm, Friday & Saturday: 4:00pm-1:00am, Sunday: 4:00-10:00pm
Location: Craft Beer Market
Miracle is a Christmas-themed pop-up cocktail bar that serves holiday cocktails in a festive setting. With kitschy holiday décor, professionally-developed cocktails and the nostalgic energy of the best office party you’ve ever been to, Miracle is sure to get even the grouchiest grinch in the holiday spirit.
The University Hospital Foundation’s Festival of Trees is returning for the 2020 Christmas season, in a new, virtual way! This year, they’ve transformed the Festival of Trees into an intimate, personal experience right in the comfort of your own home. Stay safe, get cozy, and enjoy the magic of the Festival.
The University Hospital Foundation’s Festival of Trees is creating innovative ways for you to experience the magic of Festival, while staying safe and healthy this holiday season. There are wonderful activities for you and your loved ones of all ages to enjoy. Proceeds from your purchase of the items and experiences below will go to the University Hospital Foundation in support of Alzheimer’s research at the University of Alberta.Anything else we should add to the list? Let us know! Email [email protected]
– Your Tycoon, Lyndsey XO