Happy December and welcome to the Most Wonderful Time of the Year! This month is chock-full of exciting holiday events to discover, including Santa sightings, spectacular light displays, holiday shows, and more.

New events are being added all the time, so be sure to follow us on Facebook and Instagram to stay in-the-know. You can also check for all the events listed each day on our monthly calendar.

December Divider

FEATURED Wally Wonka and the Candy Cane Factory | Nov 23 – Jan 18

Step into a world of pure imagination with the newest holiday production from Jubilations Junior! Wally Wonka and the Candy Cane Factory hits the stage in November with Jubilations Dinner Theatre’s winning combination of a laughter-filled show and a delicious delicious multi-course meal.

For all The Best Holiday Shows & Concerts head here.


The Polar Express IMAX 3D Experience | Nov 23 – Dec 24

Immerse yourself in the magic and wonder with a 3D viewing of The Polar Express on Alberta’s largest IMAX screen at the Telus World of Science – Edmonton. Pajamas are encouraged! It is just one of several fantastic activities happening at the Science Centre for the holidays.


Edmonton Christmas Market | Nov 28 – Dec 15

Edmonton’s most festive event will returns to Fort Edmonton Park with even more local vendors, delicious food, captivating light displays, live theatre and holiday entertainment, carousel & trolley rides, and, of course, visits with Santa! It is the perfect family outing or date night activity during the holiday season. For best value, we recommend booking tickets to one of the spectacular live theatre shows playing at the Capitol Theatre and enjoy the added perk of 2 free hours in the park to explore everything else the Christmas Market has to offer.


Zoominescence Festival of Light at the Edmonton Valley Zoo | Nov 29 – Jan 1

Book your evening visit in December to see the zoo transformed into a magical and bright winter wonderland, complete with brilliant light displays, a nightly Creature Feature, roaming fairytale characters, and all your favourite zoo animals.

For all The Best Christmas Lights in Edmonton & Area head here.


Light Up The Legislature | December 3

Get into the holiday spirit as they Light up the Legislature grounds on Tuesday, December 3, Celebrate the Season with free musical performances on weekends, enjoy complimentary tours of the festively decorated Alberta Legislature building, and discover what’s new at the Visitor Centre. There is always something fun to discover!


Shop a Handcrafted Haven at the Butterdome Craft Sale | December 5-8 

We have a list of Holiday Markets and Craft Shows happening all month long, but this one deserves special mention. The Butterdome Craft Show is an Edmonton tradition and Alberta’s largest craft show with over 220 of the best artists, makers, crafters and designers.

For the Best Craft Fairs & Markets head here.


Currents Windermere Holiday Event Series | December 6, 13 & 20

Currents Windermere invites you to celebrate the season with their Holiday Events Series. Don’t miss these FREE family-friendly events on Friday nights in December including a Holiday Light-Up December 6, Sing-Along in the Square December 13, and Royal Snowflake Soiree on December 20.


Christmas in the Country in South Strathcona County | December 7

South Rural Strathcona County will be bustling as Christmas in the Country returns! There will be Christmas markets set up at several locations, as well as other activities, like kids’ crafts, skating, a live nativity with animals, music, and more! From 4 pm to 6 pm visit the Fire Station in South Cooking Lake for the Fireworks Celebration, which includes free refreshments, cookie decorating, and fireworks to kick off the season!


Christmas at Reynolds – it’s a Pajama Party! | December 7

Don your coziest pair of pajamas and celebrate Christmas with the Reynolds Museum in Wetaskiwin! This fun holiday Pajama Party will include a live musical performance from the Jivin’ Belles at 11 am, photos with Santa, cookie decorating, reindeer games and goodies bags, Christmas beverages from Snowbucks, and a Christmas decoration make-and-take.


Meet Santa on the Kiwi Nurseries Christmas Trail | December 7

Come discover the snow covered trails and enjoy an outdoor visit with Santa in his sleigh. Tickets are just $10/child including fun interactions with colorful Christmas characters, hot chocolate, and a take-home craft.


Best Christmas Events in Edmonton


Rogers Place Holiday Brunch & Skate | December 8

Lace up your skates and make holiday memories together with a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to skate on the same ice as the Edmonton Oilers and Edmonton Oil Kings! Rogers Place is hosting a Holiday Brunch & Skate on Sunday, December 8, 2024 including a hearty holiday brunch, skating, photos with Santa, special guests, festive activities, and more! For a great FREE Skate with Santa option, Glen Allen Arena is also hosting an event on December 8.


The 2024 CP Holiday Train is Rolling into Town | December 11 & 12

Good news – the festively lit CP Holiday Train is back in Edmonton in 2024 with live performances from Sofia Camara and Magic! Make it part of your annual Christmas tradition with concert stops in Edmonton, and the nearby towns of Wetaskiwin, Millet, Leduc, and Josephburg.


Narnia in the Forest | December 12, 13, 14

Step into the pages of the beloved tale as you venture into the magic forest with Picnics in the Forest and encounter enchanting mythical creatures along the way! This immersive live-action adventure is 1.5 hours long and includes the chance to explore the snowy forest, meet characters from the book, enjoy tasty treats, and take a snowy sleigh ride with Father Christmas.


Leduc Country Christmas Convoy | December 14

The young and young at heart are going to love seeing big wheelers decked out in festive Christmas lights during the annual Leduc Country Christmas Convoy! The trucks will be meeting at Blackjacks Roadhouse from 12 pm to 4 pm, and will roll out at 4:30 pm to make their way through Leduc and on to the Leduc Country Lights.


Home Alone in Concert | December 14

Make merry this December while enjoying a classic holiday movie and concert performance from FILMharmonique Orchestra! Home Alone in Concert offers a unique and memorable experience with the beloved Christmas movie enhanced by a live musical performance of John Williams’ spectacular soundtrack.


A Christmas Past at Rutherford House | December 15

Come deck the halls and carol along as the Rutherford House celebrates A Christmas Past. During this traditional holiday celebration, guests will be treated to warm cider and old-fashioned treats from the historic wood-burning oven, topped off with a visit from Father Christmas!


Santa Swim at Emerald Hills Leisure Centre | December 21

Dive into Christmas with the Santa Swim at Emerald Hills Leisure Centre. Take some time to have some fun in the water with the family and enjoy a visit with Santa just before he needs to head back to the North Pole for Christmas Eve!


Santa vs. The Grinch in The Race to Save Christmas | December 21

Alberta Standardbred Horse Association invites your family to a holiday showdown like no other when Santa faces off against the Grinch at Century Mile Racetrack and Casino. This FREE family event includes photo ops with Santa and his reindeer, face painting, balloon art, and hot chocolate.


Love seeing the Family Fun Events in Edmonton in December, but want MORE?  Sign up for the monthly Family Fun Edmonton enewsletter! Also, keep tabs on everything happening in #YEG with our calendar, and stay tuned to all the best local family events through our Facebook, and Instagram accounts.