Staying in town over the holiday break? Check out 5 things you can do for free, and 5 things you can do for a few extra dollars here in Edmonton this December.
Browse one of Edmonton’s winter markets
Edmonton’s farmer’s markets are still running in full force this winter! The Old Strathcona Farmer’s Market and the City Market in City Hall runs year-round on Saturdays, and be sure to check out the French Quarter’s Grand Market on the last day of its season on December 17th. You don’t need to buy anything to have fun - you’ll always find free, delicious samples no matter which market you go to.
Enjoy a day of holiday activities at Yule Ave Festival - Cost: Free!
Head to the Yule Ave Christmas Festival on December 16th for a day of festivities in the heart of the Alberta Avenue community. You’ll be treated to an art show, wagon rides, snow castles, a tree-lighting ceremony, and free dinner to boot.
Check out one of Edmonton’s free outdoor skating rinks - Cost: Free!
Of all the public rinks in the city, I’d recommend the Victoria Park Iceway, a half-kilometer rink and one of the biggest in town. Although it’s currently closed, the Iceway is scheduled to open on December 15th, or you can spend time at one of Edmonton’s 7 other public rinks (City Hall’s rink has some gorgeous holiday decor).
Celebrate the season at the Legislature grounds - Cost: Free!
You may know about the stunning display of lights at the Legislature this time of year, but you may not have heard that they host daily performances by school choirs from across the province, too. Check out the performance schedule, bundle up, and spend an evening admiring the sights and sounds of the holidays.
Visit an art gallery - Cost: Free!
Take in some culture this holiday season! With everything from Latitude 53’s cosmic “Persistence of Vision” exhibit, to the Art Gallery of Alberta’s “Undaunted” featuring portraits done by Canadian painters, to the U of A’s very own plethora of collections, there’s something for everyone at one of Edmonton’s museums and galleries.
Catch a holiday-themed movie at Metro Cinema - Cost: $10.00
Metro Cinema at the Garneau Theatre is getting in the holiday spirit, and invites you to join them! Featuring holiday classics like Home Alone, Kiss Kiss Band Bang, and National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation, you’re sure to enjoy a film in the heart of the city. And although not a traditional Christmas film, I’ll be fulfilling my holiday tradition of seeing The Room in theatre.
Visit Fort Edmonton’s Holidays at the Park - Cost: $15.00 and up
With sleigh rides, hot chocolate, and a good dose of Edmontonian history, Fort Edmonton Park’s holiday activities are great for anyone. It also hosts special events like the Breakfast with Father Christmas (December 16th) and the New Year’s Dinner at the Hotel in the Park (December 31), visitors are sure to be entertained.
Check out the U of A Student Design Association’s Pop-Up Shop - Cost: Varies
Every year, the U of A’s student Design Association launches a pop-up shop selling products hand crafted by students here in Edmonton. Find it at Kingsway Mall between December 8 - 22 and support students while finishing up your holiday shopping.
Hit up the Valley Zoo for Zoominescence: A Festival Of Light - Cost: $7.50
Every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday this month, the Edmonton Valley Zoo lights up with a lighting installation, fire dancers, an ice slide, and a skating rink. Plus, you get an excuse to visit the zoo! Tickets are available in advance online.
See a holiday-themed improv show - Cost: $12.00
Rapid Fire Theatre’s weekly improv shows are taking a holiday spin on December 16th - check out Chimprov that night, featuring Ebenezer Scrooge himself.