The first time you switch on the Christmas lights during the holidays is magical, isn’t it? In Edmonton, you can feel this way many, many times, visiting the many different light up festivals not only in Edmonton, but in the surrounding areas. Filled with family-friendly activities, the light up festivals are a great way to kick off the holidays.
NOV 14: DOWNTOWN HOLIDAY LIGHT UP
Share the joy of the holidays with friends and family at the Downtown Holiday Light Up presented by the Downtown Business Association, Thursday, November 14, 5 – 6:30 pm at Sir Winston Churchill Square Experience Sir Winston Churchill Square as it transforms into an immersive, winter wonderland with carollers, roasted chestnuts, maple taffy on snow, bannock, hot chocolate and cookies, warming stations, Fort Edmonton and so much more.
NOV 16: ALL IS BRIGHT ON 124TH
Join the 124 Street business community to celebrate the coming of the winter season by lighting up 124 Street with illumination, live music, street performers, fire dancers, beverage gardens, a children’s activity area, food trucks, s’mores around the fire, sleigh rides, fun winter activities, and more. All is Bright is an annual free community light up festival that caters to families and patrons of all ages.
NOV 16: CELEBRATION OF LIGHTS IN STRATHCONA COUNTY
On Saturday, November 16 Festival Place will be transformed into a winter wonderland with FREE family activities as part of Celebration of Lights, Strathcona County’s kickoff to the holiday season.
The festivities take place from 2:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. and include pictures with Santa, crafts, letters to Santa, face painting, cookie decorating, wagon rides, hot chocolate and campfire cooking.
At 4:30 p.m. the community countdown will begin and the magic of the season will come alive with the lighting of a digital tree and decorations outside Festival Place
Dress for the weather as some activities will be outside.
NOV 21: STONY PLAIN CHRISTMAS LIGHT UP
Kick off the holiday season at the annual Christmas Light Up! Watch downtown Stony Plain come alive with the lighting of Main Street and the Town Christmas tree. Part take in the Christmas Treat & Treasure Hunt, visit with Santa Clause, stay warm by sipping on hot chocolate, standing by a fire and snacking on a hot dog prepared by the Stony Plain Kinsmen Club. The event is free to attend, participants are encouraged to bring a toy or non-perishable food item for the Kinsmen Christmas Hamper program.
NOV 22: THE MAGIC OF LIGHTS
The Canadian Tire Magic of Lights is 2 kilometers 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! The magic opens 5-10pm, daily, and is $25/vehicle.
NOV 22: LIGHT UP: FORT SASKATCHEWAN
Watch City Hall come alive with holiday spirit! Sip hot chocolate or apple cider while you listen to carolers sing. Say hello to jolly old Saint Nick and take a stroll through the Enchanted Forest. The mayor will read “T’was the Night Before Christmas” just before officially switching on the lights of the holiday season!
NOV 30: WINTER WHYTE LIGHT UP
Join us for our second annual Winter Whyte Light Up! The Old Strathcona Business Association is lighting up McIntyre Park and we have a ton of fun activities planned. Come see the lights, shop at the Farmers’ Market during their extended hours, take a picture with Santa, or warm up by the fire and enjoy the ambiance. Make sure to come early to shop in our ‘hood and start crossing off your list!
NOV 29: LITE UP THE NITE CHRISTMAS FESTIVAL
Kick of the Christmas season with a three day festival of holiday fun. Activities include a food drive, town parade, lighting of St. Jean Baptiste Park, family skating and many more activities to be announced.
NOV 30: CHRISTMAS IN CENTRAL PARK (SPRUCE GROVE)
Residents are invited to bundle up and enjoy Christmas in Central Park on Saturday, Nov. 30, as the park magically transforms into a winter wonderland. Enjoy a variety of family-friendly activities, the City’s annual “light up” ceremony when more than 150,000 Christmas lights bring Central Park to life, and a mini fireworks display. This event is free to attend. Non-perishable food donations, unwrapped gifts, gift cards and monetary donations will be accepted for a local charitable cause. More information coming soon.
DEC 6: CAPILANO LIGHT DECEMBER LIGHTS
Capilano Community’s “Light December Lights”. Come Celebrate with Capilano Community Neighbours & Friends! A Friday evening with horse sleigh rides, Christmas treats, crafts, a family skate and much more!
FREE to all Capilano Community families, all are welcome.
MAKE SURE YOU’RE FOLLOWING ALONG ON INSTAGRAM @RAISINGEDMONTON TO FIND ALL OF THE LOCAL CHRISTMAS ACTIVITIES FOR KIDS AND FAMILIES IN EDMONTON.
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