EDMONTON — The 2014 holiday season is upon us and there is no shortage of activities in the Capital Region to get you in the festive spirit. Here are 12 events you might enjoy.
Christmas Choir Concerts
‘Tis the season for Christmas carols!
WHEN: Nov. 22 – Dec. 20
WHERE: McDougall and other Edmonton churches, the Winspear Centre and the Legislature
COST: Free to $20 at local churches, $24 to $93 at the Winspear, and free at the Legislature
Festival of Trees
Check out over 100 decorated trees and seasonal displays (and maybe get some ideas for your own holiday decor). There are also free activities for the kids on Christmas Lane, including a family scavenger hunt on Nov. 27.
WHEN: Nov. 27 to 30
WHERE: Shaw Conference Centre
COST: Children (2-12) $2; Youth (13-17); $5 Adults $10; Seniors $5. Tickets will be available at the door. Sales support the University Hospital Foundation.
WEBSITE: Festival of Trees
A Christmas Carol
Watch Charles Dickens’ classic novel come to life. The play tells the story of how bitter Ebenezer Scrooge learns to open his heart and embrace the spirit of Christmas.
WHEN: Nov. 29 to Dec. 23
WHERE: Citadel Theatre
COST: Tickets start at $30 and are ‘pay what you can’ on Nov 30, 2014
WEBSITE: A Christmas Carol at the Citadel
Legislature Light-up
The holiday season at the Legislature will kick off with a choral performance and cap off with the ceremonial lighting of the grounds, which will boast over 300 sparkling trees.
WHEN: Dec. 4 at 4 p.m.
WHERE: Alberta Legislature Grounds
COST: Free
WEBSITE: Legislative Assembly of Alberta
Luminaria
Stroll through candle-lit pathways, sip hot apple cider beside bonfires and glittering ice sculptures, and enjoy the seasonal sounds of a cappella singers.
WHEN: Dec. 6 – 7, 5 to 9 p.m.
WHERE: Devonian Botanic Garden
COST: Adults $9.50; Seniors $7.50; Child (7-12) $4.25
WEBSITE: Luminaria
CP Holiday Train
The CP Holiday Train is North America’s longest rolling food bank fundraiser. Over the three weeks of the program, musicians play more than 150 concerts from a boxcar turned into a travelling stage. Performers this year include the Odds and Roxanne Potvin.
WHEN: Dec. 9, Train arrives at 7:45 pm, Show is at 8:15 pm. It also stops in Leduc the night before.
WHERE: 7935 Gateway Blvd., South of the Edmonton CP Station
COST: Free but attendees are encouraged to bring either a non-perishable food item or cash donation for the Edmonton Food Bank.
WEBSITE: Holiday Train
The Nutcracker
A holiday staple set to Tchaikovsky’s score, the Nutcracker tells the tale of Klara and her Nutcracker as they battle against the evil Rat Tsar and his army of mice.
WHEN: Dec. 12 – 14
WHERE: Jubilee Auditorium
COST: Tickets start at $29; Discounted ‘rush’ tickets are also available for students and seniors the day of. (Call 780-428-6839 for details.)
WEBSITE: Alberta Ballet
Singing Christmas Tree
The production — complete with a live orchestra and a 35-foot Christmas tree filled with 150 singers— is sure to put you in the holiday spirit.
WHEN: Dec. 18 – 21
WHERE: Jubilee Auditorium
COST: Tickets start at $35. All net proceeds go to local charities, organizations and children in need.
WEBSITE: Edmonton Singing Christmas Tree
The Best Little Newfoundland Christmas Pageant…Ever!
Have a laugh at this quirky Christmas pageant which features the Herdmans, “the worst kids in the world.” They don’t know anything about Christmas, beyond the hamper they get every year, and have only showed up because they heard there were free refreshments. “What has the potential to be the worst pageant ever turns out to be the best one as everyone learns the true meaning of Christmas.”
WHEN: Dec. 18 to 22
WHERE: Varscona Theatre
COST: $20 to $24
WEBSITE: Tix on the Square
It’s a Wonderful Life Radio Show
Experience the classic holiday tale of despair and redemption performed as a 1940s radio broadcast by a cast in full period costume with live music and sound effects. It’s a perfect holiday treat with classic holiday music and hilarious commercial breaks.
WHEN: Dec. 18 – 23
WHERE: Capitol Theatre, Fort Edmonton Park
COST: Adult tickets start$12.60 for a matinee show; $18.90 for an evening performance;
WEBSITE: Fort Edmonton Park
Candy Cane Lane
What would the holiday season be without a walk, drive, or sleigh ride down the beautifully-decorated Candy Cane Lane in west Edmonton? It’s been an Edmonton Christmas tradition for over 40 years.
WHEN: The Lane will be lit up from Dec. 12 to Jan. 4 this year.
WHERE: 148 Street between 100 Avenue to 92 Avenue
COST: Please bring a donation for the Edmonton Food Bank.
WEBSITE: Candy Cane Lane
Skating
Grab your skates and hit one of the city’s public rinks for a romantic date or some free family fun.
WHEN: Check here to see when the City rinks open
WHERE: Hawrelak Park, City Hall, Victoria Park Oval, Rundle Park, etc
COST: Free
WEBSITE: City of Edmonton
Honourable Mentions:
- Take in the Festival of Light at the Edmonton Valley Zoo Dec. 5 – 14 — complete with artistic light installations, winter crafts, ice skating, and fire dancers.
- If you’re dreading doing your Christmas shopping amid mall mayhem, check out one of Edmonton’s craft sales for unique and locally made gifts; or take in the Culture Collective Arts Market and Variety Show for a side of entertainment with your shopping.
- Go sledding!
- Sign up for the massive #yegsnowfight so you don’t miss out when it happens.
If you have any other suggestions for Christmas activities in and around Edmonton, share them in our comments section below!
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