10 Family-Friendly Holiday Events in the Greater Edmonton Area

If you’re looking to get out and enjoy the magic of the holidays, we’ve got you covered with 10 family-friendly events in and around Edmonton.

Edmonton Christmas Market at Fort Edmonton Park

Running from now until December 18th.

Shop their curated holiday market with over 100 rotating vendors offering everything from Apparel & Home Goods to Food & Beverages and everything in between. This is the perfect opportunity to get those last-minute holiday gifts & support local. Take part in holiday-themed activities & workshops for the whole family. Take in everything from Theatre Shows, Festive Workshops, Musical Performances, On-Site Activations - hello, holiday sleigh rides! Enjoy delicious and festive culinary creations. With offerings from the likes of Robert Spencer Hospitality, Three Vikings, The Mill Bakery, Thoroughfare Baked Goods, Mister Waffle and the Canadian Maple Shack, there is something for everyone in the family, even the 4-legged members!

Learn more and get your tickets here.

Breakfast & Photos with Santa at Bountiful Farmers Market

December 17th & 18th

Enjoy a tasty pancake breakfast with Santa & a fun Christmas activity, plus get a family photo taken & tell Santa what's on your wish list. Buy your tickets here.

Bountiful Farmers Market also has tickets available for photos with Santa on December 10th & 11th.

Candy Cane Lane

Running from now until December 23rd.

An Edmonton tradition for over 50 years! Candy Cane Lane is run by residents and volunteers, all in support of the Edmonton Food Bank. Take in the Holiday lights on foot, sled, bike, ski, sleigh (if you were lucky enough to snag a ticket) or from the comfort of your vehicle. You can enjoy Fire Pits and Food Trucks December 9-11, 16-18 and 21-23! Please remember to bring donations for the Edmonton Food Bank.

Learn more here.

Zoominescence at the Edmonton Valley Zoo

A magical mix of animals and holiday lights! This event runs from 4:30 pm - 9 pm every Friday, Saturday and Sunday leading up to the holidays, then every night from December 16th to January 1 (excluding Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.) Each Weekend and Holiday Week have a special theme, including character visitors, so make sure you check out their schedule here to plan your trip.

Luminaria: A Winter Garden Story

A magical winter experience for all ages! Running now until December 31st.

Enjoy Alpine-inspired food and drink before and after your adventure at the Chalet. The Village Square provides a canopy of festive lights where guests can gather, eat, drink and be merry in this beer gardens style plaza. Take a ride through the forest on the Woodland Express (what is it about trains, lights and forest that just scream Christmas?) Various gardens are available for you to explore and take in the winter holiday magic. Including the Luminaria with candlelit pathways perfect for a winter walk, the Winter Queens Royal Garden is an interactive space for all ages - we’ve even been given special permission to sit on her sleigh for a photo op, Spirits Hallow, where children can play and make wishes and finally, the Alpine Garden, where tiny wooden cabins line the hills, and you can spot animals grazing - a very worthy winter photo backdrop.

Learn more and book your tickets here.

Magic of Lights at Castrol Raceway

Running from now until January 1st.

Located just south of Edmonton, this drive-through experience is the perfect way to enjoy the magic of holiday lights, especially on cold nights. Turn up the Christmas tunes and take in the festivities from the comfort of your vehicle.

Learn more and book your tickets here.

Borealis Lights

This new addition to the holiday drive-through light show is located just minutes north of Edmonton, nestled in the heart of St Albert. An affordable event for the whole family that you can take in from the warmth and safety of your own vehicle, Borealis lights promises a bright and beautiful blend of traditional, contemporary and whimsical lights and displays along the 100 ft tunnel of lights with 26 thousand flashing animated lights. Tune into the festive soundtrack on FM radio, and beginning December 7th, Santa will be there Wednesdays, Thursdays and Sundays from 4:30 pm to 8:30 pm until December 22, 2022.

Learn more and book your tickets.

CP Holiday Train

The CP Holiday Train is almost here. It will be in Leduc on December 8th and in Edmonton on December 9th. Enjoy entertainment by Tenille Townes & Aysanabee. This event is free to attend; organizers just ask that you bring a donation for the food bank. Donations stay local.

Check out the full schedule here.

The Polar Express

This event involves a bit of a trek as it departs from Settler Alberta, but if you and the family are up for a road trip, the Polar Express is sure to make holiday dreams come true! The magical story comes to life over a one-hour round-trip journey to the North Pole set to the soundtrack from the movie. Onboard, guests are served hot chocolate and a cookie treat by Polar Express Chefs, presented with a souvenir golden ticket, and everyone receives a ceramic souvenir Polar Express mug. Santa boards the train at the North Pole and, during the return trip, walks through the cars giving out the “first gift of Christmas” – a silver sleigh bell.