Where to see the best and brightest Christmas displays in Edmonton

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Edmonton is kicking off the holiday season with bright colourful lights, beautiful winter gardens, live entertainment, and a lot more.

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There will be a sleighful of winter activities and attractions across Edmonton to enjoy between November and January.

Experiencing it all might be a challenge, but this guide will help you pack in as many winter festivities as you can.

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Glow Christmas Festival

Details: Dec. 4-31

Edmonton Expo Centre.

Hours of operation

Adults: $22.99 + fees
Families: $75.99 + fees
Children and seniors: $16.99 + fees

The Edmonton Expo Centre will be aglow with the twinkle of a million lights as you explore the magical indoor holiday experience that is Christmas Glow.

Just follow the lights and enjoy 100,000 sq. ft. of family-friendly activities. Glow features adventures for all ages, including a light maze scavenger hunt, an LED dance floor, a Merry Maker’s Market featuring work by local artisans, some of Edmonton’s most popular food trucks, and over 100 performances on the Glow stage.

For the adults, there’s also Glow After Dark, a private adults-only evening on Saturday, Nov. 30th, from 6:00 p.m. – 11:00 p.m., featuring live performances and an appearance by local firefighters signing and selling calendars to raise money for hospital burn units.

Zoominescence

Details: Nov. 29-Jan. 1.
Every Friday to Sunday, Nov, 29-Dec. 12.
Every day, Dec. 13-Jan. 1

Edmonton Valley Zoo, 13315 Buena Vista Rd.

Adults: $15.95
Children: $9.95
Youth (13-17 ) and Seniors (65+): $12.95

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If you’ve never been to Zoominescence, you’re in for a real treat. The Edmonton Valley Zoo and the zoo’s Development Society put together a series of spectacular light installations and displays that accentuate the unique setting of the zoo. Attendees will get to see the zoo in a whole new light, literally.

There will also be opportunities to see zoo animals, drink hot chocolate, skate on the ice, and other activities that change each day.

The festival’s vision is to celebrate light, artistry, imagination, and Edmonton’s strong community spirit.

Luminaria

Details: Dec. 13-15, 20-22, and 27-29.
5-10 p.m.

University of Alberta Botanic Garden
51227 Hwy 60, Parkland County

Adult: $25
Senior (65+): $20
Youth/Students: $20
Children 3-12: $12

Purchase tickets here

The beloved Luminaria winter garden at the University of Alberta returns after a one-year hiatus with a more limited offering. This year’s displays will return to Luminaria’s roots, replacing almost all electrical lights with candles and fire lights, guiding you along the Kurimoto Japanese Garden.

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Luminaria is usually a multi-week event that sees tens of thousands of visitors each year. This year, however, the Luminaria Gardens have limited their capacity to 8,100 guests over only three weekends.

Greenland Garden Centre Lights in the Park

Details: Nov. 12-Dec. 30

Admission: $5 per couple, $10 per family or alternate donation amount

Greenland Garden Centre, 23108 AB-16, Sherwood Park

Hours and dates vary

The Greenland Garden Centre in Sherwood Park has transformed its botanical display garden into a winter wonderland.

Enjoy displays of lights, polar bears and narwhals, as well as pathways lined with shimmering trees and magical photo spots.

Entry to Lights in the Park is by donation. Proceeds will help support the Strathcona Christmas Bureau and the Salvation Army in Canada.

Candy Cane Lane

Details: Dec. 13-Jan. 3

Entry is free, but donations to the Edmonton Food Bank are encouraged.

148 Street from 92 to 99 Avenue

Sleigh rides are $25 per person, plus tax

A longstanding Edmonton institution, Candy Cane Lane has been a destination for many families since 1968.

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Dozens of homes will be lit up with lights, colourful displays and a sense of Christmas cheer.

Visitors can come by vehicle or on foot, though the road is closed to drivers on Dec. 14, 23 and 28.

Canadian Tire Magic of Christmas

Details: Until Jan. 4

Admission: Tickets start at $33 per vehicle

Rad Torque Raceway, 50342 Range Rd 253, near the Edmonton International Airport

The race track south of town offers 2.5 kilometres of “drive-through spectacle,” with more than 2 million LED lights. Visitors can enjoy the animated light show from the comfort of their vehicles.

Winter Whyte Light Up

Free to all

One of Edmonton’s beloved winter traditions is the annual lighting of Wilbur McIntyre Park, transforming it into twinkling majesty.

The Winter Whyte Light Up has both indoor and outdoor activities all night. If you brave the cold of the outdoors, you’ll hear live music, see street performers, and eat warm food. If you want to stay indoors you can visit the Edmonton Public Library, the Old Strathcona Farmer’s Market, or the Fringe Theatre, where you can find crafts and ticketed shows for the kids to enjoy.

All proceeds go towards supporting various organizations and charities in Edmonton, including the Edmonton Food Bank and the Old Strathcona Youth Society (OSYS).

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Borealis Lights

Details: Until Jan. 5, 2025

Monday-Thursday: 5-9 p.m.

Friday-Sunday: 5-10 p.m.

St. Albert Kinsmen RV Park, 47 Riel Dr, St. Albert

Prices vary

St. Albert’s premier drive-thru holiday event, Borealis Lights, returns to the Kinsmen RV Park, and this year they’re bringing out the big branches.

The eye-popping experience features over 800,000 lights across a number of displays with themes such as Alladin, a Candle Extravaganza, and light tunnels.

This year, Borealis Lights will unveil its brand new 85-foot Christmas tree with over 57,000 animated lights. Make sure you bring your sunglasses!

Alberta Legislature — Celebrate the Season

Details: Light-Up event, Dec. 3, 6-8 p.m.

Events through the Christmas season, including choir and band performances performances, details at the Legislative Assembly website.

Alberta legislature grounds, 9820 107 St.

One of the best times of year to visit the legislature grounds, the Christmas season brings out the beauty of the domed building and tree-lined grounds, which lights and decorations, not to mention the sounds of the season. Grab your hot beverage of choice and head out for a stroll!

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