I love Edmonton events at Christmas time! The month of December is filled with so many winter activities that are happening in and around the city to enjoy with your family and partner. The first event called Leduc Country Lights is a ten-minute drive west of Leduc. Spruce Grove Lights has many Christmas lights and a skating rink in Central Park. Candy Cane Lane is a fun event with your partner walking down the lane and looking at all the houses lit up with Christmas lights and decorations. CP Holiday Train with decorative lights brings a wonderful festive atmosphere with a joyful music concert for everyone.
A gorgeous walk downtown to the Legislature allows you to see many trees decorated with Christmas lights of varying colours. Walking further south on the grounds will bring you to a skating rink if you’re interested in skating as a different winter activity. Last but not least, Zoominescence involves a pleasant walk to see animals and lights to brighten up your Christmas.
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Leduc Country Lights
Leduc Country Lights located on the Leduc West Antique Society (49541 Range Rd 260, Leduc, AB T0C 0V0) is a ten-minute drive west of Leduc. They have old buildings on site that are collected and restored and used in the Christmas lights display. There is lots of free parking on site. The Country Lights are open from December 1 to 31, 2023 in the evenings from 5 to 9 P.M. Sunday to Thursday and 5 to 10 P.M. on Friday and Saturday. There is a $2 admission fee that can be paid online here or you can also pay cash once you arrive. There is no time slot required. You can show up anytime they are open. Dogs are allowed as long as they stay on a leash.
It’s an impressive display that makes a perfect date with your partner. It’s not possible to drive through, it’s only a walk-through. It took Kris and I forty-five minutes to walk in its entirety. It depends on how long you want to look at the lights.
They encourage you to bring a food donation to the Food Bank. They have a table set up outside when heading back towards your vehicle, once you’re done walking around.
Tip: Leave your food donation in your vehicle until you’re done walking. It can be placed on their table right before you leave.
It can get cold at night, so make sure to dress in enough layers so you don’t get cold.
Spruce Grove Lights
Edmonton Events at Christmas includes the Spruce Grove Lights located at Central Park (450 King St, Spruce Grove, AB T7X 2C5). They have a skating oval in between the different coloured Christmas lights on the trees making it festive when getting some exercise. There is a lot of free parking as it’s located across the Grant Fuhr Arena and Stu Barnes Arena. Here you’ll find available washrooms. Benches are provided to lace up your skates for this free activity.
There were children playing hockey the last time I was there.
Tip: Be aware of your surroundings and watch out for potential hockey players and a puck coming towards you.
When the wind is chilly, your face and body can get cold. Bring the appropriate layers to stay warm. It’s a wonderful place to get some movement and feel festive at the same time with your partner.
Candy Cane Lane
Candy Cane Lane is a wonderful event located on 148th Street between 99th and 92nd avenues. Lights and magic are turned on from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. nightly from December 8th to January 1, 2024. This is one of my favourite outdoor Edmonton events at Christmas. This event is free but a non-perishable item to Edmonton’s food bank is greatly appreciated. Green bins are prominent along the way to deposit your donation. It will take you and your partner half an hour to an hour to walk down the lane and come back depending on how long you spend looking at the lights and movie clips. The beauty of this event is to enjoy the atmosphere; there’s no need to rush through it.
Weather
Dress for the cold weather and head out with your partner for some exercise and to get in the Christmas spirit as you walk up and down this road. You can drive up and down the road but I would not recommend it because you’ll miss half of it. Driving is not as festive as walking along and enjoying the atmosphere outside. Of course, the driving option is available for people who would like to see the decorations but have mobility issues. Another option is to rent a horse-drawn sleigh with blankets to enjoy the sights.
Tip #1: Enjoy the outside experience by walking and dressing up for the weather. You’ll miss out otherwise.
Some homes have lights and movies while others have Grinch cartoons or a snowman in their front yard.
Tip #2: Whatever may be the scene on a property, be kind and don’t walk on the neighbourhood lawns.
There are fire pits at the beginning of Candy Cane Lane if you need a place to warm up and I’ve seen on occasion food trucks to grab some treats.
Once you’re done with your walk, you can head home to drink some hot chocolate and eat those delicious homemade Christmas treats.
Edmonton CP Holiday Christmas Train
The CP holiday trail is back up and running from November 20 to December 19th, 2023 for Edmonton Events to do at Christmas. Take a look at the schedule here. Although it’s not coming to Edmonton this year, check out the schedule to find out where you might be able to see it. The concert will get you and your partner in a Christmas mood. It’s a nice festive environment for couples to enjoy. The concert takes place on the train to allow visibility for the entire crowd. Show up early if you want to see the artists up close. The event is free but visitors are asked to make a monetary or non-perishable donation to the food banks in the area either online or in person at the event.
Edmonton Christmas Warmth
Tip: If it’s cold outside, make sure to dress in sufficient layers so you don’t get cold. Children often are dressed up warmly but adults also forget to dress themselves appropriately! One can get cold quickly while standing in one place for an extended period. Grab a hot chocolate or tea at a restaurant on your way over to help keep your body warm. If the conditions are mild or you need an additional layer for your head or neck, a multi-tubular headwear could help keep your body from freezing.
Legislature Lights
The lights at the Legislature, free to the public, provide a fantastic place to enjoy the sights, scenery and joys of Christmas with your partner. Lights are scattered around the grounds, to the north of the building. Beautiful pictures can be taken on the north steps above the fountains. You can also enjoy skating on the rink on the south side from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily. If you need a break from the cold, enjoy various free musical ensembles playing instruments or singing. Celebrate the season at the Alberta Legislature presents different groups either inside or outside to entertain you throughout December. Check the site for updates, times and specifics as to when groups are playing. Before heading back home, check out the river valley for the gorgeous display of lights and views.
Zoominescence
Edmonton Valley Zoo’s Zoominescence Event at Christmas is celebrating 11 years this year! It runs from Monday to Sunday evenings starting on December 1 to January 3 (excluding Christmas Eve and Christmas Day) from 4:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. Price costs $15.95 for adults. It could take approximately forty-five minutes for an adult to walk the grounds. There are many different light installations to check out and go through. Don’t rush; enjoy your evening out with your partner while admiring the Christmas lights and visiting the zoo animals.
Make sure to dress in layers as it can be cold in December. A Merino Pant Base Layer and a Merino Top Base layer can help keep your body warm. You might feel like you’re dressed for downhill skiing if you’re dressed like a snowman, but it will be worth it to keep yourself toasty.
Final Thoughts
All these wonderful Edmonton Events at Christmas should provide you with a variety of fun for you and your partner. There are many opportunities to see lights lit up across the city. Candy Cane Lane, Zoominescence and Leduc Country Lights, Spruce Grove Lights and the Legislature will allow you to enjoy the Christmas lights while exercising. The CP Holiday Train will get you in the Christmas spirit while singing and dancing to the concert. Whether you do all of them or only the ones that interest you, have fun, be happy and have a Merry Christmas!
Additional Links
- The Best Winter Activities Near Me for a Marvelous Season
- 9 Extraordinary Winter Wonderland Banff National Park Activities
- 28 Ways to Spend Time Outdoors This Winter
- Family Quality Time at Christmas
- Top 8 Christmas Desserts
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