The holiday season is upon us and there are so many holiday events happening around Edmonton.
Christmas can be expensive and with so many families being more budget conscious this list of 19 cheap + free Holiday Events for kids in Edmonton + beyond is great to have on hand.
19 cheap + free Holiday Events for kids in Edmonton
Santa’s Holiday Skate at West Edmonton Mall
November 12th – 11:00am
Join us as we welcome Santa Claus to West Edmonton Mall. Enjoy a free holiday skate and hot chocolate with Santa Claus and some of his friends! After the skate, swing by North Pole Place at Centre Stage to cap off the morning where the first 100 families to have their photo taken with Santa will receive a free holiday gift!
DBA Holiday Light Up at Churchill Square
November 12th – 4:00pm-7:00pm
Enjoy an afternoon of live entertainment including music and dance, and delicious treats from local food trucks! Join Santa and his helpers in a countdown at 6:30 pm to light up the massive Christmas tree and launch a spectacular fireworks display.
Santa’s Parade of Lights in Downtown Edmonton
November 19th- 5:00pm
Celebrate the glow of lights, the wonder of winter and the arrival of Santa Claus, outdoors at twilight! Bundle up and gather with family, friends and community in downtown Edmonton to kick off the holiday season.
All is Bright on 124th
November 19th – 4:00pm-9:00pm
A unique event that celebrates the coming of the winter season in Edmonton and lighting up the night through illumination. Activities include smores, segway and rickshaw rides, indoor and outdoor live music and so much more.
Celebration of Lights in Sherwood Park
November 19th – 3:00pm-5:00pm
Spend the afternoon decorating cookies, sipping hot chocolate, doing crafts and more. At 5 p.m. join Santa and the Mayor as the magic of the season come alive with the digital Christmas tree and community holiday lights outside the Community Centre.
Michaels Kids Club
Every Saturday – 10:00am-11:30am (Sessions start every half hour)
Kids 3 and up can enjoy a quick project and take home a finished masterpiece. Sign up in store or just drop in. Only $2 per child reserves 30 minutes for your creative kid.
Martin Deerline Christmas
November 19th- West Edmonton: 9:00am – 2:00pm, South Edmonton: 9:30am – 3:30pm, Westlock: 9:00am – 12:00pm
Come out to Green Christmas to get your picture with Santa on a John Deere tractor, build Christmas crafts, enjoy Christmas treats and save some money on John Deere gifts! Pictures with Santa by donation to either Santa’s Anonymous or the local Food Bank.
Leduc Festival of Trees
November 19th – 10:00am-5:00pm
November 20th – 10:00am-4:00pm
Shop from over 70 Christmas Vendors, go to the Children’s Carnival and explore the Winter Wonderland full of festive wreaths and trees. There is also a grandparents breakfast happening on the 19th with special access to the kids Carnival. Buy tickets here.
Lights Up in Fort Saskatchewan
November 25th – 5:00pm
Celebrate the official start of the holiday season with cookies, hot chocolate, crafts, a visit from Santa and reindeer and more. At 6:30pm Mayor Katchur will flip the switch and turn on the amazing light display at City Hall.
St.Albert Snowflake Festival
November 25th – 6:30pm-9:30pm
Admire the live ice sculpture display, take a ride in a horse-drawn wagon, see live reindeer, and take in the Christmas entertainment. Santa and his elves will also be waiting in Santa’s Village to greet children and spread Christmas cheer.
Brighten Up Beaumont
November 25th – 6:00pm-8:30pm
A winter festival with horse-drawn sleigh rides, hot chocolate and oranges, Christmas carols, a visit from Santa. Fireworks will begin at 8:30pm!
Christmas in Central Park in Spruce Grove
November 26th – 2:30pm-5:30pm
Decorate cookies, experience a horse-drawn wagon ride, take a photo with Santa in the Lions Log Cabin, try maple syrup on a stick, and more.
Devon Christmas in the Park
November 26th – 4:00pm-8:00pm
Bring your camera and take your picture with Santa, visit with reindeer’s, stroll through a candle maze, do some crafts, and go on a sleigh ride.
Cost: $20/family of 4, $5/person, kids 3 and under free
Fort Saskatchewan Santa Claus Parade
November 26th – 11:00am-12:00pm
Enjoy a free pancake breakfast at the Pioneer House and then head down to 99th to watch the Santa Claus Parade. Kids are invited to bring their letters to Santa which will be hand delivered to Santa by his elves as he passes by on his float.
Christmas in the Country in Strathcona County
December 3rd – Time TBA
Join the various communities of south Strathcona County for their craft fairs, activities and more. End the adventure at “Light up South Strathcona” grande finale at the Strathcona County South Contact Office in South Cooking Lake.
Horse Drawn Sleigh Rides in Old Strathcona
Dec 3rd, 10th & 17th – 12:00pm-4:00pm
Experience a unique way to get around Old Strathcona on Saturdays leading up to Christmas.
Country Christmas at Greenland Garden Center
December 4th – 1:00pm-4:00pm
Marshmallow roast, Christmas crafts, face painting, kids crafts, sleigh rides by donation and more.
Hay Rides & Photos with Santa at Callingwood Market
December 10th & 17th – 12:00pm-3:00pm
Bring the family to visit Santa and get your picture taken with him and have it printed instantly. Hop on a free horse-drawn hay ride around the parking lot.
Christmas Lights & Music with the CP Holiday Train
December 8th – 7:45pm-8:45pm
Taking place South of the Edmonton CP Station, 7935 Gateway Blvd you can see some beautiful Christmas lights and get into the festive mood with some Christmas music. Food Bank donations encouraged.
Which holiday events are you most excited to attend?
