The holidays are an expensive time of year so it’s definitely nice to have a list of cheap & free holidays activities in Edmonton for kids to have fun and enjoy in anticipation for the holiday season!
Cheap & Free Holiday Activities
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Santa’s arrival at West Edmonton Mall – November 12th
Enjoy a pancake breakfast (first come, first serve) and entertainment while waiting for Santa
Centre Stage, Level One, Phase 1, 10:00am
Free, donations accepted for the Edmonton Food Bank
More details here
Stony Plain Christmas Light Up – November 16th
Celebrate the light up of Stony Plain with carolers, the light up of the tree, as well as Santa’s first appearance.
Downtown Stony Plain 50 st & 51 ave, 6:30pm-8:30pm
Free, bring a toy or non-perishable food item for the Kinsmen Club’s Christmas Hamper Program
More details here
Celebration of Lights – November 18th
Kick off the Holiday Season with the lighting of the digital Christmas Tree and lights outside. The event will have many activities including sleigh rides, petting zoo, cookie decorating and more
401 Festival Lane, Sherwood Park (Community Centre), 3:00pm-5:00pm
Free, donations accepted for Strathcona County Food Bank
More details here
Santa’s Parade of Lights – November 18th
Bundle up and watch holiday theme floats and celebrate the arrival of Santa. Don’t forget to bring your letter to Santa too!
Jasper Ave, 100st – 108st, 5:30pm
Free
More details here
Cookie Decorating at Southgate Centre November 18th & 25th, Dec 2nd
Take a break from Christmas shopping and decorate cookies with the Christmas Bureau of Edmonton.
Southgate Centre, 10:00am-3:00pm
Free, donations will be accepted for the Christmas Bureau
More details here
Cineplex Family Favourites Holiday Movies – November 24th, December 2nd & 9th
Watch Home Alone, Elf, and Polar Express on the Saturdays leading up to Christmas.
Participating cineplex locations, 11:00am
$2.99/person
More details here
St.Albert Snowflake Festival – November 24th
You and your family can admire the live ice sculpture display, take a ride in a horse’s drawn wagon, mingle at the petting zoo, and soak in other unique entertainment and displays in this winter wonderland.
5 St. Anne Street St. Albert, 6:30pm-9:00pm
Free
More details here
Build a Christmas Ornament – November 24th
Join the fun with this holiday theme DIY! Kids will learn how to build their very own Christmas tree ornament.
At a Home Depot near you, 10:00am-12:00pm
Free
More details here
Christmas in Central Park – November 25th
Enjoy holiday crafts, a visit from Santa, fireworks and the City’s popular “light up” ceremony when more than 150,000 Christmas lights bring Central Park to life.
Central Park, 450 King St, 2:30–5:30 pm
Free
More details here
Winter Delight – November 25th
Kick off the Christmas season with a horse-drawn sleigh ride, hot chocolate, cookies, and a visit from Santa.
1751 Towne Centre Blvd NW, 4:00pm-6:00pm.
Free
More details here
All is Bright – November 25th
A fun and unique event that celebrates the coming of the winter season in Edmonton and lighting up the night through illumination, fun, and live entertainment.
124 Street between 102 Ave and Jasper Ave, 4:00pm-8:00 pm
Free
Fort Sask Santa Claus Parade – November 25th
Santa is coming to Fort Saskatchewan and you can see him on his magical sleigh, along with his elves. 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.
Starts at the corner of 99th Ave, 11:00am
More details here
Leduc Country Lights – Opens December 1st
Take a walk around and see the beautiful lights and decorations. Some dates, Santa visits and hands out Hot Chocolate too.
4:00pm-9:00pm
Donations of food & cash accepted for the Leduc Food Bank.
More details here
Winter in Little Italy – November 26th, December 3rd & 10th
Tour Little Italy on our FREE Horse Drawn Carriage. Roast Chestnuts at the Italian Center, browse unique gift ideas at Zocalo, and take in the European inspired Architecture on Church Street!
Will run south on 95th street from 111 ave to 107a and then north on 96 street, 11:00am-3:00 pm
Free
More details here
Breakfast with Santa – December 2nd
Join the Castledowns YMCA for breakfast, crafts, and a visit with Santa.
11510 153 Ave NW, First Seating: 8:30am–9:30am & Second Seating: 10:00am–11:30am
$7/member & $9/non-member
More details here
Martin Deerline Gree Christmas – December 2nd
Come out to Green Christmas to have your picture taken with Santa on a John Deere tractor, build Christmas crafts, enjoy Christmas treats and save some money on John Deere gifts!
17104 – 118 Avenue, 9:00am – 2:00pm
4630 – 51 Avenue, 9:30am – 3:30pm
Pictures with Santa by donation to Santa’s Anonymous or the local Food Bank.
More details here
Country Christmas at Greenland Garden – December 3rd
In previous years there has been a marshmallow roast, Christmas crafts, face painting, kids crafts, and sleigh rides.
23108 Hwy 16, Sherwood Park, AB, 1:00pm-4:00pm
Bring $, activities by donation
More details here
Candy Cane Lane – Opens December 8th
Drive, walk or take a sleigh ride ($$) to see the beautiful and fun Christmas decorations on the many homes.
9915 148 St, 5:00pm-11:00pm
Bring a donation for the Edmonton food bank
Hay Rides & Santa Photos with Callingwood Market – December 9th & 16th
Enjoy holiday theme crafts, treats, a horse-drawn hayride, and a visit and photo with Santa.
6650-177 Street, 12:00pm – 3:00pm
Accepting donations of new/gently used winter wear for kids and adults for Coats for Kids and Families
More details here
What other Cheap & Free Holiday Activities do you do with the family this time of year? Comment below so I can add them to the list!