Things to do during the Holidays in Edmonton

Ah the holidays! It's definitely my favorite time of the year. There are so much to see and do. I love it all. The snow, the festivals, the concerts, the beautiful Christmas lights. I love Christmas!

So I'm going to be listing some things to do during the Holidays in Edmonton. Feel free to comment if  you want to share what other things there are to do in our city.

The Festival of Trees 
I know it has already passed this year, but I love going to this. There are tons of things to see and do. Watch performances, check out Gingerbread houses, beautifully decorated trees everywhere, and go shopping! There are also some crafts, so if you have kids, this is definitely would also make a great family outing.

Festival of Trees 2008

Christmas Bureau Carol Sing-along

The Christmas Bureau is hosting its annual Carol Sing-along at the Winspear Centre.

There will be a choir performance from noon to 1 p.m. and families can join in the carolling and make a donation to the non-profit organization. Admission is free. Arrive early as seats fill fast.

WHEN: Dec.17, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

WHERE: The Winspear Centre.

Candlelight Christmas at the John Walter Museum 

 This wonderful evening offers Christmas enchantment with Celtic music performed by the McDade Family.

Dates: December 10 - 26, 2010
Time: 2 – 4pm matinee, 7:30 – 9:30pm evenings
Location: John Walter Museum, 10661 91A Avenue
Cost: $23.00/general; $14.00/child (age 2 – 14)

Experience two 45 minute musical performances in a pioneer home. During intermission, enjoy hot apple cider or hot chocolate and try some fresh home baking. A mug of apple cider, creaking boardwalks and lights reflecting off the snow create a magical atmosphere for the evening!

A complete schedule and information about the children’s program is available at edmonton.ca/johnwalter by clicking on events and programs. To purchase tickets, call 311 (outside of Edmonton 780-442-5311), visit any City of Edmonton Recreation Centre or go online at ereg.edmonton.ca.

 Crystal Sundays

The annual Crystal Christmas Sundays at the Muttart are on again this year. Take in the sights and sounds of Muttart Conservatory and enjoy the Feature Pyramid show Polar Bear Express and the Ice Crystal concerts in the Centre Court. Children can play in the Snowflake Room where a festive wonderland of games, crafts and music has been set up. Regular admission rates apply.

WHEN: Dec. 19, 1p.m. to 4p.m.

WHERE: The Muttart Conservatory, 9626 96A Street.

Hayrides

The Marketplace at Callingwood will host free hayrides in a horse drawn carriage with Santa for families and a Northpole Workshop for kids.

WHEN: Dec.18 from 1p.m. to 4p.m.

WHERE: The Marketplace at Callingwood, 6655 178 St.

Edmonton Singing Christmas Tree 

Northern Alberta Jubilee Auditorium is again hosting the renowned Singing Christmas Tree concert.

Enjoy a 35-foot singing Christmas tree with hundreds of entertainers accompanied by a live orchestra. All proceeds go toward a new home for Santas Anonymous.

Tickets available through Ticketmaster.

Candy Cane Lane

Candy Cane Lane is once again open for the holidays. Bring along a donation to the Food Bank when you visit.

WHEN: Until Jan. 2

WHERE: Along 148th Street, starting at 100th Avenue.

Butterdome Craft Sale 

DATES & HOURS
December 9 – 12, 2010

Thursday 11 – 10
Friday 11 – 10
Saturday 10 – 6
Sunday 10 – 5

DIRECTIONS
University of Alberta “Butterdome”
87 Avenue & 114 Street, Edmonton, Alberta

Find directions using Google™ Maps

TRANSPORTATION & PARKING
There are a number of public parking areas in the vicinity of the Butterdome however, parking may be limited during weekdays.

There are 2 LRT stations within the immediate vicinity of the Butterdome as well as an Edmonton Transit stop directly at the door on 87th Avenue.

 Alberta Legislature - 'Tis the Season at the Legislature

Begins December 2, 2010: Celebrate the Season at the Alberta Legislature! Festivities are free and include:

Celebrate the Season Light up, December 2 at 4 pm

Choirs at noon hours and evenings, December 2 to 23

Free hot chocolate in the evenings, December 2 to 23

Winter wonderland of outdoor light displays, December 2 to January 14

Christmas trees decorated by Edmonton and area schoolchildren in the pedway

Winter scenes for fun photos adjacent to the Gift Shop and Interpretive Centre

Ice-skating on the south grounds (weather permitting)

Alberta Legislature Visitor Services and Interpretive Centre, 10820 98 Avenue Edmonton

Phone: 780.427.7362 (Toll Free 780.310.0000)

A Christmas Carol

Date: Saturday, November 27, 2010 - Thursday, December 23, 2010

An Edmonton Holiday Tradition Continues
For a decade, Edmonton has embraced Tom Wood's brilliant adaptation of Charles Dickens' classic tale, and the tradition continues this year for an eleventh season. With an unforgettable story, rich cast of characters and dazzing special effects, A Christmas Carol, is exceptional family entertainment.

Citadel Theatre, MacLab Theatre, 9828 101 A Avenue

Box Office: 780.425.1820