Edmonton & Area Events

Events

• New Year’s Eve Downtown Festival & Fireworks: Dec. 31
• Free CPA Financial Literacy Series: Jan. 8
• Christmas Tree Recycling starts: Jan. 9
• Edmonton is Going Solar workshop: Jan. 10
• Boardwalk Ice on Whyte Festivalstarts: Jan. 27
• Flying Canoe Festival: Jan. 31 - Feb. 2

1. Zoominescence

Dates: every December weekend beginning Dec 1 plus December 26 and 27, 2018 Time: 5-9pm

● The festival’s vision is to celebrate light, artistry, imagination and the strong spirit of our community in the winter.● Join us for an evening of light, animals, skating, hot chocolate and fun for the whole family!

● Tickets can be purchased ​online​ or at the door

2. ​​Horse Drawn Sleigh Rides in Old Strathcona

• ● Ring in the holiday season with a festive holiday sleigh ride around Old Strathcona!
• ● Sleigh rides will take place between 12:00 PM and 4:00 PM on Sunday, December 2 and 9, and Saturday,
• December 15 & 22.
• ​5. ​​New Year’s Eve​​ and Day Events
• ● Celebrate the arrival of 2019 at the Alberta Legislature Grounds.
• ● This fun-filled, alcohol-free, family-friendly event will have something for everyone!
• Date: Monday December 31, 2018
• Time: Family-friendly activities: 6–9pm Fireworks: 9pm
• Location: Federal Building (9820–107 Street), Visitor Centre, and Capital Plaza Admission: Free
• ● Check the ​schedule​ for a complete list of performances and activities
• ​​Countdown at the Conservatory
• ​​Dec 31 10 am - 2 pm at the Muttart Conservatory. Regular admission applies.
• ● Come celebrate the end of 2018 and the start of 2019 at the Muttart in style.
• ● There will be hourly coundowns during the event hours, where we’ll celebrate the New Year with a cup of punch
• and a cupcake.
• ● crafts, planting and a whole lot of fun await those that don’t want to wait until midnight to celebrate the New Year
• ​​​Free New Year’s Eve Concert
• ​​Dec 31 7:30 - 10:30 pm at McDougall United Church, 10025 101 St NW
• ● It is an annual tradition that the McDougall Church opens its doors on New Years Eve for a free evening of music and entertainment
• ● Come for a relaxing, mellow evening of folk music, children’s activities, refreshments & desserts
• ● Please bring a non perishable food item or donation for the Food Bank
• New Year’s Day Levee
• Tuesday, January 1, 2019 from 1:30 to 3:30 pm at Government House Free Admission
• ● Each year, the Lieutenant Governor and spouse host the popular New Year’s Day Levee at Government House.
• ● The levee is a tradition in Canada dating back to the 1600s. It’s based on an older tradition in Europe that saw
• subjects visit the monarch to pay their respects and pledge allegiance. Today, the Levee at Government House is a
• chance for Albertans of all ages to meet the Queen’s representative in a relaxed social setting.
• ● Levee guests can enjoy light refreshments, tour Government House, send a postcard to Canadian troops serving
• overseas, and join in celebrating the start of a new year.
• ​6. Winter Excitement Guide
• ● The winter season is about to get really exciting with a ton of activities happening all across the city.

● Find it all in the ​Edmonton Winter Excitement Guide​, and start planning your weekends!

Find out what's happening every day on the City of Edmonton's Events Calendar

Get involved!

PARTICIPATE

• Enjoy the sparkle at Edmonton Valley Zoo’s Zoominescence: A Festival of Light.
• Register yourself or a child for a course in a winter pursuit.
• Discover ways to make the holidays waste-free.
• Strap on cross country skis at the Birkie Hot Chocolate Sundays.
• Stroll through the Alberta Legislature and take in the festive lights.
• Shovel someone's walk as a neighbourly gesture.
• Hang out with our YEGYouth staff in one of our City recreation centres and community drop-ins at these times and locations.
• Listen to this CBC program about making friends as adults (including throwing a block party!)
• Discover how the City can help you with community programs and neighbourhood events.
• Give your opinion by joining the Edmonton Insight Community.
• Find your nearest community leagueand become a member.

Front Yards in Bloom Winterscapes Photo Contest

• Edmonton truly is a Winter City! Here is your chance to spread the festive spirit and brighten your community by participating in the Front Yards in Bloom: Winterscapes photo contest.
• It has three categories to promote winter engagement in our City. Whether it’s a Winter Garden, Winter Art orWinter Playscape, our team wants to hear from you!
• The​ nomination form​ will be open from January 17th to February 28th , and you’ll have a chance to win one of the weekly prizes.

Community Gatherings: Your input on the City's Anti-racism Advisory Committee

• ● The City of Edmonton is working on creating a municipal Anti-racism Advisory Committee to advise the City on issues related to anti-racism.
• ● We want to hear from Edmontonians as we define the mandate and activities of the Committee.
• ● We invite you to attend one of our drop-in community gatherings to share your input on this important process.
• ● For dates and registration: ​details
• ● If you cannot attend a community gathering but would still like to share your thoughts, please ​click here
• Fill those stockings with gifts from holiday craft markets.
• Marvel at the University of Alberta Botanic Garden’s candle-lined pathways during Luminaria.
• Find a holiday volunteering opportunity by searching the following words online: Edmonton holiday volunteer 2018.
• Enjoy festive school musical performances during Holiday Magic.
• Visit beautifully decorated houses in the Junior League of Edmonton’s annual Homes for the Holidays.
• Gather friends and enjoy a winter patio.
• Discover how the City can help you with community programs and neighbourhood events.
• Give your opinion by joining the Edmonton Insight Community.
• Check out other City e-newslettersand discover what's here for you.

DEC 7 - DEC 23, 2018 Celebrate the Season at the Alberta Legislature

DEC 21, 2018 Marché de Noël du Quartier Francophone

DEC 22, 2018 Snowshoe and Stargaze

DEC 22, 2018 Elk Island National Park Free Admission Day

DEC 22, 2018 Horse-Drawn Sleigh Ride in Old Strathcona

DEC 22, 2018 Full Moon Birkie

• Help a newcomer feel welcome in Edmonton.
• Share your thoughts about The City Plan at drop-in public engagement sessions.
• Lend a hand building a home with Habitat for Humanity.
• Offer your insights about The Future of Waste in Edmonton and help Waste Services shape a new long-term waste strategy.
• Discover how the City can help you with community programs and neighbourhood events.
• Give your opinion by joining the Edmonton Insight Community.
• Find your nearest community league and become a member.
• Check out other City e-newslettersand discover what's here for you.
• Discover how the City can help you with community programs and neighbourhood events.
• Make a new Edmonton resident feel welcome with the City’s New Resident Programs.
• Stroll or amble through your neighbourhood with a free Communities on Foot Map of your (or someone else’s!) area.