35+ Things to Do in Edmonton in Winter: Festive Activities in Edmonton (2026/2027)

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Are you curious about all the fun things to do in Edmonton in winter? You have come to the right place! We have the most comprehensive list of Edmonton winter activities, festivals, events, and more!

Edmonton is often called the “City of Festivals” and rightly so. The capital of Alberta is full of events and festivities on a regular basis. Winter is no different, bringing out the best holiday events and cozy winter cheer.

Whether you are a tourist braving the cold or a full-time resident interested in all the unique winter experiences in Edmonton, this guide has everything you need to know to make the most of winter in Edmonton. 

We lived in Edmonton for years, and when the snow falls here, you enter into a winter wonderland of festivities. There is just so much to do and enjoy in this amazing Canadian capital city. Here are some of our favorite winter activities in Edmonton.

This list is in no particular order. We will take you through the festivals and light events first, which are all outdoors. Then we’ll share the winter trails, ice skating, and other natural areas to experience the snow, followed by indoor attractions and travel tips!

Because festival and event dates change every year, we will try to update this post every year, but make sure you do your part and double-check dates and times before heading out.

Quick Look: Top Things to Do in Edmonton in Winter

Edmonton is absolutely worth visiting in winter! With so many things to do in Edmonton every winter, knowing which ones to prioritize can be overwhelming. These are our top five winter events not to miss in Edmonton.

1. Christmas Lights at Alberta Legislature Grounds: As the capital of Alberta, the legislature grounds are lit up for Christmas. More than just Christmas lights, you can go ice skating, listen to live music, and enjoy other holiday events. 
2. Edmonton Christmas Market at Fort Edmonton Park: Edmonton’s Christmas Market is held at the historic Fort Edmonton Park. Shop for gifts, eat Christmas treats, sip hot mulled wine, and enjoy music, events, and shows. 
3. Luminaria at Botanical Garden: Edmonton’s famous botanical gardens bring the very best cheer and dazzling light displays. 
4. Winter Sports: Edmonton is a great location for snowshoeing and skiing, whether you take a day trip out to Elk Island National Park, take a tour with River Valley Adventures, or stay in the city on your own exploring Fort Edmonton Park and other natural green areas.
5. Explore both downtown and Old Strathcona to find the best winter light displays.

Read on for our complete list of more than 35 things to do this winter in Edmonton. 

37 Things to Do in Edmonton This Winter

1. See Christmas Lights at Alberta Legislature Grounds

As the capital city of Alberta, Edmonton really goes all out for the holidays, and the capital building is where it all comes together. Alberta Legislature building, or The Ledge, is beautifully decorated for Christmas during the winter season. You can take a stroll, get pictures of the lights and tree, and enjoy the winter with a hot cup of cocoa.

Beyond the lights, there is an entire festival atmosphere. Right in front of the legislature building, The Ledge is easily accessible by public transit (Grandin Station).

The Christmas lights are on from the beginning of December by the Alberta Premier. From the beginning to the week leading up to Christmas Eve, the Legislature grounds are filled with winter activities and Christmas festivities.

There are indoor musical performances on Fridays and Saturdays, along with special events during weekdays in the Grand Rotunda. At the Legislature grounds, you can enjoy a skate on the outdoor rink, or do some shopping at the Alberta Branded store in the Visitor’s Centre.

• Cost: Free
• Dates: December 02, 2026, to December 20, 2026. Lights until Jan 31. 
• Typical Hours: Evenings to late at night. 
• How to get there? Transit services are available, including LRT (Stop: Grandin Station Government Centre). Car. 

2. Drive Castrol Raceway Magic of Lights

The Castrol Raceway tracks are located near the Edmonton International Airport, in Leduc. The raceway is illuminated with LED lights to celebrate the Christmas season. The public is welcome to drive along the track with a festive display. 

It is a perfect Christmas light show you can experience without freezing in the cold. From the comfort of your vehicle, drive the 2.7 km stretch and enjoy the hundreds of thousands of sparkling lights.

We also opted for a Santa Photo Pass ($63, which includes the vehicle entry) and had our pictures taken with Santa Claus when we went. It was a fun add-on, and just took a few minutes – you don’t even have to leave the vehicle for photos!

• Cost: $33 CAD+ with various ticketing offers. Tickets here
• Dates: November 24, 2025, to January 01, 2026 (2026/27 dates TBD)
• Typical Hours: 05:00 pm to 10:00 pm
• How to get there? Car only.

3. Enjoy Candy Cane Lane

The Candy Cane Lane tradition started over 40 years ago by a small group of residents in Crestwood Community in Edmonton. Over the years, Candy Cane Lane has grown in size and cheer.

The community here, puts on a display of impressive lights and sounds during December in the spirit of Christmas fun.

• Cost: Free (donations accepted for local Food Bank)
• Dates: December 9 2025 to January 01, 2026 (2026/27 dates TBD)
• Typical Hours: Evenings till late at night, 06:00 pm to 10:00 pm
• How to get there? Car. On certain days, vehicle access is restricted for pedestrians only. 

4. Visit the Edmonton Christmas Market

Edmonton Christmas Market is an annual holiday market and festival that features local vendors, food stalls, lights, and decorations. This is the official city Christmas Market, and it blends the best of cozy European-style markets with North American Christmas ambiance. 

Shop at dozens of vendors in an indoor space to find that perfect local Christmas gift. Eat all your favorite holiday foods, and sip festive drinks at a variety of food stalls. Come for entertainment from live music and holiday-themed activities.  

Tickets can be booked online for entry and experiences on-site. The Christmas market is held at Fort Edmonton Park for the perfect historic ambiance.

• Cost: $5 CAD per person for entry (food and experiences are additional)
• Dates: November 27 to December 20, 2026.
• Location: Fort Edmonton Park
• Typical Hours: Mostly evenings from 5:00 to 09:00 pm
• How to get there? Best by car. Parking is free but limited.

5. Christmas Square – Winston Churchill Square

Churchill Square is a safe, friendly, vibrant space located in the heart of Downtown Edmonton. Every year in November, Winston Churchill Square is lit to welcome the Christmas spirit.

There are live performances in the square, and the event kicks off with the lighting of the 72-foot Christmas tree adorned with 8-thousand LED lights!

Imagine the lit-up sky with cascading snowfall, sparkles, and stars. The Light Up is followed by a spectacular fireworks show that illuminates the Downtown sky!

Here you will find our City Hall. The Lights Up at Edmonton City Hall starts from the beginning of December until Christmas Eve. You can also visit the Alberta Arts Gallery nearby for some art displays.

• Cost: Free 
• Dates: December 3, 2025 (TBD for 2026)
• Typical Hours: 04:00 – 10:00 pm
• How to get there? Car or transit (Station Churchill Square).

6. Visit the Art Gallery of Alberta

If the weather is TOO cold for you, warm up and head indoors to the Art Gallery of Alberta. Located pretty close to Winston Churchill Square, the Art Gallery of Alberta is one of the excellent centers for the visual arts in Western Canada. 

• Cost:  $14 CAD for adults, $10 CAD for age 65+, and free for age 18 or younger (FREE on the last Thursday of the month from 04:00 – 07:00 pm) 
• Typical Hours: 11:00 am to 05:00 pm Friday to Wednesday, 11:00 am to 07:00 pm on Thursday. More details on the website.

7. Edmonton Christmas Glow

If you don’t like the cold weather, then the Christmas Glow is the perfect place for you. Held at the Edmonton EXPO Centre, it is the largest indoor Christmas festival in Edmonton, 

The centre is completely illuminated by half a million lights and is a stunning space. My favorite part was the light maze, a pretty and great photography space. The event space has lots of other activities, from a winter-themed mini golf course to a moose pub!

There are Christmas markets inside, so you can grab that perfect gift while staying warm and dry. Come hungry, as there are plenty of food and drink vendors.

• Cost: $22.99+ CAD (weekdays). Tickets can be purchased online via Show Pass.
• Dates: December 3 to December 31, 2026
• Typical Hours: 04:00 – 10:00 pm (weekdays from Wednesday to Friday). Weekends and holidays start at 1:00 pm
• How to get there? Car.

8. Winter Whyte Light Up event

Get ready to embrace the cold at Old Strathcona for the annual Winter Whyte Light Up! The Old Strathcona District is Edmonton’s historic district, where you feel like you’re stepping back in time. It truly comes alive with Christmas magic every year. 

Bring your friends and family to this winter wonderland that is being curated just for you in November (McIntyre Park). All outdoor activities are free and family-friendly. Should you need any hot drinks or sweets to warm up, they are available for purchase! 

Old Strathcona looks amazing in the winter (worth all the layers of clothing!).

• Costs: Free
• Dates: November 28, 2028 is the opening day,
• Typical hours: Evenings
• How to get there: Car.

9. Old Strathcona Farmers Market

The Old Strathcona Farmers Market is a bustling, vibrant hub of activity in the heart of Edmonton’s historic district. Founded in 1983, it has grown to become one of the largest and most popular farmers’ markets in North America.

While most farmers’ markets are only open in summer, Edmonton has one in winter too! Every Saturday from 8 am to 3 pm, over 300 vendors gather at this market to sell their locally grown produce, homemade crafts, and freshly prepared foods. You can browse through a wide variety of goods, from fresh fruits and vegetables to artisanal cheeses and baked goods.

But the Old Strathcona Farmers Market is more than just a place to shop for groceries. It’s also a community gathering space where people come together to connect, socialize, and support local businesses.

The market is a popular spot for families, friends, and even furry companions to spend their Saturday mornings. Head there when it is super cold outside and relish some homemade delicacies!

• Costs: Free. Parking fee applies
• Dates: Every Saturday, year-long
• Typical hours: 08:00 am to 03:00 pm
• How to get there: Car

10. Edmonton Celebration of Lights

Other light events near the city include the Celebration of Lights, held in Sherwood Park. The park is completely decorated for winter and the holiday season. 

For one day only, the Celebration of Lights is a way to give back to the Food Bank and take advantage of incredible activities. Ride wagons with Mr and Mrs Claus, decorate cookies, enjoy LED light shows, and more!

• Cost: Free (donation to the Food Bank is appreciated)
• Dates: November 15, 2025 (2026 date is likely to be Saturday the 14)
• Location: (401 Festival Lane).
• Typical Hours: 05:00 – 08:00 pm
• How to get there? Car.

11. Alberta Zoo Lights Festival – Zoominescence

One of Alberta’s best light shows is at Zoominescence, held at the Alberta Zoo. Walk the zoo grounds at night, but enjoy a festive and cozy atmosphere. 

You can enjoy this Festival of Lights with ice skating, a DJ, and other fun festive activities. The light shows feature artistic animal-inspired LED installations and custom art displays.

• Cost: $10.50+ CAD
• Dates: November 28, 2025, to January 4, 2026 (2026/27 Dates TBD)
• Typical Hours: 04:00 – 7:00 pm (every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday evening only)
• How to get there? Car.

12. Dine at Igloos in Courtyard Riverside

The Courtyard by Marriott Hotel in downtown Edmonton sets up 3 igloos in their patio area for diners to enjoy. This has been their winter feature since the winter of 2019. Each igloo at the Bistro can accommodate up to 6 guests, making this the perfect group activity in Edmonton this winter. 

It is fairly warm inside the igloo. When we visited in early December 2020, a light wool coat was sufficient. There is a heater inside the igloo that keeps the space warm, and a curtain keeps the cold air out. 

• Reservations can be made for 3:00 PM, 5:00 PM, or 7:00 PM seatings. Note that you are only allowed to spend 1.50 hours inside
• There is a minimum spend of $150 CAD (which also includes a $100 CAD food and drinks credit)
• Dates: Open through winter 2026-2027 season
• Call for reservations: 780-423-9999 or reserve on OpenTable.

13. Tour with River Valley Adventures

Join River Valley Adventures for snowshoeing and cross-country skiing. They organize segway tours in the summer, and in the winter you can rent equipment to experience the pristine winter wonderland. Or book snowshoe tours with River Valley Adventures.

Did you know that Edmonton’s River Valley is 22 times the size of New York’s Central Park? It has over 150 km of trails, making it one of the largest urban green spaces in North America. It is the perfect place to try beginner-level cross-country skiing or snowshoeing, just steps away from Edmonton’s downtown core. 

14. Winter Sports in Edmonton

If you don’t want a tour or need rentals, Edmonton is a great host for winter sports and activities. There are 3 ski resorts within the city’s limits. They are Rabbit Hill Resort, Edmonton Ski Club, and Snow Valley Ski Club.

Edmonton’s River Valley also turns into a ski and snowboarding paradise every winter. Adventurers come in to enjoy a fun morning with kick sledding and tobogganing down the snow slopes!

Many trails in Edmonton allow for cross-country skiing. The Edmonton Nordic Ski Club is one of the popular ones, including at Victoria Park.

15. Silver Skate Festival

Just when we need a little pick-me-up in the dead of winter, Edmonton’s longest-running winter festival comes to the rescue. Held in February every year, Silver Skate is a celebration of everything winter!

Silver Skate Festival (same location as Ice Castles) welcomes over 106,000+ attendees. 

Silver Skate Festival is rooted in Dutch winter traditions, and the festival combines sport (especially ice skating), arts and culture, recreation, and live music. Enjoy snow sculptures, bonfires, winter sporting events, and more!

• Cost: Free
• Dates: February 5-15, 2027
• Typical Hours: 09:00 am to 09:00 pm (skiing hours may vary)
• How to get there? Car.

16. International Festival of Winter Cinema

The International Festival of Winter Cinema (IFWC) is part of the Silver Skate Festival, and this year it kicks off in the heart of Hawrelak Park. 

This event is completely free and held outdoors. You get to watch local and international winter, alpine, and polar cinema on giant snow screens – how cool is that?

• Cost: Free
• Dates: February 9 to 18, 2026
• Typical Hours: 09:00 am to 09:00 pm (skiing hours may vary)
• How to get there? Car.

17. Go Ice Skating in Edmonton

What better way to enjoy a Canadian winter than to lace up and skate? Edmonton has great ice skating around the city with stunning views of Edmonton, including the river valley. 

There are many options to choose from for skating in the city, both indoor and outdoor rinks. Some of the outdoor skating rinks are located in the following areas:

• Alberta Legislature Grounds (10:00 am – 10:00 pm)
• William Hawrelak Park (09:00 am – 10:00 pm)
• Rundle Park IceWay (09:00 am – until dusk)
• Victoria Park Oval and IceWay (11:00 am – 10:00 pm)
• Strathcona Wilderness Centre

Strathcona Wilderness Centre is a great place for ice skating and skiing in the winter. Skate lanes are hard by December, and you can rent equipment here. You can also ski here; passes can be purchased online.

One of the indoor ice rinks is the Mayfield Toyota Ice Palace at the West Edmonton Mall. You can rent skates and helmets here as well.

18. Try Snowshoeing in Edmonton

If you want to stargaze and snowshoe, or both, then head to Elk Island National Park. This park is located about a 45-minute drive east of Edmonton city centre and is a great option for a full day or a half-day trip.

It is actually quite a fun family activity enjoying the white snow outside. You can rent snowshoes at most locations, including Elk Island National Park.

Other locations for snowshoeing include Fort Edmonton Park, Rundle Park, Millwood’s Park, Strathcona Recreation Area, William Hawrelak Park, and Capilano Park.

• Cost: Rentals start at $7 CAD/hour or $25 CAD/day
• Typical Hours: 10:00 am – 06:00 pm
• How to get there? Car, Transit Bus for some locations.

19. Snowball Fight and Games at Rundle Park

Rundle Park is a municipal park located just outside downtown Edmonton. This beautiful park overlooks the North Saskatchewan River, so you can imagine how stunning it is. Edmontonians love to come here and play in the snow! 

Bring your friends for a snowball fight, build that iconic snow creature, make snow angels, and more. Bring a thermos of hot chocolate and bring out your inner child playing in the snow. 

• Cost: Free
• Typical Hours: 10:00 am – 06:00 pm
• How to get there? Car or Transit Bus.

20. Frolic Among Ice Castles

Edmonton in winter sure is icy and cold. Edmontonians have found a great way to enjoy this biting cold. During the months of December and January, the city is turned into an ice haven.

Ice Castles are one of the popular ice sculpture displays in town, and they are erected in William Hawrelak Park. The sculptures here are created by international artists and brought to Edmonton under the Ice Castles LLC name.

Cold weather is imperative for a successful ice castle display. In some years, the ice castles have been displayed for 4 months (from December to March), and in some years, they only lasted a month to 6 weeks. It all depends on the weather and conditions. 

Ice Castles tickets cost $15-20 CAD and can be purchased online. They also offer pre-sale tickets at a discount. Tickets are offered from the first week of December onwards. Check their website for more.

• Cost: $15-20
• Dates: Seasonally dependent.
• Typical Hours: N/A
• How to get there? Car.

21. Ice on Whyte Festivals

If you want more ice sculptures, then don’t miss the local carving festival. Located in the historic Strathcona neighborhood (at Whyte Avenue and Gateway Blvd), Ice on Whyte is an ice-carving festival. International artists arrive in Edmonton to carve ice and display it during this festival. This is a must-visit event

Ice on Whyte is held on the last weekend of January and the first weekend of February. The festival boasts a giant ice slide, delicious food & ice sculptures. There is an ice bar located at the event as well. 

• Cost: $7 CAD +
• Dates: Learn more about the event here.
• Typical Hours: 02:00 pm to 10:00 pm
• How to get there? Car, Transit Bus, and then walk

22. Northern Lights Viewing and Stargazing 

Edmonton is located in the northern part of Alberta, and seeing the Northern Lights during winter is common. When there is a high chance of the Northern Lights, find a dark, secluded place away from the city lights to chase the Aurora Borealis.

From Edmonton, areas like Leduc and Elk Island National Park are very common places to see northern lights dance across the sky and for stargazing. To see if there is a high chance of viewing, check out this website or download an Aurora app to maximize the possibility of seeing northern lights. As always, dress well for winter.

For stargazers, there are a few options within the city to consider. The Telus World of Science (RASC) and the University of Alberta Observatory are great for stargazing.

The Telus World of Science is operated by the Edmonton Space & Science Foundation and also has many interactive galleries, IMAX theatres, and many other indoor activities. 

The Beaver Hills Dark Preserve is a dedicated 300 km² area for maintaining dark skies, away from pollution (read: zero pollution) to see stars and galaxies, including the Northern Lights.

• Cost: Free 
• Typical Hours: After midnight
• How to get there? Car

23. Luminaria at Botanical Gardens

The Devonian Botanic Garden is Canada’s most northerly botanical garden. But the northern latitude doesn’t stop this space from being merry and bright for winter. The garden is lit up for its annual Christmas festival called the Luminaria.

Enjoy botanical-themed light displays as the gardens transform into a heavenly paradise with all the Christmas decorations. The event kicks off in November and lasts till December. Tickets can be purchased online.

Only 15 minutes from West Edmonton Mall or SW Edmonton (5 km north of Devon on Highway 60). 

• Cost: $21 CAD
• Dates: November 23 to December 23, 2025. Closed on December 24 and 25. Opens again from December 26 to 31st 2025
• Typical Hours: Between 05:00 and 10:00 pm
• How to get there? Car or free shuttle from Devon Shopping Center

24. Christmas Reflections at Fort Edmonton Park

A living history museum, Fort Edmonton Park takes you back through time and into an old-fashioned Christmas era. Every year, in the week leading up to Christmas Eve, the Park organizes special events called the Christmas Reflections.

As part of Christmas Reflections, there are special experiences like Winter Wagon Nights. During this event, you can ride a horse-drawn carriage with a piping hot chocolate in hand. 

You can also enjoy holiday brunch at Fort Edmonton Park during Christmas Reflections. It is also a great place for your holiday shopping and for enjoying a warm winter bonfire in the evening.

• Cost: $10 to 22
• Typical Hours: 06:00 pm – 09:00 pm (wagon rides)
• How to get there? Car, Transit Bus, or LRT (South Campus/Fort Edmonton Park stop in LRT, both lines)

25. Ice District Festivities

The Ice District hosts a lot of amazing events year-round. This winter, head over there for the Snow Way Out event, which is a cool Oilers-themed maze where you can get photos taken and also enjoy a slide

On December 23, you can also skate with Santa Claus and enjoy live entertainment. Outdoor skating at the Ice District is open from mid-December onwards (no skate rentals on-site).

26. The Flying Canoe Volant

The Flying Canoe Volant is a cultural event celebrating local history. The legend of the Flying Canoe inspires it. This Canadian legend is a variant of the Wild Hunt, where a rich nobleman loved hunting so much he skipped Sunday Mass and was banished to fly the sky with wolves. Colliding with First Nations legend about flying canoes, this became a haunting story told in logging camps. 

The event in Edmonton brings this story to life with an immersive light display with music and winter cheer. Hop in the canoe for a unique Canadian-only experience. Walk along Edmonton’s French Quarter and the trails of the Mill Creek Ravine in the evening for the full experience. 

• Free
• January 28 – January 31, 2026 (2027 dates TBD)
• 6-10 pm
• Mill Creek Ravine and La Cité francophone 

27. CP Holiday Train

The train, which is decorated with Christmas lights, raises money, donations, and awareness for food banks across the country. To raise money, they travel the country hosting concerts and live music events. The Holiday Train’s journey starts in November in Quebec and travels all the way to British Columbia. 

The CP Train pulls into Edmonton in early December. Bands perform a 30-minute concert. After the concert, there’s a presentation with local food banks and opportunities for donation. In 2025, they raised $2 million for charity! 

Attending a CP holiday concert is a great way to get in the holiday spirit by giving back. 

• Free with donation
• Date: Early December – December 8th (Leduc), December 9th (Edmonton). 2026 Dates TBD. 

28. Deep Freeze Byzantine Winter Festival

The Deep Freeze Byzantine Winter Festival is a free 2-day family event uniting Ukrainian, Franco-Albertan, Franco-African, First Nations, Chinese, and Acadian/East cultures. These are the immigrant communities that have shaped Edmonton’s Avenue District. 

Join these communities for a multicultural way to pass the darkest part of winter with community, food, music, and good cheer. 

• Free Event
• Dates: January 17 and 28 2026. 2027 Dates TBD
• 118 Ave between 90 and 95 St.

Indoor Edmonton Winter Attractions and Activities

29. Hang out at the Muttart Conservatory 

If the outdoor botanical gardens at the university aren’t your thing, stay inside at the Muttart Conservatory. This is one of my favorite photo spots in Edmonton. 

The Muttart Conservatory has 3 temperature-controlled pyramids, and they feature over 700 plant species in the river valley. 

To enter the conservatory, the entry fee is $12.50 CAD (adult).

30. Watch Hockey at Rogers Place 

Rogers Place is home of the Edmonton Oilers NHL hockey team. Winter is peak hockey season, so attending an NHL game is a great indoor winter activity. Secure your tickets to watch a game. Ice hockey is Canada’s official winter sport and the perfect addition to your winter vacation in Edmonton. 

Rogers Place hosts both sports and entertainment performances. So, when in town… why not catch a game, concert, or show! You will love the state-of-the-art infrastructure and warm and cozy vibes on a snowy night in Edmonton! 

31. Disney On Ice (Performance)

Disney On Ice showcases amazing ice skating, stunts, and acrobatics in a variety of shows. 

There are a lot of cool things, from the underwater scenes of The Little Mermaid to Rapunzel’s long, long hair and Beauty and the Beast – a perfect pre-Christmas family outing (before the festive season takes us over). 

Disney On Ice comes to Edmonton pretty much every year with a hot new show. For the 2026 season, it is Jump In! This show features characters from Moana and Inside Out 2. 

• Dates: November 20–22, 2026
• Location: Rogers Place, 10220 104 Ave NW, Edmonton
• Tickets: Starting from $25 via Ticketmaster

32. Royal Alberta Museum

Edmonton is home to the Royal Alberta Museum, one of Canada’s best museums. With permanent and rotating exhibits covering social life, natural sciences, conservation, history, and more, you can spend hours warm and dry inside learning. 

Don’t miss their special events and ever-changing calendar. 

• Hours: Wednesday to Sunday from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm 
• Entrance tickets are $21 CAD per adult.

35. Whyte Indie Arts Craft Fair 

Whyte has a lot of outdoor events we already covered, but they have a space indoors where you can get all your holiday shopping done as well. Visit the Christmas Edition of The Market off Whyte Indie Arts & Craft Fair this year in October!

This event is completely free to attend and shows your support to local Alberta artisans and businesses. Plus, you will find tons of festive gift ideas from decor and pottery to clothing!

• Cost: Free
• Date: October 14, 2025. (2026 TBD)

36. Spend Time at West Edmonton Mall

Did you know that Canada’s largest mall is located in Edmonton? Yes! It is. West Edmonton Mall is a shopper’s paradise with over 800 stores proving the classic North American Mall isn’t dead. Christmas is the best season to visit this retail kingdom.

There are lights, Christmas decorations, and events all across the mall. Good time to shop till you drop! And don’t forget to get pictures with Santa!

Local craftsmen and Christmas specialty stores are also set up in the mall for Christmas shopping.

Other malls with Christmas activities include – South Gate Mall, City Centre Mall, Kingsway Mall, and South Common Mall.

• Cost: Free
• Typical Hours: 09:30 am to 09:00 pm
• How to get there? Transit Buses, Car

37. Indoor Active Adventures

From laser tag and go-karting to bowling, there are lots of things to do in Edmonton in winter to get your adrenaline pumping (minus the cold)! These are the perfect places for families looking to burn off some energy without bundling up.  

• REC Room: With 2 locations in Edmonton, the REC Room has all the games to Canadian inspired food to keep you hooked during long winter days.
• DRIVE: Enjoy race karts in the West Edmonton Mall’s DRIVE with a fully themed New York streetscape.
• LaunchPad Trampoline Park: Enjoy indoor games, trampolines, dodge balls to neon lights. LaunchPad Trampoline Park is great for a winter day out with friends and family.

Best Places to Eat in Edmonton This Winter

Winter is also a time to eat and stay jolly! When the city of Edmonton is basking in Christmas lights, our dinner plates are also glorified in a variety of cuisines.

Enjoying food in Edmonton doesn’t come with a hefty price tag, nor does it involve pre-booking and reserving tables. We have tons of casual dining restaurants where you can enjoy a good steak, drinks, or any ethnic cuisine without the hassle of booking. 

You can experience international cuisines in Edmonton, but don’t forget the Alberta steak. A few of our favorite dishes to try:

• Join a food tour on Whyte for a local guide to the best places to eat
• Try vegan and vegetarian food at Cafe Mosaics or The Moth Cafe
• River City Revival House serves hearty winter comfort food
• Try Perogies at RGE RD
• Campio Brewery for local craft beers and pub food
• Don’t forget poutines and try them at La Poutine or the Provincial Bar and Lounge
• Head to Millwood’s for some traditional East Indian food
• Or enjoy the holidays with cocktails and brunch at Hart’s Table & Bar

For the holidays, it is a great idea to dine in and play. The Rec Room in South Edmonton Common has dining options, bowling alleys, games, and so much more.

But you know, winter comes just once a year. So grab some hot chocolate or peppermint latte and hit the outdoors. It is truly heavenly, and you must enjoy an Edmonton winter this way!

Hot beverage options include Credo, Good Earth Café, Remedy Café, Nook Café, or our very own Tim Hortons. 

Best Hotels in Edmonton

For some, winter is also the best time to hibernate. And why not if it is cozy, warm, and luxurious? Edmonton has some of the finest hotels to take away the winter blues. Choose a weekend staycation or a home away from home.

Here are our top 5 picks:

Fairmont MacDonald Hotel

Fairytale castle staycation. Local Canadian luxury hotel brand. 

• Located in the downtown area, overlooking the river valley, with amazing views all around
• Perfect for a luxurious or romantic staycation
• Great location to experience winter activities in Edmonton city
• Book your stay here

Fantasy Land Hotel

A hotel that takes you to another world.

• Located in the West Edmonton Mall, a perfect place & reason to stay indoors
• You can shop, dine, skate, take kids to the Galaxy land, and relax at a spa here
• Fantasy Land hotel rooms are unique. The rooms are designed to take you to a different “fantasy world.” You can choose a waterfall-themed Polynesian room with a Jacuzzi or a luxurious Roman king staycation
• Book your stay here

Sandman Signature Edmonton

A classic Canadian hotel optimized for comfort without the fuss. 

• This classic Canadian hotel brand delivers mid-level comfort
• Enjoy their pool and Canadian amenities
• Book your stay here

Metterra on Whyte

A sleek and cool stay in the historic old center of Edmonton.

• Located in the historic Old Strathcona
• Quick access to Downtown and the University of Alberta
• Rooms come with fireplaces, whirlpool tubs & private patios
• Book your stay here

Hyatt Place Edmonton West

A great place for a great price.

• Located close to West Edmonton Mall, this is a great hotel with all the amenities
• You have access to a pool and hot tub, and the hotel provides you with free breakfast and parking
• Rooms come with fireplaces, whirlpool tubs & private patios
• Book your stay here

Search for more Edmonton Hotels and book here.

Travel Tips for Edmonton in Winter

Edmonton winter is nothing to be afraid of, but it is always better to be prepared. Here are some helpful tips for your visit to Edmonton, Alberta.

Weather and Temperature in Edmonton Winter

• From October onwards, you can definitely feel the winter set in. Temperatures on some days will drop to a low of 0°C (32 F). You will still see fall colors this month.
• From November onwards, we are officially in winter. Our first snowfall of the year happens in early November. Most Christmas-related activities start between mid- and late November. 
• In December, when all of the Christmas events and winter festivals are on, the temperature drops to -7°C (19.4 F) and the lowest of -16 degrees Celsius (3.2 F).
• In January and February, we are still enjoying winter, and temperatures are at a high of -3 to a low of -16°C.

Temperature-wise, we experience a high of 1 degree Celsius and a low of -8°C (33.8 to 16.6 F). Due to the wind chill, it feels like the temperature is even lower (probably around -15°C or so).

How to Get Around Edmonton in Winter

During winter, the best way to explore the city is by car. Car rental options are available at the airport and throughout the city.

Roads could be icy when the first snowfall occurs or if temperatures are slightly warmer. So use caution when you drive and ensure winter tires are on.

Some of the winter events in Downtown Edmonton or municipal parks can be accessed by public buses (Edmonton Transit services) or LRT (Light Rail Transit). Please check the schedule and routes for buses here.

One-way train or bus ride requires exact change. So, you should buy a ticket at the LRT station. A pack of 10 tickets can be purchased at most gas stations and convenience stores.

Edmonton has local taxi services – Yellow Cabs and Co-Op Taxi. Uber services are available as well.

What to Pack for Edmonton Winter

Edmonton is definitely cold during winters. The wind chill in the air also makes it harder for some people to enjoy the winters here. But it is because of the cold that we also have snow all around and experience a white Christmas in most years.

So definitely pack warm clothes. Here is a handy list that will keep you warm and dry. 

• Winter Jacket: In colder weather, I own and wear the North Face Arctic Insulated Jacket. I also own the North Face 3-1 Eco Tri-Climate jacket for warmer winters. I also recommend the Patagonia 3-in-1.
  • For the men. Patagonia 3-in-1 or North Face Parka. 
• Layering Option: I would pair a jacket with a nano puff for women or men, and maybe keep a technical fleece for women or men on hand.
• Thermal Base Layers: Thin, non-bulky base layers for your top and bottoms worn under your regular clothing are the best way to regulate temperature and stay warm outside for long periods.
• Warm Accessories: A warm scarf, hat/beanie, and waterproof/dexterous gloves are critical for staying warm and holding a mug of Glühwein
• Merino Wool Socks (Multiple Pairs): Invest in quality wool socks (like SmartWool) that wick moisture and provide necessary insulation, even when damp.
• Waterproof winter boots. You can choose stylish black ones, a more neutral color, or thermal waterproof Blundstones.
• Tops: Focus on 2-3 long-sleeve shirts and 1-2 sweaters/cardigans. I love a regenerative and cute sweater!
• Bottoms: Pack 2-3 pairs of warm pants (cords, twill, or jeans). Always pack thermal leggings underneath your pants or skirt to block wind and the bitter cold that creeps in after dark.

Read: Our complete packing guide to winter in Canada.

Exploring more of Canada this winter?

• Read: Guide to winter in Toronto
• Read: Guide to winter in Vancouver
• Read: Guide to winter in Calgary
• Read: 10-day itinerary ideas for Canada including stops for Whistler and the Rockies for snowboarding.

Comment and Share Winter in Edmonton

Winter in Edmonton might be cold, but Alberta’s capital comes to life with festive light displays, Christmas Markets, hockey games, and winter sports! Whether you are looking to embrace the cold and explore the snowy urban space or head indoors to a market or museum, we’ve shared our favorite winter activities in Alberta.

Are you heading to Edmonton this year? Let us know what you are most excited to see. If you live in Edmonton, what would you add?