Edmonton Weekend Guide :: December 7-9
Learn what candle scents will match the ambiance you want: Holiday Notes
Seasonal Classics
Scrooge, Ghosts & Tiny Tim
A Christmas Carol
What: A brilliant adaptation of Charles Dickens’ classic tale.
Why: An unforgettable holiday tradition.
Where: Citadel Theatre.
When: Nov 30 – Dec 23. Show starts at 7:30pm. Weekend matinees at 1:30pm.
Legislative Light Up
Winter Wonderland
What: The Legislative Grounds are transformed into a winter wonderland with trees sparkling with lights and free skating on the skating rink.
Why: Free hot chocolate is served in the evenings while the choir performs from 6-9pm. You can also take in the choir sounds from noon to 1pm.
Where: Alberta Legislative Grounds (10820 - 98 Avenue)
When: Christmas Light Up takes place on Thursday, Dec 6 at 4pm. You can enjoy the festivities from Dec 6-23.
Holidays of Decades Past
Christmas Reflections
What: Celebrate the holidays of decades past with charming Christmas displays, twinkling lights, horse-drawn wagon rides and cups of hot cider.
Why: Time travel makes Christmas magical.
Where: Fort Edmonton Park - $16 per person. Purchase tickets online.
When: Tickets available on dates between Dec 4 to Dec. 23
A Whyte Christmas
Santa Saturday
What: Hop onboard Santa’s wagon and take a ride while admiring the eight animated window displays along the avenue.
Why: Take a ride, stop for hot chocolate and do some local holiday shopping along Whyte Avenue.
Where: Whyte Avenue. Catch rides from the Old Strathcona Farmers' Market and from the parking lot across from the Keg on 105 Street and 81 Avenue. {Route}
When: Saturday, December 1, 8, and 15. 10am – 3pm
Sugar Plums fairies danced in their heads...
The Nutcracker
What: A ballet classic (over a hundred years old) that transports the audience to a magical world filled with dancing mice, a nutcracker that comes to life and of course, a beautiful sugarplum fairy. (All set to the beautiful music of Tchaikovsky.)
Why: You'll be dazzled by the costumes and setting, not to mention the dancing!
Where: The Jubilee Auditorium
When: December 14-16 (matinees and evenings)
This Weekend: December 7 - December 9
Ms. Crafty Hangout
Butterdome Craft Sale
What: Over 240 exhibitors gather to sell their wares at this huge craft show.
Why: Perfect gift alert! Edmonton’s finest local businesses and designers gather to sell their goods.
Where: Butterdome, University of Alberta (87 Avenue & 114 Street).Tickets are $5-7.
When: Thursday, Dec 6 – Sunday, Dec 9.
Photo Op
Help Portrait
What: Photographers around the world donate their time and equipment to show love by giving individuals and family portraits for FREE! You’ll leave with a professionally printed photo and have your photos on a cd or emailed to you so you can share them with your family.
Why: Hairstylists, makeup artists and clothing to make your photo super memorable!
Love Note: This initiative makes our heart flutter – imagine giving a family something they may have never had before—a portrait together.
Where: Two Locations this year: Trinity Lutheran Fellowship Hall (10014 – 81 Avenue), and Paramount Theatre (10275 Jasper Avenue)
When: Saturday December 8 from 10am to 5pm
Peace, Quiet, and Candle Light
Luminaria
What: Thousands of candles light the paths of the Kurimoto Japanese Garden in a breathtaking display.
Why: Sip hot apple cider beside the bonfires, enjoy a capella singers, and escape from the hectic holiday season. Memory Lane is available for those who would like to light a candle in honour of a loved one.
Where: Devonian Botanic Garden, Hwy 60. Here's a map.
When: Saturday Dec 8 and Sunday Dec 9, 5-9pm. Tickets: $8-10.
Art Social
Print Affair
What: SNAP Gallery's annual fundraiser, silent auction, and sale - showcasing local print and print related media artists.
Why: Drinks, food, music, and of course, high caliber contemporary print art. You're sure to find some unique gifts here - many prints are priced around $25.
Where: SNAP Gallery 10123-121 Street
When: December 8, 7pm. Tickets $15-20.
Meeting of the (Design) Minds
Old School/New School
What: The Student Design Association has teamed up with working designers to show off two generations of the best of Edmonton furniture and household design.
Why: See the talent coming out of this city and get inspiration for your next furniture addition.
Where: Mercer Warehouse Basement, 10363-104 Street - go in the doors for Roast and head downstairs.
When: Ongoing until Dec 8, 12pm-5pm daily.
*Image spotted here.