By Cynthia Wandler
If the season of giving has worn out your wallet, don’t despair – there are many free Edmonton holiday events and activities scheduled this year. From Christmas lights to winter sports, check out what’s on offer in Edmonton this season! [Photo courtesy of Mack Male/Flickr]
In operation since 1968, Candy Cane Lane is an Edmonton tradition that began as a neighbourhood initiative. Running along 148th Street between 92nd and 100th Avenues, walking is a great way to take in the sight of household after household decked out for the Christmas season. Driving is acceptable, but expect congestion. Though the event is free, Edmonton food bank donations will be accepted, and sleigh rides can also be booked for a fee. Remember that the street only lights up in the evenings!
The Alberta Legislature kicks off the Christmas season with an official light-up in early December. The Christmas lights of the grounds remain on throughout the season and into January, with local musical performances scheduled indoors during lunch time and evenings Dec. 7 to 23 (you can find the schedule here). Keep in mind that admittance to the evening performances ends 15 minutes before the show does. Since you’re going to see the lights anyway, stop by early to take in a free tour of the Legislature building, available in French and English.
The City of Edmonton maintains six official toboggan hills within city limits with signage, built-in safety features and updated conditions posted online. Hills may be closed due to icy or otherwise unsafe conditions and while the use of helmets is not required, they are recommended. Grab a thermos of hot chocolate and your Krazy Karpet and enjoy the ride!
If gliding on skates rather than a sled is more your style, there are numerous Edmonton outdoor rinks and ponds cleared for skating and shinny times over the holiday season. From community league rinks to tourist destinations and natural settings, there are many fun choices to consider. Among these are the Alberta Legislature grounds and Edmonton City Hall, as well as Edmonton’s IceWay, featuring kilometres of trails for skating. Remember to bring your own skates or head to Hawrelak Park for rentals.
Numerous Edmonton trails and parks support walking, cross-country skiing and snowshoeing. The Edmonton River Valley is an especially beautiful destination for winter scenery and even features solar-powered warming huts to keep you comfortable while enjoying a glittering Edmonton winter outdoors.
Be like Scrooge – after he repented of his stingy ways, of course – and share what you have with Edmonton organizations at Christmas. If what you have to give is time, try volunteering with an Edmonton association aiming to make Christmas brighter for those in need. Groups seeking volunteers throughout all of December include The Mustard Seed, the Edmonton Food Bank, the Christmas Bureau of Edmonton, and the Bissell Centre.
The Christmas season is a time for wonder and gratitude – make time to experience what Edmonton winter has to offer this holiday season. From skating and sledding to helping out those in need, there's no shortage of ways to have a Merry Christmas without spending a penny.
