20 Free Holiday Events for Kids and Families in Edmonton

Christmas events and activities for kids in Edmonton doesn’t have to break the bank. Every yea, we share the best free Christmas events in Edmonton for kids and families, making it easier for you to plan holiday weekends, Christmas fun, and budget friendly outings with your family in the city.

Free Christmas Events in Edmonton in 2018

Strathcona County Light up Festival 
When: November 17
On Saturday, November 17, Festival Place will be transformed into a winter wonderland with FREE family activities at the Celebration of Lights. This event is Strathcona County’s kickoff to the holiday season. The festivities take place from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. and include an opportunity for a picture with Santa and Mrs. Claus. This year’s activities include wagon rides, Santa’s reindeer, bookmobile, hot chocolate, holiday crafts and more. Dress for the weather as activities are outdoors.
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Santa Arrives at West Edmonton Mall
When: November 17
Join us for a fun filled day as we welcome Santa Claus to West Edmonton Mall’s North Pole Place, his home away from home during the holiday season. There will be carolers, an activity center and hot chocolate! Level One, Phase I.
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Santa’s Arrival Pancake Breakfast
When: November 18
Catch the very first glimpse of them on November 18th at our Santa’s Arrival Brunch taking place in the food court (upper level across from Londonderry Eye Care), from 10:30am to 11:30am. Mr & Mrs. Claus may just be making a special visit…
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Experience Snow in West Edmonton Mall
When: November 22 to December 23
Join us for a magical snowfall over the dancing fountains (Level One, Phase III near the Lamborghini). Capture the magic in a photo or video and post it to social media using the hashtag #WEMsnow to win one of two weekly giveaways and be entered for the grand prize of a World Waterpark Winter Escape! Snowfalls occur on the hour from 2 to 8 p.m.
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Lite up the Night Festival in Morinville
When: November 23-25
Celebrate the season with a fun festive weekend including community group events, free family festival featuring crafts, photos with Santa and entertainment followed by the Town Christmas parade, Lite up the St. Jean Baptiste Park and fireworks.
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St. Albert Snowflake Festival 
When: November 23
As we light up the Perron District with the warm glow of Christmas lights, you and your family can admire the live ice sculpture display, take a ride in a horses drawn wagon, mingle at the petting zoo, and soak in other unique entertainment and displays in this winter wonderland. Santa and his elves will be waiting in Santa’s Village to greet the children of our community and spread Christmas cheer. You can even get a head start on your Christmas shopping while sipping hot cocoa or coffee. You’ll be so warm with joy you’ll forget winter is here.
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Build a Gingerbread Ornament
When: November 24
If you are looking for a fun activity to do with the family, we’ve got a great workshop for kids that will teach them about building. Kids can learn how to build their very own gingerbread Man Ornament.
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Santa’s Parade of Lights 
When: November 24
Experience the magic of an after-dark Santa Claus parade, in our own city. This year, it coincides with the Grey Cup celebration, so expect bigger and better!
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Brighten up Beaumont
When: November 30
Bring your friends and family out to enjoy Beaumont’s annual holiday celebration! Sleigh Rides, Santa and Mrs. Claus, hot chocolate, oranges, cookie decorating, crafts, ice carvings, music, and reindeer. Outdoor activities will be weather dependent, please dress warm!
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Winter Carnival
When: December 2
Baturyn Playschool will be hosting a Winter Carnival on Sunday Dec 2, 12-4. For just $5/family enjoy a sleigh ride, face painting, hot chocolate, cookie decorating and other fun! Please consider bringing empty bottles to donate to the Scouts’ bottle drive happening the same day.
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Make Gingerbread Slime
When: December 2
Once apon a time the Gingerbread Man was just a pile of goo..and that made him so much fun to play with! Buy the jar, and the premade slime and decorating supplies will be provided.
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Country Christmas at Greenland
When: December 3
Celebrate Christmas at the most gorgeous place in the city. Kids will enjoy, Hay Rides, Kid’s Crafts, Face Painting and a Marshmallow Roast. There will be Cookie Decorating (for a donation) and the kids will love that Santa will be there.
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Build a Sled and Reindeer
When: December 8
If you are looking for a fun activity to do with the family, weve got a great workshop for kids that will teach them about building. Kids can learn how to build their very own sled with reindeer.
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Catch the CP Holiday Train 
When: December 9 & 10
With multiple locations in and near Edmonton this year, the CP Holiday train stop is a magical way to enjoy an evening. The train is lit-up with Christmas lights and will have a small Christmas performance at each stop it makes!
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Make a Christmas T-Shirt
When: December 15
Be the cutest dressed guest at holiday parties with this fun t-shirt project. Buy the t-shirt and the supplies to decorate it will be provided.
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Skate with Santa
When: December 16
Spend the afternoon with Santa, strap on some skates and make some new friends. There are cookies, and hot chocolate – and it’s the perfect way to get out, and have some fun this weekend! Lace up the skates and get ready to play!
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