Don’t let family entertainment break the bank when it comes to the holidays. We’ve got you covered for the best things to do in December that are completely free, fun in Edmonton. From free holiday events and Santa Claus parades, to light up festivals and free coding classes - there are plenty of things to do for free in Edmonton this month with kids.

Here are fun, free events to do with your kids in December that happen all month

• Take a Free kids workshop at Apple Store
  Free workshops include will teach kids how to code their own, how to make their own theme song and even how to create their own emoji. All devices are included in the workshop, and it’s a great way to try something new!

• Skate at Ice District Plaza
  Ice District Plaza is open for the season and the perfect place to skate outdoors. This fun experience is close-by restaurants and coffee shops, and makes for a great place to skate with the kids and warm up indoors when you’re finished.

• Drop in for Free Skating in Strathcona County
  Every weekend, there are three local rinks in Strathcona County that offer free skating for drop-in fun. These rinks are indoors, and a great way to skate if it’s too cold to be outside for too long.

• Try Geocaching
  Take a walk outdoors and enjoy the gorgeous weather with a geocache! Download the app, and read this guide to start geocaching, here.

• Maisie’s Magical Christmas House
  This is one of the most magical houses to explore in Edmonton during the Christmas season. It’s so packed with decorations, and thoughtful designs - a total must-see free Christmas lights experience in Edmonton. Find it at 9619-144 Ave NW. Plus, there are free visits with Santa, Mrs. Claus and The Grinch this year! details here

• Walk Down Candy Cane Lane
  Experience the magic of walking down Candy Cane Lane and find the most popular lights display in Edmonton. You can drive down too, but it’s just more magical when you visit during one of the walk only nights in December!

• Visit the Magical moonGarden at Churchill Square. Visit this wonderful installation throughout the square. Look for the large bubble between the ice rink and Churchill Square for a wonderful installation inside of a city! The bubbles are going to remain in place and glowing until the end of the month!

Here are fun, free Edmonton events to do with your kids in December

The Edmonton Winterval Festival
December 1 and 2, 2023
Visit the Edmonton Winterval Festival is coming to downtown to kick off the winter and holiday season in Edmonton.
Click here for Details

St. Albert Snowflake Festival
December 1, 2023
Click here for Details

Get a Photo with a Donkey at Now Radio Donkey Christmas
December 1, 2023
Click here for Details

Stony Plain Light Up Festival
December 1, 2023
Click here for Details

Fort Saskatchewan Santa Claus Parade
December 2, 2023
Click here for Details

City of Edmonton Play Rangers
December 2, 2023
Click here for Details

South Pole Holiday Workshop
December 2-3, 2023
Click here for Details

Try Cross Country Skiing Day
December 3, 2023
Click here for Details

TEEN: Drop in Teen Hangout
December 5, 2023
Click here for Details

Drop in Makerspace Make a Snowman
December 6, 2023
Click here for Details

Light up at the Legislature
December 7, 2023
Click here for Details

DIY Thursday at the Reuse Centre: Make Beeswax Food Wrap
December 7, 2023
Click here for Details

Drop in at the Observatory at University of Alberta
December 7, 2023
Click here for Details

Free Christmas Movie Night
December 8, 2023
Click here for Details

Free Christmas Carol Sing-a-long
December 8, 2023
Click here for Details

Free Edmonton Youth Filmamkign Workshop
December 9, 2023
Click here for Details

City of Edmonton Play Rangers
December 9, 2023
Click here for Details

Brighten up Beaumont Lights Festival
December 9, 2023
Click here for Details

Free Learn to Code Workshop
December 9, 2023
Click here for Details

Hay Rides and Santa Photos at Callingwood Marketplace
December 9, 2023
Click here for Details

Skate with Santa in Strathcona County
December 10, 2023
Click here for Details

Make a Holiday Banner at Michaels Makebreak
December 10, 2023
Click here for Details

Join a Free 3D Printing Club
December 14, 2023
Click here for Details

Teen Night at Art Gallery of Alberta
December 15, 2023
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Free Swim with Inflatables at Emerald Hills
December 16, 2023
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Bright Light Skate Night at Churchill Square
December 16, 2023
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Go on a Christmas Birding Walk
December 17, 2023
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Take a Lantern Parade Walk
December 19, 2023
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Everyone Gets to Play Winter Play Day
December 20, 2023
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Santa Swim at Emerald Hills Leisure Centre
December 20, 2023
Click here for Details

Get Free Admission to Art Gallery of Alberta
December 28, 2023
Click here for Details

New Year’s Eve Fireworks at Churchill Square
December 31, 2023
Click here for Details