Find the best things to do in Edmonton with Kids
Disney on Ice: Magic in the Stars
Disney On Ice: Magic in the Stars arrives in Edmonton November 21 to 24, 2024.
Meet Nina the Burrowing Owl at Backyard Birds
She's back!! This weekend you can meet Nina the Burrowing Owl, but donations to the observatory will be accepted! No registration required. Join us between 11 AM and 2 PM to meet a live bird of prey in the shop. This up close and personal experience is being offered in partnership the Beaverhill Bird Observatory. This is a cool animal meet and greet opportunity, for a cause!
Free Family-friendly Zumba Party
Celebrate the 10th anniversary of the City of Edmonton Recreation Centre with a Free, family-friendly Zumba class.
Elan Winter Festival
Pull down the winter basket from the top of your closet and dig out your favourite gloves and scarf. Get your letters to Santa penned and join us for a celebration of the season that brings us the sounds of crunchy new fallen snow, the scents of balsam and fir, and the sparkle of lights and holiday décor.
FREE Beaded Ornament Snowflake Make & Take at Mastermind Toys
Visit your local Mastermind Toys store for a free beaded ornament make and take. This is a great way to pack the weekend with crafts, and make it easier than ever. Stop by your local store, no registration required.
Free Drop-in City of Edmonton Play Rangers: Orienteering and Fire Building
Join this fun, free, Edmonton drop-in program for kids to learn Shelter Building, Disc Golf and Outdoor Games.
Rapid Fire Theatre: Kidding Around
This Saturday afternoon show is for you! Rapid Fire Theatre’s hilarious performers create this entire show right off the top of their heads, but in order to pull it off, we’re going to need help from all the kids in the audience.
City of Edmonton Free Family Adventure Club North
Family Adventure Club North showcases the City of Edmonton’s new Northeast River Valley Park (903 153 Ave NE) through various outdoor and nature based learning activities. Leaders are excited to share an adventure with you in Edmonton's new North East River Valley Park, during a monthly drop-in play session.
Free Apple Kids Workshop: Draw a Festive Scene with Snoopy
Take a Free Apple Kids Workshop: Draw a Festive Scene with Snoopy and kick off the holiday season while you get creative in store.
Festive Family Fun at 1881 Schoolhouse
The Friends of Historic McKay Avenue & 1881 Schoolhouse Society are hosting an afternoon of festive family fun.
Edmonton Downtown Winterval 2023
Edmonton’s newest winter festival is back for a second year and it’s giving Christmas nostalgia.
Free Workshop: Draw a Festive Scene with Snoopy
Families, come create holiday cheer with the Peanuts gang. Enjoy clips from the beloved A Charlie Brown Christmas special and the Apple Original series The Snoopy Show.
Free Girls Drop in Sports Session
For Girls by Girls is a free drop in sports program for girls in Edmonton at Clareview Community Recreation Centre and The Meadows Community Rec Centre.
Art Buffet: Free Art Drop-in Art Making
Visit the Art Buffet, a free, weekly drop-in art program for everyone, materials included, on Wednesday afternoons at Mitchell Gallery.
Free Admission to Art Gallery of Alberta
Get free admission to the Art Gallery of Alberta on the last Thursday of every month.
Free Christmas Card Making at ReUse Centre
Make Christmas cards out of old ones! Cards made will be donated to WIN House.
University of Alberta Observatory Drop-in Night Sky Viewing
Start planning those fun, fall learning adventures in Edmonton. The Observatory at University of Alberta will be hosting public observing sessions on Thursdays throughout the season.
Lights up Fort Saskatchewan
Is your family looking for a fun, safe, and free way to celebrate the holiday season? Join the celebration for the annual Lights Up! celebration, taking place at City Hall in Fort Saskatchewan from 5:15 to 7:30 pm.
Enjoy pictures with Santa, glow shows, face painting, characters, a petting zoo, fire pits, a holiday light-up countdown and more.
Wetaskiwin Santa Claus Parade
The Wetaskiwin Fire Fighters are excited to be hosting their 13th annual Santa Claus Parade! The parade will start at Baker Funeral Chapel on 50th Ave and finish at City Hall.
Free Home Depot Kids Workshop
Register for the free monthly Home Depot kids workshops in Edmonton for kids 6+. New: there are two sessions available.
Free Santa Photos at Launch Homes
Exciting news, Strathcona County! Join Launch Homes and The Smitty & Mac Team for a special event. Bring your family and friends for a free photo with our favourite Santa. Don’t miss out- mark your calendars.
Please bring donations for the Strathcona Food Bank. if you would like a picture! We would like to help out this amazing organization as much as possible before the holidays.
Free Santa photos will be held at 10 Newbury Circle, Sherwood Park between 10am and 3pm.
Free Family-friendly Zumba Party
Celebrate the 10th anniversary of the City of Edmonton Recreation Centre with a Free, family-friendly Zumba class.
Rapid Fire Theatre: Kidding Around
This Saturday afternoon show is for you! Rapid Fire Theatre’s hilarious performers create this entire show right off the top of their heads, but in order to pull it off, we’re going to need help from all the kids in the audience.
Free Workshop: Draw a Festive Scene with Snoopy
Families, come create holiday cheer with the Peanuts gang. Enjoy clips from the beloved A Charlie Brown Christmas special and the Apple Original series The Snoopy Show.
Lighting Up Ada Boulevard
Enjoy seasonal activities and help celebrate as they light up CUE’s Main Campus and Magrath Campus. Events run from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. at Main Campus and from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Magrath Campus.
Winter Whyte Light Up Festival
With beautiful twinkling winter lights all over the park, hot chocolate, carolers, and plenty of winter giveaways, there is something for everybody.
Leduc Santa Claus Parade
Leduc’s Biggest Annual Parade will be back in 2024. The fun, festival starts at 4:30, with the parade starting promptly at 6:00 pm. Get your hands onFREE Treats at 3 locations throughout the Downtown District including in front of City Centre Mall and on Mainstreet. Light Up Wand Sales throughout the parade route.
Classic Gardens Acorn Festival
Visit the Classic Garden Acorn Festival on Saturday, November 30, 2024. Glitter tattoos, face painting, holiday activities, local choirs and a visit with Santa! You’ll find family fun and festive treats at this Edmonton Christmas festival!
Free Festival of Carols at Winspear Centre
Edmonton families and friends are invited to join The Salvation Army in celebrating the Christmas season with music and carolling at the Salvation Army's Festival of Carols.
Breakfast with Santa at Festival of Trees
Santa’s Breakfast is returning to the Edmonton Convention Centre in 2024, bringing long-time festival favourite activities.
Join the fun from 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM on Sunday, December 1, 2024 at the Edmonton Convention Centre to celebrate the season with your loved ones. Families and friends will come together over a buffet breakfast and enjoy festive activities like:
Snowball toss, presented by Stahl Peterbilt
Hockey shoot
Letters to Santa
Festive Arts
Coloring sheets provided by Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen
Milk and cookies provided by Alberta Milk
The beloved Santa’s den where families can take a quick photo with Santa!
The buffet breakfast offers gluten-friendly, vegetarian, vegan, and pork-free options. Please notify the Edmonton Convention Centre staff of dietary restrictions at the plated buffet line.
FREE Workshop: Make Your Own Emoji
Kids will learn fun ways to create their own emoji. We’ll show them how to draw colourful faces and objects. Then they’ll explore using the Procreate app on iPad with Apple Pencil to draw an emoji to take home. Devices will be provided. Recommended for kids ages 8–12.
Alberta Legislature Grounds Light Up Ceremony
Join the light up ceremony at Alberta Legislature for holiday traditions, Christmas lights and family fun in Edmonton.
Free Girls Drop in Sports Session
For Girls by Girls is a free drop in sports program for girls in Edmonton at Clareview Community Recreation Centre and The Meadows Community Rec Centre.
Art Buffet: Free Art Drop-in Art Making
Visit the Art Buffet, a free, weekly drop-in art program for everyone, materials included, on Wednesday afternoons at Mitchell Gallery.
FREE Workshop: Code Your First App
Code and create as a family with Swift Playgrounds using iPad. Kids will experiment with code and design an app using the About Me playground. They’ll use Swift code to customize their app with fun fonts, background colours, emoji and more. Then you’ll work together to bring their app to life.
FREE Drop-in Swim at Kinsmen Leisure Centre
Celebrate the first Wednesday of the month with a FREE, after school recreational swim, sponsored by Pasta Pantry!
Glow Edmonton
Unleash the Magic of Glow: The Ultimate Holiday Light Spectacle
Glow is a magical indoor holiday experience featuring festive attractions, live entertainment, and a breathtaking light garden illuminated by millions of twinkling bulbs across 90,000 square feet. This year’s theme, Christmas Carnival, brings the magic of the circus to life with never-before-seen elements, including roaming jugglers, improv performers, and a brand-new, first-in-Canada virtual reality ride! Guests can embark on a thrilling virtual journey around the world on Santa’s sleigh—an interactive adventure sure to create lasting memories.
Free Workshop: Draw a Festive Scene with Snoopy
Families, come create holiday cheer with the Peanuts gang. Enjoy clips from the beloved A Charlie Brown Christmas special and the Apple Original series The Snoopy Show.
University of Alberta Observatory Drop-in Night Sky Viewing
Start planning those fun, fall learning adventures in Edmonton. The Observatory at University of Alberta will be hosting public observing sessions on Thursdays throughout the season.
Currents of Windermere Light up the Square
Join the light up at Currents of Windermere on Friday, December 6 from 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM to kick off the Holiday season by lighting up the Town Square (located beside the Canadian Brewhouse)! Enjoy hot chocolate served by the Gingerbread Girls, holiday stories with a special guest, dancing light displays and much more.
Come enjoy Light up the Square for a fun, festive, family night to remember.
Rona Kids Holiday Workshop
Rona kids Workshops are the perfect opportunity to share a family moment while preparing for the magic of the holidays. All materials will be provided, and our associates will be there to guide your children in their creations.
Free Marquis West Family Holiday Workshop with Justine Ma
Join us for a family-friendly holiday workshop with Justine Ma! Justine will teach you and your family how to make a custom holiday garland.
Cookie Decorating with Santa
Kick off to Christmas - Cookie Decorating with Santa! Join us for a festive and fun-filled event at Gather Bakery. Get into the holiday spirit as you decorate delicious cookies with the jolliest man himself, Santa Claus! You can capture all the magical moments with photos to treasure forever. Don't miss out on this special opportunity to create lasting memories with your loved ones.
Each ticket includes 6 cookies to decorate with icing and hoilday sprinkles and seating at our Gather table for one individual at a time. The event will be held at Gather Bakery, located on First Avenue in Spruce Grove, AB. Get ready for a merry and delicious time! Limited avaliblity so get your tickets fast!
Buy Tickets for Cookie Decorating with Santa
Rapid Fire Theatre: Kidding Around
This Saturday afternoon show is for you! Rapid Fire Theatre’s hilarious performers create this entire show right off the top of their heads, but in order to pull it off, we’re going to need help from all the kids in the audience.
Jingle Bell Bash
Enjoy the chill and the thrill of the great outdoors with a horse-drawn sleigh ride to see the neighborhood Christmas Lights. Grab a drink, warm up by the fire and meet (or avoid) the Grinch!
Holiday Skate & Brunch at Rogers Place
Enjoy the Holiday Skate & Brunch at Rogers Place celebration where you can take part in brunch, entertainment and a skating session with the family this holiday season.
Candy Cane Lane Christmas Lights
Experience the magic of Candy Cane Lane as you drive through the decorated Christmas neighbourhood, filled with lights, or walk or take a sleigh. This free Edmonton Christmas lights drive is a must-do during the holidays - and is a Christmas tradition for families everywhere.
In 2024, there will also be three walk-only nights at Candy Cane Lane.
Walk, bike, sled or ski - Candy Cane Lane will be closed to cars on these nights. The event is dog-friendly. Please keep your pet on a leash, pick up after them, and be sure that your dog is comfortable with large crowds, horses, and other dogs.
Gingerbread House Decorating Workshop
This popular event provides an opportunity for the whole family to share in some pre- Christmas fun. Register early as spots fill up fast.
Greenland Garden Centre Country Christmas
Celebrate a Country Christmas with Greenland Garden Centre on Sunday, December 8, 2024.
Free Girls Drop in Sports Session
For Girls by Girls is a free drop in sports program for girls in Edmonton at Clareview Community Recreation Centre and The Meadows Community Rec Centre.
Art Buffet: Free Art Drop-in Art Making
Visit the Art Buffet, a free, weekly drop-in art program for everyone, materials included, on Wednesday afternoons at Mitchell Gallery.
2024 IKEA Breakfast with Santa
Stop by the restaurant today to purchase your tickets for the breakfast with Santa at IKEA Edmonton.
Christmas at Callingwood Farmer's Market
Get ready for a magical holiday celebration at Christmas at Callingwood! This beloved annual event returns on Saturday, December 14, from 11 AM to 3 PM, offering festive fun for everyone. Whether you're looking to snap a photo with Santa, enjoy live entertainment, or indulge in seasonal treats, there's something for all ages.
Rapid Fire Theatre: Kidding Around
This Saturday afternoon show is for you! Rapid Fire Theatre’s hilarious performers create this entire show right off the top of their heads, but in order to pull it off, we’re going to need help from all the kids in the audience.
City of Edmonton Free Family Adventure Club North: Christmas Bird Count
Family Adventure Club North showcases the City of Edmonton’s new Northeast River Valley Park (903 153 Ave NE) through various outdoor and nature based learning activities. Leaders are excited to share an adventure with you in Edmonton's new North East River Valley Park, during a monthly drop-in play session.
Home Alone in Concert
A true holiday favorite, this beloved comedy classic features renowned composer John Williams charming and delightful score performed live to picture.
A Christmas Past at Rutherford House
Deck the halls and carol with us for a traditional Rutherford House Christmas!
Art Buffet: Free Art Drop-in Art Making
Visit the Art Buffet, a free, weekly drop-in art program for everyone, materials included, on Wednesday afternoons at Mitchell Gallery.
Unsilent Night Walk at Broadmoor Lake
Participate in a 45-minute electronic swirling sound walk through Broadmoor Park and beyond. Spread joy and light to brighten the long winter night! Deck yourself out with twinkle lights, a cell phone and (optional) amplifier/speaker.
What is Unsilent Night?
Unsilent Night is an original composition by Phil Kline, written specifically to be heard outdoors in the month of December. It takes the form of a street promenade in which the audience becomes the performer. Throughout December each year, people around the world gather to "perform" the work by playing the Unsilent Night music on boomboxes or Bluetooth speakers and walking a chosen path together.
Santa Swim at Emerald Hills Leisure Centre
Splash into Christmas with Santa Swim at Emerald Hills Leisure Center in Sherwood Park.
Cookie Decorating with Santa
Kick off to Christmas - Cookie Decorating with Santa! Join us for a festive and fun-filled event at Gather Bakery. Get into the holiday spirit as you decorate delicious cookies with the jolliest man himself, Santa Claus! You can capture all the magical moments with photos to treasure forever. Don't miss out on this special opportunity to create lasting memories with your loved ones.
Each ticket includes 6 cookies to decorate with icing and hoilday sprinkles and seating at our Gather table for one individual at a time. The event will be held at Gather Bakery, located on First Avenue in Spruce Grove, AB. Get ready for a merry and delicious time! Limited avaliblity so get your tickets fast!
Buy Tickets for Cookie Decorating with Santa
Rapid Fire Theatre: Kidding Around
This Saturday afternoon show is for you! Rapid Fire Theatre’s hilarious performers create this entire show right off the top of their heads, but in order to pull it off, we’re going to need help from all the kids in the audience.
High Tea with Santa at La Prosciutteria
The high tea includes tea, food, and an enchanted evening with Santa Claus!
Rapid Fire Theatre: Kidding Around
This Saturday afternoon show is for you! Rapid Fire Theatre’s hilarious performers create this entire show right off the top of their heads, but in order to pull it off, we’re going to need help from all the kids in the audience.
Chiseled- Edmonton's International Ice Carving Competition
In January 2025, ice will be fused, sweat rolled, and creativity will be showcased at the ICE District Plaza. The carvers will be hard at work creating their masterpieces and you can take in the art. The pieces will be presented in the plaza for several weeks and you can be part of the judging.
Deep Freeze: A Byzantine Winter Festival
Immerse yourself in the vibrant cultures that make up the fabric of Alberta Avenue District, including Ukrainian, French Canadian, Franco African, Indigenous (Métis, Inuit, Cree), Latin American, and Asian influences. Wander through the event to discover artistic creations, a homestead village, and musical celebrations that will delight your senses with music, art, and delectable treats.
The Flying Canoe Festival
The Flying Canoe Festival is a creative and interactive cultural celebration designed to engage local history and everything that is great on a long winter night. Inspired by the legend of flying canoeing and French Canadian traditions, of the First Nations and the Métis, the Flying Canoe Flying festival embraces the magnificent Ravin Mill Creek of Edmonton and the French-speaking Quarter of Edmonton.
The Silver Skate Festival
The Silver Skate Festival is a free 10-day family-oriented festival that combines culture, art, education, sport, and recreation. They invite everyone to rediscover the joy of that first childhood snowfall or discover that joy for the first time.
University of Alberta Observatory Drop-in Night Sky Viewing
Start planning those fun, fall learning adventures in Edmonton. The Observatory at University of Alberta will be hosting public observing sessions on Thursdays throughout the season.
Thursday Reuse Workshop: Make an Upcycled Gift Boxes
Every Thursday, take part in a free DIY Workshop at The Reuse Centre.
Edmonton Under $100 Art Show: Opening Reception
100 Artists. Every piece under $100, and thousands of pieces of art. It’s a liquidation sale where you can find an artistic treasure in Edmonton.
Sunridge Ski Area Season Kickoff Party
This all day event will include Sunridge Ski Hill’s Annual Porcupine Jam, a live DJ, Smores by the Fire, and a Hot Chocolate Bar.
Teen Night at Art Gallery of Alberta: Pajama Party
Gather in the atrium for a cozy sleepover vibe or wander the Gallery in search of the connection between dreams and creativity.
Art Buffet: Free Art Drop-in Art Making
Visit the Art Buffet, a free, weekly drop-in art program for everyone, materials included, on Wednesday afternoons at Mitchell Gallery.
National Child Day at Royal Alberta Museum
On Wednesday, November 20 come spend some time at RAM with your little ones in celebration of National Child Day. This day recognizes the rights of the child and acknowledges children as active participants in their own lives and communities.
Free Girls Drop in Sports Session
For Girls by Girls is a free drop in sports program for girls in Edmonton at Clareview Community Recreation Centre and The Meadows Community Rec Centre.
FREE Youth Playwright Workshop
Find your voice and tell your story. Explore the foundations of writing a play through a series of lessons and writing exercises. Learn about plot, character, dialogue, conflict, and more! The course will culminate in a presentation of monologues and short plays written by the students. Open to participants 12 to 17 years old.
FREE Workshop: Create Comics Inspired by Planet Earth
Register for the free Apple Kids workshop at Southgate Center and Learn to Create your own Comics.
Photos with Santa at Salisbury Greenhouse
Santa Claus is coming to Salisbury Greenhouse in Sherwood Park on Saturday and Sunday, November 16 and 17, 2024.
2024 Kingsway Holiday Parade
The 2024 Kingsway Holiday parade is a fantastic way to kick off the season with the first Edmonton Santa Claus Parade of 2024 - so get outside, bundle up, and grab a chair!
Parade Route: the parade will begin at the east Airport Road entrance to Kingsway Mall.
FREE Recreational at Emerald Hills Leisure Centre with Inflatables
Drop in for this little-kid friendly swimming event, with the inflatables in the pool at Emerald Hills Leisure Centre. Children that attend lap swim must be able to swim 25 metres and be accompanied in the water by someone 14Y+.
All Is Bright on 124th Festival 2024
Celebrate Christmas Light up Season in Edmonton with this free family Christmas Holiday Light Up Celebration Festival in Edmonton. The All is Bright Festival 2024 on 124 Street is a party with live entertainment, installations, market experience and of course - free family fun and a holiday light up kick-off. Enjoy favourites like light up Christmas decor, cabane a sucre and face painting in the kids zone!
Visit the 2024 All is Bright Festival
2024 Strathcona County Celebration of Lights
Wear your favourite holiday sweater or elf hat and join us at the Celebration of Lights! This family-friendly event is entirely free and aims to entertain the whole family with an LED tree show, holiday music, holiday activities and games, as well as a special appearance from both Santa and the Grinch!
FREE Workshop: Create Your Own Emoji
Register for the free Apple Kids workshop at Southgate Center and Learn to Create your own Comics.
Free Drop-in City of Edmonton Play Rangers: Orienteering and Fire Building
Join this fun, free, Edmonton drop-in program for kids to learn Shelter Building, Disc Golf and Outdoor Games.
Rapid Fire Theatre: Kidding Around
This Saturday afternoon show is for you! Rapid Fire Theatre’s hilarious performers create this entire show right off the top of their heads, but in order to pull it off, we’re going to need help from all the kids in the audience.
Photos with Santa at Salisbury Greenhouse
Santa Claus is coming to Salisbury Greenhouse in Sherwood Park on Saturday and Sunday, November 16 and 17, 2024.
Horzon AG & Turf Green Christmas Event
On November 16th, 2024 from 9AM to 2PM Horizon Ag & Turf will be hosting their two Green Christmas events. One at our Edmonton West location and one at the Edmonton South location.
Swim with Santa at West Edmonton Mall
Come swim with Santa in World Waterpark's 31 degree oasis to snap a photo together with him by the waves!
Leduc Light Up the Park
Light-up Leduc is about spreading positive, holiday cheer by creating a fun, festive event everyone can participate in annually. Residents are encouraged to register their home as a holiday location for citizens to visit, whether on foot or by vehicle, as part of their holiday traditions.
Thank you to everyone who participated in 2023 and helped to brighten our city for the holiday season, and thank you to all who got out to enjoy the festivities and voted for their favourite! As always, Light-Up Leduc is a fantastic time of year that brings our community together.
Stony Plain Road Light Up the Park
Grab your family and friends, and let’s commence this holiday season with the local community at Stony Plain Road.
Light up the Night in Inglewood
This multi venue event will celebrate the kick off of the holiday season & brand new holiday lights in Inglewood.
Metis Day Event
Join the celebrating and learning about Metis culture, and history at the Devon Community Centre. There are family fun activities including: fiddler, jigging, story telling, vendors, with free hot dogs and pop.
University of Alberta Observatory Drop-in Night Sky Viewing
Start planning those fun, fall learning adventures in Edmonton. The Observatory at University of Alberta will be hosting public observing sessions on Thursdays throughout the season.
Thursday Reuse Workshop: Make an Upcycled Golf Course
Every Thursday, take part in a free DIY Workshop at The Reuse Centre.
Holiday Tree Lighting Ceremony at Fairmont Hotel Macdonald
Start the holiday season off at our annual community Tree Lighting Ceremony. The hour-long celebration includes live musical performances by local children’s choir, fresh cookies, hot chocolate and plenty of festive cheer!
Free Girls Drop in Sports Session
For Girls by Girls is a free drop in sports program for girls in Edmonton at Clareview Community Recreation Centre and The Meadows Community Rec Centre.