Courtesy // Kei

Things to do in Alberta: December 2024

By Meaghan Archer

Whether you’re bundling up to play outside or cozying up to keep warm inside this winter season, there are loads of activities across Alberta to keep you feeling bright.  

Skate the Lake 

Grab your skates and head to Sylvan Lake for some outdoor ice skating. Lake skating is a classic Canadian pastime, and Sylvan Lake does it best with three large skating surfaces and free on-ice parking. Organize a game of stick-and-puck, practice your sow-cows (salchows) or test your wobbly legs for the first time on these beautiful ice lakes.  

All Aboard in Alliance! 

Join Conductor Clause for another year of the Santa Daze Train to Alliance, Alberta. Enjoy a  fun-packed round-trip that starts with an hour train ride from Forestburg to Alliance. Once in Alliance, get ready to turn up the excitement  with ice skating, lunch and goodies, crafts, curling, a Parade of Lights, bonfires and fireworks all before heading back on the train in the evening. Tickets to this family-friendly event  on December 14 are available online.  

Christmas Cabaret 

You’ll be shouting ‘Joy to the World’ after experiencing the aptly named Christmas Cabaret in Canmore. Running from December 12-30, this 90-minute show is full of laughter, music and cheery Christmas tales. Hosted in the Carter-Ryan Gallery on Canmore’s Main Street, it’s the quintessential setting for sing-a-longs, surprise guests and an unforgettable holiday celebration. Tickets can be purchased online.  

Time for Tea 

There’s something special about cozying up under a blanket with a cup of hot tea, a book or a loved one and watching the snow fall out the window. The Edmonton Christmas Market is bringing that experience—plus more—to the public with their enchanting Christmas High Tea. For a wonderful afternoon, sample teas and treats, both savoury and sweet, live music, crafts and even have a sip of champagne if it tickles your fancy. Tea will be served on December 1, 8 and 15 from 12:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. Book your spot online.  

Stage Queens  

It wouldn’t be the holiday season without a trip to the ballet to watch the Nutcracker. Claim your seats for one of Alberta Ballet’s performances of the Nutcracker in both Calgary and Edmonton running throughout December—AMA members save 15% when purchasing Alberta Ballet tickets online. If you’re looking to really sleigh this holiday season, A Drag Queen Christmas will have exactly what you’re looking for. Featuring the all-star queens of Ru Paul’s Drag Race, the show is sashaying to Calgary December 16. Don’t miss out on this 10th anniversary show at the Jack Singer Concert Hall in Calgary (December 16) and the Jubilee Theatre in Edmonton (December 17).