December in Alberta is full of festive fun, from twinkling light displays and holiday markets to exciting live performances. Whether you’re shopping for gifts, exploring glowing wonderlands, or catching a blockbuster on the big screen, there’s something for everyone to enjoy this month.
Christmas Market Season
Get into the festive season (and get some shopping done!) at some of the holiday markets happening around the province this December. Local artisans, handcrafted gifts, and delicious seasonal treats all combine for the ultimate cozy holiday vibe. Here are just a few:
Edmonton Christmas Market at Fort Edmonton Park: The historic Fort Edmonton Park transforms into a magical wonderland from Nov. 29 – Dec. 21.
Banff Christmas Market: Meant to encapsulate the feel of a traditional European market, 175 vendors gather for this festive family event, Nov. 20-23, Nov. 28-30, Dec. 5-7, and Dec. 12-14.
Granary Road Christmas Market in Calgary: From Nov. 22 to Dec. 14, this family-friendly Christmas market just south of Calgary includes artisan stalls, tractor rides, indoor playgrounds, and even alpacas.
Merry and Bright
One of the most special parts of the holiday season can be the magical glow of the lights at the many displays around the province. Many communities have large-scale events that will create wonder in adults and children alike:
Zoominescence: A Festival of Light: From Dec. 5 to Jan. 4, the Edmonton Valley Zoo will be transformed with a nighttime art-and-light installation festival for the whole family, which includes glowing sculptures and illuminated wildlife scenes created by local artists.
Christmas in the Coulee: The mine site and historic East Coulee School Museum, southwest of Drumheller, will both be transformed for the holidays with festive decorations, live performances, crafts, and cozy treats, the evenings of December 5 & 6 and 12 & 13.
Airdrie Festival of Light: From Dec. 1–31, stroll through more than one million twinkling lights at this free outdoor walk‑through display in Airdrie’s Nose Creek Park — complete with fire‑pits, a mini train ride and festive village scenes.
See the Sugar Plum Fairy
Experience the holiday magic of Alberta Ballet’s brand-new production of The Nutcracker, in both Calgary and Edmonton this December. With dazzling sets, elegant choreography and the timeless story of Clara and Nutcracker’s magical journey to the Palace of the Sugar Plum Fairy, this year’s production shines brighter than ever with all new choreography, sets, and costumes. The show will premiere in Edmonton Dec. 3 – 7, and then Calgary Dec. 12 – 24. And remember, AMA members save 15% off the regular price for tickets purchased online.
Connect with The Force
Celebrate Star Wars with the touring FILMharmonique Orchestra as they stop in Edmonton for a live performance of the music of Return of the Jedi, John Williams’ Academy Award-winning score to the 1983 film, as the movie plays along behind the show. Watch the Rebel Alliance battle the Death Star from your seat at the Northern Alberta Jubilee Auditorium, Dec. 12 and 13.
Soar back to Pandora
James Cameron’s Avatar series is set to continue this holiday season with the release of Avatar: Fire and Ash – coming to theatres across Alberta on December 19. The Na’vi will face a new threat from an aggressive Fire Tribe in what is promised to be a darker movie than its predecessors. You can save on tickets for both Landmark and Cineplex, by buying passes ahead of time at your local AMA Centre, or by purchasing a Cineplex Gift card to earn 5% back in reward dollars.