40+ FREE Family-Friendly Christmas Events in Edmonton Area
Looking for the best free Christmas events and holiday activities in Edmonton for 2025? You’re in the right place. Every winter, Edmonton and the surrounding communities come alive with dazzling holiday light-up festivals, family-friendly celebrations, outdoor entertainment, and festive community gatherings—many of them completely free to attend.
In this guide, we’ve rounded up 30 free Christmas events and activities in Edmonton, including popular favourites like All is Bright on 124th, the St. Albert Snowflake Festival, and the Downtown Winterval, as well as can’t-miss holiday light-ups in Leduc, Strathcona County, Spruce Grove, Stony Plain, and more. Whether you're planning festive outings with kids, searching for budget-friendly Christmas ideas, or simply want to enjoy the city’s magical winter atmosphere, these events offer plenty to see and do.
Use this list to plan your 2025 Edmonton Christmas fun - from sparkling light displays to cheerful parades and community celebrations—all at no cost.
2025 Free Holiday Light up Festivals in Edmonton
FREE Family-friendly Christmas Events in Edmonton
Have Breakfast with Santa at Salvation Army
November 15, 2025
Toy Swap at Edmonton ReUse Centre
November 15, 2025
Santa’s Arrival at West Edmonton Mall with FREE Skating
November 15, 2025
Join us as Santa makes his grand entrance at the Ice Palace, featuring princess characters, Mr. Potato Head, the Monopoly Man, Izzy, Sunny, and the infamous "Mean One"! Bring your own skates and helmets to glide into the holiday season. You'll be greeted by festive music, magical décor, and Hasbro characters. Plus enjoy treats from Cookies by George and hot chocolate. It's the perfect way to welcome the most wonderful time of the year.
DIY Workshop at ReUse Center: Ornaments
November 20, 2025
Fairmont Hotel Macdonald Holiday Tree Lighting
November 21, 2025
Visit the Kingsway Holiday Parade
November 22, 2025
LEGO Ornament Make & Take at Mastermind Toys
November 22, 2025
See Buddy the Elf at Maisie’s Christmas House
November 22, 2025
Join us at Maisie’s Magical Christmas House for an evening filled with lights, laughter and Christmas cheer with Buddy the Elf, Mr. Grinch and Santa himself Bring your family and friends for fun photos, music and magical memories.
Nintendo Switch Holiday Experience at West Edmonton Mall
November 26, 2025
DIY Workshop at The ReUse Centre: Scrap Ornament
November 27, 2025
Home Depot Kids Workshop: Build a Teddy Bear Ornament
November 29, 2025
Leduc Santa Claus Parade
November 29, 2025
Christmas in the Heartland - With Fireworks
November 29, 2025
Enjoy country markets and activities for the whole family at various locations in north Strathcona County to celebrate the start of December and holidays in the Heartland.
Cineplex Family Favourites ($3.99) Elf on the Shelf
November 29, 2025
This week’s Cineplex Family Favourite features two short films: An Elf's Story (26 mins) Chippy is assigned to a family that includes a boy who is questioning the magic of Christmas. When Chippy finds the assignment a bit challenging, his good friends, Santa, and an unexpected child help him remember why his job is important!
Winter Celebration at McKay School
November 29, 2025
Get ready to step back in time and experience the magic of Winter Celebration at the Historic McKay Avenue School Archives and Museum! Finish the day with an old fashioned winter experience.
Winter Light up at Alberta Legislature
December 3, 2025
Free Ornament Painting at Michaels
Saturdays in December
Join the fun in store for a fun painting event! Take a step back from your holiday chaos and come relax with us and paint a wooden ornament. We will also have some sweet treats for you to enjoy. This free event will take place in all stores from 1-3pm every Saturday in December!
Michaels Make Break: Make Gnome Jars
December 7, 2025
Christmas in the City FREE Concert
December 7, 2025
Enjoy a sparkling program of jazz, gospel, and Christmas favourites — featuring the Studio B Saxophone Quartet, local youth choir Vocal Motion, and a swinging jazz trio led by conductor Paula Roberts and accompanist Talesa Mandin.
Home Depot Kids Workshop: Build a Hot Chocolate Mug
December 13, 2025
Santa’s Workshop at John Walter Museum
December 14, 2025
Michaels Makebreak: Make a Trinket Tray
December 14, 2025
Christmas at Callingwood Marketplace
December 14, 2025
Bright Light Skate Night
December 13, 2025
Edmonton Christmas Bird Count
December 14, 2025
Swim with Santa at Emerald Hills Leisure Centre
December 20, 2025
Visit Maisie’s Christmas House
Until December 31, 2025
Edmonton truly shines during the holiday season, offering countless ways to celebrate without spending a cent. From neighbourhood light-up festivals to hands-on craft workshops, parades, community gatherings, and magical character visits, there’s no shortage of festive fun to enjoy all across the city and surrounding communities.
