10 Things to do in Edmonton this Holiday Season

Posted by Justin Havre on Tuesday, December 13th, 2016 at 10:56am.

Yes, there's a horrible cold snap underway in the Edmonton market, but snap out of it! Get out of the house and celebrate the season. Here's a rundown on all the fun things you can do in the city this month:

Cirque du Soleil — Dec 22-26

Toruk, The First Flights, based on the film Avatar, is the latest visual masterpiece from Cirque du Soliel and it's coming to Roger's Place. Puppets, a fantastic musical score and you'll instantly be transported to Pandora, a world full of magic and wonder. No need to head to Las Vegas to see this amazing Canadian ensemble that has taken the circus experience to a whole new level.

Holiday Spirit at the Provincial Capital

From now until Dec 23, check out the festive lights at Legislature Grounds, illuminated with thousands of colourful holiday lights with live music every day. Dress warmly and bring the kids.

Discover Edmonton's Ukrainian Heritage at Clara's Dream

With performances Dec 29 & Dec 30 at the Northern Jubilee Auditorium, the Ukrainian Shumka Dancers will present Clara's Dream along with the Edmonton Citie Ballet, the Viter Ukrainian Folk Choir and the Virsky and Kyviv Ballet troupes from the Ukrainian. Fast-paced, exuberant and unlike anything you've ever seen. An event for the entire family.

Alternative Holiday Performances

The Theatre Network presents Burning Bluebeard, Dec 15 to 24 at the Roxy on Gateway. It's not a holiday story, as it recounts the stories of six actors that witnessed a fire on Dec 30, 1903 at Chicago's Iroquois Theatre in which 600 people died. Not a touchy-feely story by any stretch of the imagination, but this true story told by playwright Jay Torrence about the event just before New Year's Eve is a holiday tradition that Chicago audiences seem to relish.

Anne of Green Gables

The musical version of this beloved Canadian tale celebrates its 50th anniversary with performances at Festival Place in Sherwood Park Dec 16-30. A true Canadian classic told through song — a not-to-be missed performance.

Nothing says Christmas like a Murder Mystery

Tom Goodchild's Moose Factory on Calgary Trail will be the scene of a New Year's Eve Murder Mystery Dinner and Dance. Professional stage actors will be anonymously sitting among the dinner guests. You as fellow dinner guests will have no idea what's going on until all hell breaks loose. The person who figures out whodunit wins a lovely prize. Your ticket will include cocktails and dinner with a dance to follow. Party into 2017.

Santaland Diaries — Dec 15-19

A disgruntled elf named Crumpet who works in a department store reveals the tug and pull of the retail world as it collides with Christmas. Blarney Productions presents this one-man comedy as part of Alberta Ave's Yule Ave Festival. The show is free but donations are appreciated. Presented nightly Dec 15 to 19 at the Nina Haggerty Centre for the Arts, 9225 - 118 Avenue.

Shop Local

Downstairs at the Mercer Warehouse on 104 Street is Vacancy Hall where you'll find a holiday pop-up store featuring locally-made goods where you'll find unique Canadian-made items. Open until Dec 18.

Singing Christmas Tree — Dec 15-18

This holiday tradition with all your favourite Christmas songs takes place until Dec 18 at the Northern Jubilee Auditorium. You'll love the 35-foot Christmas tree, choirs, dancers and spectacular costumes. Appropriate for the entire family.

Edmonton Valley Zoo

This is the fourth season for Zoominescence, a Festival of Light until Dec 18 at the Valley Zoo. The entire facility is bathed in holidays lights with an artistic twist. Free with regular zoo admission.

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