The snow and cold are no excuse for not getting out into the fresh air and having a great time. Edmonton has many different locations where individuals of all ages can celebrate winter.
Christmas Reflections at Fort Edmonton Park
Dress warm and visit the park anytime from December 11 through 30 and experience a historic holiday season. Learn how people greeted guests back in the day, what local residents did for fun and hear stories from more than a century ago. See a live presentation of “The Gift of the Magi,” visit Father Christmas, or go on a snowshoe hike. There will also be wagon rides through the area. Costumed presenters offer their rendition of the holidays with delightful foods baked on wood stoves and they operate vintage gift shops. Get warm around the bonfire and enjoy a delicious snack. Tickets are available online: $18 for adults, $16 for students from 6 to 17 and $13 for children 2 to 5. The event schedule occurs on weekdays from 5:00 to 9:00 P.M. and weekends from 2:00 to 6:00 P.M.
A Prairie Christmas
The Prairie Gardens and Adventure Farm hosts a special event on December 12 and 13 for guests of all ages. Children get free balloons and photos with Santa along with having the chance to join Father Christmas on hay and train rides. There will be live children’s shows and magic presentations along with opportunities to go sledding or exploring hay bale mazes. Have indoor snowball fights or create crafts with elves. Roast marshmallows around the bonfire and play various outdoor winter games. Admittance is $10 per person and tickets are available online.
Outdoor Ice Skating
Pack your ice skates and a thermos of hot chocolate and head to one of six outdoor Edmonton ice rinks. Glide across the ice and feel the brisk winter weather on your face while taking in holiday decorations and snow-blanketed views. Each location features different amenities ranging from changing rooms and public bathrooms to warming areas. Available skate times also vary at each destination.
Kicksledding and Toboganning
Get into the winter spirit by soaring down one of the city’s maintained toboggan hills. Dash through the ice and snow at one of seven locations that offer a safe place for seasonal fun. There is never any charge to enjoy the destinations that remain open day and night.
Rabbit Hill Snow Resort
Winter sports enthusiasts travel to the resort for skiing or snowboarding. The park is the largest in the Edmonton area and features three designated terrains for novice, intermediate, and advanced athletes. The facility also offers group and private instruction for guests aged 4 and up. The season lasts through March 20. The slopes are open Monday through Friday from 10:00 A.M. to 9:00 P.M. and on Saturday and Sunday from 9:00 A.M. to 5:00 P.M.
Sunridge Tubing Park
In addition to having the chance to go skiing or snowboarding, the location features the only snow tubing park in the area. There is also a lift dedicated to the tubing hill so guests do not have to make the arduous journey back up on foot. The park is open from Friday evening through Sunday and holidays. Tickets are $20 and available online for two-hours of fun. Participants must be at least seven years old and four feet tall for safety reasons.
Ice on Whyte Festival
The unique event takes place at End of Steel Park in Old Strathcona from 10:00 A.M. to 10:00 P.M. Thursday through Sunday on January 21 and again on January 28. Watch artists carve magical displays from ice and vote for your favorite. Speed down a giant ice slice, try ice carving, make crafts and enjoy a selection of warm foods and beverages. Tickets are $7 for adults, $4 for children 2 to 12 and are available online.