5 things to do in Edmonton this weekend
It's going to be another busy weekend in Edmonton — particularly for the market-going, festive-loving Christmas fanatics among you.
Story time
What: Lean back in your seat, close your eyes and pretend you’re listening to a good, old-fashioned radio play as Canadian storyteller Stuart McLean gives you a Christmas update on one of my favourite fictional families. If you like warm-hearted, slightly (very) folksy, occasionally silly but always entertaining stories, or are a fan Vinyl Cafe, this show’s for you.
When? December 7 at 2:30 and 7:30 p.m.
Celebrate the season
What: No matter where in the city you live, you won’t have to go far to take part in a holiday-themed hullabaloo
- It’ll be a wonderful Whyte in Old Strathcona this weekend as the entire street gets into the Christmas spirit with sleigh rides, Santa and a push to support local businesses
- If you haven’t already, make yourself a new holiday tradition this year with a visit to the Legislature grounds. Pack cookies and a thermos of something warm, put on layers and head over for a festive winter picnic or walk through the grounds while Christmas carols play. Trust me, it’s lovely
- Travel back in time with Christmas Reflections at Fort Edmonton Park, where you can buy presents from one of the heritage gift shops, eat a baked good served up fresh and warm from an old wood stove or take a horse-drawn sleigh ride through the old-timey winter wonderland
- Eat chestnuts hot off the fire Saturday at Giovanni Caboto Park as part of Frostival in McCauley
Market madness
What: Holy market, Batman! Here's a list of just some of the markets happening around the city this weekend:
- The 124th Street Grand Market is setting up a Holiday Bazaar at the Roxy Theatre Thursday evening from 5 to 9 p.m.
- Royal Bison — take two: Don’t forget! The Royal Bison is back at the Cosmopolitan Music Society headquarters for a second weekend
- A whole lot of art, paintings, pottery and more will be on sale this weekend as the Butterdome Craft Sale draws thousands of rabid craftaholics to the University of Alberta. Admission is $7 for adults.
- Latitude 53 will host an ‘On the Spot Pop Up’ market full of clothing, jewelry, home decor and art on Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
- Don’t forget — the City Market is now set up at City Hall and Mother’s Market up and running on 109th Street downtown
Night lights
What: If you love lights but prefer events to be a little lighter on Santa Claus, you’ve got a couple options:
- Head out to the Kurimoto Japanese Garden at the Devonian Botanic Garden this weekend for Luminaria, where thousands of candles will be set up to create “a quiet oasis of peace and light.” There will also be a special memory lane where you can light a candle for a loved on. Apple cider and bonfires will also be on hand to help fight off the winter chill.
- Animals by night light! The Festival of Light at the Edmonton Valley Zoo runs from December 5 to 14 from 5 to 9 p.m. daily. Artistic light installations will be built throughout the zoo, which will also be holding scavenger hunts, winter crafts-making, fire dancers and more.
Medley of Music:
What: Whether you're holding out for holiday music or prefer a regular old live music experience, you've got a few good options:
- Transgender musician, author and native Calgarian Rae Spoon will perform at the Artery on Saturday at 8 p.m.
- Winnipeg-based group the Crooked Brothers take the stage Friday night at the Artery
- Also around town this weekend: Mother Mother and Hawksley Workman
- “You’ll shoot your eye out!” Fans of a Christmas Story will rejoice to hear there is now a musical version of the beloved holiday film. The Tony-nominated show will be performed daily until December 7 at the Arden Theatre.
- Festival City Winds will play their Christmas show Saturday night at 7:30 p.m. at the Robert Tegler Centre
- The big one: The Edmonton Symphony Orchestra and Richard Eaton Singers will take on Handel’s Messiah Friday and Saturday night at 7:30 p.m.
- Make Something Edmonton goes musical Monday night at the Winspear, unlocking the secrets of an orchestral film score.
