Happy Holidays - Spend more time, not money!
Posted onLet’s face it – it can be hard to get into the holiday spirit these days. Being an adult, the holidays can be very stressful. Have you found the perfect gifts? Did you forget anyone? Have you baked enough cookies? The list of things to do before December 25th seems endless, and what seemed like forever when you were a kid now zooms by in the blink of an eye.
I recently attended a holiday event and it made me realize how much I’ve been missing out on. It is so easy to get caught up in the busyness that we forget to stop and actually enjoy everything our great city has to offer. As well, I think a lot of us get swept up in trying to find the perfect gift for everyone that we forget that the greatest gift of all is our time. Material things eventually lose their novelty, but we cherish the memories we make forever. Below I have listed my top five holiday events in the city, I hope you can get out and enjoy one of these (or the MANY other) events! (Note: click any of the titles to see the website for the event)
1. Glow Christmas
The Enjoy Centre, Nov. 22, 2018 – Jan. 19, 2019
Glow is the largest indoor Christmas festival in greater Edmonton. Bring together the people you love to stroll, laugh and play under the twinkle of a million lights. Their playgrounds and interactive features will entertain the kids for hours, while the adults kick back at our licensed bar and enjoy some seasonal beverages, delicious food, and live music. Glow’s illuminated sculptures are the perfect backdrop for selfies and holiday family photos. You can even whisper your Christmas list to Santa! The Christmas Market showcases the best local artisans and boutique businesses, offering up unique gift ideas for loved ones. It’s all the magic and wonder of an outdoor festival, hosted inside our cozy and spacious venue.
2. Winter Wagon Nights
Fort Edmonton Park, Dec. 20, 28, and 29, 2019
You’ve likely been to Fort Edmonton Park during the summer months at some point, but have you ever stopped by in winter? Explore the park and enjoy festive activities such as a horse-drawn carriage ride, free hot chocolate, a bonfire, bright lights, and magical tunes at the Winter Wagon Nights event.
3. The Magic of Lights
Castrol Raceway, Nov. 15, 2018 – Jan. 5, 2019
A 2 km “drive through” experience of festive and LED lights, Magic of Lights is sure to bring joy to the whole family! A portion of the proceeds from every vehicle goes to support their chosen charities: 630 CHED Santa’s Anonymous, and Canadian Tire Jump Start. Make this event even more fun by hitching a ride on the Horse Power Hayride! While there are no real horses to power the sleigh, you can still snuggle under the blanket and listen to all of your favorite holiday songs. This ride is approximately 22-25 minutes long.
4. Zoominescence – A Festival of Lights
Edmonton Valley Zoo, Dec. 1, 2018 – Dec. 30, 2018
Each December the Edmonton Valley Zoo stages a spectacular exhibition of artistic light installations within the zoo. The festival’s vision it to celebrate light, artistry, imagination, and the strong spirit of our community in the winter. You can enjoy a skating rink, maze, fire dancers, ice and light exhibits, and 11 artist installations.
5. A Christmas Carol
Citadel Theatre, Dec. 1, 2018 – Dec. 23, 2018
Revisit Scrooge and all his ghosts with this classic theatre production, A Christmas Carol. This is the last year that this particular adaptation will be performed, so make sure to check it out before it is gone!