Subscribe
Edmonton Buzz
Archives
"Alberta and Ottawa Unite for Groundbreaking Childcare Alliance!"
Edmonton Buzz Team :)
Dec 15, 2025
Rather read from our website? Click here |
Trivia QuestionâWhat is the nickname for Alberta's capital city, Edmonton? Answer at the bottom of the newsletter |
Happy Monday!
This week's issue is loaded with lots of things to do. đĽł
Parents are wondering whart 2027 looks like regarding Child care. We've got an update for you..
Here we go!
|
The big story...! | ||
In the news this week |
Alberta families have gained temporary relief after the provincial and federal governments finalized a one-year extension to their Early Learning and Child Care (ELCC) agreement.
This extension delivers over $1.17 billion in federal funding, freezing child-care fees at an average of $15 per day until March 31, 2027.
The deal directly prevents dramatic increases in monthly costs that could have forced some parents, especially mothers, out of the workforce.
Key changes include allowing an extra 5,000 for-profit child-care spaces to receive federal funding and removing the cap on family day home spaces, an important recognition of Albertaâs marketplace approach.
Despite this immediate support, the extension highlights ongoing funding and philosophical disputes between Alberta and Ottawa, especially around $10-a-day targets and the division between for-profit and non-profit providers.
With the extension set to expire in 2027, uncertainty remains, and high-stakes negotiations lie ahead for affordable, sustainable child care in Alberta. Read More... |
Supporting local! | ||
Business spotlight |
Interested in weight management and a healthy lifestyle?
Discover how simple, sustainable changes can transform your approach to weight management and overall wellness. Whether you're looking to shed a few pounds, boost your energy, or develop healthier habits, our resources and guidance make it easy to start your journey toward a healthier, happier you. Take the next step today, because your health is worth it! |
What's happening? | ||
Things to do this week |
1. Outdoor and Natuređ˛ |
Candy Cane Lane One of Edmonton's most cherished holiday traditions returns for its 50th+ year! Walk or drive through the Crestwood neighbourhood to admire spectacular Christmas light displays on homes along 148th Street. Date: December 12, 2025 â January 2, 2026 Location: 148th Street from 99th to 92nd Avenue Cost: Free admission Click for details
Zoominescence at Edmonton Valley Zoo Experience the zoo transformed into a magical nighttime exhibition featuring artistic animal light installations and custom local art pieces. This spectacular evening event showcases thousands of twinkling lights in the unique winter setting of the Valley Zoo. Date: December 5, 2025 â January 4, 2026 Location: Edmonton Valley Zoo â 13315 Buena Vista Rd. NW Cost: Tickets available online Click for details
Canadian Tire Magic of Lights Drive through 2.5 kilometres of pure holiday magic with over two million twinkling LED lights. Enjoy this cozy drive-through adventure from the warmth of your vehicle, featuring a spectacular 200-foot light tunnel. Date: November 20, 2025 â January 3, 2026 Location: RAD Torque Raceway â 50342 Range Rd. 253, Leduc County Cost: Pass prices vary Click for details
Christmas Lights at Alberta Legislature For over 30 years, the Legislature grounds have been adorned with a massive Christmas tree and countless surrounding trees lit with festive lights. Perfect for evening strolls and holiday photos. Date: Evenings until end of January Location: Alberta Legislature â 10800 97th Ave. NW Cost: Free admission Click for details
Elk Island National Park Just 35 minutes east of Edmonton, explore rolling hills, glassy lakes, and 80+ km of winter trails. Spot bison, elk, and enjoy stargazing in this designated dark sky preserve â perfect for viewing Northern Lights! Date: Open year-round, 24 hours Location: Improvement District No. 13, Alberta Cost: Free admission Click for details |
2. Shows & Entertainment đş đ |
A Christmas Carol at Citadel Theatre David van Belle's beloved adaptation of the Charles Dickens classic returns! Experience Ebenezer Scrooge's transformative night with the Ghosts of Christmas Past, Present, and Future, set in the nostalgic 1950s with songs like "I'll Be Home for Christmas" and "White Christmas." Date: November 22 â December 24, 2025 Location: Citadel Theatre â 9828 101A Ave. NW Cost: Ticket prices vary Click for details
Die Harsh: The Christmas Musical Laugh through this hilarious parody musical based on the (debatable!) Christmas film Die Hard. Featuring tap-dancing FBI agents, sexy German criminals, and action-packed comedy guaranteed to be a sell-out! Date: December 11-28, 2025 Location: The Orange Hub Cost: Tickets available online Click for details
Disney's The Nightmare Before Christmas in Concert The FILMharmonique Orchestra performs Danny Elfman's legendary score live as Tim Burton's stop-motion masterpiece plays on screen. Follow Jack Skellington's misguided adventure to take over Christmas! Date: December 14, 2025 Location: Northern Alberta Jubilee Auditorium Cost: Tickets available online Click for details
Christmas with Johnny Reid 5-time JUNO award-winning singer-songwriter Johnny Reid performs with the Edmonton Symphony Orchestra, sharing holiday originals, cherished classics, and inspiring stories for a joyful celebration of Christmas spirit. Date: December 14-16, 2025 Location: Winspear Centre â 4 Sir Winston Churchill Square Cost: Tickets available online Click for details
ELF at Metro Cinema Watch the beloved holiday classic on the big screen! Buddy the Elf travels from the North Pole to New York City in search of his real father in this heartwarming Christmas comedy. Date: December 18, 2025, 7:00 PM Location: Metro Cinema Cost: $15 Click for details |
3. Arts, Crafts & Culture đ¨ |
Edmonton Christmas Market Three weeks of market magic featuring local Alberta vendors, stunning light displays, culinary experiences, roving performances, live theatre, family workshops, horse-drawn wagon rides, and endless holiday cheer! Date: November 29 â December 21, 2025 Location: Fort Edmonton Park â 7000 143rd St. NW Cost: Starting at $20.95 Click for details
Art Gallery of Alberta Celebrate 100 years of art and culture in downtown Edmonton. Explore rotating exhibitions, workshops, and events. Free admission on the final Thursday of every month from 4-7 PM! Date: Wednesday-Sunday (hours vary) Location: 2 Sir Winston Churchill Square NW Cost: $13.33 regular admission (free Thursdays 4-7 PM) Click for details
Royal Alberta Museum Marvel at vast collections spanning archaeology, Indigenous studies, industry, and Earth & Life Sciences. One of Alberta's most intriguing cultural destinations with world-class exhibits. Date: Hours vary Location: 9810 103A Ave. NW Cost: $10-$21 Click for details
Muttart Conservatory Adult Night Every Wednesday evening, explore stunning glass pyramid displays while sipping cocktails. Experience changing botanical exhibits and seasonal holiday dĂŠcor in a unique atmosphere. Date: Wednesdays, 5:00-9:00 PM Location: Muttart Conservatory â 9626 96A St. NW Cost: $14.95 adult admission Click for details
Bountiful Farmers Market Year-round market offering fresh local vegetables, meat, coffee, beer, wine, ethnic food hall, children's play area, and live entertainment every weekend. Date: Every Friday, Saturday & Sunday Location: 3696 97th St. NW Cost: Free entry Click for details |
|
|
|
The Druid Reopens in Ice District The Druid Irish Pub returns to Edmonton in the heart of Ice District at Mercer Warehouse. Come for a pint, stay for the party! Date: Opening this week (December 16+) Location: Mercer Warehouse, Ice District Cost: Free entry Click for details
Campio Christmas Movie Night Cozy screening of Dr. Seuss' How the Grinch Stole Christmas with free popcorn! Ugly Christmas sweaters and festive PJs highly encouraged. Date: December 15, 2025, 6:30 PM Location: Campio Brewing Co. Cost: Free Click for details
FREE Wednesday Night Open Mic Comedy Every Wednesday at 10 PM, The Grindstone hosts Edmonton's premier stand-up comedy open mic. Watch first-timers take risks and pros work on new material â 5-minute sets! Date: Wednesdays at 10:00 PM Location: Grindstone Theatre Cost: Free Click for details
Live Music Venues Check out performances at Edmonton's vibrant music scene including Sun Kil Moon (Dec 11, Starlite Room), Hotel Mira (Dec 11, Midway Music Hall), and Trivecta (Dec 13, Union Hall). Date: Various dates throughout the week Location: Various venues across Edmonton Cost: Ticket prices vary Click for details
Christmas Music Bingo at Old Yale Brewing Test your holiday song knowledge with festive Christmas Music Bingo! Fun evening of music, prizes, and seasonal cheer. Date: December 15, 2025, 7:00 PM Location: Old Yale Brewing, Beaumont Cost: Free Click for details |
|
CAN vs. USA Women's Hockey Rivalry Series The greatest rivalry in sports! Cheer on Canada's National Women's Hockey Team as they face Team USA in the final Olympic pre-games before the 2026 Winter Olympics. Date: December 10 & 13, 2025 Location: Rogers Place Cost: Tickets available online Click for details
Edmonton Oilers Home Games Catch the Oilers in action at Rogers Place! Check the schedule for exciting NHL matchups throughout December. Date: Various dates (check schedule) Location: Rogers Place, Ice District Cost: Ticket prices vary Click for details
Edmonton Oil Kings (WHL) Support Edmonton's junior hockey team as they battle through the WHL season with exciting, fast-paced action. Date: Various dates (check schedule) Location: Rogers Place Cost: Ticket prices vary Click for details
Nitro Circus World-class daredevils and elite athletes perform jaw-dropping stunts in FMX, BMX, skateboarding, and scooter! Co-founded by Travis Pastrana, this is unstoppable energy for all ages. Date: December 20, 2025 Location: Rogers Place Cost: Tickets available online Click for details
Climb YEG Ice Climbing Experience outdoor ice climbing in Edmonton's River Valley! This 21-meter (6-story) climbing structure offers year-round climbing, dry-tooling, and intro courses. Equipment rentals available. Date: Year-round operation Location: River Valley Cost: Prices vary (equipment rentals available) Click for details |
|
Edmonton Tech Wednesdays Perfect for developers, marketers, entrepreneurs, or anyone tech-curious. Exchange ideas and make new connections in Edmonton's tech community! Date: December 17, 2025, 5:30 PM Location: Check Meetup for venue Cost: Free Click for details
Dev Edmonton Society Monthly Meeting Monthly meeting where the Dev Edmonton Society board discusses society business and supporting the local meetup community. Date: Wednesday, December 10, 2025, 8:00 PM Location: Check Meetup for details Cost: Free Click for details
Edmonton AA Intergroup Monthly Meeting Monthly Intergroup Committee meeting at Edmonton Central Office from 7:00-8:00 PM. Date: December 11, 2025, 7:00 PM Location: Edmonton Central Office Cost: Free (7th tradition) Click for details
Free Sahaja Meditation Workshop Inner peace workshop for those seeking meditation and mindfulness in a welcoming group setting. Date: December 18, 2025, 7:00 PM Location: Empire (check AllEvents for details) Cost: Free Click for details
General Meetup Groups Explore Edmonton's diverse meetup scene including outdoor activities, sports & hobbies, networking, and social groups through Meetup.com/Edmonton. Date: Various dates and times Location: Various locations Cost: Varies by group Click for details |
8. Food, Drink and Happy Hoursđżđž |
Our Food, Drink, and Happy Hour updates are now in our sister publication - Edmunchie.com - The Delicious newsletter. Go here now. |
In coming... | ||
This Week's Weather |
5-Day Daily Weather Forecast
đ Monday, December 15, 2025 âď¸ A mix of sun and clouds High: 6°C | Low: -14°C Summary: Enjoy the brief, unusually mild start to the week under a mix of sun and clouds. Be warned, a severe temperature drop is expected overnight as arctic air moves in.
đ Tuesday, December 16, 2025 đ¤ď¸ A mix of sun and clouds High: -6°C | Low: -12°C Summary: Temperatures drop significantly, returning to seasonal norms. It will be a cold day, but still relatively clear with a mix of sun and clouds.
đ Wednesday, December 17, 2025 âď¸ Light snow High: -13°C | Low: -17°C Summary: A system bringing light snow will reinforce the frigid air. Expect high temperatures to remain in the negative teens, with overnight lows dipping into the minus-twenties.
đ Thursday, December 18, 2025 đĽď¸ A mix of sun and clouds High: -10°C | Low: -16°C Summary: Frigid weather continues as the cold front settles in. It will be a bitterly cold day, with only a slight mix of sun and cloud offering minimal warmth.
đ Friday, December 19, 2025 đ¨ď¸ Scattered flurries High: -16°C | Low: -29°C Summary: The week concludes with a deep freeze and a chance of scattered flurries. Temperatures will be dangerously cold, nearing extreme cold warning criteria. Prepare for heavy wind chill.
source: weather.gc.ca |
Also.. | ||
Related stories from Edmonton Scoop |
đĄ Answer to Trivia Question: "Festival City" or "Gateway to the North" |
Want to support Edmonton Scoop?
We are small, independent and totally Edmontonian! Click HERE to keep us going...
Or
Give us a 'Like' on our page.... HERE
Thank you! |
 |