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Which Alberta town claims to have the world's largest mosquito statue?

Hey Edmonton!

It is Thursday and ... Christmas!

We're wishing everyone a special holiday if you do celebrate, and extend our best wishes to those enduring the season for whatever personal challenges that you're going through, even if its just battling through the weather. Let's make the best of it!

Today we share the wonderful work of a real santa - Daniel 'Can Man Dan' Johnstone. He's a true local hero!

And a great selection of 'Things to do this weekend'. :)

Let's get to it!

Daniel 'Can Man Dan' Johnstone has once again showcased Edmonton’s resilient community spirit by surpassing his goals in the 15th Annual Winter Campaign.

Braving bitter cold, Johnstone spent 10 days camping around the city, where he collected more than 50,000 pounds of food and $50,000 in toys for Edmonton’s Food Bank and Santas Anonymous.

His dedication brought crucial relief to families facing the harsh Edmonton winter, with temperatures recently dropping to a bone-chilling -26.7°C.

This outpouring of generosity arrives alongside major local developments like the new King Thunderbird Centre, which opened in Chinatown to support Edmonton’s most vulnerable through housing, health, and cultural services, including dedicated space for Indigenous ceremonies.

With the city launching another round of affordable housing grants, these efforts highlight a strong, ongoing commitment to uplifting those most in need during challenging times.

1. Outdoor and Nature

Obsidian Winter Wonderland Festival: Experience a magical winter wonderland featuring light displays, two skating rinks, sledding, a holiday market, hot chocolate, roasted marshmallows, and live entertainment. Don't miss the fireworks on New Year's Eve! Date: December 27-31, 2025 Location: Obsidian Ridge Resort, Beaver County (30 minutes east of Edmonton) Cost: $15 (Dec 28-30), $25 (Dec 27 & 31), Kids under 5 free Click for details

Ice Castles: An awe-inspiring frozen experience featuring ice caverns, slides, frozen thrones, fountains, LED lights, and tunnels. The immersive castle opens this weekend in the Ice District's Fan Park. Date: Opens December 27, 2025 (through February 16, 2026) Location: Fan Park, Ice District (10104 104 Ave NW) Cost: Off-peak $15-$20, Peak $18-$24 Click for details

Play Rangers: FREE outdoor drop-in play program for kids ages 6-12 featuring snowshoeing and snow fort building activities in Whitemud Park. Date: Saturday, December 27, 2025 (1:30-4:30 PM) Location: Whitemud Park Cost: Free Click for details

Maisie's Magical Christmas House: A spectacular outdoor holiday light display featuring sounds, animatronics, and incredible decorations. This is your second-last weekend to see this beloved Edmonton tradition! Serves as a fundraiser for SCARS animal rescue. Date: Until January 4, 2025 (5:00-11:00 PM nightly) Location: 9619 144 Avenue NW, Edmonton Cost: Free (donations appreciated) Click for details

Candy Cane Lane: Edmonton's famous Christmas light display featuring beautifully decorated homes along 148 Street. A cherished holiday tradition for families to drive or walk through. Date: Through December (evenings) Location: 9915 148 Street, Edmonton Cost: Free Click for details

2. Shows & Entertainment 📺

James Hood's Astronomica 360: An immersive dome experience featuring a breathtaking journey through the cosmos. From the visionary creator of Mesmerica and Beautifica comes this all-new visual music adventure exploring the infinite beauty of space. Date: Friday, December 26 and Sunday, December 28, 2025 Location: 11211 142 Street NW, Edmonton Cost: Tickets required (check website for pricing) Click for details

Die Harsh: The Christmas Musical: A hilarious musical satire based on the beloved Christmas movie Die Hard. This Edmonton production returns for its third year, bigger and better than ever! Date: Saturday, December 27, 2025 Location: Edmonton (venue TBA) Cost: Tickets required Click for details

Glow Edmonton - Enchanted Forest: Edmonton's coziest indoor Christmas light festival featuring over 80,000 square feet of sparkling lights, interactive displays, live shows, Santa visits, local food, and the Merry Makers Market. Special weekend events include Rockin' Reindeer Dance Party (Friday) and Tropical Glow Night (Monday). Date: December 4-31, 2025 (select days) Location: Edmonton EXPO Centre Cost: Tickets required (use promo code: EnchantedPlayground for 10% off) Click for details

Reel Family Cinema - Ice Age: FREE cinema for kids! Enjoy a family-friendly screening of "Ice Age" at Metro Cinema. Kids 12 and under get free admission when accompanied by a paying adult. Date: Saturday, December 27, 2025 (1:00 PM) Location: Metro Cinema Cost: Free for kids 12 and under, paid admission for adults Click for details

The Art of Banksy: 'Without Limits': Experience over 200 artworks from the mysterious street artist, including photographs, sculptures, installations, murals, and more. Some mural works have been reproduced with the artist's stencil technique exclusively for this exhibition. Date: Ongoing through December Location: Edmonton (check website for location) Cost: Tickets required Click for details

3. Arts, Crafts & Culture 🎭

Royal Alberta Museum - Winter Break Activities: FREE drop-in programs including "Winter Dance, Play & Learn" (daily at 10:30am), "Make a Pinecone Bird Feeder" (daily at 1pm), plus self-guided activities like "Cardboard Workshop" and "Fishing Pond." Date: December 20 - January 4, 2025 (closed Dec 24, 25 & Jan 1) Location: Royal Alberta Museum, Edmonton Cost: Free for kids 17 and under (Canada Strong Pass), 50% off for ages 18-24 Click for details

TELUS World of Science - Holiday Activities: Special holiday programming including building a massive cardboard dinosaur theme park, learning about the science of snowflakes, tasting gingerbread-flavored ice cream made with liquid nitrogen, and more! Date: December 20 - January 4, 2025 (9:00 AM - 5:00 PM, closing early Christmas Eve, closed Christmas Day) Location: TELUS World of Science Edmonton Cost: Admission required Click for details

7 Paintings Immersive Dinner: A unique dining experience where art meets gastronomy! This innovative concept, renowned in Dubai and Germany, makes its North American debut in Edmonton. Enjoy delicious food while surrounded by art projections. Date: Saturday, December 27, 2025 Location: HALO Bar & Bistro, Edmonton Cost: Prix fixe menu pricing Click for details

French Immersion Holiday Cooking Camp: A festive two-day dive into classic French cooking with Cordon Bleu-trained Chef Kathryn Joel. Limited to 10 participants, this hands-on camp teaches traditional French techniques for home cooks. Date: Saturday, December 27, 2025 Location: Edmonton Cost: Fee required (limited spots) Click for details

Edmonton Public Library - In-Person Events: Various free cultural programs and activities happening at EPL branches throughout the week. Check their online calendar for specific events, storytimes, and workshops. Date: Ongoing Location: Various EPL branches Cost: Free Click for details

Rogers Place Holiday Skate: Skate on the same ice as the Edmonton Oilers! Includes access to the Oilers Hall of Fame Room, photo opportunities in the locker room, and meet-and-greets with mascots Hunter the Lynx and Louie the Lion. Date: Sunday, December 28, 2025 (Session 1: 10:00-11:30 AM or Session 2: 12:00-1:00 PM) Location: Rogers Place, Edmonton Cost: Tickets required Click for details

Laser City - Extended Holiday Hours: Burn off energy indoors with laser tag! Open extended hours including Monday, December 29 and Tuesday, December 30. Boxing Day sale on 10-game pack passes, day camps, and birthday parties. Date: Extended hours through the holidays Location: Laser City, Edmonton Cost: Various packages available Click for details

Strathcona County Sportzone: Drop-in active fun featuring inflatables, giant building blocks, mini-sticks hockey, sports equipment, and much more at two locations. Date: December 27 - January 4, 2025 (closed Jan 1) Location: Millennium Place (10am-4pm) and Ardrossan Rec Centre (10:30am-4pm) Cost: Drop-in fees apply Click for details

Edmonton Oil Kings - Dino Day: Watch the Edmonton Oil Kings take on the Lethbridge Hurricanes in a special Dino Day themed game, also a Family Fun Sunday! Date: Sunday, December 28, 2025 (4:00 PM) Location: Rogers Place, Edmonton Cost: Tickets required Click for details

Glow Edmonton - Special Character Days: Experience the magical Enchanted Forest with special themed days including Superhero Day (Tuesday) and interactive displays, talking trees, and whimsical mushroom houses throughout the venue. Date: December 26-28, 2025 (various times) Location: Edmonton EXPO Centre Cost: Tickets required Click for details

Snowfall 2025 - All White Party: Quinloho Entertainment presents the ultimate winter wonderland party! Get ready for a high-energy night with an all-white dress code theme at Discreet Lounge. Last year sold out, don't miss it! Date: Saturday, December 27, 2025 (10:00 PM - 2:30 AM) Location: Discreet Lounge, 11723 Jasper Avenue Cost: From $22.63 Click for details

Languages and Beer Meetup: An 18+ social event where you practice different languages at themed tables. Speak only the language of the table you're sitting at! A fun, casual way to practice your target language over drinks. Date: Friday, December 26, 2025 (7:00-11:00 PM) Location: Various Edmonton venues Cost: Free event (purchase at least one drink at venue) Click for details

Late Night Happy Hour at Various Venues: Many Edmonton restaurants and bars offer late-night happy hours from 9pm-close with discounted drinks and appetizers. Check out Central Social Hall, Blowers & Grafton, Craft Beer Market, and others. Date: Sunday-Thursday evenings, 9:00 PM - close Location: Various locations citywide Cost: Varies by venue Click for details

Glow Edmonton - New Year's Eve Bash: Ring in the New Year with the final days of Glow's Enchanted Forest. Special evening entertainment, festive atmosphere, and immersive light displays. Date: December 31, 2025 (check website for times) Location: Edmonton EXPO Centre Cost: Tickets required Click for details

Central Social Hall - Half Price Drinks: Enjoy half-price drinks all day Sunday plus late-night happy hour Sunday-Thursday from 9pm to close with select drinks, appetizers, and treats starting at $4. Date: Sunday, December 28, 2025 (all day) + nightly 9pm-close Location: Central Social Hall, 10909 Jasper Avenue or St. Albert Cost: Half price drinks Click for details

PWHL Takeover Tour - Minnesota Frost vs Vancouver Goldeneyes: Professional Women's Hockey League action comes to Edmonton! Watch the best female hockey players in the world compete in this neutral-site game at Rogers Place. Date: Saturday, December 27, 2025 (1:00 PM) Location: Rogers Place, Edmonton Cost: Tickets from $23 Click for details

Edmonton Oil Kings vs Lethbridge Hurricanes: WHL junior hockey featuring the Oil Kings in a Dino Day themed game, perfect for families! It's also a Family Fun Sunday game. Date: Sunday, December 28, 2025 (4:00 PM) Location: Rogers Place, Edmonton Cost: Tickets required Click for details

Edmonton Oilers vs Calgary Flames (Away Game): The Battle of Alberta! While the Oilers play in Calgary, catch the game on TV or at sports bars throughout Edmonton. This rivalry game is always electric. Date: Saturday, December 27, 2025 (8:00 PM MT) Location: Scotiabank Saddledome, Calgary (watch locally) Cost: N/A for viewing in Edmonton Click for details

Rogers Place Holiday Skate: Public skating on the same ice surface used by the Edmonton Oilers! Includes arena tours, mascot meet-and-greets, and access to the Hall of Fame room. Date: Sunday, December 28, 2025 (10:00-11:30 AM or 12:00-1:00 PM) Location: Rogers Place, Edmonton Cost: Tickets required Click for details

Obsidian Ridge - Ice Skating: Two outdoor skating rinks available as part of the Winter Wonderland Festival. Enjoy skating under the stars with festive lights and activities nearby. Date: December 27-31, 2025 (3:00-9:00 PM) Location: Obsidian Ridge Resort, Beaver County Cost: Included with festival admission ($15-$25) Click for details

Languages and Beer: Practice foreign languages in a social setting! Tables are organized by language, and you can only speak the language of the table you're sitting at. All levels welcome (conversational ability recommended). Free event, 18+ only. Date: Friday, December 26, 2025 (7:00-11:00 PM) Location: Edmonton (venue announced on Meetup) Cost: Free (purchase one drink at venue) Click for details

Edmonton Language Meetup Groups: Various language exchange and social meetups happening throughout the week. Check Meetup.com for specific gatherings including French, German, Spanish, and other language practice groups. Date: Various times Location: Various Edmonton locations Cost: Usually free Click for details

Edmonton Make New Friends Meetup: Social gatherings for people looking to expand their social circle. Check their calendar for post-holiday meetups and activities. Date: Various Location: Various Edmonton venues Cost: Free to attend Click for details

Edmonton Outdoor Club Events: Outdoor enthusiasts gathering for winter activities. Check their December schedule for snowshoeing, winter hiking, and other outdoor adventures. Date: Check calendar for specific dates Location: Various outdoor locations Cost: Varies by activity Click for details

Board Game Cafes and Social Venues: Various board game cafes and social venues host drop-in gaming nights and social meetups throughout the week. Great for meeting people with similar interests. Date: Various times Location: Multiple locations citywide Cost: Varies (often cover charge or food/drink minimum) Click for details

Our Food & Drink, and Happy Hours sections are now featured exclusively in our sister publication Edmunchie.com : Click here

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