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Which Alberta city is home to the world's largest collection of fibreglass animals?

Hey Edmonton!

It is Thursday!

In this issue - 'Revolutionary Security Scanners Set to Change the Game at YEG!'

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

Lets get to it!

Edmonton International Airport (YEG) is upgrading its security checkpoints with advanced computed tomography (CT) scanners, aiming to make air travel smoother and more efficient for passengers.

With these new scanners, most travellers will be able to leave liquids and large electronics inside their carry-on bags during screening, eliminating much of the usual hassle at security lines.

The rollout is planned across all six domestic screening lanes by early 2026, with U.S. departure lanes to follow.

Unlike traditional X-ray machines, CT scanners generate detailed 3D images, enabling officers to better identify prohibited items and reduce bag checks.

Passenger volumes at YEG are expected to hit pre-pandemic levels next year, making these upgrades especially timely.

The Canadian Air Transport Security Authority is overseeing the project as part of a nationwide modernization.

Travellers will still need to follow Canada’s 100-millilitre liquid rule, but the new technology promises shorter wait times and a more relaxed start to every journey.

1. Outdoor and Nature

Candy Cane Lane: One of Edmonton's most beloved Christmas traditions! Walk or drive through the festive light displays on 148 Street from 92 Avenue to 99 Avenue. On Saturday, December 13, enjoy an Open Street night when the road closes to traffic for pedestrians. Remember to bring a donation for Edmonton's Food Bank! Date: December 12 – January 2, 2025 (Dusk to 11pm nightly) Location: 148 Street between 92 Avenue and 99 Avenue, Crestwood neighbourhood Cost: Free admission (donations to Food Bank encouraged) Click for details

Bright Light Skate Night: Enjoy live music and skating under a canopy of lights at the City Hall outdoor rink! Features Santa photos inside City Hall (5pm-8pm), LEGO ornament making for the community tree, and free hot chocolate. The Mayor will light the Christmas Tree in Churchill Square at 5pm. Date: Saturday, December 13, 2025, 4pm-8pm Location: City Hall ice rink, Churchill Square Cost: Free admission Click for details

Brighten Up Beaumont: Celebrate the season with an afternoon of winter fun including horse-drawn carriages, ice carving, tobogganing, free hot chocolate, firepits, Christmas crafts, a Maple Taffy Station, and a visit from Santa & Mrs. Claus! Date: Saturday, December 13, 2025, 2pm-6pm Location: Beaumont Cost: Free admission Click for details

Zoominescence at Edmonton Valley Zoo: Experience a spectacular exhibition of artistic light installations at the Edmonton Valley Zoo. The festival celebrates light, artistry, imagination, and community spirit through the winter. This is your only way to visit the zoo during this period, with 25 nights of illumination. Date: December 5, 2025 – January 4, 2026 (select nights), 4:30pm-10pm Location: Edmonton Valley Zoo Cost: Paid admission (small savings when purchased online in advance) Click for details

Play Rangers – Whitemud Park: The City of Edmonton's FREE outdoor drop-in play program for kids 6-12 years old. December activities include snowshoeing and snow fort building in the beautiful River Valley. Date: Saturdays, 1:30pm-4:30pm (December 13, 2025) Location: Whitemud Park Cost: Free admission Click for details

2. Shows & Entertainment 📺

Edmonton Singing Christmas Tree: The Singing Christmas Tree lights up the EXPO Centre with show-stopping performances! This holiday spectacular supports the John Cameron Changing Lives Foundation, whose mission is to strengthen the community through the power of music. Date: December 12-14, 2025 (Friday 7pm, Sunday 8pm) Location: Edmonton EXPO Centre, 7515 118 Avenue NW Cost: Paid admission (proceeds support charity) Click for details

Disney Tim Burton's The Nightmare Before Christmas in Concert: The FILMharmonique Orchestra performs Tim Burton's stop-motion masterpiece live! Scored by the legendary Danny Elfman, follow Jack Skellington's adventures as he attempts to take over Christmas. A perfect family event! Date: Sunday, December 14, 2025, 3:00 pm Location: Northern Alberta Jubilee Auditorium Cost: Paid admission Click for details

Chase Padgett: A 6 String Christmas at Fringe Theatre: A fun and funny musical show perfect for the holiday season! Chase Padgett brings his unique musical storytelling to the Fringe stage. Date: December 12-14, 2025 Location: Fringe Theatre Cost: Paid admission Click for details

Reel Family Cinema at Metro Cinema – "The Polar Express": Most Saturdays, Metro Cinema offers a family-friendly film with FREE admission for kids 12 and under when accompanied by a paying adult. This week features the holiday classic "The Polar Express." Date: Saturday, December 13, 2025, 1pm Location: Metro Cinema Cost: Free for kids 12 and under with paying adult Click for details

Live Entertainment at Glow Edmonton: Special weekend events include Glow's Got Talent (Thursday), Rockin' Reindeer Dance Party (Friday), Glow without limits and the Red Christmas Celebration stage show (Saturday), and Oilers' Fan Day (Sunday). All included with admission to the enchanted forest light festival. Date: December 12-14, 2025 (times vary) Location: Edmonton EXPO Centre Cost: Paid admission (use promo code: EnchantedPlayground for 10% off) Click for details

3. Arts, Crafts & Culture 🎭

Sherwood Park Wholly Handmade Christmas Market: The O Wholly Night Christmas Market features over 135 artisans and crafters under one roof, offering a wide variety of handmade goods. Perfect for finding unique last-minute gifts or special items! Date: December 12-14, 2025 Location: Strathcona County Community Centre, 401 Festival Lane, Sherwood Park Cost: Free admission Click for details

Cabinet of Curiosities Holiday Night Market: A unique holiday market experience featuring curious and creative vendors at the historic Alberta Aviation Museum. Date: Thursday, December 12, 2025 Location: Alberta Aviation Museum, 11410 Kingsway NW, Edmonton Cost: Check website for admission details Click for details

A Christmas Past at Rutherford House: Visit historic Rutherford House and learn how the Rutherfords celebrated the season! Warm up with warm cider and freshly baked treats. Father Christmas may even make an appearance! Date: Sunday, December 14, 2025, 12pm-4pm Location: Rutherford House Cost: Check website for admission details Click for details

Edmonton Christmas Market: Much more than just shopping! Enjoy photo ops, live entertainment, Fort Edmonton Park's historic carousel, Christmas streetcars, and NEW this year - ICE SLIDES! Features twinkling light displays, interactive art installations, ice sculptures, and crafted goods from Edmonton's vibrant arts scene. Date: November 29 – December 21, 2025 (select days) Location: Fort Edmonton Park Cost: Paid admission (use promo code: YEGXMASFUN2025 for 15% off) Click for details

Candy Cane Christmas Market: A festive holiday market featuring local artisans and crafters. Date: December 13-14, 2025 Location: Millwoods Town Centre, 2331-66 Street, Edmonton Cost: Free admission Click for details

Glow Edmonton: The Enchanted Forest: Step into over 100,000 square feet of indoor family fun at the Edmonton EXPO Centre, surrounded by millions of twinkling lights! Explore the enchanted forest with interactive displays, talking trees, whimsical mushroom houses, live shows, local food, Santa visits, and the Merry Makers Market. No matter the weather outside, it's cozy inside! Date: December 4-31, 2025 (select days, times vary) Location: Edmonton EXPO Centre Cost: Paid admission (use promo code: EnchantedPlayground for 10% off) Click for details

Free Crafts at Michaels Stores: Drop-in crafting opportunities for kids! On Saturday, paint an ornament (1pm-3pm). On Sunday, join the Kids' Club project to make Trinket Trays from air-dry clay (2pm-4pm). Both projects are FREE with all supplies included! Date: Saturday December 13 (1pm-3pm) & Sunday December 14 (2pm-4pm) Location: Michaels Stores locations Cost: Free admission Click for details

Skate with Santa in Beaumont: Lace up your skates and enjoy an afternoon of skating with Santa and the Beaumont Chiefs at the Ken Nichol Recreation Centre in Beaumont! Date: Sunday, December 14, 2025, 12:30pm-2pm Location: Ken Nichol Recreation Centre, Beaumont Cost: Free admission Click for details

Putt for a Cause at Sherwood Park Mall: Indoor mini golf for a good cause! For a minimum donation of $2 per game, all proceeds benefit the Boys & Girls Club of Strathcona County. If you visit on Friday or Saturday between 1pm-4pm, you can golf against The Grouch! Date: December 5-20, 2025, 11am-4pm (Friday & Saturday special hours: 1pm-4pm) Location: Sherwood Park Mall Cost: $2 minimum donation per game Click for details

IDEA Lab Kids – BOSS Fridays: "Blow Off Some Steam" Fridays! Drop-in session where kids can try science activities, coding, art and more. Parents can stay and play, or drop off kids 5+. Plus check their calendar for other seasonal activities like Drop & Shop nights, Snowglobe making, and Gingerbread house events! Date: Fridays, 5:30pm-8:30pm (December 12, 2025) Location: IDEA Lab Kids Cost: Paid admission Click for details

Rockin' Reindeer Dance Party at Glow Edmonton: A high-energy dance party featuring live DJ entertainment and performances at Edmonton's premier indoor Christmas light festival. Part of the weekend's special events at Glow's Enchanted Forest. Date: Friday, December 13, 2025 (evening) Location: Edmonton EXPO Centre Cost: Included with Glow admission Click for details

Hotel Mira + Uncle Strut at Midway Music Hall: Live music featuring Hotel Mira with support from Uncle Strut. A great night of indie rock and alternative music in one of Edmonton's premier music venues. Date: Wednesday, December 11, 2025 (carries into the weekend vibe) Location: Midway Music Hall Cost: Paid admission Click for details

Trivecta at Union Hall: Electronic music and EDM experience with Trivecta performing at one of Edmonton's top nightlife venues. Date: Friday, December 13, 2025 Location: Union Hall Cost: Paid admission Click for details

Winter Wonderland at Manchester Square: An evening event featuring caroling, live ice carving, an indoor market, and photos with Santa. The festive atmosphere continues into the evening hours. Date: Saturday, December 13, 2025, 3pm-8pm Location: Manchester Square, 12016-107 Avenue Cost: Free admission Click for details

The Jingle Bar: A festive holiday bar experience running throughout December at The Creative Hive. Enjoy seasonal cocktails and holiday vibes in a creative atmosphere. Date: December 3-21, 2025 (All Day) Location: The Creative Hive Cost: Paid (drink prices) Click for details

Edmonton Oilers vs. Detroit Red Wings: Catch the Edmonton Oilers in NHL action at Rogers Place! The Oilers take on the Detroit Red Wings in this exciting regular season matchup. Experience world-class hockey and cheer on Connor McDavid and the team as they battle for a playoff spot! Date: Thursday, December 11, 2025, Doors: 6:00 pm, Game: 7:00 pm Location: Rogers Place Cost: Tickets available via Ticketmaster (prices vary by seat location) Click for details

Canada vs. USA Rivalry Series (Women's Hockey): Watch Canada's National Women's Hockey Team face off against the United States in the final meeting before the 2026 Olympic Winter Games! The greatest rivalry in sports comes to Edmonton. This is the first time Canada's National Women's Team will play at Rogers Place since 2017. Date: Friday, December 13, 2025, Doors: 6pm, Game: 7pm Location: Rogers Place Cost: Tickets start at $50 (two-game packages from $80) Click for details

Edmonton Oil Kings vs. Prince Albert Raiders: Family Fun Sunday game featuring Photos with Santa! Fans can get photos with Santa in Ford Hall, plus enjoy a 4pm puck drop, concourse carnival, and a post-game autograph session with the players. Date: Sunday, December 14, 2025, 4pm Location: Rogers Place Cost: Paid admission (check website for ticket prices) Click for details

Free Skating at City Hall ODR: Enjoy free skating at one of Edmonton's prettiest outdoor rinks during Bright Light Skate Night under a canopy of Christmas lights! The Mayor will light the Christmas Tree in Churchill Square at 5pm. Date: Saturday, December 13, 2025, 4pm-8pm Location: City Hall ice rink, Churchill Square Cost: Free admission Click for details

Skating with Santa and Beaumont Chiefs: Lace up and skate alongside Santa and the Beaumont Chiefs hockey team at this free community skating event! A perfect family-friendly activity to celebrate the season. Date: Sunday, December 14, 2025, 12:30pm-2pm Location: Ken Nichol Recreation Centre, Beaumont Cost: Free admission Click for details

Edmonton Write for Rights 2025 – Amnesty International: Join Edmontonians and people from over 200 countries to write letters in support of human rights. For over 20 years, this annual campaign has transformed the lives of people whose rights have been wronged. Using the power of words, unite behind a common purpose to change lives for the better! Date: Saturday, December 14, 2025 Location: Edmonton Public Library Cost: Free admission Click for details

Edmonton Language Meetup (ELM): A dynamic, non-judgmental space for people to practice their languages. Connect with language enthusiasts speaking English, French, German, Spanish, and more! Check their calendar for weekend meetup times. Date: Check Meetup page for December weekend sessions Location: Various locations (check Meetup page) Cost: Free to join Click for details

Free Backgammon Meetup – Bonnie Doon Shopping Centre: Casual drop-in backgammon games for all skill levels. A relaxed social atmosphere to meet fellow board game enthusiasts. Date: Sundays (check for December 14, 2025) Location: Bonnie Doon Shopping Centre Cost: Free admission Click for details

Edmonton Outdoor Club: Join outdoor enthusiasts for various winter activities. The club brings people together in a fun, friendly, and inviting atmosphere for outdoor events in and around Edmonton. Check their events calendar for December weekend activities. Date: Various dates (check events calendar) Location: Various outdoor locations Cost: Free to join, some events may have costs Click for details

Meetup Edmonton – Various Interest Groups: Find events to connect with people who share your interests, from outdoor activities to sports & hobbies, networking, and making new friends. Multiple groups host weekend events throughout December. Date: Various dates (check individual group calendars) Location: Various locations around Edmonton Cost: Varies by event (many free options) Click for details

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

Edmonton Community Gardens Defy Winter With a Year-Round Urban Farming Revolution

Mundare (famous for its giant kobassa/sausage statue)

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