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Which Alberta park protects the world's largest area of undisturbed boreal forest and wetlands?

Happy Monday!

Another issue loaded with lots of things to do. 🥳

It's exciting time to be an Edmonton business owner. The recent census shows the great impact of the small business sector on our local economy.

And we've got the scoop!

Lets dig in! 

Small businesses make up 97% of Edmonton’s active establishments, according to the City’s 2025 Business Census.

This backbone drives sectors like retail, real estate, and health care, accounting for around 43% of local jobs and more than half a million employees. Retail, real estate, and healthcare lead as the city’s largest industries, with small firms outnumbering large chains across neighbourhoods.

Each year, teams gather business data from May to August, capturing details about employment, sector type, and location, though home-based operations aren’t counted, so local entrepreneurship runs even deeper.

While competition and costs pressure businesses to adapt, opportunities in health and wellness, housing, and services continue to grow with the city’s population.

Choosing local retailers, professionals, and care providers has a big impact, every dollar spent helps sustain Edmonton’s economic vitality, making support for small business a direct investment in the city’s future.

Interested in weight management and a healthy lifestyle?

1. Outdoor and Nature🌲

Candy Cane Lane: Edmonton's beloved 50+ year tradition features stunning holiday light displays along residential homes in the Crestwood neighbourhood. Drive or walk through 148th Street and marvel at life-size Santas, reindeer, and elaborate decorations. Donation bins for the Food Bank are available along the lane. Date: December 12, 2025 – January 2, 2026 Location: 148th Street from 92nd Avenue to 99th Avenue Cost: Free admission Click for details

Zoominescence: A Festival of Light: Experience the Edmonton Valley Zoo transformed into a magical nighttime exhibition with over 125 artistic animal light installations and custom local art pieces. This enchanting winter wonderland features thousands of lights illuminating the zoo grounds. Date: December 5–23, 26–31, 2025 (4:30–10:00 p.m., last admission 9:00 p.m.) Location: Edmonton Valley Zoo – 13315 Buena Vista Rd. NW Cost: Adults $15.95 online / $17.50 walk-up Click for details

Alberta Legislature Christmas Lights: For over 30 years, the Legislature Grounds have been adorned with festive lights, including a massive Christmas tree. Perfect for evening strolls, romantic walks, or holiday photos against this iconic backdrop. Date: December 5–20, 2025 (lights on until end of January) Location: Alberta Legislature – 10800 97th Ave. NW Cost: Free Click for details

Elk Island National Park: Located just 35 minutes east of Edmonton, explore over 80 km of trails through rolling hills and glassy lakes while spotting bison, elk, and hundreds of bird species. Experience some of the best stargazing around. Date: Open 24 hours daily Location: Improvement District No. 13, Alta. Cost: Free admission Click for details

Ice Skating – Various Locations: Lace up your skates and enjoy free outdoor skating at multiple rinks across Edmonton. Bundle up and experience one of winter's best free activities during the holiday season. Date: December 22–26, 2025 Location: Various outdoor rinks throughout Edmonton Cost: Free Click for details

2. Shows & Entertainment 📺 🎭

A Christmas Carol at Citadel Theatre: David van Belle's adaptation of the Charles Dickens classic returns to the Citadel, set in the nostalgic mid-1950s with beloved tunes like "I'll Be Home for Christmas" and "White Christmas." Watch Ebenezer Scrooge's transformation guided by the Ghosts of Christmas Past, Present, and Future. Date: Now until December 24, 2025 Location: Citadel Theatre – 9828 101A Ave. NW Cost: Tickets start at $40+ Click for details

Die Harsh: Christmas Musical: Byron Martin and Simon Abbott present their hilarious musical satire based on their favourite Christmas movie. This Edmonton production returns for its third year with action-packed comedy, tap dancing FBI agents, and heartbreaking flashbacks. Date: December 22–28, 2025 Location: Orange Hub Performance Theatre – 10045 156th St. NW Cost: $29.77+ Click for details

The Blank Who Stole Christmas: Rapid Fire Theatre presents this fully improvised spectacular where you help decide how the story unfolds. Available in nice (family-friendly), naughty, and nasty (18+) versions. Date: Until December 23, 2025 Location: Rapid Fire Theatre – 10437 83rd Ave. NW Cost: $10+ Click for details

It's a Wonderful Life at Metro Cinema: See the classic holiday film on the big screen. George Bailey discovers what life would have been like if he had never been born, guided by his guardian angel in this heartwarming tale. Date: December 24, 2025 (late night show) Location: Metro Cinema Cost: Check website for pricing Click for details

A Muppet Christmas Carol at Metro Cinema: The Muppets perform the classic Dickens holiday tale, with Kermit the Frog as Bob Cratchit and Michael Caine as Ebenezer Scrooge, interwoven with delightful Muppet humor. Date: December 24, 2025 at 12:45 p.m. Location: Metro Cinema Cost: Check website for pricing Click for details

3. Arts, Crafts & Culture 🎨 

Glow: Enchanted Forest: Edmonton's premier indoor Christmas light festival features over one million lights, including a light tunnel, interactive displays, and a visit from Santa Claus himself. Full of activities and events for all ages. Date: December 4–31, 2025 (various times) Location: Edmonton Expo Centre – 7515 118th Ave. NW Cost: Adult tickets start at $23.99 Click for details

Celebrate the Season at Alberta Legislature: Enjoy free live festive musical performances in the historic Legislature Building rotunda, set against gorgeous architecture. Perfect for families seeking holiday entertainment. Date: December 5–20, 2025 (Fridays: Noon–1 p.m.; Fridays & Saturdays: 6:30–7:30 p.m.) Location: Alberta Legislature Building Rotunda – 10800 97th Ave. NW Cost: Free (no registration required) Click for details

Art Gallery of Alberta: Right in downtown Edmonton, the AGA has been the city's go-to for art and culture for 100 years. Explore rotating exhibitions, workshops, and events in this architectural gem. Date: Open Wed–Sun (hours vary) Location: 2 Sir Winston Churchill Sq. NW Cost: $13.33 regular adult admission (free 4–7 p.m. final Thursday of month) Click for details

Royal Alberta Museum: Marvel at vast collections spanning archaeology, Indigenous studies, Earth and Life Sciences. One of Edmonton's most intriguing cultural experiences. Date: Hours vary Location: 9810 103A Ave. NW Cost: $10–$21 Click for details

Bountiful Farmers Market: Discover fresh local goods including vegetables, meat, coffee roasters, beer and wine, plus an ethnic food hall, children's play area, and live entertainment. Date: Every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday year-round Location: 3696 97th St. NW Cost: Free admission Click for details

TELUS World of Science – Holiday Fun: Help Boss Rexi build a cardboard dinosaur park, enjoy liquid nitrogen ice cream, winter science storytime, and chromatography snowflakes. Special holiday activities throughout the break. Date: December 20–January 4, 2026 (closed Dec 25) Location: TELUS World of Science – 11211 142nd St. NW Cost: $24.95 general adult admission Click for details

Edmonton Christmas Break Soccer Camp: This half or full-day soccer camp keeps kids active through Christmas Break with fun games, soccer training, and educational activities. Date: December 22–26, 2025 Location: Check registration for details Cost: Varies by package Click for details

Galaxyland: North America's largest indoor amusement park features 27 Hasbro-themed rides for all ages, offering year-round family fun at West Edmonton Mall. Date: December 22–26, 2025 (hours vary) Location: West Edmonton Mall – 8882 170th St. NW Cost: $64 general admission Click for details

World Waterpark: Escape to a tropical paradise with massive water slides and a relaxing wave pool at West Edmonton Mall. A perfect winter getaway for families. Date: December 22–26, 2025 (hours vary) Location: West Edmonton Mall – 8882 170th St. NW Cost: Varies (check website) Click for details

The Polar Express in IMAX: Watch this classic holiday film on the big screen as a young boy embarks on a magical adventure to the North Pole on Christmas Eve. Date: December 22, 2025 at 4:35 p.m. Location: Check local IMAX theatre Cost: Check website for pricing Click for details

Pay What You Will: A Bright Lights Holiday Cabaret: Workshop West presents a festive evening featuring favourite local artists in an intimate cabaret setting. Enjoy holiday cheer with talented performers. Date: December 22, 2025 Location: Workshop West Theatre Cost: Pay what you will Click for details

Live Music at Halo Bistro Bar – Luc Riopel: See Luc Riopel, a self-taught multi-instrumentalist and frontman of Alberta's popular cover band Mourning Wood, perform live. Date: December 22, 2025 Location: Halo Bistro Bar Cost: Check venue for details Click for details

Christmas TV Show Trivia at Old Yale Brewing: Test your festive knowledge of iconic sitcom specials and beloved seasonal shows. Bring friends, enjoy a pint, and compete for prizes. Date: December 22, 2025 Location: Old Yale Brewing Beaumont Cost: Check venue for details Click for details

James Hood's Astronomica 360: Experience an all-new immersive dome experience—a breathtaking journey through the infinite beauty of the cosmos from the creator of Mesmerica and Beautifica. Date: December 26, 2025 Location: Check venue for details Cost: Check website for pricing Click for details

Muttart Conservatory Happy Hour: Explore stunning glass pyramid displays while sipping cocktails during adult night. A lovely way to enjoy botanical beauty with a festive twist. Date: Wednesdays 5–9 p.m. (including December 24) Location: Muttart Conservatory – 9626 96A St. NW Cost: $14.95 adult admission Click for details

Edmonton Oilers vs. Calgary Flames (Battle of Alberta): Don't miss the rivalry game! The Oilers face off against the Calgary Flames in this highly anticipated Battle of Alberta matchup. Date: December 23, 2025 at 7:00 p.m. Location: Rogers Place – 10220 104th Ave. NW Cost: Tickets start at $138+ Click for details

Public Swim with Inflatable at Eastglen: Enjoy public swimming with an inflatable obstacle course featuring platforms to jump from, a climbing arch, and two slides. Date: December 26, 2025 at 1:30 p.m. Location: Eastglen Leisure Centre Cost: Check for pricing Click for details

Tobogganing at Various Hills: Edmonton offers numerous tobogganing hills perfect for sledding fun. Bring your sled and enjoy outdoor winter thrills at various locations throughout the city. Date: December 22–26, 2025 Location: Various hills across Edmonton Cost: Free Click for details

Sportszone at Millennium Place: Features mini stick hockey arena, sporting equipment, sports activities, blue blocks, and inflatables. A great indoor sports option for active families. Date: Daily through Winter Break Location: Millennium Place, Strathcona County Cost: Drop-in rates apply Click for details

Food for Thought Book Club: Whether you're an avid reader or just getting back into books, this club offers a fun way to connect with others in the community and discover new authors. Date: December 22, 2025 Location: Check event details Cost: Free Click for details

Holiday Fun at the Hub: Make holiday memories with free, family-friendly activities and programs. Advance registration required. Date: December 22–January 2, 2026 Location: YMCA Family Resource Network Hub locations Cost: Free Click for details

Jr. Write a Story Session: Learn about different parts of a story and explore different ways stories can be told. Write your own story in this six-week program. Date: December 23, 2025 at 4:00 p.m. Location: Edmonton Public Library Cost: Free Click for details

Family Films at the Library: EPL screenings include "Rise of the Guardians" (Dec 22) and "How the Grinch Stole Christmas" (Dec 23). A perfect free activity to meet other families. Date: December 22–23, 2025 at 2:00 p.m. Location: Various EPL branches Cost: Free Click for details

Code Ninjas Roblox & Minecraft Winter Break Camp: When school is out, the fun and learning continue! Kids stay engaged and inspired while having a blast with coding and gaming activities. Date: December 22–26, 2025 Location: Code Ninjas North Edmonton Cost: Check for pricing Click for details

8. Food, Drink and Happy Hours🍿🍾

Our Food, Drink, and Happy Hour updates are now in our sister publication - Edmunchie.com - The Delicious newsletter. Go here now.

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