Yeg This Weekend: Dec 17-20, 2015

‘Twas the weekend before Christmas
And all through the city
No one finished shopping
Not even an MLA’s baby

Ok, I’m not a poet, so here’s some of what’s happening this weekend. If you wish to add anything, comment below.

Nativity Display (Dec 17 & 18 6-9pm, Dec 18 3-9pm) Free

This is Yegventure’s favourite Christmas event in the city. It’s been a quiet hidden staple in Edmonton for many Christmases, which is quite fitting as it is a Nativity Display. You’ll see hundreds of nativity scenes on display from around the world, eras, and styles. Enjoy hot chocolate while you’re there, read about the history of nativity scenes introduced by St Francis of Assisi. Make an ornament and listen to some music before strolling down Candy Cane Lane.

It’s accessible by most buses traveling along Stony Plain Road. Alight at 149 street and walk south and it’s located at West Edmonton Christian Reformed Church (148st from 92av to 100av).

Singing Christmas Tree (Dec 17-20) Free

Tickets are still available to this made-in-Edmonton phenomenon. Humbly starting as an outreach event at the Central Pentecostal Tabernacle, the move of the church meant a new direction for the holiday tradition. The Singing Christmas Tree is now a spectacle at the Northern Alberta Jubilee Auditorium and has grown from the tinsel of the 70s and flashes with programmed LEDs and guest stars for their stage performances in front of the tree choir.

Last year, Gene Zwozdesky’s daughter brought the house down with her vocals, while Brett Kissel sang with several dancing Santas. This year, with appearances at the Festival of Trees and Santa’s Parade of Lights, their show will be amazing as ever.

Buy tickets here. To get there, take exit B2 at Health Science/Jubilee Station.

Carol Sing-A-Long (Dec 18 12-1:15pm) Donation

Sing along with the Chorale Community of Edmonton at the Winspear Centre this Friday in a charitable event for the Edmonton Christmas Bureau. Most profits have been hit by this recession as well, and why not come for a fun-filled event in our best concert hall in the city?

The Winspear is located at exit E at Churchill Station. More information here.

Candy Cane Lane (until Jan 3) Free

Edmonton’s beloved Candy Cane Lane is now open for the season until January 3, so after visiting the Valley Zoo Festival of Light, head up the hill to Candy Cane Lane nearby (148st from 92av to 100av). This weekend (Dec 17-19), enjoy an exhibition of nativity scenes, hot chocolate, and kids crafts on the north end of Candy Cane lane at West Edmonton Christian Reformed Church. The street is lit by private home owners since 1968 and is not subsidized by the City of Edmonton nor the utility company. Yegventures recommends a fuller experience by walking instead of driving through the neighbourhood. And remember to bring a Food Bank donation which is accepted anywhere along Candy Cane Lane. More information here.

Snowflakes Are Falling/Snowflake Sunday (Ends Jan 3) $

The Muttart Conservatory’s last show of the year is always their Christmas show. The theme this year is ‘Snowflakes Are Falling’, and runs from November 21 until January 3, 2016. Poinsettias are lined from wall to wall in their send off into the New Year.

From exit A2 at Central Station, walk or take the route 8 southbound, alight at Low Level Bridge, and use the trails eastbound towards the glass pyramids. Hours and prices here.

Celebrate the Season (Until Dec 23) Free

Don’t miss the light up of the most extensive Christmas light display in the city located at the Alberta Legislative Assembly grounds. While you’ll see the most pictures of this building in the summer with weddings and graduations, the winter is full of light and colour.

Celebrate The Season is a 3 week long festivity (Dec 3-23) at the Alberta Legislature featuring daily performances by choirs across the province, complimentary hot chocolate and treats, all through the reopened front entrance of the 1912 building. The lights will turn off January 3rd.

To get here, take exit A at Grandin station and follow the sounds and sights.

 

Sleigh Ride Shuttle In Old Strathcona (Saturday Dec 19) Free

To support the Rotary Club’s Christmas drive, Old Strathcona will be rolling in ride-by-donation sleigh rides on Saturdays in December. From 1-5pm on December 5, 12, and 19, the sleigh ride route will have 4 stops in the Old Strathcona business district.

Click on the image to view the full-sized map.

While you’re here, do take a walk down 108st to see Christmas At Bob’s (see below).

Magna Carta (Until Dec 29) Free

A Magna Carta from Durham Cathedral is at its last stop at the Alberta Legislature’s Edmonton Federal Building. It is the first time it has left the Cathedral as part of the 800th anniversary of the first Magna Carta.

Accompanying Magna Carta on display is one of only three existing copies of the Charter of The Forest. The exhibit ends December 29 and will return to Durham after that. A Yegventures story on the exhibit will be available soon.

To get here, take exit A at Grandin station and follow the signs to Magna Carta which should direct you to the pedway on the left, before the ramp to the viewing area.

 

Christmas at Bob’s (Until Jan 6) Free

Although Bob has been making his Christmas lights display for over a decade, for many people in Edmonton, this year was the first year they heard about this spectacular show. Here’s the video. More information on the house including an interview with Bob, hours, and address here.

Leduc Country Lights (Until Jan 3) Free

Leduc Country Lights is several acres of Christmas light displays located just outside Leduc. Location, times, and other info located here.

Other Events

Christmas Reflections at Fort Edmonton Park $$$ (Wagon rides addition cost)