Best Christmas Lights Displays in Edmonton
Christmas is the most magical time of the year, as the song tells us, and a huge part of the holiday’s appeal is just how strongly we associate goodwill and cheer with beautiful lighting displays. We can all remember the ceremony of going around to see who had the most impressive lights up – for a lot of us, it’s among our fondest childhood memories.
Luckily, that tradition hasn’t been left in the past. Far from it, in fact; with the recent explosion in technology, we’ve developed the potential to create even more dazzling Christmas lights displays. Residents and businesses both have taken to the task like ducks to water, with some truly impressive results. Here are the best Christmas lights displays to be found in Edmonton this holiday season.
GLOW EDMONTON: GLOW AROUND THE WORLD
Visitors to Glow’s annual Christmas display can delight in everything there is to love about the festive season as they Glow Around the world in six different countries, including China, India, Holland, France, and England. The Edmonton event offers a million sparkling lights spread across huge, carefully-designed light gardens and illuminated buildings, while there are plenty of interactive kids’ activities and playgrounds for them to have the time of their lives. Better yet, there’s an on-site licensed bar for when the Christmas spirit gets to be a bit too much for the parents. Vendor markets showcase the very best of local cuisine and artisanal crafts, and live music will be available too.
FESTIVAL OF TREES: 9797 JASPER AVENUE
Christmas is, first and foremost, the season of giving. That’s why the Festival of Trees — which has been running for more than thirty consecutive years — is focused on raising funds for good causes throughout the local Edmonton area. With the University of Alberta Hospital, the Kaye Edmonton Clinic, and the Mazankowski Alberta Heart Institute all receiving vital funds from this annual event, it’s a fantastic way to have a great time while still knowing that your money is going to be put to good use. More than 100 decorated trees and displays make up the bulk of the event, with child-friendly activities, Luncheons, and a special Santa’s breakfast setup adding to the variety on offer.
ELF (ENJOY LIGHT FESTIVAL)
With tickets ranging from between ten and twenty dollars, the ELF in Edmonton’s St. Albert district is a firm favourite with many of the locals. The entire Enjoy Centre will be turned into an unforgettable winter experience, making use of extravagant lighting displays and a ton of interactive features that are bound to keep the kids occupied and the parents entertained. The Enjoy Light Festival even caters to bedtimes, with the show ending at 10 pm every evening.
CELEBRATION OF LIGHTS: 401 FESTIVAL LANE
Strathcona County’s Celebration of Lights has a special take on what is needed to create a truly unforgettable Christmas lighting display experience. The Mayor of the town joins forces with Santa to get the Christmas season started off on the right foot (from as early as November 16th), as a colossal digital Christmas tree marries tradition with technology in an exciting, innovative way. Donations will be collected for the Stratcona County Food Bank, but the event itself is free, so there’s no obligation to spend any money if you don’t want to. As a final touch, the Celebration of Lights keeps things local by illuminating the Community Centre — a gesture which long-time Edmonton residents will no doubt appreciate greatly.
Whether you’re in it for the food or the chance to donate money to good causes, there’s bound to be a Christmas lights display in Edmonton that fits your bill. All of the events listed above are child-friendly, meaning it’s the perfect chance to spend some quality family time bonding together. After all, that’s what the Christmas season is all about!