By Sarah Sussman
'Tis the season for spending time with loved ones and exploring the city’s holiday offerings. From ballet and live music to foodie lessons and light displays, the city of Edmonton is a festive place to be this time of year. Here are four ways to celebrate the holidays around the city. [Photo credit: istockphoto.com/ca/portfolio/xavdlp]
There’s no shortage of holiday arts events around the city this year, including ballet performances, Christmas productions and art tutorials.
A holiday tradition for many, Alberta Ballet’s annual performance of The Nutcracker is a must-see. The classic Christmas production brings the story of Clara and her Nutcracker Prince to life with a cast of more than 70 dancers. Transport yourself to a magical land filled with adventure, love and – most importantly – holiday magic.
Into its 46th year running, The Edmonton Singing Christmas Tree at the Northern Alberta Jubilee Auditorium is an Edmonton favourite for a reason. The production is an all-senses-engaged experience featuring a 35-foot singing Christmas tree along with a full orchestra, dancers, singers, performers and more. All proceeds from the performance are donated to the Edmonton Christmas Tree Foundation which provides children in need with gifts, food and music education.
If you want to get creative this season, YEG Social Painting hosts fun themed paint nights for all experience levels. Admission is $30 and includes all supplies and a step-by-step paint demonstration. On Dec. 11, head to The Gamer’s Lodge to learn how to paint the Grinch.
One of the best parts about the holidays is the abundance of sweet treats and eats. And if you're looking to learn more about the special seasonal treats, there are plenty of DIY foodie events to attend.
Gingerbread houses are a quintessential Christmas activity. This year, get into the festive spirit by heading down to City Market Downtown, which is hosting a gingerbread house workshop led by Meat Street Pies owner and baking expert Jon Avis. Admission is $25 and includes all the fixings (roof, walls, chimney and front door) as well as icing, candies and a $5 gift card to spend at the City Market. Workshops begin promptly at 11 a.m. on Dec. 2, 9 and 16.
If you want to take your Christmas dinner up a notch, you should learn how to make custard. This year Get Cooked hosts a three-hour custard tutorial Dec. 13 led by Doreen Prei and Kathryn Joel. Learn the perfect technique for making custard and how to use it in quiches, desserts and more.
Chocolate lovers, rejoice! This season, you can learn to make perfect chocolate bark from a seasoned Le Cordon Bleu alumni. On Dec. 7, Bakers Block Chocolates owner Erin Tompkins hosts a two-hour chocolate history and chocolate bark making course.
And if you want to leave it to the pros, head to one of the Christmas markets around the city to stock up on locally-made artisan treats (and gifts) for the season. The City Market Downtown is a gem for locally-made festive goodies. Drop by on Saturdays from 9 a.m. until 3 p.m. and check out some of the new vendors like Whipped Up Baked Goods, Sweet Infusion Honey and Heirloom Shortbread.
Whether you’re into hip-hop, folk or local Edmonton music, get out and enjoy some live music this season.
On Dec. 15, Alberta favourite Michael Bernard Fitzgerald performs at the Arden Theatre in St. Albert. Known for his incredible live performance and uplifting musicality, Michael’s sound fuses acoustic, funk, soul and pop. Hip-hop fans are also in luck this season as Ace Hood heads to The Needle Vinyl Tavern Dec. 10 to perform a show with support from JusJrdn and Brothers Grim.
If you want an in on up-and-coming local music, the Calgary-Edmonton HonorRoll music collective hosts Calgary rapper Lyrique live at The Needle Vinyl Tavern Dec. 15. The Sewing Machine Factory presents Sweaty Palms’ album release party Dec. 23 with Cecil Frena, Faith Healer, Aladean Kheroufi and Hood Joplin.
And for those looking to steal the show, make sure you stop by Rosario’s Pub Dec. 16 for the Christmas edition of Family Karaoke. The family-friendly event includes karaoke performances, crafts for kids and a surprise visit from Santa. Don’t forget to order one of Rosario’s famous pizzas while you’re there.
This holiday season you can go into the wild without actually leaving the city limits. Here are the spots to go for some much-needed animal TLC.
Want to learn to birdwatch? On Dec. 17, head to the John Janzen Nature Centre for a fun, beginner-friendly crash course and bird count. Circle the trails around the Nature Centre and along the Fort Edmonton Bridge Trail as you count up all the birds you see. Brush up on your birding knowledge and learn how to identify the many birds of our province.
And of course no holiday season is complete without a visit to the Edmonton Valley Zoo for Zoominescence. For the entire month of December, the zoo lights up with its annual festive light installation. Spend an evening with the animals illuminated by one of the most breathtaking light displays in the city. Bring the whole family – there will be plenty of festive activities for all.
With so much to see and do around Edmonton this holiday season, get out and enjoy the city with the ones you love most. Whether you’re looking for art, music or food, you’re sure to find exactly what you’re looking for in the Winter City.
