Things to Do in December in Edmonton

Just like November, December in Edmonton is simply *loaded* with amazing things to do!  But given that December is all holiday, all the time, we’re narrowing our Things to Do list to everything for the season.  

For every one thing we’re profiling, there are many more to check out, so let this be just the start of your festivities.

Edmonton Christmas Market

Christmas markets are a hallmark of the season.  Shopping for special gifts, exploring local vendors, and finding one-of-a-kind items is a great way to get through that gift list.  Until November 30th, Fort Edmonton Park is a wonderland of live entertainment, food and a roster of market vendors that changes by the day.  

Get your timed-entry tickets now.

Luminaria

The University of Alberta Botanic Garden is lit up like a fairy tale winter scene each year during Luminaria.  This outdoor event has light installations throughout the garden, you can stop for snacks at the Chalet and the Village Square or take the Woodland Express train throughout the entire garden.  There are many more surprises to behold so dress warmly and be ready to get Insta-worthy shots.

Luminaria is on from November 23rd to December 31st but each day and week has different times.  Check their website for days and times and to purchase tickets.

Christmas Glow

Glow is a fully indoor holiday light event.  Family members of all ages will love the show A Fairytale Christmas, you can cross presents off your list at the Merry Makers Market and take amazing photos in the various Light Gardens.  Adult visitors can grab a cocktail or two at one of the event’s licenced bars and indulge in some snacks from the variety of food vendors, including food trucks.

Get your timed-entry tickets online for the Glow which is on from December 1st to January 1st.

Zoominescence

Zoominescence makes the Edmonton Valley Zoo bright and festive!  Light installations, a schedule of educational animal activities (otter feeding, lynx talk, etc) and, this year, themed days with extra special guests!  During specific dates during the event, you just might run into Spiderman, Elsa or The Grinch, amongst others, as you wander the grounds.

Zoominescence begins December 2nd to January 1st with a changing schedule as the season progresses.  See the full schedule of dates and times,and get your tickets now.

Nutcracker Burlesque

House of Hush presents Nutcracker Burlesque for one night only on December 9th.  This show features the Hush all-star cast along with ornate costumes and décor in this comical retelling of The Nutcracker.

Unlike the other events on our list, this one is 18+ so consider it a great option for date night or girls night to celebrate the season!  Get your tickets for one of two shows at the Varscona Theatre now.

Be Merry

Also at the Varscona Theatre, Ballet Edmonton presents their holiday show, Be Merry.  Billed as a night of “dance, music and theatre” you’ll be transfixed by ballet, poetry, singing and a seasonal cocktail at intermission.  

The show runs from December 9th to the 18th at 7:30pm.  Get your tickets here.

A Christmas Carol

Christmas just wouldn’t be the same without A Christmas Carol but after more than 100 years of being a holiday staple, a twist on the original is welcome.  In this adaptation, get all the charm of the story we love with a hint of the golden age classics like It’s a Wonderful Life and Miracle on 34th Street.

Be swept away by the holiday spirit at the Citadel Theatre for showings of A Christmas Carol through December 23rd.  See the full schedule and secure your tickets today.

A Lightly Classical Christmas

The Edmonton Symphony Orchestra joined by the Richard Eaton Singers presents the holiday experience that is sure to get you in the spirit.  Performing favourite carols including Joy to The World and O Holy Night, the Winspear Centre will be filled with the joyous sounds of the season.  This is one holiday event that can’t be missed.  

Tickets are available now for shows on December 22nd and 23rd.

Hollywood for the Holidays

Post-Christmas, the Winspear Centre just keeps giving with Hollywood for the Holidays.  Here, the Edmonton Symphony Orchestra thrills again with musical themes from popular films.  Hook, Toy Story, Pirates of the Caribbean, and others are featured in this concert that will give you thrills, chills and pull at your heart strings. 

Get your tickets for one of two shows on December 28th and 29th.

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Terms and Conditions

The “1,2, 3 Pick Your Rewards”, Terms and Conditions and Blackout Dates 

Rewards Program campaign dates

Reward package available to book from January 5, 2022 for stays to December 31, 2025 for rewards except for possible blackout dates. At present there are no blackout dates scheduled.

Rewards are subject to while supplies last.  Substitutions of equivalent kind, value may be made as necessary.  Rewards are non-transferable, no cash value, no cash back.

  • Rewards are non-transferable, non-exchangeable, have no cash value, no cash back.
  • Rewards cannot be combined with any other offer or promotion.
  • Reward deal is net non-commissionable.

Blackout dates

At present there are no blackout dates scheduled. 

In the event blackout dates are scheduled, any guest who makes a booking for a hotel stay during the blackout period prior to the blackout period being named will receive the rewards they are booked for. 

Rewards Program offerings

Book one night’s stay with Edmonton’s Best Hotels and receive your choice of one of three $50 rewards excluding blackout dates:

  • $50 Gas Card or
  • $50 Prepaid Mastercard, or
  • $50 Ultimate Dining Card

Book two night’s stay with Edmonton’s Best Hotels and receive your choice of one of five reward packages excluding blackout dates:

  • $150 prepaid MasterCard, or
  • $75 Gas card and $75 MasterCard, or
  • $75 Gas card and $75 Ultimate Dining Card, or

Book three night’s stay with Edmonton’s Best Hotels and receive your choice of one of four reward packages excluding blackout dates:

  • Three Night Reward 1: $225 Prepaid Mastercard
  • Three Night Reward 3: $75 Ultimate Dining Card + $75 Prepaid Mastercard + $75 Gas Card

One choice of reward per stay. 

Guest must be 18 years of age or older at time of redemption. 

Prepaid Mastercard’s can be used for online purchases only. In Canada, prepaid Mastercard’s cannot be used at any retail outlet (including your hotel) with point-of-sale systems.

Rewards distribution

Rewards will be emailed directly to guests within 48 hours of Edmonton’s Best Hotels confirming their check-in.  Rewards are not provided by the hotel’s front desk.   All rewards are sent electronically. 

Reservations

Guest must reserve a minimum of 24 hours prior to arrival.

Rewards are NOT available for reservations made less than 24 hours in advance of arrival.

Reservations made directly with hotels and not through Edmonton’s Best Hotels are not eligible for rewards. No exceptions. Rewards are only provided to guests who book through Edmonton’s Best Hotels online booking platform.  Booking reservation confirmations will have Edmonton’s Best Hotels branding on them. Rewards not provided for hotel reservations during specified blackout dates.

Reservations cannot be extended by hotels for additional rewards.

Guests may add a night to an existing one-night deal reservation and receive additional rewards if the request is made a minimum of 24 hours in advance of arrival.

Booking terms and conditions

Rewards provided for more than one night, must be for consecutive nights under one registration under one name at one property. In addition, no more than up to three consecutive nights will be honoured. If a guest checks in for three days and then checks out and re-checks in for the next day, this is considered a consecutive night booking even if the second booking is made at different hotel.  

There must be a minimum of three days between bookings.

Multiple reservations for the same person for the same night(s) is considered a double booking and only one of those bookings will be eligible for rewards. For example, if a guest books two nights on x and y date and then makes another two-night booking for the same dates at the same hotel or another hotel, EBH considers this a double booking and will honour rewards for only one of those bookings. 

Is there a limit on the number of bookings I make on different dates?  Edmonton Best Hotels welcomes repeat business.  Some of our guests visit Edmonton every month.  Please note as stated earlier there must be a minimum of three days between bookings. Please also note stated blackout dates.

Cancelling and date changes to reservations

If a guest wants to cancel or change the dates of their booking.

What if I want to cancel my booking?  Edmonton Best Hotels must cancel your booking (not the hotel).  If you want to cancel, contact info@edmh.ca and let us know.  We will cancel your booking and send you a cancellation number for your records.  Please do not cancel directly with the hotel.

What if I want to change the dates of my booking?  You must contact Edmonton Best Hotels at info@edmh.ca and let us know you want to make a date change.  Your original booking must be cancelled first.  You will receive a cancellation number for your records.  Then, you must rebook for your new dates.  The hotel nor Edmonton’s Best Hotels cannot make date changes to the original booking.  Please note this does not guarantee you will receive the same hotel rate when you rebook for different dates.

Any questions, please contact Edmonton Best Hotels at info@edmh.ca 

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