Edmonton Christmas Market 2024: Yeg Xmas Details

Edmonton offers a wide range of winter activities, from outdoor adventures like skiing and snowshoeing to indoor favourites like ice skating and curling. The highlight of the season is the Edmonton Christmas Market.

Read on for the confirmed 2024 dates, opening times, and what to expect during your visit.

Edmonton Christmas Market 2024

Dates – Confirmed

Edmonton Christmas Market dates: 28th November to 15th December 2024 (confirmed).

Update: Dates were announced in June. Sign up for our newsletter for future updates.

Source: Dates are obtained directly from the organiser, available here.

Plan Your Visit

Location and Times

Location: Fort Edmonton Park.
Opening times:
Wednesday and Thursday: 3pm to 9pm.
Friday: 3pm to 10pm.
Saturday: 12pm to 10pm.
Sunday: 12pm to 9pm.
Christmas Day: Closed.

Travel and Accommodation

Public transport: ETS Bus Line 4 to Fort Edmonton Park and Fox Drive.
Parking: Limited free parking is available. Please take public transport if possible.
Where to stay: Metterra Hotel in Strathcona, a 15-minute drive from the event.

Amenities and Attractions

Admission:
Adults – online: $20.95
Adults – door: $23.95
Children – online: $10.95
Children – door: $12.95
Children under 6: Free
Tickets: Book online for lower prices or at the event.
Activities: Theatre shows, experiences, wagon rides, carousel.
Santa: Yes.
Ice skating: No.
Lights: Glow holiday lights at the Expo centre. 1st to 31st December 2024 (confirmed). Full details and tickets.
Reason to visit: Light displays and many activities for young and old.

Dietary Options

Vegetarian: Yes. Many options.
Vegan: Yes. Vegetable chili, spiced nuts, fries, drinks.
Gluten-free: Yes. Vegetable chili, spiced nuts, poutine, fries and more.
Food specialties: Hot dogs, warm soft pretzels, chili, warm spiced nuts.

Accessibility

Accessible: Yes.
Pet-friendly: No.

Convenient Hotels

Fort Edmonton Park is a historic exhibition centre located 12 km from downtown Edmonton. Although many hotels are downtown, Strathcona is a great dining, entertainment and shopping area. I recommend Metterra Hotel in Strathcona.

Find more festive destinations with my Canadian Christmas Markets guide.

Event Location

Captured a moment that embodies the holiday season? Tag your photos with #UltimateChristmasMarkets — we can’t wait to see your festive finds!

What to Expect

Over 100 indoor and outdoor market stalls feature local makers. Food options range from traditional specialties to modern street food.

For kids, activities include cookie decorating, carousel rides, horse and wagon rides, and events at the Capital Theatre. While adults can join in on workshops like wine and cheese pairing, vegan tastings, and ornament-making.

Regional Specialties

Pierogis: These Eastern European-inspired dumplings are deeply rooted in Edmonton’s culinary culture. Typically stuffed with potato, cheese, or sauerkraut, they are either boiled or fried and served with sour cream and topped with crisp onions.
Butter tarts: Sweet, sticky filling inside a flaky pastry shell.
Bannock: Traditional First Nations bread best paired with local jams and preserves.
Tourtière: French-Canadian meat pie.
Nanaimo bars: No-bake bars that are a Canadian favourite.

At the Food Stalls

Poutine: Crispy fries topped with cheese curds and gravy.
Smokies: Locally-made grilled sausages.
Perogies: Ukrainian-style dumplings.
Mini doughnuts: Classic festival treat.
Mulled wine and cider: Made with Canadian wine or cider.
Bratwurst: German’s popular sausage.
Roasted chestnuts: Hot off the grill.
Stollen: German Xmas bread.
Churros: Spanish sweet doughnuts with dipping chocolate sauce.

Close up of bridge in Edmonton over frozen river.

What to Buy

Artisan crafts: Items and gifts from local artisans.
Alberta honey: Pure honey, beeswax candles and skincare items.
Roasted coffee: A bag of locally roasted coffee and gift boxes.
Soaps and beauty products: Stocking fillers crafted with natural ingredients.
Craft beer and spirits: Look out for seasonal brews or a classic Albertan spirit.
Decorations: Glass, metal and wooden ornaments.
Gourmet food hampers: Including chocolates, biscuits, cheeses, and more.
Toys and games: Classic wooden toys, puzzles, and board games.

Edmonton city skyline from above with bridge in foreground.

Sustainability Tips

Shop mindfully. Only purchase what you’re sure you need.
Walk, cycle and use public transport to get around.
Stay in a sustainable hotel powered by renewable energy.
Avoid using plastic or buying items made or packaged with plastic.
Try to eat locally sourced organic food where possible.
Limit your consumption of meat and dairy.
Explore more than just the main tourist areas.
Support the arts and attend local events.
If possible, avoid flying to your destination.

Comment below if you want to leave a Xmas review, have any questions or would like to report any inaccuracies.

Historic building in Edmonton with dome and columns at the entrance.

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Recommendations are independently chosen based on personal travel experiences and extensive research. While we make every effort to provide accurate information, the dates and details listed here should not be relied upon. Please consult the official website before booking your trip or planning a visit.