I’m going to bring you along on a little story time about a… special someone. We all love to hate her… Coronavirus. Back in November, we all heard rumors about this virus that we all liked to call, the Coronavirus. At this point, most of us thought this wasn’t going to be our problem, so we all went on with our daily lives: hanging out with friends, seeing our families, going to the bars, to restaurants and…travelling. But soon March rolled around, and BAM! She was coming in full force, no mercy! Coronavirus earned her new nickname, COVID-19, and she was mad. Quickly, Covid caused us all to drop everything, stop working, return from whatever remote destination you had travelled to or cancel your travelling plans, and stay inside. Soon after, everyone realized that we can’t live our lives being locked up inside of our homes. Things started slowly opening back up, people returned to work, were able to see more people, and create a life that is now the new normal.
Covid-19 has wreaked a lot of havoc on many people this year and caused everyone to miss a lot of special events. But not this Christmas season. In this blog/vlog I will be taking you along with me as we enjoy some Christmas activities – Covid Style!
The Edmonton Christmas Market
Address: 10411 82 Avenue, Edmonton
Our first stop is the Edmonton Christmas Market. It is located at the old Army and Navy store on Whyte Ave. This market is perfect for all ages as they have vendors that cater to everyone’s needs. Open November 27thto December 20th, Fridays thru Sundays, there is lots of time to get your Christmas chopping in. Admission is only $4 per person and free for those under the age of 12, but if you arrive within the first hour on Fridays (3pm – 4pm), you can get in for free with a food bank donation. Masks are required inside the market and arrows are taped on the ground to ensure everyone is travelling in the proper direction. Check out the link below for more information on the Edmonton Christmas Market:
https://exploreedmonton.com/event-calendar/edmonton-christmas-market-2020
Zoominescence
Address: 13315 Buena Vista Road & 87 Avenue NW, Edmonton
The next stop is Zoominescence. Zoominescence is a light show that takes place at the Edmonton Valley Zoo. Sponsored by Epcor (and many more amazing sponsors), Zoominescence provides an unforgettable lighting event that will leave you wanting more. With 10 art installations from many artist collaborations and individual artists throughout the zoo, there is no shortage of magic while you are here. This event is open November 26thuntil January 3rd, Thursdays through Sundays from 3:30-9:30pm. There are even additional days on December 21, 22, 23, 28 and 29th open for the Christmas season.
Ticket prices are as follows:
- Child (2 – 12 years): $10.50
- Youth (13 – 17 years): $13.50
- Adult (18 – 64 years): $14.95
- Senior (65+ years): $13.50
Membership, pass holders and tots (ages 0 – 23 months) are free for this event. Masks are required to be worn throughout the zoo, this includes inside buildings and anywhere outside while on zoo grounds. Arrows are on the ground throughout the zoo to direct traffic and ensure you don’t miss anything. This is a great event for all ages! Come and enjoy the countless lights, animals and art installations throughout. Visit their website for more information on Zoominescence:
https://www.buildingourzoo.com/events/zoominescence/
Candy Cane Lane
Address: 9915 148 Street NW, Edmonton
The next stop on our Covid Christmas adventure is to Candy Cane Lane. Candy Cane Lane is one of my favourite places to visit in the City of Edmonton as every house is decorated to the max with Christmas lights! This event is perfect for everyone as it is a free event! All you have to do is bring a food bank donation and you are welcomed to wander the streets and admire the lights in this neighbourhood. Unfortunately, this year, they are unable to offer some of their typical events such as sleigh rides, firepits or food trucks, but nonetheless, this is still a great event. It is suggested that you stay in your vehicle and follow the directional signage while at this event, and if you choose to walk, please wear a mask and practice safe social distancing. Check out all you need to know about Candy Cane Lane at their website here:
Winter Wonder Forest
Address: 13204 Rainbow Valley Road NW, Edmonton
The last stop of the night, is the Winter Wonder Forest. This event takes place in the Rainbow Valley Campground located across from the Snow Valley Ski Hill in Edmonton. Passes are $30 per car and you can have as many people in your vehicle as it seats. This is a drive thru so you can stay in your vehicles the entire time which means masks are not required. Although they do suggest you wear a mask if you are rolling down the window to talk to any of the elves that work there or if you are talking to Mr. and Mrs. Clause. The Winter Wonder Forest takes a little over 10 minutes to drive through but with countless lights, ice sculptures and snow sculptures, this event will not disappoint. Food bank donations are welcomed and very much appreciated. All the elves that work there are very welcoming and definitely bring the Christmas spirit. Everyone will be leaving with a smile on their faces! To visit their website and learn more about this event, click the link below:
https://www.winterwonderforest.ca
Tobogganing and Skating
Throughout our day of Christmas activities, we had some free time which we decided to fill with some tobogganing and skating. These are just a couple of great winter activities to do with the whole family as they are free and get you outside. Below I have linked a website for some popular toboggan hills and skating spots in Edmonton:
https://www.edmonton.ca/activities_parks_recreation/toboggan-hills.aspx
https://www.edmonton.ca/activities_parks_recreation/outdoor-ice-rinks.aspx
References: Building our Zoo (2020). Zoominescence. Retrieved from https://www.buildingourzoo.com/events/zoominescence/ Edmonton (2020). Outdoor Ice Rinks. Retrieved from https://www.edmonton.ca/activities_parks_recreation/outdoor-ice-rinks.aspx Edmonton (2020). Toboggan Hills. Retrieved from https://www.edmonton.ca/activities_parks_recreation/toboggan-hills.aspx Explore Edmonton (2020). The Edmonton Christmas Market. Retrieved from https://exploreedmonton.com/event-calendar/edmonton-christmas-market-2020 Winter Wonder Forest (2020). Retrieved from https://www.winterwonderforest.ca Yeg Candy Cane Lane (2020). Retrieved from https://yegcandycanelane.com Image References: Christmas Light Home – Candy Canes [photograph] (n.d.) http://www.cfweradio.ca/on-air/blogs/jeremy-harpe/post/candy-cane-lane-2017/ Christmas Light Home – Star [photograph] (n.d.) https://yegcandycanelane.com Christmas Light Tunnel [photograph] (n.d.) https://www.raisingedmonton.com/10-edmonton-holiday-light-festivals-discover-2017/
