As November unfolds, Edmonton comes alive with festive winter activities that promise to warm hearts despite the dropping temperatures. From literary celebrations to outdoor festivals and cinematic concerts, the city offers diverse entertainment options for all ages and interests.
WinterCity Book Flood: A Literary Celebration
Book lovers across Edmonton have reason to celebrate this Friday as nine local bookstores participate in the WinterCity Book Flood, inspired by Iceland's Jólabókaflóðið tradition. This evening event transforms reading into a social experience, complete with hot chocolate and special promotions.
The participating stores include Audreys, Daisy Chain, Magpie, Paper Birch, Porch Light, Variant Edition, Wee Book Inn, and Bailey Books in St. Albert. Each location offers unique incentives – Paper Birch Books, for instance, is releasing a selection of used Christmas books, offering 15% off everything in stock, and operating a $3 specialty hot chocolate bar.
Every bookstore will provide free branded tote bags to visitors, making this the perfect opportunity to complete holiday shopping before the mall crowds descend. The event runs from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. on Friday with no admission charge.
Downtown Winterval: Outdoor Festive Fun
The City of Edmonton's WinterCity initiative presents Downtown Winterval on Saturday, transforming 104 Street between Jasper Avenue and 102 Avenue into a winter wonderland. This free outdoor festival offers traditional seasonal activities with contemporary flair.
Attendees can enjoy horse-drawn cart rides, November Santa photos, and street hockey sessions to build excitement for the game. Musical entertainment comes from DJs Onisko, Don Juan, Boess, and Noise Complaint, who will spin tracks until 8 p.m.
The event also features street performers and the 14-member Etown Extended a cappella ensemble filling the air with joyful sounds. Outdoor fires provide warmth and ambiance, while local businesses from Tiffin to Credo, Kelly's to The Cavern offer refreshments and shopping along the festival route.
ESO's Superheroes & Blockbusters Concerts
The Edmonton Symphony Orchestra presents nights of heroic cinematic music with their Superheroes & Blockbusters program at Winspear Centre. Conducted by Karl Hirzer, the concerts feature slightly lesser-known movie scores compared to typical John Williams programs.
The repertoire includes music from The Batman, Dawn of the Planet of the Apes, Up, Rogue One, and Spider-Man – Far from Home. Adding vocal resonance to the performances are the All Points West Chamber Choir and Greenwood Singers.
For those who enjoy film music beyond the concert hall, CJSR 88.5 FM airs DJ Solar Priest's Exit Music for Films program Mondays from 11 p.m. to midnight, featuring movie-oriented and adjacent tunes.
Additional Seasonal Activities
The Hotel Macdonald hosts its annual Tree Lighting Ceremony on Friday from noon to 1 p.m. The luxurious hotel decorates its spaces with holiday splendor, offering cookies, hot chocolate, and festive cheer amid gingerbread constructions. Visitors can enjoy hot toddies in Confederation Lounge beneath the famous painting of bearded historical figures.
Animal lovers can participate in the Edmonton Humane Society's 40th anniversary Pet Pics with Santa, where families can photograph their pets – from furry friends to iguanas – with Santa Claus.
These diverse events demonstrate Edmonton's vibrant winter culture, providing numerous opportunities for residents and visitors to embrace the season through literature, music, outdoor activities, and community celebrations.
