Winter in Edmonton is both beautiful and romantic. From the crisp snow to the fun outdoor events, Alberta's capital city is worth exploring this time of year. To make sure that you and your s/o make the most of it, we came up with 11 winter dates ideas in Edmonton for you to try. Some of these events are totally free, so you have more money to spend on dinner beforehand. Alberta's cold and snowy weather is just as ideal for snuggling with your boo as it is for bundling up and going for a romantic stroll with warm drinks in your hands. We know how difficult it can be to come up with different date ideas every weekend. Don't worry, though, we've got your back. From the ultra festive to the totally unique, this curated list of 11 date ideas will help get your imagination going. 'Tis the season to get a little romantic, so let this list guide you in the right direction. Zoominescence Price: $8.50 When: Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays in December, plus December 26 from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. Address: 13315 Buena Vista Rd. and 87 Ave. NW, Edmonton, AB Why You Need To Go: This immersive light display is magical. The zoo completely transforms into a winter wonderland and it’s all for a good cause. When you’re done exploring the bright light installations, you can take a look at all the animal exhibits. View this post on Instagram Anyone else excited to check out #zoominescence at @edmontonvalleyzoo? . . . . #valleyzoo #zoominescence2018 #yegevents #yegthingstodo #yegholidayseason #yeglightshow #yegzoo #yeglocal #yegtree #yegdatenight #yegwinter #Christmaslights #lightshow #edmontonexplorer #exploreredmonton #edmontonevents #edmontontree #edmontonlights #edmontonzoo #zooevents #edmontonsnow #yegger #worththecold #thingstodowithkids #festiveactivities #seasonsgreetings #happyholidays #Christmastree #zooanimals A post shared by Edmonton Explorer (@edmontonexplorer) on Dec 6, 2018 at 3:58pm PST Website Winter Patio at Cafe Bicyclette Price: $12-$20 menu items Where: 8627 91 St NW Edmonton, AB Why You Need To Go: This French restaurant has a massive winter-ready patio, and each table is set up with its own roaring fire. Relax with your love over a hot drink and something good to eat on the patio, all while staying toasty warm. View this post on Instagram No plans this Friday evening? (5pm-9pm) Here’s a great suggestion: 1. Sit by the fire and enjoy the winter patio 🔥 2. Shop local at the indoor Christmas market. 3. Sit by the fire again while enjoying delicious food from the café. 4. Repeat 1-2-3 as many time as you like! 😁 Pas de plans pour ce vendredi ? Voici une excellente suggestion: 1. Asseyez-vous près du feu et profitez du patio d'hiver 🔥 2. Magasinez des produits local au marché de Noël. 3. Asseyez-vous à nouveau près du feu tout en dégustant de délicieux plats du café. 4. Répétez 1-2-3 autant de fois que vous le souhaitez! 😁 #yeg #yeglocal #madeinyeg #yegfood #wintercity #edmontonmade #yegmakers #shoplocal #christmasdecor #christmasmarket #yegmarkets #edmonton #edmontonliving #exploreedmonton #shoplocalyeg #yegfood #yegwx A post shared by Café Bicyclette (@cafebicyclette) on Dec 12, 2019 at 7:32pm PST Website Victoria Park Iceway Price: Free When: TBA for Winter 2020 Address: 11004-12004 River Valley Road NW, Edmonton, AB Why You Need To Go: This is like Rainbow Road from Mario Kart, but on skates. You and your love can skate around a rainbow-lit track while taking in the snowy sights. View this post on Instagram Winters not all bad ⛸ . . . #febfeels #wintercity #yegwinter #victoriaparkiceway #icewayyeg #yegiceway #skatepath A post shared by Vivian (@_viv.t_) on Feb 2, 2018 at 9:07pm PST Website Ice Castles Price: $13.99 When: TBA for Winter 2020 Address: Hawrelak Park, 9330 Groat Road Northwest, Edmonton, AB Why You Need To Go: These massive ice castles are seriously unbelievable. You’ll feel like you’re in an enchanted arctic escape as you walk around hand in hand with your boo. View this post on Instagram And in in the ice; in the ever-changing crystals and outlines, she found herself. When you see it ;) #icphotocontest18 #outlines #profiles #yegicecastle #icecastlesyeg #icecastles #yeg #exploreyeg #ice #adventure #exploreyeg #edmonton #exploreedmonton #icecastlesedmonton #rayneorshinephotography A post shared by Rayne Or Shine Photography (@rayneorshinephotography) on Mar 9, 2018 at 10:16pm PST Website Ice on Whyte Price: $7 When: Thursday, January 23, 2020, to Sunday, February 2, 2020 Address: 10208 82 Avenue Northwest, Edmonton, AB Why You Need To Go: This ice carving festival has tons of food, drinks, sculptures, and an epic ice bar. Whether it’s a first date or an anniversary, this fun activity has you covered. View this post on Instagram Very impressive ice sculpture 💙 Canada cup of ice carving 2019 going on now in Ottawa at winterlude festival, Edmonton's Ice on Whyte and lake Louise in Banff National park. #instagram#instagood#photography#beautiful#love#pretty#likeforlike#icesculptures#ice#art#iceonwhytefestival#icecarving#iceonwhyte2019#yeg#yeggers#yegevents#yegarts#oldstrathcona#livelovecanada#insidecanada#mycanadianphotos#travelalberta#explorecanada#explore#city#downtown#winter A post shared by SasquatchMan (@canadasbackyard) on Jan 27, 2019 at 3:49pm PST Website Candy Cane Lane Price: Free When: Now until January 1, 2020 Address: 148th Street from 99th to 92nd Avenue Why You Need To Go: The winter is all about looking at fun lights and decorations. This is Edmonton's 50th year of Candy Cane Lane, so it's sure to be special. You can even take a sleigh ride if you so choose. View this post on Instagram Happy dating Anniversary❣️ Now if only we could decide on a wedding date... lol 😅 • • • #candycanelane #happyanniversary #loveyou A post shared by Morgan Rice REALTOR® (@morganricerealtor) on Dec 22, 2018 at 8:37am PST Website Tobogganing at Gallagher Park Price: Free Why You Need To Go: Grab your beat-up sled from childhood and feel like a kid again. It may not be your typical date but cheap thrills are always fun. Gallagher Park has the perfect hill for tobogganing in Edmonton. View this post on Instagram Wenn du Rodeln genauso feierst wie wir, poste ein fettes Grinsen in die Kommentare 😁 • 🔧 #GoProHERO7 📷 @ashleysmit.h 📍 Gerlosstein, Tirol, AT • #GoProDE #GoProSnow #Schlittenfahren #Tobogganing A post shared by GoPro Germany (@goprode) on Mar 23, 2019 at 10:00am PDT Website Snowshoe and Stargaze Price: $29.80 per person with a valid park pass When: Multiple dates in December 2019, January 2020 and February 2020 Address: Astotin Lake Beach, Elk Island National Park, 1- 54401 Range Road 203, Fort Saskatchewan Why You Need To Go: Great dates involve doing something interactive together. Why not snowshoeing, stargazing and warming up by a campfire? You can do it all at Elk Island National Park during this special event throughout the winter. View this post on Instagram Starry Sunday skies A post shared by Abdulmajid (@majid.photos) on Nov 17, 2019 at 8:41pm PST Website Deep Freeze Price: Free When: Saturday, January 11, 2020 & Sunday, January 12, 2020 Address: 9351 118 Avenue NW, Edmonton, AB Why You Need To Go: Embrace the cold and enjoy a heritage winter full of fun and games. There will be amazing food, drinks, scheduled activities, and even fireworks. What’s more romantic than that? View this post on Instagram They’re so fluffy! Had a lovely time experiencing my fave winter festival Deep Freeze on Alberta Avenue with @tylermajeau yesterday. If you missed it, it’s in again today so go get yourself some cabane á sucre, ride the horse-drawn cart, roast some marshmallows, take in performances, visit the Viking encampment, race freezers and visit @greenonioncakeman (who has dyed his hair a fun colour and serves up tasty green onion cakes). What a great festival, I’m already marking the second Saturday in January 2020 for another visit. . . . . . . . . #exploreedmonton #edmonton #deepfreeze #deepfreezefestival #yeg #albertaavenue #artsontheave #festival #yegwinter #explorealberta #horses #winter #weekend A post shared by Brittney Le Blanc (@britl) on Jan 13, 2019 at 8:59am PST Website Stargazing at the Observatory Price: Free Thursdays Address: Centennial Centre for Interdisciplinary Science, Edmonton, AB Why You Need To Go: The winter skies are stunning and at the University of Alberta, you can look at all the stars at the observatory. On Thursday evenings, it’s totally free. View this post on Instagram ❄️✨ The night sky over Boat of Garten in the Highlands, snapped by @annaleearmstrong. We're in the heart of the longest and darkest nights right now in Scotland. Even though we're missing the lighter days there is something really magical about when darkness cloaks the countryside. Wrap yourself up in plenty of layers, pack a hot chocolate, and brave the crisp nights this winter. Look up and you'll be rewarded with spectacular night skies. If you’re lucky you might see the Milky Way or even the elusive northern lights. Check out our new stargazing blog on our website (link in bio). #lovewilderness #weliketotravel #exploremore #discoverearth #fantastic_earth #optoutside #landscape_hunter #adventureculture #ourplanetdaily #beautifuldestinations #intothewild #letsgosomewhere #landscapephotography #travelgram #travelphotography #hiddenscotland #scotlandshots #ig_scotland #scotlandisnow #darkskies #stargazing #nightphotography #milkyway #nightscapes A post shared by Wilderness Scotland (@wilderness_scotland) on Dec 9, 2019 at 9:15am PST Website Hot Chocolate at Block 1912 Address: Block 1912 Cafe, 10361 82 Avenue NW, Edmonton, AB Why You Need To Go: Edmonton has some amazing coffee shops. Hit up one, or several, and sip on something warm and creamy. We suggest Block 1912 because their ganache hot chocolate is to die for. View this post on Instagram I am feeling the Christmas vibes!!! Had such a great couple days visiting with family. Now it's back to work! A post shared by Alberta Wedding Photographer (@elenaevelynphoto) on Dec 12, 2018 at 2:15pm PST Website Now that the hard part is over, all you have left to do now is to set a date. With amazing ideas like these, you're sure to have a great time. There are stories everywhere. If you spot a newsworthy event in your city, send us a message, photo, or video @NarcityCanada on Twitter and Instagram.
