Based on the weather we've seen so far, it's clear that Edmonton skipped right over fall and went straight to winter this year. While we should be mad, we are actually excited. During the holiday season, Edmonton turns into a magical place, making it the perfect time to go on a date. Whether it’s an old flame or a new love interest, these 9 holiday date ideas in Edmonton are both romantic and festive. Ice castles, giant gingerbread houses, and light shows. Edmonton has it all this time of year. In order to make the most of this holiday season, we came up with a list of magical destinations around Edmonton to spend an afternoon or an evening with the apple of your eye. These events range in price and some are even totally free. We suggest doing them all for the perfect Christmas season with your s/o. Think of it as a holiday date bucket list. Between the snowy days and freezing cold that Edmonton is used to this time of year, now is the perfect time to cuddle up with your favourite person and go do something fun. We made your list of date ideas, so now it's on you to ask that special someone out. Unfortunately, we can’t do that part for you. Ice of Whyte Price: Tickets on sale December 1, 2019 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 so much action including an ice bar, drinks, food, and, of course, ice carvings. This is the perfect place to go on a first date as there is so much going on. View this post on Instagram Slowly to the Fast Future by Team Ledus (Latvia) won second place at the #canadacupoficecarving here at #iceonwhyte. #mybwalkmoment #iceonwhyte #yeg #ExploreAlberta #yegfun #ExploreEdmonton #yeggers #urbanyeg #instagramyeg #igyeg #yegventures #travel #Canada #luxury #iow2019 #icesculptures #artofvisuals #art #yegarts #craft #iamcanadian #lakelouise #ottawa #competition #Edmonton #lighting #vsco #snapseed A post shared by Boardwalk Ice on Whyte (@iceonwhyte) on Jan 25, 2019 at 11:50pm PST Website Ice Castles When: Multiple dates Address: Hawrelak Park, 9330 Groat Road Northwest, Edmonton, AB Why You Need To Go: The ice castles in Hawrelak Park are seriously wow. These displays will make you feel like you're in Narnia. View this post on Instagram We visited a castle made of ice and i must say it was pretty cool... #adventuresofdakandsophine #icecastlesedmonton #dadjokeswithsoph A post shared by Soph (@wheesoph) on Mar 4, 2019 at 9:51pm PST Website Victoria Park Iceway Price: Free When: To be announced Address: 11004-12004 River Valley Road NW, Edmonton, AB Why You Need To Go: You can literally skate on a path lit by hundreds of colourful lights. It’s like Rainbow Road from Mario Kart, but on skates. Grab your partner's hand and get skating, you won't regret it. 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 Giant Gingerbread House Price: Free When: Now until January Address: Fairmont Hotel MacDonald, 10065 100 Street Northwest, Edmonton, AB Why You Need To Go: Canda’s biggest gingerbread house is right here in Edmonton. You and your partner can visit it for free and it’s really something special. Maybe it will give you a little inspiration to build your own gingerbread house afterwards. View this post on Instagram Loved this gigantic gingerbread house. They said everything is edible! #hotelmacdonald #yeg #thefairmont #gingerbreadhouse #giantgingerbreadhouse A post shared by Kristine Lee (@kristine_at_home) on Nov 16, 2019 at 6:54am PST Website Holiday Treats Address: Online store that ships Canada-wide with free pickups in Edmonton Why You Need To Go: There is an adorable Edmonton-based bakery that does festive macaroons. Filigree Patisserie is offering Christmassy flavours including Rudolph (gingersnap), Santa (turtle), snowmen (salted butter caramel), Christmas tree (maple chai) and candy cane swirl (peppermint). What’s better than food on a date? View this post on Instagram Oh my goodness, CHRISTMASTIME is here again!? 🎅☃️⠀ This is truly our favourite holiday of the year. We get to spend time with family, spread cheer and we get to make our most anticipated macarons of the year!⠀ We are so ready to offer these amazing classics:⠀ - Santa: Turtles.⠀ - Rudolph: Gingersnap.⠀ - Christmas Tree: Maple Chai.⠀ - Snowman: Salted Butter Caramel.⠀ - Swirl: Peppermint White Chocolate. ⠀ A selection of them will be available @euphoriacafe TOMORROW! We’ll be at the Spruce Meadows International Christmas Market on November 22-24. Make sure you come by to grab these and many others! .⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ .⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ .⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ #filigreepatisserie #yycfood #yyceats #yycnow #yycliving #yycbuzz #yycbusiness #stalbert #yegfood #yegeats #yegmade #edmontonliving #exploreedmonton #yqr #yxe #yvr #yyz #macarons #valrhonausa #macaronstagram #pastrychef #pastryart #pastry_inspiration #pastrylife #christmasbaking #thatsdarling #macaron #yeggers #christmasdecorationsalready A post shared by Kent Lukey-Simes | Pastry Chef (@filigreepatisserie) on Nov 12, 2019 at 7:07pm PST Website Zoominescence Price: $8.50 When: Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays in December Address: 13315 Buena Vista Road and 87 Avenue Northwest, Edmonton, AB Why You Need To Go: The Edmonton Zoo is hosting a massive light festival filled with colourful tunnels and at least 10 local, one-of-a-kind art installations. The animal exhibits will also be open, making it the perfect date night. View this post on Instagram A very snowy night at Zoominescence 🐵❄️🎄 #zoominescence #yeg #winter #christmas #christmaslights #edmontonvalleyzoo #yeggers #exploreedmonton #wintercity #wintercityyeg #getoutside A post shared by Allison Pon (@allisonpon) on Dec 8, 2018 at 9:23am PST Website Edmonton Luminaria Price: $16 When: Friday, December 6, 2020, to Sunday, December 8, 2020 Address: University of Alberta Botanic Garden, 51227 AB-60, Spruce Grove, AB Why You Need To Go: Inside the Kurimoto Japanese Garden is a beautiful pathway lined with candles and it’s totally romantic. Take your significant over and look at all the unique light displays, ice carvings, and more. View this post on Instagram Following the light and starting the week off right 🕯 - - - #happymonday #mondays #mondayvibes A post shared by Michelle Colleen (@livesformondays) on Dec 4, 2017 at 7:20pm PST Website Glow Gardens Price: $19.99 When: Thursday, November 28, 2019, to Saturday, January 4, 2020 Address: Edmonton Expo Centre, 7515 118 Avenue Northwest, Edmonton, AB Why You Need To Go: If you’re looking for a romantic photoshoot with your partner, then this is the place to do it. This holiday season you can walk through an indoor light festival filled with the most gorgeous illuminated tunnel ever. There are also drinks served in adorable light bulbs. Need we say more? View this post on Instagram My special someone 🥰 @glow_edmonton A post shared by Ishini Weerasinghe (@ishiniw) on Jan 5, 2019 at 10:19am PST Website Magic of Lights Price: $25 When: Friday, November 22, 2019, to Saturday, January 4, 2020 Address: Castrol Raceway, AB-19, Leduc County, AB Why You Need To Go: This drive-thru light experience means you can stay warm. Cozy up in the car with your love and visit a 2 km road filled with over 40 festive light themes. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Anika (@anikapd) on Dec 11, 2017 at 4:12pm PST Website 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.
