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Celebrating a Wintry Edmonton Wonderland
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The year might be cooling down, but events and things to do in Edmonton’s Downtown are just heating up. Over the next few weeks, we encourage and welcome Edmontonians to check out what’s going on Downtown, including shopping local, enjoying live entertainment, family (and dog) friendly outdoor activities, bright lights, and a return of the New Year’s Eve festivities.
Read on to find out how you can make the most out of this holiday season and welcome in a fresh 2022 Downtown.
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Downtown is an ECONOMIC HUB
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#ShopLocalYEG this holiday season
Did you know that small businesses make up 95% of the local economy? And that $63 of every $100 spent at local businesses remains in the local economy? During these difficult times, every local purchase you make this holiday season matters.
In a pinch for some last minute gifts? Check out TIX on the Square for unique gifts by Edmonton artists. Located in Churchill Square, this not-for-profit gift shop and box office has locally made clothing, books, art, pottery, jewelry and more!
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#YEG Businesses: Get your application in for the Economic Action Plan Grant!
The Economic Action Plan aims to create a more resilient, diverse and equitable local economy. The grant program provides matching reimbursement grants of up to $25,000 for projects and programs that support the outcomes of the Economic Action Plan.
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Downtown is a SAFE AND WELCOMING PLACE
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Moving safely makes Downtown Edmonton a people place
People come downtown for a lot of reasons, in all seasons. Read on to see how downtown Edmonton is becoming a more walkable place.
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Winter Parking Ban
The City of Edmonton calls Phase 1 and Phase 2 parking bans to help provide clearer roads that are easier and safer to navigate. This winter, we have already called two, Phase 1 parking bans and two, Phase 2 parking bans. We want to thank the public for working with us to keep our roads cleared and safe, by moving their vehicles. We ask residents to be prepared for parking bans by signing up for parking ban alerts at edmonton.ca/safetravels.
Phase 1: The City clears major roads, core business areas and bus routes. These are the busier roads, like Jasper Avenue or 124 Street.
Phase 2: The City clears residential and industrial roads. These are the quieter roads, like the road out front of your house.
A Phase 2 parking ban is sometimes called after a Phase 1 parking ban. It is dependent on many factors, such as the amount of snowfall and other considerations. Residents will always be notified if a Phase 2 parking ban is following a Phase 1 parking ban.
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Downtown is a DESTINATION
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Downtown Holiday Light Up - December 18
This year’s Downtown Holiday Light Up is back in Sir Winston Churchill Square. Come out on Saturday, December 18 from 12-8pm and enjoy free family-friendly programming and activities including lights, live music and art installations. While you’re there, you can also check out Indigenous artist Jason Carter’s exhibit Winter Solstice on display in the Square.
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New Year’s Eve fireworks return to Sir Winston Churchill Square!
Celebrate the arrival of 2022 with a midnight fireworks show in Sir Winston Churchill Square.
Date: Friday, December 31, 2021
Time: 12–12:10 a.m.
Location: City Hall Plaza & Sir Winston Churchill Square
The fireworks show, which will be launched from the roof of the Stanley A. Milner Library, will begin at midnight and will be approximately 10 minutes long.
While there is no live entertainment or programming in Sir Winston Churchill Square this New Year’s Eve, there are a number of downtown venues to explore. Or arrive in the Square a bit early and visit the holiday tree and art installations, or take a spin on the City Hall ice rink. Make sure to check the most recent rink status before bringing your skates as weather conditions will impact the opening date. Free skate rentals will be available and the skate change room will be open from 6 p.m. to 12 a.m.
Please note: High winds or severe weather may result in the cancellation of some outdoor activities.
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A New Winter Experience is Here: Introducing Winter Promenade
The City of Edmonton is proud to be a WinterCity, and continues to support outdoor winter-specific programs and services. Edmonton's first Winter Promenade presented by The Silver Skate Festival Society takes place this Sunday, December 19. Enjoy the simple pleasures of sipping on a hot drink, nibbling on treats, and listening to live music as you stroll through Grant Notley Park and the Victoria Promenade.
Date: Sunday, December 19, 2021
Time: 11:00 am - 4:00 pm
Location: Victoria Promenade on 100 Avenue NW between 116 Street and 121 Street. Grant Notley Park at 116 St and 100 Avenue
Water Warriors will be on site accepting donations of men’s warm winter clothing, gloves, toques, and socks. We encourage Edmontonians to get out and celebrate our winter identity through the arts, recreation, events, storytelling and inspired design.
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Join the Outside In-Crowd - WinterPatios are going strong!
#YEGWinterPatios is in full swing! Get outside and celebrate the beginning of the winter patio season by checking out participating patios at downtown restaurants, cafes and bars. For a $10 donation at any of the participating venues, score a #YEGWinterPatios Winter Warming Kit with a signature scarf or blanket. All proceeds go to the Boyle Street Winter Warming Bus, and each $10 donation will buy five cups of coffee, as well as warm socks and mitts. This event supports one of the WinterCity strategy goals by promoting and developing a four-season patio culture in Edmonton.
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Shopping Downtown? Don’t forget you can get FREE 30-min Parking!
In support of local business and economic recovery through Stage 4 of the Province’s Path Forward, the first 30 minutes of every parking session in curbside EPark zones is currently free. Please ensure that you start your parking session on the MyEPark app or at an EPark machine and you will receive the first 30 minutes of your parking stay free.Users are encouraged to download the MyEPark app for contactless payment options.
Otherwise, EPark customers should take proper precautions to clean/sanitize hands thoroughly after using payment machines. Knowing where and when you can park in the city is important to make sure you get to where you need to be. There are many options and restrictions to make sure everyone can get around smoothly.
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Get the Inside Edge on Where to Skate Downtown
Get together with friends and families and enjoy some time outdoors this winter. The City’s Victoria Park Skating oval and Victoria Park Iceway are now open for public skating and the City Hall Plaza skating rink will open after the Christmas holiday, depending on weather conditions.
While there are no capacity restrictions on ice surfaces, the provincial public health measures still require everyone to maintain two-metre physical distancing.
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Make memories not waste this holiday season
Over the next few weeks, you can support your fellow Edmontonians and reduce waste by giving the gift of a shared experience. Giving experiences is a great way to create holiday memories, and you won’t have to worry about it being out of stock! Downtown is full of amazing experiences you can gift to friends and family, like gift cards to restaurants, classes at local studios or tickets to their favourite events.
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Help those in need and donate this holiday season
Although the holidays may seem like all fun and joy, this time of year can be especially challenging for many people. Consider helping someone in need by donating to a charity, food bank, holiday shoe box, etc this holiday season.
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EVENTS
Learn about some of the upcoming events in the Downtown area
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COVID-19 Protocol Reminder
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IN THE NEWS
Catch up on media coverage about the downtown area
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Disclaimer: Media coverage is not City of Edmonton content and the City cannot endorse this content. It is being shared as a courtesy to our subscribers.
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