Amelia Bellamy-Royds Dec 5

RE: https://taproot.social/@taprootyeg/115664015153264707

For those of you who appreciate my monthly Edmonton events calendars, I'm afraid I'm unlikely to get a December version out this week.

The Taproot roundup below will get you started. They also have a searchable calendar. Check my pinned posts for where to find event listings & music nights.

Some events carried over from last month:

Theatre: Vinyl Cafe: The Musical (ends Dec 7) and A Christmas Carol at The Citadel, Annie at The Arden (ends Dec 7), How Patty And Joanne Won High Gold at the Grand Christmas Cup Winter Dance Competition at Fringe HQ, & The Blank Who Stole Christmas at Rapid Fire.

Markets: YEG XmasMRKT at Fort Edmonton Park, Night of Artists at Bonnie Doon, OddBird Art & Craft in Old Strathcona, & Butterdome Craft Sale. Last two ending/only this weekend.

Show threadAmelia Bellamy-Royds 

Heya #YEG Edmonton folks! I'm still sorting through all the December event listings. I'll get my monthly calendar out before it's half over, I promise (😬). But let's get you started with some suggestions for this weekend!

2/9 (for now)

First: #YEGmusic picks for Tonight, Fri Dec 12 (because you are hardy Canadians and you will go out in the cold, yes?):

Fun pop-roots from Major Love in the Capitol Theatre at Fort Edmonton Park as part of the YEG Christmas Market. 7:30pm, $38, ticket includes general admission to the market for the day.

Bob Dylan & Johnny Cash tribute show from two fine young guitar pickers, Nick Lange and Francesco Rizzuto, at The Dive Bar. 7pm (doors), $17, 18+.

Rockabilly, rock & roll, ragtime, jump, & swing, all with a holiday touch, as The Misery Mountain Boys host their annual Miserable Christmas show at The Commercial with guests Peter & The Wolves. 9:30pm, $14 if you can snag the last advance tix.

Major Love - Edmonton Christmas Market

Edmonton Christmas Market
Dec 13 at 1:35amWeb
Show threadAmelia Bellamy-Royds Dec 13

And some #YEGmusic picks for tomorrow (oh, and one more you could still get to tonight):

Fri & Sat, Dec 12-13:

Groovy roots from Secondhand Dreamcar at Chromozone. That's a lot of music for a small room (it's basically a band's rehearsal space). 8pm, $57, 18+.

Sat, Dec 13:

Holiday-focused roots & blues from Front Porch Roots Revue at The Blue Chair. 7pm, probably $20.

Keithmas: A Foodbank Fundrager at The Starlite Room is an annual event with lots of local bands, themed around Keith Richards birthday. Because. 7pm, $18.

Sticks & Stones percussion present A Cozy Café Christmas at Naked Café. 7:30pm, $15.

Secondhand Dreamcar at the Chromozone Showcase Room

Edmonton's favourite superband is closing out the year with two nights at Chromozone.

Eventbrite
Show threadAmelia Bellamy-Royds Dec 13

And here's your updated #YEGtheatre guide for the month (as complete as I can find, although there are a few dance / ballet productions I haven't listed):

Until Dec 13: How Patty And Joanne Won High Gold at the Grand Christmas Cup Winter Dance Competition, from Northern Light Theatre, at the Fringe's Studio Theatre, $37 with discounts.

Until Dec 14: Light-hearted shows at the YEG Christmas Market in Fort Edmonton Park, including both family-friendly and very much 18+ options: A Kidmas Carol (you can guess), It's a Wonderful Christmas Carol (retro radio play), Candy Cane Cabaret (burlesque). Paid tickets include general admission to the market, which has various other free performances & activities.

Until Dec 21: The Blank Who Stole Christmas, Rapid Fire Theatre's annual improvized favourite tale. $42 with discounts, available in Nice, Naughty, or Nasty versions with different age ranges.

Show threadAmelia Bellamy-Royds Dec 13

Until Dec 24: The Citadel's annual A Christmas Carol is once again a 1950s musical version. In their MacLab Theatre, $40-159 (with very few cheap seats left).

Dec 11-21: Girl Brain, Actually sees the trio of Girl Brain sketch comics tackle Christmas season at the West Ed Mall. $25-35.

Dec 12-14: The Best Little Newfoundland Christmas Pageant....Ever! returns to the Varscona. $30 with discounts.

Dec 12-14: Fringe regular Chase Padgett presents A 6 String Christmas version of his songs & stories show. In the Fringe's Westbury Theatre, $35.

Dec 12-28: Roald Dahl's Charlie and the Chocolate Factory is a family-friendly musical at Festival Place (Sherwood Park). $47 (child $28) with dinner & show packages available some nights.

A Christmas Carol - The Citadel Theatre

A Christmas Carol returns to the Citadel! David van Belle’s adaptation of the Charles Dickens classic takes the stage once again, from Nov 22 - Dec 24

The Citadel Theatre
Show threadAmelia Bellamy-Royds Dec 13

Dec 12-28: Die Harsh: The Christmas Musical is now a tradition, in its third (4th?) year from Grindstone theatre. At the Orange Hub, $30-76, 14+ recommended.

Dec 18-21: Bear Grease Shack Up for the Winter Holiday Special is a seasonal twist on the indigenous twist on the retro movie story. At the Citadel's Shoctor theatre; limited tix left, all over $100.

Dec 18-20: Nutcracker Burlesque from House of Hush at the Varscona theatre. Early show, 7pm, 18+, $40. For more burlesque, pair with:

Dec 19-20: Mrs Claus Holiday Spectacular burlesque drag show hosted by the charming Claudia Hartout at the Varscona. Late show, 10pm, 18+, $35.

DIE HARSH: The Christmas Musical - The Orange Hub Theatres - Managed by Grindstone Theatre Society - Edmonton - Dec 11, 2025

Grindstone Theatre Presents: Die Harsh: A Christmas Musical Written by: Byron Martin & Simon Abbott Directed by: Sarah Dowling Music by: Simon Abbott   Location: The Orange Hub  10045 156 St NW, Edmonton, AB T5P 2P7    About the show: Byron Martin and Simon Abbott are back at it again with their musical satire based on their favourite Christmas movie. Returning for the third year, this time even bigger and better! Sexy German criminal Alan Rickman-I-mean-Hans-Gruber leads an international gang of terrorists who seize an office tower during a Christmas party. John, a cop from New York, is trapped on the upper floors. He’ll need a Christmas miracle to save his power-dressing wife Holly and the other hostages. This Die-Hard-Christmas-Carol is about as stupid as it sounds with action packed comedy, tap dancing FBI agents and heartbreaking flashbacks of kids who are coughing too much.   Content Warnings: Gunshots, Violence, Coarse Language, Fog/Haze, Strobe lights and Dangerously sexy accents   Frequently Asked Questions

Show threadAmelia Bellamy-Royds Dec 13

Dec 20-21 & 27-28: Enchanted Antlers: Furget Me Not from Theatre Prospero is billed as an "Interactive, enchanting holiday production for creatures of all ages" (4+ recommended). At the Varscona, matinee shows only, pay what you can ($10-25 suggested).

Dec 31: New Year's Eve variety show at Varscona Theatre from the folks at Teatro Live. 7:30pm (with promise to end well before midnight so you can go to a party after), $35.

One non-Christmas play on the December schedule, Walterdale Theatre's production of Noël Coward's Present Laughter, has had its run cut short by "unforeseen circumstances" (flu outbreak? burst pipes? your guess is as good as mine).

EnchantedAntlers — Varscona Theatre

Varscona Theatre
Show threadAmelia Bellamy-Royds Dec 13

#YEG Festivals & Special Events

Nov 29 - Dec 21: YEG XmasMRKT at Fort Edmonton Park, with concerts, cabarets, & comic plays plus food workshops & fancy meal nights (all separate tickets) in addition to family entertainment & buskers complementing the market itself ($21 advance general admission, $11 for kids).

Dec 13 (Sat): Bright Light Skate Night at City Hall / Churchill Square as they celebrate the opening of the rink. Free skate rentals if required, free hot chocolate from the adjacent cafe, live holiday tunes played in the City Hall atrium & piped outside, and the Mayor turns on the Christmas lights at 5pm

Dec 16 (Tues): Swing at Fringe Holiday Dance, part of a monthly series hosted by Hit That Jive Productions in the Fringe Café. 6:30-8:30pm, free admission.

Dec 31: New Year's Eve Fireworks at 8pm and midnight, with assorted other activities in Churchill Square.

Home Page - Edmonton Christmas Market

The Edmonton Christmas Market has become a beloved annual holiday tradition, thanks to the unwavering support of our valued sponsors and community partners.

Edmonton Christmas Market
Show threadAmelia Bellamy-Royds Dec 13

All month, seasonal fancy-lights displays big enough to charge admission fees:

Zoominescence at the Valley Zoo.

Magic of Lights, drive through displays at RAD Torque Raceway in Leduc.

Christmas Glow indoor light display at the Expo Centre.

Candy Cane Lanestarts Dec 12, with the street closed to traffic on Dec 13 and 23. (No admission fee for the lights, but tickets sold for sleigh rides & donations collected for the food bank.)

There are also lights & sometimes carol singers at both the Legislature & City Hall.

And for something not Christmas related, The Art of Banksy exhibit continues in a repurposed retail space inside City Centre Mall until Jan 11.

Show threadAmelia Bellamy-Royds Dec 14

OK, Edmonton, at long last, here it is, your (second half of) December music picks calendar!!

There are an awful lot of holiday specials here, but keep in mind I'm not a huge Christmas concert fan, so these are ones that I think might be doing something a little different.

And if you didn't see it yet, click through & scroll up ⬆️ for the theatre & special event listings.

Amelia's #YEGmusic highlights

Sun, Dec 14:

Electro-smooth R&B from Aliza, plus Bobby Tarian, at St Anthony Arts Centre in an afternoon album release / art show / market. 4pm, $28.

Lots of local music at YEG XMas Mrkt included with the $23 general admission.

Sun-Tues, Dec 14-16:

Christmas soft country-soul with orchestral accompaniment from Johnny Reid with the ESO. 7:30pm (3 nights), limited tix left, $87+up.

10/🧵

Navjeevan Album Release Live Art Exhibit

Celebrate Aliza's album release : Live band + Art exhibit & Collage Station by Alex + Food by her mom + Vintage by Lucky Lara +more

Eventbrite
Show threadAmelia Bellamy-Royds Dec 14

Mon, Dec 15:

"Sing your heart out" with the Vox Collective at Metro Cinema. 7:30pm, $20.

Tues, Dec 16:

Sweet hipster folk from Mac DeMarco at the Jubilee. 8pm, absurdly priced resale tickets only.

Wed, Dec 17:

Sweet folk / alt-pop from Mya Hill, Windcalm, and Tina Hertz at The Aviary. 7:30pm (doors), $15.

Dec 18-21 (Thu-Sun):

Lots of local music at YEG XMas Mrkt included with the $23 general admission.

The Vox Collective: Sing Your Heart Out - Metro Cinema

Live Event All Ages Get ready for a night of harmony, heart, and pure good vibes as The Vox Collective takes the stage with reimagined classics and indie favourites that will have you singing along from your seat. Featuring special guests from Edmonton’s vibrant music scene—including Mallory Chipman, The Western Thistles, Candice B & The […]

Metro Cinema
Show threadAmelia Bellamy-Royds Dec 14

Fri, Dec 19:

Rooster Davis & Dave Babcock Christmas show at The Blue Chair. I caught them doing this last year, not knowing it was going to be a Christmas show, when I was really not in the mood for a Christmas show. But if you are in that mood, I highly recommend them for swanky soul-jazz seasonal tunes. 7pm, probably $20 cover.

Deep Winter Song ~ A Mystical Evening of Music & Story featuring Martin Kerr at Centre for Spiritual Living sounds kind of like the new age pagan version of a sappy seasonal concert. 7pm, $33 (with various discounts). Ticket is also good for a live stream in case you catch the flu or decide you don't want to risk catching it.

Sweet & smooth acoustic rock & other favourites from Kim Gates at Sherlock Holmes Campus Pub. 8pm, no cover, 18+.

Show threadAmelia Bellamy-Royds Dec 14

Fri-Sat, Dec 19&20:

Big band Christmas jazz from the Don Berner Big Band at Muttart Theatre in the Milner Library. 7:30pm, $47.

Bluesy folk-rock from Kenneth David Eckert at Sherlock Holmes Downtown Pub. 9pm, no cover, 18+.

Sat Dec 20:

Mercy Funk: A Very Nice Time, Holiday Show, with singalongs & everything... at Roxy Theatre sounds like a lovely afternoon fam jam. 2pm, $25 (kids ≤12 free).

Blues (not sure if acoustic or rocking) from Calgary's Brother Ray Lemelin at the Blue Chair Café. 7pm, probably $20.

Blues-rock guitar (with a Christmas theme) from Bobby Cameron (solo) at B Street Bar. 8pm, $23, 18+.

La Fiesta holiday latin music party at Rocky Mountain Icehouse with live timbales from Manny V accompanying DJ'd tunes by Kris King. 9pm, $12, 18+.

Show threadAmelia Bellamy-Royds Dec 14

see end of thread for more

Sun Dec 21:

Perky punk, Christmas style, from Chixdiggit & friends at The Buckingham. 6pm, $30, 18+.

Mon Dec 22:

Bright Lights: A Holiday Cabaret featuring many local musical theatre performers and CBC Radio's Mark Connolly hosting. 7:30pm, pay-what-you-can ($40 suggested).

Tue Dec 23:

Tibbs Eve with Derina Harvey at Rocky Mountain Icehouse, a Newfoundland tradition in Edmonton. 8pm, $23, 18+.

Fri Dec 26:

A Boxing Day edition of RnBeforeBed afternoon dance party at Epic Market. No live music, DJs only, but they do sound like a fun idea. Note that they will be videotaping one of the sets & ask people to dress to a white & red colour theme. 2pm, $39 (includes "light refreshments").

Funky party pop with lots of 90s throwbacks from Funkafeelya at The Commercial. 9:30pm, $8, 18+.

Show threadAmelia Bellamy-Royds Dec 14

Sat Dec 27:

Local alt-hip-hop from Cadence Weapon with Arlo Maverick & Moto Music. 7pm, $31.

Sun Dec 28:

A "unique Ukrainian folk-jazz Christmas collaboration" from Gerdan & Shockolad at St. John's Cultural Centre. Afternoon show, 1pm, $44 with discounts/kids ≤12 free.

Country-folk from Jessie Bird at Frank's Community Pub matinee session. 2pm, no cover.

Extended edition of the weekly House of Love show at The Commercial with Leo Martinez bringing the full band. 3pm until late, no cover, 18+.

Mon Dec 29:

Rock favourites from many generations from The Commandeers at The Commercial. 7pm, no cover, 18+.

Tue Dec 30:

R&B, funk, & soul favourites from Tiger Coffee at The Commercial. 7pm, no cover, 18+.

Cadence Weapon w/ Arlo Maverick & Moto Music | The Starlite Room

Cadence Weapon https://www.facebook.com/cadenceweapon https://www.instagram.com/cadenceweapon/   Arlo Maverick  https://www.facebook.com/share/1Rkp2pXS4g/?mibextid=wwXIfr   https://www.instagram.com/arlomaverick?igsh=bHFjOW1tMDBjM2Yw   Moto Music https://www.instagram.com/motomusic.ca?igsh=dm13bGljZHh3amlt

The Starlite Room
Show threadAmelia Bellamy-Royds Dec 14

Wed Dec 31:

Pretty much every bar, restaurant, and music venue in town has something planned. Check your favourite places or bands to see what & where. Or if you know where you're going, reply with your recommendation.

I will probably be staying home, as per usual.

Show threadAmelia Bellamy-Royds Dec 20

A few additional music nights to add to the calendar for the quiet Christmas week (scroll up for others). Most regular weekly music nights will be on hiatus, however some are leaning into the holiday fun, including:

Sunday Dec 21: The Funk Work Jam at River City Revival House will be having a Pyjama Jam where you are encouraged to show off your best holiday PJs. 7pm-midnight, no cover, 18+ after 8:30pm.
(I will probably be there if my body behaves itself. Pyjama outfit TBD.)

Tues & Wed, Dec 23 & 24: The Frank's Community Pub (Tues, 7-10pm) and Felice Noir (Wed, 6:30-9pm) open stages are happening as usual, probably with more holiday tunes. Both no cover & all ages.

Fri, Dec 26: While their regular Thursday blues jam is cancelled, the High Note Bar & Grill presents a Boxing Day Food Bank Jam hosted by Tony Ruffo & Joe Deschenes. 3-8pm, $10 (or donation in kind).

Pyjama Jam

Event in Edmonton, AB by River City Revival House on Sunday, December 21 2025

Show threadAmelia Bellamy-Royds Dec 20

Taproot's Arts Roundup summarizes which plays are still playing this weekend & next week, including a couple I'd missed in my list above:

Until Dec 23: Miracle on 34th Street: The Musical from Nuovo Vocal Arts at the Capitol Theatre in Fort Edmonton Park. $60 (adult) tix include general admission to the Christmas Market that is running in the rest of the park until Dec 21; shows on 22-23, after the market closes, come with a discount code for an earlier market admission ticket.

Dec 20 & 21: Shumka’s (Ukrainian Dance) Nutcracker at the Jubilee Auditorium.

500: We've Run Into An Issue | Mailchimp

Show threadAmelia Bellamy-Royds Dec 29

#YEG New Year's Eve calendar update:

There's now a full schedule for the free concerts & activities downtown Dec 31, and there actually is quite a lot, with indoor music at the Winspear and Art Gallery of Alberta, as well as outdoor stages in Churchill Square and Rice Howard Way. The Citadel and City Hall also have indoor kid's activities, while skate rentals will be free at the City Hall (outdoor) rink.

Music & fun starts at 6pm, and there are fireworks at 8pm as well as midnight, so it is possible to enjoy it & get out before it gets too rowdy.

Weather forecast is currently a pleasantly wintry -6 to -10°C temperature range.

Public transit is free city-wide after 6pm.

https://www.edmonton.ca/attractions_events/schedule_festivals_events/new-years-eve

New Year's Eve | City of Edmonton

This New Year’s Eve, bundle up the family and head to Sir Winston Churchill Square to usher in 2026 at the City of Edmonton’s New Year’s Eve Downtown Festival and Fireworks.