December is a busy month, but that’s because there are so many fun things to do in our region. From sparkling lights and holiday trains to special shopping events that help you find unique gifts for everyone on your shopping list, you’ll be sure to make wonderful memories this season. You can also explore more of the Go East of Edmonton region to find winter adventures and special places to stay.
December’s Top Holiday Events…
Make sure to bookmark our Events Calendar and check it often to stay up to date on all the events in our region.
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Roadtrip Rewards Just For You…
Enter for a chance to win:
Tickets and a Christmas Prize from Go East of Edmonton and its Partners.
A) Tickets to the Winter Wonderland Festival at Obsidian Ridge, December 27-31, 2025. (We will draw 2 sets of 2 one-day tickets available – (a $50 value to each winner).
Obsidian Ridge
Click here to learn more about the Obsidian Winter Wonderland Festival
B) With your Tickets above you will also win one of: a $50 L’OCA Quality Food Market in Sherwood Park Gift Card, or a $50 package of a Gift card from Uniquely U Women’s Wear in Craig’s Cornerstone, Vermilion and a gift card from Nest Cafe and Boutique in Vegreville.
Each winner receives a $100 value – Merry Christmas from us!
How to Enter:
- Email us your full name, mailing address, and phone number to in**@**************on.com
- Use the subject line “Christmas Prize Package”
It’s that simple!
Deadline to Enter: Thursday, December 11
Winners will be drawn at random.
Thanks for following Go East of Edmonton!
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Unique Boutiques and Hidden Gems for Christmas Shopping…
Budding Ideas Flowers & Gifts
Be sure to experience the unique and variety of shops and boutiques across the region. Here are a few fantastic local businesses to help you check off your Christmas list:
Northeast of Edmonton
- Nook in the Woods, Thorhild County
- Treasures of Yesterday, Ardmore
- Cyr’s Nostalgia & Gifts, Vilna
- Mach 1 Sports, Cold Lake
East of Edmonton
- E.T.’s Craft Shop, Willingdon
- Vegtel Engraving, Vegreville
- Craig’s Cornerstone, downtown Vermilion featuring 6 fabulous boutique shops
- Burnt Rock Adventure Co., Vermilion
- Lela & West Clothing Co., Marwayne
- Farmstead Market & More, Kitscoty
Southeast of Edmonton
- Irma Home & Garden Décor, Irma
- Twig Boutique, Camrose
- Buckskins Emporium, Camrose County
- Rusty Daisy & Lady Bug Pick Nic, Daysland
- Budding Ideas Flowers & Gifts, Killam
- Tourism Camrose also has a fun promotion some local stores where you take selfies with Gnomes for a chance to win $1,000.
Find all the shopping events on our Events Calendar or browse our our shopping section which features an array of local retailers, charming antique shops, and cozy quilt stores to help you discover the perfect treasures for everyone on your list. Happy holiday shopping!
Be sure to explore our Shopping Trails from our recent blog post.
Follow us on Facebook and Instagram for all the weekly deals from local shops.
What’s happening at Métis Crossing in December…
December 13-14 
– Traditional Métis Ribbon Skirt or Ribbon Shirt Workshop
This workshop includes instruction on the history and cultural significance of the skirt and shirt, as well as the techniques for a basic skirt, ribbon work and appliqué. Create a ribbon shirt or ribbon skirt unique to you.
December 20 – Traditional Métis Slippers and Mittens Workshop Led by an Elder, this workshop invites you to craft your own pair of slippers or mittens, learning classic techniques like beading, embroidery, and ribbon adornment that have been passed down through generations.
Enjoy a Luxurious Cultural Retreat
Whether you stay in the Métis Crossing Lodge or in one of the Sky Watching Domes, you are sure to appreciate the luxurious accommodations. Combined with activities and learning opportunities, Métis Crossing is a must-see destination. Click here to read our post on why Métis Crossing is one of the best places to stay in Alberta.
Gaze at the Stars in Cozy Sky-Watching Domes at Métis Crossing
At Métis Crossing, winter brings wonder. Watch the northern lights dance above
you in their inviting Sky Watching Domes, where the beauty of Alberta’s night sky
meets the rich traditions of Métis culture. Discover more about their Legendary
Night Sky Package here.
Plan some Winter Adventures over the Christmas Holidays…
Snow is here and more is on the way so we’ve included a variety of ways you can make the most out of winter, so start planning with our Must Do Winter Experiences.
Hit the Slopes – Kinosoo Ridge Resort in the MD of Bonnyville is now open from Wednesdays to Sundays. Other local ski hills will open later in December. Take your pick and have fun going downhill.
Go Snowmobiling –More snow is on the way, and you can enjoy over 500 km of regional trails in the region. Bring your snowmobile or rent one in the region to make tracks in the snow this winter.
Take it X-Country – Parks around the region have trails suitable for all ski levels of classic x-country skiing.
At Elk Island National Park, visitors can count on great daytime options for activities including winter hiking, snowshoeing and cross-country skiing on the multi-use trails.
Learn more about Fall and Winter activities at Elk Island National Park on our blog post, Falling for Elk Island – Parks Canada
See the Beautiful Northern Lights
Photo by Harm Tjardes
At this time of year, conditions are optimal for stargazing and the beautiful night lights. With no artificial lighting, Dark Sky Preserves are important places that help protect our night sky. Venture out of the city to these prime spots and be amazed by the natural beauty.
- Beaver Hills Dark Sky Preserve – Elk Island National Park area.
- Lakeland Provincial Park – Just outside Lac La Biche.
- Métis Crossing – legendary Nights Sky viewing.
- Click here to see more about Dark Sky locations and night adventures possible!
Are you Looking for Cozy Getaways This Winter…
Look no further and check out these great options for a Winter Getaway.
- Wildly Eweneek Cabins offers luxury themed stays in the Lac La Biche Region.
- Obsidian Ridge near Tofield has added new Villas to stay in.
- Métis Crossing has some great sky-watching domes and cabins plus the Lodge.
- Northern Lights Resort has 2 new cabins, south of Vilna.
- Evergreen Birch Lodge has a variety of cabins and an upscale lodge just north of Cold Lake.
- Waterfront Harbour Inn and Hamilton Inn and Adventures are unbeatable Bed and Breakfast stays in and around Cold Lake.
- In Camrose County enjoy a stay at Cherry Lane B&B and Cafe or at 358 on the Lake a beautiful vacation rental.
Learn more about all these getaways here.
Announcing the Winners of the Roadtrip Adventure Game
Recently we posted the winners on our social media channels as well as on our website.
There were over 200 hundred of winners this year, and we’re very excited to share the excitement with you.
Click here to see the Complete list of all the 2025 Game Winners.
Looking for more inspiration? We’ve got you covered!
- Browse our Go East of Edmonton Online Shopping Guide
- Follow our Facebook for updates on specials, and other updates on our local shops
- Check out all the great activities and adventures in our Travel Guide