Edmonton-area holiday events with a twist you never knew you needed
Wholly Handmade market in an undated photo (Facebook)
While there are dozens of traditional Christmas markets and events around the city during this time of year, many offer a unique twist to the holiday.
Whether you’re looking for a rare find as a gift for a special someone, or wanting a different type of holiday entertainment, there’s something for you.
A Very Indigenous Christmas Market
The Indigenous Artist Market Collective is putting on a Christmas market between Dec. 6 to 8. Taking place at the Alberta Aviation Museum, the event is the perfect place to find a unique gift for someone (or for yourself).
The annual event is Alberta’s longest running All-Indigenous Market. Times vary each day, more information can be found here.
Ukrainian Christmas Market
If you’re looking to celebrate Christmas with Ukrainian flair, the Ukrainian Christmas Market on Dec. 7 is the perfect place to shop for local goods.
The market happening at the Alberta Council for Ukrainian Arts features more than 10 vendors and is a “long-standing” tradition in the Edmonton-Ukrainian community. It will be open from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
A Drag Queen Christmas
If you’re a fan of RuPaul’s Drag Race, you’re in for a treat to watch Canadian drag queen Brooke Lynn-Hytes on stage at the Northern Alberta Jubilee Auditorium on Dec. 17.
It’s the first time the show is coming to Canada and is celebrating its 10th anniversary. The show is 18+ with VIP meet and greet tickets available to meet other iconic drag queens like Plasma, Q, Shea Couleé, Trinity The Tuc and Miz Cracker. Tickets start at $65.
O Wholly Night Christmas Market
Alberta winters are no joke and staying warm is key this holiday season. Stop by the O Wholly Night Christmas Market in Sherwood Park between Dec. 6 and 8.
There will be over 135 artisans and crafters and it's the perfect place to get any materials if you’ve been eyeing hobbies like crocheting or knitting. Not only will you find a warm gift for someone else, but for yourself as well. Admission is free.
A Very Queer Christmas
Taking place at Grindstone Theatre on Dec. 18, this event combines music, comedy, and drama that “shatters traditional holiday norms.” The show is produced by Ryden On Wheelz and is for people 16 and older.
Tickets are $17.56 and guests are reminded to arrive early.
Odd Bird Winter Fair
Happening this weekend and through Dec. 6-8, the Odd Bird Winter Fair promises to offer all things “weird, wonderful and delightfully Edmonton.”
It takes place at the Old Strathcona Performing Arts Centre and features over 100 artists, makers and community organizations. Whether you’re looking for apparel, art, ceramics, or jewelry, you’re guaranteed to cross everything off your holiday shopping list these two weekends.
YEG Pop Culture Market
The holidays are all about traditions and memories with friends and family. Your inner child is going to love the Disenchanted Market which features all things Disney and pop culture.
Happening at the North East River Valley Park & Event Centre on Dec. 7, you’re sure to find something that reminds you of your favourite movie or TV show.
Shopping Trends
The Shopping Trends team is independent of the journalists at CTV News. We may earn a commission when you use our links to shop. Read about us.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
W5 Investigates
W5 Investigates A 'ticking time bomb': Inside Syria's toughest prison holding accused high-ranking ISIS members
In the last of a three-part investigation, W5's Avery Haines was given rare access to a Syrian prison, where thousands of accused high-ranking ISIS members are being held.
'Mayday!': New details emerge after Boeing plane makes emergency landing at Mirabel airport
New details suggest that there were communication issues between the pilots of a charter flight and the control tower at Montreal's Mirabel airport when a Boeing 737 made an emergency landing on Wednesday.
BREAKING
BREAKING Supreme Court affirms constitutionality of B.C. law on opioid health costs recovery
Canada's top court has affirmed the constitutionality of a law that would allow British Columbia to pursue a class-action lawsuit against opioid providers on behalf of other provinces, the territories and the federal government.
Cucumbers sold in Ontario, other provinces recalled over possible salmonella contamination
A U.S. company is recalling cucumbers sold in Ontario and other Canadian provinces due to possible salmonella contamination.
Irregular sleep patterns may raise risk of heart attack and stroke, study suggests
Sleeping and waking up at different times is associated with an increased risk of heart attack and stroke, even for people who get the recommended amount of sleep, according to new research.
Real GDP per capita declines for 6th consecutive quarter, household savings rise
Statistics Canada says the economy grew at an annualized pace of one per cent during the third quarter, in line with economists' expectations.
Nick Cannon says he's seeking help for narcissistic personality disorder
Nick Cannon has spoken out about his recent diagnosis of narcissistic personality disorder, saying 'I need help.'
California man who went missing for 25 years found after sister sees his picture in the news
It’s a Thanksgiving miracle for one California family after a man who went missing in 1999 was found 25 years later when his sister saw a photo of him in an online article, authorities said.
As Australia bans social media for children, Quebec is paying close attention
As Australia moves to ban social media for children under 16, Quebec is debating whether to follow suit.
Calgary
-
Multiple crashes reported on Deerfoot Trail
Calgary police say there are at least three major crashes on Deerfoot Trail on Friday morning as frigid overnight temperatures likely led to icy conditions in many areas.
-
Black Friday deals look to appeal to budget-friendly Calgary shoppers
Black Friday sales are in full swing as annual shopping holiday returns, and Calgary retailers are competing harder than ever to coax budget-conscience shoppers into a deal.
-
WEATHER
WEATHER Temperatures to rise more than 20 degrees in less than 2 days
A weather pattern with both persistent Arctic air and an ample supply of moisture have left Albertans with a much different weather story than they started the month with.
Lethbridge
-
Lethbridge Hurricanes name 3 new members to its Wall of Honour
The Lethbridge Hurricanes’ Wall of Honour will be getting a little more crowded.
-
Avonlea Homes team members go on shopping spree for Lethbridge Family Services' Angel Tree Campaign
The Christmas spirit was on full display Thursday morning inside Toys "R" Us thanks to the team from Avonlea Homes, who spent their morning buying toys and gifts for Lethbridge Family Services’ Angel Tree Campaign.
-
Marshal Iwaasa's family still seeks answers five years after his disappearance
On Nov. 17, 2019, 26-year-old Marshal Iwaasa left his mother's home in Lethbridge and told his family he was driving to Calgary.
Saskatoon
-
Ontario men arrested after Saskatoon police seize 16 kilos of meth, nearly $70K in cash
Saskatoon police say officers arrested three 20-year-old men Wednesday afternoon and seized nearly $70,000, in cash as well as various illicit drugs.
-
Extreme cold warning issued for Saskatoon
Environment Canada has issued an extreme cold warning for parts of central Saskatchewan, including Saskatoon, on Thursday.
-
Sask. forecasting $743.5M deficit in mid-year financial report, up $470.5M from budget
The provincial government says increases to crop insurance claims later in the growing season are a main reason for Thursday’s mid-year deficit forecast of $743.5 million, which is up more than $470 million from the budget.
Regina
-
Crown gives final remarks in Ruben Manz case as argument to jury concludes
The prosecution has presented their closing remarks against Ruben Manz to a 13-person jury, bringing an end to arguments before their sequestering.
-
Youngest roping duo looking for repeat performance at Agribition Rodeo
Kavis Drake, 18, and Denim Ross, 20, won the average in last year’s Maple Leaf Finals Rodeo team roping event at Agribition. The two were the youngest competitors in 2023 and are once again in their event this year.
-
Canada Post temporarily laying off striking workers, union says
The union representing Canada Post workers says the Crown corporation has been laying off striking employees as the labour action by more than 55,000 workers approaches the two-week mark.
Vancouver
-
Surrey Police Service officially takes over from the RCMP after years-long saga
The years-long saga over who will police the city of Surrey has reached its final chapter.
-
BREAKING
BREAKING Supreme Court affirms constitutionality of B.C. law on opioid health costs recovery
Canada's top court has affirmed the constitutionality of a law that would allow British Columbia to pursue a class-action lawsuit against opioid providers on behalf of other provinces, the territories and the federal government.
-
Vancouver businesses told to prepare for Swiftie traffic: report
The Taylor Swift train is just a week away from stopping in Vancouver.
Vancouver Island
-
BREAKINGBREAKING Supreme Court affirms constitutionality of B.C. law on opioid health costs recovery
Canada's top court has affirmed the constitutionality of a law that would allow British Columbia to pursue a class-action lawsuit against opioid providers on behalf of other provinces, the territories and the federal government.
-
Avian flu case discovered in Greater Victoria, officials confirm
The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) has confirmed a case of avian flu has been detected in Greater Victoria, on the Saanich Peninsula.
-
Real GDP per capita declines for 6th consecutive quarter, household savings rise
Statistics Canada says the economy grew at an annualized pace of one per cent during the third quarter, in line with economists' expectations.
Toronto
-
Black Friday sales stretch out for weeks: retail analyst
Black Friday is officially the busiest shopping day of the year, even surpassing Boxing Day and Super Saturday, the final Saturday before Christmas. Analysts say retailers are rolling out Black Friday sales sooner now, making them last longer into Cyber Monday and beyond.
-
Cucumbers sold in Ontario, other provinces recalled over possible salmonella contamination
A U.S. company is recalling cucumbers sold in Ontario and other Canadian provinces due to possible salmonella contamination.
-
House fire in North York sends 6 people to hospital
Six people are in hospital as a precaution after a fire broke out in a North York home overnight.
Montreal
-
'Mayday!': New details emerge after Boeing plane makes emergency landing at Mirabel airport
New details suggest that there were communication issues between the pilots of a charter flight and the control tower at Montreal's Mirabel airport when a Boeing 737 made an emergency landing on Wednesday.
-
As Australia bans social media for children, Quebec is paying close attention
As Australia moves to ban social media for children under 16, Quebec is debating whether to follow suit.
-
Some Quebec daycares to open at 10 a.m. due to worker strike
For the third week in a row, some 3,000 workers at daycares in Quebec are expected go on strike for a few hours.
Atlantic
-
Some closures, power outages in the Maritimes with first storm of the winter season
Parts of the Maritimes are experiencing their first winter storm on Friday with a messy weather system moving north from the eastern U.S.
-
Gas prices fall in N.S., P.E.I., increase slightly in N.B.
Gas prices change in all three Maritime provinces.
-
Trudeau Liberals' two-month GST holiday bill passes the House, off to the Senate
The federal government's five-page piece of legislation to enact Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's promised two-month tax break on a range of consumer goods over the holidays passed in the House of Commons late Thursday.
Winnipeg
-
Hanover School Division laying off 93 EAs due to confusion over funding
The Hanover School Division is laying off 93 educational assistants, citing an "unexpected loss of federal funding for Jordan's Principle programming."
-
Possible water main break causing Friday morning traffic delays in Winnipeg
A potential water main break is causing traffic delays on Friday morning in Winnipeg.
-
A tale of two downtowns: Restaurants opening and closing show complexity of downtown revival
Proposed developments and new businesses opening are fueling optimism for some on a revival of downtown Winnipeg, but some business owners say the present remains problematic.
Ottawa
-
'Dude, Where's My Bus?' Ottawa man fed up with OC Transpo makes documentary exploring transit troubles
Gio Petti put together a documentary on OC Transpo, asking how we got here. How did a city that was once lauded as an example of how to do transit right, and that boasted some of the highest per capita transit ridership numbers in the country, become a system that now elicits so much frustration from users?
-
Ottawa to begin full enforcement of 3-item garbage limit on Monday: Here’s what you need to know
The City of Ottawa will begin the final phase of the graduated approach to enforcing the city’s new three-item garbage limit on Monday, leaving behind any extra items not in a yellow bag.
-
What's happening in Ottawa this weekend: Nov.29-Dec. 1
Santa Claus visits Ottawa and eastern Ontario, the Ottawa Black Bears play their first game and Christmas market season continues. CTVNewsOttawa.ca looks at things to do in Ottawa and eastern Ontario this weekend.
Northern Ontario
-
Another 50 cm of snow possible in the Sault as severe weather continues
Closures and cancellations are piling up in Sault Ste. Marie as a major winter storm continues for another day Friday.
-
Ongoing bed bug issue at a Timmins apartment building is 'like living in hell'
A battle with bed bugs continues at 217 Pine St. North in Timmins, according to a tenant who has lived there for a year and a half.
-
California man who went missing for 25 years found after sister sees his picture in the news
It’s a Thanksgiving miracle for one California family after a man who went missing in 1999 was found 25 years later when his sister saw a photo of him in an online article, authorities said.
Barrie
-
50 cms of snow across central Ontario expected this weekend
Environment Canada has released snow squall warnings and watches for our region.
-
Individuals living in encampment in Barrie's south end given notice to vacate
Several police officers and city staff attended a homeless encampment in Barrie’s south end on Thursday morning to inform the individuals living there they would have to vacate the area.
-
Man convicted of violent sexual assault of a senior could be deemed dangerous offender
The Crown wants a Wasaga Beach man to be deemed a dangerous or long-term offender following a violent sexual assault of a senior inside her Stayner home two years ago.
Kitchener
-
One dead, another hurt in Cambridge shooting
Waterloo Regional Police are investigating a fatal shooting in Cambridge.
-
Police looking for missing teen last seen in Cambridge
Waterloo Regional Police are looking for information about the whereabouts of a missing teen.
-
Mother from Guelph, Ont. seeks answers following son's death in prison
Brody Robinson was found without vital signs in his cell at Millhaven Institution the evening of Oct. 29. He was 23-years-old.
London
-
Sarnia police lay charges after women wakes up to naked man in her home
An arrest has been made after a break and enter call in Sarnia where a woman woke up to a naked man in her home. Police said after investigating, officers were able to identify a 26-year-old man who was also wanted on an outstanding warrant in London.
-
Knights' Boulton hit with eight-game suspension
The left winger has been suspended eight games, retroactive to Nov. 23 against Saginaw, when he was handed a major penalty for slashing, along with a game misconduct.
-
'Shock, disappointment, and excitement': South Bruce not selected for nuclear waste project
Anja Vandervlies and Michelle Stein could hardly believe it when they heard South Bruce was not going to host Canada’s first permanent storage facility for nuclear waste.
Windsor
-
Judgment day: Windsor man to learn his fate in double fatal Retrofest collision
The Windsor man who is charged in connection to the death of two people is expected to hear his fate Friday.
-
Injury reported at NextStar Energy plant work site
The Ministry of Labour is investigating after an injury at the construction site of the NextStar Energy battery plant.
-
One man sought, one man arrested in kidnapping and extortion investigation
Windsor police officers have charged one man with 29 offences and they are seeking a second suspect in a kidnapping and extortion investigation.
