Downtown Holiday Light Up Moves to Rice Howard Way

The Edmonton Downtown Business Association is making spirits bright with the return of one of Edmonton’s favourite Christmas events, Downtown Holiday Light Up on Saturday, December 3.   

This year’s one-day event will be held at Rice Howard Way and feature never-before-seen art installations and experiences by local Edmonton artists and exclusive offerings from Downtown businesses. Visitors can immerse themselves in the magic of the season and experience a magical winter wonderland filled with the lights, sights and sounds of the holidays.  

“The spirit of Downtown Holiday Light Up has always been about celebrating together and creating special Downtown memories. We’re thrilled to move this annual event to Rice Howard Way where we can create a truly immersive experience and support many Downtown businesses” says Puneeta McBryan, Executive Director of the Edmonton Downtown Business Association.   

“We’ve made a big effort this year to create a completely unique new experience and fun opportunities that will help Rice Howard Way restaurants, retailers and other properties be a part of Downtown Holiday Light Up as they continue to emerge from the challenges of the past few years. It’s a great example of Downtown businesses coming together to create a stronger community for everyone and bring more vibrancy to the area.”  

This year’s Downtown Holiday Light Up theme explores the North, featuring a life-sized illuminated polar bear, LED-lit iceberg and a festive 10-metre wide light wall. Other programming includes lantern-making workshops, an Italian Christmas market, roaming artists, live musicians, chestnut roasting, Indigenous performances, art installations, giveaways, games, free hot beverages and more.  

Visitors are encouraged to make the extra effort this year to shop and dine at many of the Rice Howard Way and surrounding businesses during Holiday Light Up. In-store specials and giveawayswill be announced closer to event date.   

Free parking will be available for Downtown Holiday Light Up visitors on December 3 at Edmonton City Centre East Parkade from 3 p.m. to 8 p.m.   

For more details about this event, visit the Downtown Holiday Light Up page