The best things to do on New Year’s Day in Edmonton

It’s almost the new year, folks! Let’s start it off with a bang!

We’ve got all the best things to do this New Year’s Day in Edmonton, the perfect events to kickstart the best year. If you’re looking for something chill after a raging New Year’s Eve party, we’ve got you, and if you’re looking to keep that Christmas cheer and party going… we’ve got you, too.

Let’s get into the best things to do this New Year’s Day.

The holiday spirit will be alive in the Crestwood neighbourhood, even after Christmas. Here, you can see all the beautiful lights adorning houses and yards for the holidays, right in Edmonton’s Candy Cane Lane.

When: Now until Friday, Jan. 2, 2026
Time: Dusk to 11 p.m.
Where: 148th Street from 92nd Avenue to 99th Avenue
Cost: Free

The Canadian Tire Magic of Lights is a dazzling 2.7-kilometre drive through featuring over two million LED Lights and Digital Animation, right in Edmonton.

When: Now until Saturday, Jan. 3, 2026
Time: Various times
Where: RAD Torque Raceway – Edmonton International Airport — 50342 Range Rd., Alta.
Cost: $35+

For the 13th year, the Edmonton Valley Zoo will be hosting Zoominescence, presented by The King’s University.

This festival opens up the zoo during the colder months for a spectacular exhibition of artistic light installations for guests of all ages to admire and enjoy.

When: Now until Sunday, Jan. 4, 2026
Time: 4:30 to 10 p.m.
Where: 13315 Buena Vista Rd., Edmonton, Alta
Cost: $15.95+

In Edmonton’s Telus World of Science, you can count down to noon during the explosive Noon Year’s Demonstration on the Syncrude Science Stage.

When: Thursday, Jan. 1, 2026
Time: 12 p.m.
Where: Telus World of Science — 11211 142nd St. NW, Edmonton, Alta.
Cost: Included with Science Centre Admission

The New Year’s Day Levee is an annual tradition celebrated by Vice-Regal offices across Canada. You can meet and have a photo taken with the Lieutenant Governor, take in the beautiful art and displays throughout Government House, and enjoy live music and festive treats.

When: Thursday, Jan. 1, 2026
Time: 1 p.m. to 2:30 p.m.
Where: Government House — 12845 102nd Ave., Edmonton, Alta.
Cost: Free

You can catch an Oil Kings game this New Year’s Day and watch them face off against the Red Deer Rebels.

When: Thursday, Jan. 1, 2026
Time: 2 p.m.
Where: Rogers Place — 10220 104th Ave. NW, Edmonton, Alta.
Cost: $24+

Enter the tavern, roll the dice, and let the story unfold in this D&D adventure at Arcadia Brewing!

When: Thursday, Jan. 1, 2026
Time: 6 p.m. to 10 p.m.
Where: Arcadia Brewing Co. — 10712 120th St. NW, Edmonton, Alta.
Cost $43.93

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