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Which famous Canadian author, born in Alberta, won the Nobel Prize in Literature?

Hey Edmonton!

Its another Thursday!

Today, we take a trip to over 100 years ago to rediscover an appealing local landmark. :)

Also,  a great selection of 'Things to do this weekend'. :)

Lets get to it!

Many Edmontonians think The Brick furniture store began in Old Strathcona, but that popular story isn’t true.

The area’s iconic architecture has a much deeper and more significant origin.

In 1902, when Strathcona was still a rival city to Edmonton, officials passed a crucial bylaw mandating new downtown buildings be made of brick to prevent fires.

This single decision created the unmistakable character of Whyte Avenue we see today.

After decades of neglect, the neighbourhood faced demolition in the late 1960s for a proposed freeway.

However, a powerful community movement rose up, establishing the Old Strathcona Foundation in the 1970s to save the area’s historic buildings.

That fight preserved its heritage, transforming Old Strathcona into the designated Provincial Historic Area and vibrant cultural hub it is today.

1. Outdoor and Nature

Canadian Tire Magic of Lights: Drive through a spectacular 2.5 km Christmas lights display featuring the 12 Days of Christmas, Big Foot Monster Trucks, Towering Dinosaurs, GIANT Barbie display, and Oh Canada tribute tunnel. Date: Running through the season Location: RAD Torque Raceway Cost: Ticketed event (per vehicle) Click for details

Fairmont Hotel Macdonald Tree Lighting Ceremony: ✨ FREE Launch Edmonton's festive season at this annual tree lighting with fresh cookies, hot chocolate, and plenty of festive cheer! Date: November 21, 2025, 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM Location: Fairmont Hotel Macdonald, 10065 100 Street NW Cost: Free, open to the community Click for details

2. Shows & Entertainment 📺

Guys and Dolls Musical: Join Foote in the Door in their 13th season for the classic comedy musical featuring gamblers, showgirls, and memorable songs from Frank Loesser's beloved Broadway show. Date: November 21-30, 2025 Location: Théâtre Servus Credit Union at La Cité Francophone Cost: Ticketed event (prices vary) Click for details

James Barker Band - Bud Light Buckle Up Tour: Canadian country music star James Barker Band brings their high-energy show to Edmonton with special guests Ryan & Rory. Date: November 21, 2025, 7:00 PM Location: Midway Music Hall Cost: Tickets from $47+ Click for details

Rise for Jamaica Benefit Concert: Edmonton's arts community unites for this powerful benefit concert featuring MelaFrique, Saint & The Full 100 Band, Skystar, Timothy Noël, Crystal Reid, and Mykal Read, supporting Hurricane Relief efforts. Date: November 23, 2025, 6:30 PM Location: Union Hall, 6240 99 Street NW Cost: Ticketed event Click for details

Disney On Ice - Let's Dance: Join Mickey and friends as they spin favorite Disney tunes featuring vibrant moments from Wish, Frozen 2, Moana, The Little Mermaid, and The Lion King on ice. Date: November 20-23, 2025 Location: Rogers Place Cost: Ticketed event Click for details

The Castle Spectre: A Gothic thriller where tyrannous Lord Osmond captures young Angela to make her his wife, revealing haunting supernatural mysteries. Date: Opens November 21, 2025 Location: Gateway Theatre Cost: Ticketed event Click for details

3. Arts, Crafts & Culture 🎭

Holiday Geeky Gift Market: Browse over 80+ local vendors featuring K-Pop merch, kawaii gifts, artisan goodies, and geeky treasures perfect for unique holiday shopping. Date: November 22-23, 2025 Location: Edmonton EXPO Centre, 7515 118 Ave NW Cost: Check event for admission details Click for details

Royal Alberta Museum: Journey through millions of years of Alberta's remarkable stories in expansive Natural and Human History halls, meet live critters in the Bug Gallery, and explore the Children's Gallery. Date: Open Wednesday-Sunday, 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM Location: 9810 103A Avenue NW Cost: General admission (prices vary, free admission on select days) Click for details

Art Gallery of Alberta: Discover contemporary and historical art exhibitions featuring local and international artists in Edmonton's iconic downtown art space. Date: Open during regular hours (check website for current exhibitions) Location: 2 Sir Winston Churchill Square Cost: General admission (free admission Thursdays 5-8 PM) Click for details

SHEIN's Box Santa Tour: ✨ FREE Meet Box Santa, a 12-foot-tall Santa made from SHEIN boxes! Snap photos, share with #SHEINboxsanta, and get a FREE gift while supplies last. Date: November 21-23, 2025 (mall hours) Location: West Edmonton Mall Cost: Free admission, free gifts available Click for details

Downtown Winterval: ✨ FREE Edmonton's coolest holiday festival returns to historic 104 Street featuring FREE live music, sleigh rides, glowing art installations, ice-carving lessons, photos with Santa, maple taffy, and street performers. Date: November 22, 2025, 3:00 PM onward Location: 104 Street, Downtown Edmonton Cost: Free admission Click for details

Kingsway Holiday Parade: ✨ FREE Kick off the holiday season with a festive parade making its way from Airport Road entrance to Kingsway Mall, followed by visits with Santa. Date: November 22, 2025 Location: Kingsway Mall area Cost: Free Click for details

Maisie's Magical Christmas House - Meet Buddy the Elf and Mr. Grinch: ✨ FREE Visit this stunning Christmas light display (visible from blocks away) and meet Buddy the Elf, Mr. Grinch, and Santa. Donations accepted for Second Chance Animal Rescue Society (SCARS). Date: November 22, 2025 Location: Maisie's Magical Christmas House Cost: Free (donations welcome) Click for details

A Christmas Carol at Citadel Theatre: Charles Dickens' beloved tale featuring Christmas carols and the transformation of old Scrooge under the guidance of the Ghosts of Christmas. Recommended for ages 6+. Date: November 22 & 23, 2025 Location: Citadel Theatre Cost: Ticketed event (Pay-What-You-Can options available for email list members) Click for details

Blues on Whyte Free Friday Night Live Description: Experience Edmonton’s legendary blues venue with a live, high-energy band. This spot is famous for hosting local and touring blues, rock, and soul acts, often with no cover charge on early weekend nights. Date: Friday, Nov 21, 2025 Location: Blues on Whyte Pub, Old Strathcona Cost: Free admission Click for details: Click here

The Grindstone Theatre Improv Night Description: Enjoy a night of spontaneous comedy with one of Edmonton’s most loved local improv troupes. These shows are a staple for a fun, affordable Friday or Saturday night, often featuring different themed shows weekly. Date: Friday, Nov 21 or Saturday, Nov 22, 2025 Location: The Grindstone Theatre, Old Strathcona Cost: Low-Cost Ticket (approx. $15-$25) Click for details: Click here

Flashback Friday at Evolution Wonderlounge Description: A popular spot known for its energetic music and accepting atmosphere, this weekly event features classic 80s, 90s, and early 2000s hits. Often features a low or no cover charge before 11 PM. Date: Friday, Nov 21, 2025 Location: Evolution Wonderlounge, Downtown Cost: Free (or low cover after 11 PM) Click for details: Click here

Black Dog Free Saturday Stand-Up Description: The Black Dog hosts various recurring events, including open mic stand-up or local band showcases with little to no cover charge on the weekend. A great opportunity to see emerging talent. Date: Saturday, Nov 22, 2025 Location: The Black Dog Freehouse, Old Strathcona Cost: Free admission Click for details: Click here

8-Bit Arcade & Beer Night Description: Many local bars (like Beercade) feature classic arcade cabinets and pinball. Spend a night playing games and enjoying local craft beers, often with free entry. Date: Friday, Nov 21 – Sunday, Nov 23, 2025 Location: Beercade, Whyte Ave Cost: Free Entry (pay per game/drink) Click for details: Click here

Edmonton Oilers vs. Florida Panthers: NHL action as the Edmonton Oilers face off against the Florida Panthers in exciting hockey action at Rogers Place. Date: November 22, 2025, 5:00 PM MST Location: Rogers Place Cost: Tickets available (typically $100-$300) Click for details

U of A Golden Bears Hockey Game Description: Catch some fast-paced, high-level U SPORTS action as the Golden Bears take the ice against a Canada West rival. Tickets are significantly cheaper than professional games and offer high-calibre sports viewing. Date: Friday, Nov 21 or Saturday, Nov 22, 2025 Location: Clare Drake Arena, U of A Campus Cost: Low-Cost Ticket (approx. $15) Click for details: Click here

City of Edmonton Free Public Skating Description: November often marks the opening of many indoor or outdoor community rinks for free public skating sessions offered by the City. Bring your own skates and enjoy a classic Edmonton winter activity. Date: Saturday, Nov 22 or Sunday, Nov 23, 2025 Location: Various Community Rinks (e.g., Callingwood, Rundle Park) Cost: Free Click for details: Click here

River Valley Runners Saturday Morning Run Description: Join a local running group for a free, non-competitive run or walk through the scenic river valley trails. All paces and fitness levels are welcome, a great way to meet active locals. Date: Saturday, Nov 22, 2025 (Morning) Location: Typically starts near a River Valley parking lot Cost: Free Click for details: Click here

U of A Pandas Volleyball Match Description: Support the U of A Pandas volleyball team. U SPORTS volleyball is incredibly dynamic and a thrilling sport to watch, with affordable tickets compared to major leagues. Date: Friday, Nov 21 or Saturday, Nov 22, 2025 Location: Saville Community Sports Centre Cost: Low-Cost Ticket (approx. $10-$15) Click for details: Click here

Edmonton Soccer Dome Drop-in Description: Various sports facilities offer low-cost drop-in sessions for indoor soccer, badminton, or basketball over the weekend, perfect for casual sports fans looking for a game. Date: Friday, Nov 21 – Sunday, Nov 23, 2025 Location: Edmonton Soccer Dome Cost: Low-Cost Fee (approx. $5-$10) Click for details: Click here

Edmonton Public Library (EPL) Book Club Description: Many EPL branches host free, public book clubs or reading groups on the weekend. It’s an easy, welcoming way to engage in literary discussion and meet new people in your neighborhood. Date: Saturday, Nov 22, 2025 Location: Various EPL Branches Cost: Free Click for details: Click here

Board Game Drop-in at Table Top Cafe Description: While drinks/food cost money, many local cafes, like Table Top, host free drop-in nights for board gamers to connect and try out new games with strangers. Date: Friday, Nov 21, 2025 (Evening) Location: Table Top Cafe (various locations) Cost: Free (Food/Drink purchase recommended) Click for details: Click here

Skill Sharing Workshop at a Community League Description: Local community leagues often offer free or very low-cost workshops on weekends—ranging from knitting to basic home repair or holiday crafting. Check your specific league for details. Date: Saturday, Nov 22, 2025 Location: Various Community League Halls Cost: Free (or small donation) Click for details: Click here

'Caffeine & Code' Developer Meetup Description: A recurring casual gathering for programmers, designers, and tech enthusiasts to meet up, discuss projects, and network. Often held in a coffee shop setting on Saturday mornings. Date: Saturday, Nov 22, 2025 (Morning) Location: Local Cafes (e.g., Little Brick, Credo) Cost: Free (Coffee purchase optional) Click for details: Click here

Edmonton Photographers Social Description: A monthly or bi-weekly gathering of amateur and professional photographers to share work, discuss gear, and plan future photo walks. A relaxed, creative networking event. Date: Sunday, Nov 23, 2025 Location: Local Studio or Cafe Cost: Free Click for details: Click here

Our Food & Drink, and Happy Hours sections are now featured exclusively in our sister publication Edmunchie.com : Click here

A Guide to Unforgettable Adventures

Alice Munro (born in Wingham, Ontario, but spent her early childhood in Alberta)

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