Leduc is a friendly city just south of Edmonton, with a lake in the middle of town, a busy Main Street and a calendar that fills up fast once the snow arrives. Late fall and winter here are about parades, local markets, long walks by the water and drives out into the county to see the lights. If you want a date close to home that still feels like an outing, here are ideas for November through the new year, built around places and events with official details posted for the season.
Parade Day on Main Street
Leduc Santa Claus Parade: On Sunday, November 22, festive floats, twinkling lights and holiday music wind through downtown, with the parade starting at 6 p.m. on Main Street (50 Avenue). Find a spot early, bring a thermos and a blanket, and watch for Santa near the end. A parking ban starts at 5 p.m., so plan to walk the last few blocks.
Christmas Craft Fair: Earlier the same day, the Leduc Public Market hosts a Christmas Craft Fair from noon to 5:30 p.m. at the City Centre Mall, 5201 50 Street. Browse local makers together, choose one small handmade gift for each other, and then head out for the parade.
Shop Local for the Holidays
Leduc Christmas Farmers Market: On Saturday, December 5, the Leduc Recreation Centre at 4330 Black Gold Drive fills with local vendors selling handmade gifts, festive decor, baked goods and seasonal treats. Make a game of it: set a small budget, split up for twenty minutes and meet back to swap your finds.
Make a morning of it: Arrive early, warm up with something sweet from a vendor and take your time. It is a relaxed, cheerful way to start a December weekend together.
Winter Walks Around Telford Lake
Telford Lake trails: Leduc's trail network follows the shores of Telford Lake and winds through quiet wooded areas. Many pathways are cleared in winter, so a crisp afternoon walk is easy to plan. Go near sunset, when the light turns gold over the lake, and talk about your plans for the new year.
Try the ski trails: The City trails page also lists cross-country ski trails in the Telford Lake area. If you both enjoy skiing, a slow loop on a calm, snowy day makes a peaceful date. If you are new to it, keep the outing short, take breaks to enjoy the view and laugh off the falls together. Warm up afterward with hot drinks and a look back at the photos.
Before you lace up: The City lists the status of its outdoor rinks online. On the day this was written, every outdoor ice surface was closed, so check the page before you bring skates. Never skate on stormwater ponds or lake ice; stick to the rinks the City has marked open.
Lights Out in Leduc County
Canadian Tire Magic of Lights: Just outside the city in Leduc County, RAD Torque Raceway hosts a drive-through light show nightly from November 19 to January 2. It runs 5 to 9 p.m. Sunday to Thursday and 5 to 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday. Queue up a holiday playlist and enjoy the route from your warm car.
RAD Torque Raceway: Check the raceway's site for the latest details before you drive out.
Leduc County Lights: Every evening in December except Christmas Day, Leduc West History Park in Leduc County glows with a festive lights tour run with the Leduc Kinsmen. Gates open at about 4 p.m., and closing times vary by day, so check the listing before you go. Walk the paths slowly and pick a favourite display.
A Night at the Maclab Centre
Maclab Centre for the Performing Arts: Leduc's own theatre at 4308 50 Street hosts concerts, family shows and special events through the season. Look over the 2026 and 2027 season booklet together, each pick one show, and turn it into two date nights in the new year.
Dress up a little: A live show is a great excuse to make an evening of it. Take a short walk downtown before the curtain and talk about the show on the way home.
Sample Date Itineraries
Parade Sunday: Browse the Christmas Craft Fair at City Centre Mall in the afternoon of November 22, then find your spot on Main Street for the 6 p.m. Santa Claus Parade.
Market and lights: Shop the Christmas Farmers Market on December 5, take a short walk by Telford Lake, and drive out to Leduc County Lights after dark.
Weeknight glow: Pick a quiet weeknight, grab warm drinks and cruise through Magic of Lights at RAD Torque Raceway.
Pro Tips
Check the ice page: Outdoor rinks open and close with the weather, so look before you pack skates.
Plan for parking: On parade day, the Main Street parking ban starts at 5 p.m.
Know where you are going: Both light shows are in Leduc County, a short drive outside the city.
Confirm the day of: Event times can change, so check each official page before you head out.
Leduc in winter is close, easy and full of small celebrations. Pick a parade, a market or a lit country drive, and let the season do the rest.
Photo credits: Telford Park on Telford Lake, Leduc by Kurt Bauschardt, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons; Grain elevator, Leduc by Wilson Hui, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons; Alberta Wheat Pool complex, Leduc by Jeffery J. Nichols, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons.