Your Guide to Holiday Cheer
in the Grande Prairie Region
Your Guide to Holiday Cheer
The Untapped, Unfiltered and Unforgettab-yule
Dashing through the snow in a one-horse open sleigh, to the Grande Prairie region we go, laughing all the way!
However you choose to observe the year-end, you’ll find plenty of wholesome holiday fun waiting for you and your family across the Peace Country. We’ve consulted the elves and come up with this unforgettab-yule guide to events, photo ops, and local gift shopping to help you get the most out of your holiday season!
Seasonal Gatherings
What’s the holiday season without community and friendship? ‘Tis the most wonderful time of the year, after all, so here’s a chronological list of ways you can come together with others to celebrate and make merry.
Teepee Creek Cowboy Christmas Market
Make sure there are plenty of gifts under your tree by choosing from the best local arts, crafts, and other goods – and what’s a Grande Prairie region holiday season without a little western flair?
Further Information: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100072178776887
Christmas in Sexsmith
The town of Sexsmith welcomes one and all to experience a Hallmark-like event across three days, with sleigh rides, Christmas lights, Farmer’s Markets, and – of course – plenty of hot cocoa.
Northern Spirit Light Show
Experience a winter wonderland from your car or from the back of a horse-drawn wagon, as the trails around Evergreen Park are lit up with beautiful seasonal displays.
Further Information: https://www.evergreenpark.ca/upcoming-events
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Grande Prairie Tinseltown Winter Market
Meet Santa and browse a fantastic selection of seasonal goods from more than 80 local vendors in one of the largest seasonal markets in the region.
Further Information: https://www.facebook.com/tinseltowngp
Elf on the Shelf
Join in the hunt for an elusive holiday sprite in local businesses in the downtown Grande Prairie core, and you could win gift cards or a grand prize of $500.
Further Information: https://www.gpdowntown.com/event/elf-on-the-shelf/
GP Farmers’ Market Christmas Craft Show
Over 200 local vendors come together to ensure you can find something memorable and unique to stuff your stockings with.
Further Information: https://gpfarmersmarket.ca/christmas-show-2022
The Best Place for Holiday Family Photos
With everybody gathered, the holiday season is a great time to take family photographs. Looking to capture some of the Grande Prairie region’s natural winter beauty, without having to venture out into the wild? We recommend the South Bear Creek trails in Grande Prairie’s Muskoseepi Park.
The Bear Creek valley is filled with beautiful evergreens, and when the snow is fresh and the sky is clear, they make for a wonderful backdrop. You can find further inspiration over at our winter photography blog!
Fancy a more traditional holiday photo opportunity? You can’t beat a snap with Santa! The Prairie Mall – located in downtown Grande Prairie – offers a yearly chance to meet the jolly fat man and take a photo with him. In the meantime, you and your little ones can keep track of Santa with the help of NORAD (Available Dec. 1st).
The Hunt for Local Gifts
If you’re looking for that perfect gift for friends or family and you want to get something really, truly, uniquely GP region, then head over to the Hidden Gem Gift Shop in Centre 2000. The Hidden Gem brings together a wide range of items from all sorts of local institutions in one convenient place. Browse a while and find things like exclusive T-shirts, one-of-a-kind pieces from artists, and other hand-made products. You can also visit our previous blog on the best GP shopping for more ideas on where to look.
Need to send gifts to relatives, or you’re a visitor who bought a little too much to fit in your suitcase? Our locally-owned UPS Store will get you the best rates for the best shipping services.
Happy Holidays!
That’s all we have time for today. From everyone here at the GPRTA, we hope you have a wonderful holiday season! Don’t forget to hit us up with #GPTourism on our Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn accounts with your best photos, and we’ll feature you on our feed. In the meantime, if you’re looking for other ways to explore the Grande Prairie region in winter, why not check out our guide to snowmobiling or the best inexpensive family activities? Have fun!