Edmonton during the holidays: Take 5! I worked in Edmonton for about six months in my university days and fell in love with the down-home feel of the provincial capital and the incredible options of activities. It's one of those cities where theatre buffs and extreme sports fans can have a great time. I'm familiar enough with what the city can offer during the hotter months, and we've covered summer activities in Edmonton on Canadian Living. But I needed some help when I was asked about festive play in December. In this " Best of the Holidays" series, I'm asking local travel experts across Canada what they'd put on a visitor's roster for a holiday visit. In this post, Renee Williams from Tourism Edmonton:   #1. Thing I love best about Christmas in Edmonton is… gathering together and celebrating the season of joy. And there is no better way to do that than to bundle up and head outdoors. I love to experience our winter festivals or hit an outdoor skating rink with friends and family. One of my favourite spots is Old Strathcona  for a little window shopping or to catch the frozen sculptures at Edmonton’s Ice on Whyte Festival. Christmas in Edmonton is all about experiencing and celebrating the season outdoors. #2. Christmas Eve tradition in my family... is  enjoying a candlelight church service. Once the service is over we head home to enjoy a table full of holiday treats, Christmas tunes by the fire, and late night phone calls to family abroad. #3. The one Edmonton tradition that seems to surprise people is….  Candy Cane Lane, one of my personal favourites. For more than 40 years, residents of the Crestwood community have come together to adorn their homes with magical light displays. It’s awesome to see a community, decades later, celebrating the Christmas season. I love taking a horse-drawn carriage ride through the snowy streets of the neighbourhood. #4. My favourite holiday photo-op in Edmonton is definitely the  Alberta Legislature. Beautiful Christmas lights drape every branch on every tree throughout the grounds. It’s magnificent. The lights make for the perfect holiday backdrop. #5. My favourite spot for a New Year's eve drink with friends is...the Bothy Wine and Whisky Bar which has a great atmosphere and is the perfect locale to enjoy celebratory New Year’s libations. Another top pick is The Sugar Bowl, serving some of the best in local brew. My third New Year’s hot spot is Moriarty’s Bistro and Wine Bar for a more sophisticated soiree. Edmonton is cold in the winter. And it’s dark. But it’s never boring! Our city comes alive in the winter and the fun begins when the temperatures dip below zero. What's your favourite Canadian city during the holidays?