While driving through Candy Cane Lane is a lot of fun for families with kids and people with reduced mobility alike, it is so much more fun to walk it (assuming decent weather) and going on a car-free night is lovely. The décor has changed a lot since I was young but it always has charm and fun for kids and families alike. Plus it is a nice reason to get out and walk. I don't always make it out but when I do I try to support the Edmonton Food Bank as this is one of their biggest annual fundraisers. There are porta-potties, good photo spots, and even concessions available which is nice. Parking isn't always the easiest to secure but everyone figures out something before heading out to enjoy the street. read more

I've been going to this beautiful place since 2009 almost every year! :) It has a very good energy and filled with Christmas spirit. There is no way you go there and you come back unhappy. Last night we went there and walked for over an hour although it was windy and very cold. If you're planning for walking, a very good outfit for Alberta weather condition is recommended. Parking would be a little tricky since you either have to park south of the area or north and then walk to Candy Cane Lane. Driving would be slow but at least you would be warmer. I personally prefer walking and interacting with people. Also if you have any donations for food bank, there are some places for dropping off your donations. If you haven't seen it, I recommend it. :) read more

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Christmas spirit alive and well! What a great way to enjoy an evening walk. Bring your kids! Bring your dogs! Bring a date! Bring your parents! Bring something warm to drink. It's enjoyable for everyone. IMPORTANT - Nonperishable food donations are highly suggested! There are donation food bins found up and down the street. Please donate. Almost every house on this long stretch of road is decorated for the season! All the effort that goes into it really adds to the ambiance of this street. Some homes play movies. Other homes invite you onto their lawn for selfies/family pics. Letters to Santa can be delivered here!!! There are fire pits helping us warm up. It's so great to see how happy people are seeing the displays. We've gone two years in a row. The weekend is PACKED. I'd recommend going during the week. If you hate to walk - the drive is nice too. Lots of people choose to drive through. Additionally, the city has bus routes set up to see the lights. Parking - It is difficult if street parking is banned. Come early. Park closer to the Stony Plain Road end of the strip. Some sidewalks are clear. Others are not. It can be slippery. Please please be careful or wear some crampons. Bathrooms - There are two Porta-potties, one found on either end of the strip. read more

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Edmonton Christmas time means Candy Cane Lane is back! We go every year but this year was especially good because my wee girl can walk (and try to run in all the gardens), she knows who Santa Claus is and we can use this as another way to get her excited about Christmas. The lovely thing about this is the food bank donations, there are drop off points all the way along the street and quite a few of the bins were full when we went last night. Good old Edmonton! Some of the houses really went to town with giant inflatables, lights galore, ice sculptures, a photo booth and an actual igloo! I loved the house near the end who have a Northern Lights theme going on... it looks like so much work but the smile on everyones face as they walk past must be worth it. There were also two Cowboy snowmen dueling with a hairdryer, that was hilarious and another with the Grinch stealing the lights from the house. Super fun evening stroll, just remember to take a coffee or hot chocolate to keep warm while you are wandering along. Or you can be really posh and get a horse drawn cart. It's the perfect way to get into the Christmas spirit! read more

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This is our first Christmas here, so I was pretty excited to find out about Candy Cane Lane! We took a drive through, after my birthday dinner to see what it was all about. I made sure that I brought a donation for the Food Bank and away we went! House after house of beautiful lights, displays, lit trees, folks serving hot chocolate, bonfires, nativity scenes, holiday characters, people dressed up, carols, a hay ride, and even one house with a projector and a screen set up showing the Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer movie! I was touched by the incredible sense of community, the organization needed for such an impressive display and the spirit of giving. We plan on coming back and taking some holiday photos. Lovely job! read more

Candy Cane Lane - Local Flavor Near Me - Edmonton, Alberta

Candy Cane Lane is one of Edmonton's biggest Christmas traditions, and was also a family tradition for me when I was a kid. Since 35 years ago, the Crestwood community in the west end of Edmonton has been decking their streets with boughs of holly and light-up candy canes. It is truly a sight to see, as you make your way down the lanes and through the neighbourhood, oohing and ahhing at each house that seems to be even more decorated than the last. The tradition has grown to include the whole area from 148 Street to 100-96 Avenue. You can walk or take the car, but it's best to walk because you won't be wasting gas that way, it's better for the environment, and your exhaust fumes won't be poisoning those who are walking. Plus if you drive, you'll probably be moving along at a snail's pace. There are sleigh rides through the neighbourhood too, but make sure you register for it through the Candy Cane Lane website, because it's very popular! And don't forget to bundle up -- you don't want Jack Frost biting your nose! All of the houses are decorated, and I'm sure that there's some friendly competition going on between some of them. Some houses are decorated in a classic and glitzy manner, while others opt for humorous displays. It is not uncommon to spot Santa's rear sticking out of a chimney. Admission is free, but try to bring a non-perishable item for the food bank. It's a great way to give back to the community during the holiday season. Candy Cane Lane is usually open for about three weeks, and officially runs from Dec 13 - Jan 2 this year, from 5pm to around midnight. read more

Candy Cane Lane - From the Candy Cane Lane website - Local Flavor Near Me - Edmonton, Alberta

I just came home from my 2013 trip to Candy Cane Lane and feel compelled to share my thoughts. Yes not everybody decorates but I think people need to take into account the tremendous pressure those who live in this neighborhood are under when it comes to paying for the electricity bill as well as the decorations. Yes it used to be more elaborate years ago but economic times have changed as well as the city no longer subsidizes the electricity cost for participants like they did in the past. The creativity was still out in full force with giant stockings filled with presents on one persons lawn as well as Yoda and Darth Vader dressed in Santa suits out on the lawn of a different home. There was also a man dressed up as Santa walking up and down the route handing out candy canes to children which I think takes alot of heart considering the cold snap we are currently dealing with. Whether its a huge lit up winter scene or just a few lights put up on someones home these people deserve our respect for their dedication to the festive season as well as helping out the good folks over at the food bank. read more

What's not to love about Candy Cane Lane? Sure, there are less dispalys now then when I first started coming 13 years ago and the city doesn't subsidize the home owners anymore for their electricity but there are still absolutely FABULOUS displays put on by our lovely citizens! This last weekend there was a Santa Claus outside greeting children, hot chocolate by donation for the food bank, a homeowner doing an ice sculpture in their yard, sleigh rides, and all the normal Christmas light goodness! My kids had a blast and the weather couldn't have been more pleasant! I look forward to returning every year, as part of our family traditions, and may even sneak back again once or twice more this year :-) 'Tis the Season! And don't forget to bring down non-perishable food items for the food bank! read more

It is my favourite part of the Christmas season. It is much better to find a day you can walk. Dress for the weather and everything is all good. You don't get the same experience if you are in your car. Get out and walk it. Make it a real winter experience. One of these days I will book a sleigh ride. Tip: The booking usually starts online before Candy Cane Lane opens. read more

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Who doesn't love candy cane lane? Christmas lights, people giving away cookies, sleigh rides, Santa, hot chocolate and great selfie ops. Sure the traffic can be nuts, the sidewalks slippery and kids running around the joint. If you go at the right time (temperature is a big part of it) it can be lovey, fun and even romantic. Such good Christmas spirit here. This is a must for people that are having their first Christmas in the city. Just make sure you park a block or two from the action and you are golden. I would also recommend you grab a large cider from where even to enhance the experience. Toque, scarf and mitts are a must. I love that they have trash cans along the strip. So convenient. Perfect place to enjoy the season. read more

The thing that I love most about Candy Cane Lane is the sense of community that is put into it. The neighborhood works hard to put it on every year, and it shows. My boyfriend and I particularly liked the huge old pine trees that were draped with lights to the very top, but we enjoyed all the displays overall. Some were more dated and not as flashy, but I think in this event the effort put in counts for more. It's also great that this event promotes food bank donations. Unfortunately, when I went, the sidewalk was a sheet of ice. There was no gravel or salt, and it was quite treacherous. read more

This was my first visit to Candy Cane Lane and I've gotta say that I'm kind of underwhelmed. Candy Cane Lane may have been quite the spectacle to see in Edmonton at one point in time but it has apparently degraded over the years. Not all of the houses on the street are decorated, which is fine, but many of the ones that are adorned feature the same old Wal-Mart decorations that any other house would feature in any other neighbourhood. If you're expecting Clark Griswold quality, you'll be disappointed. I appreciate that it costs money to create a big spectacle and it's not like people are obligated to go all out so I'm not complaining. I think people mostly keep coming here year after year for the sake of tradition. That's not to say that there isn't anything worth looking at but as a whole it's kind of disappointing. The people that do go all out though do so in a big way. One household has an igloo, an inukshuk, as well as Santa and his reindeer. Another house had a Star Wars theme and there were at least two houses with elaborate ice sculpture displays out front. It's best to park a block or two away from 148th St between 100th Ave to 92nd Ave and walk it. You'll take in the sights better this way. Plus you'll walk off the calories from all the Christmas chocolate you've been scarfing down. 148th St was packed with cars all travelling at a snail's pace. Some were even stopping in the middle of the street so the occupants of the vehicles could take pictures of the houses. This is a testament to how lazy people have gotten in this day-and-age. Get out of your car and walk. You're driving at walking speed anyway. Be sure to bring some non-perishable food items for the Edmonton Food Bank as they have several donation bins along the Lane. One more thing: There are garbage cans placed along the sides of 148th St for people to dispose of their refuse. This doesn't stop some folks from chucking their garbage wherever they please though. There were empty Timmy's cups on the sidewalks and even in someone's front yard by their Christmas display. Did I mention some people are lazy? Imagine putting all that time and effort into decorating your yard only to see that a bunch of pigs have left you their discarded coffee cups. Ríu Ríu Chíu read more

It's a family tradition, since moving to Edmonton a couple years ago, to visit Candy Cane Lane every Christmas. Most of the lights are spectacular and the best part is that people are doing it on their own dime and they have donation bins all over the place for the Food Bank. Love it! read more

Kudos and many thanks to the long suffering and generous residents of Candy Cane Lane. The decorations were as varied as the people taking in the sights by foot, car and hay ride. I loved the hand crafted scenes as well as the newer store-bought ornaments. The horse drawn 'sleigh' rides looked like a great way to tour the lane. I will be booking my ride early for next year. It was heartwarming to see the food bank bins filled to overflowing and the sidewalks bustling with sightseers. A wonderful and nostalgic way to get into the Christmas spirit, or extend it after the big day. read more

The amount of work that goes into putting these lights up is astounding. It make me so happy seeing this every year. Glad to see it going strong after all these years. Don't forget to bring a food bank donation. read more

Candy Cane Lane - Minnions. Always a nice Christmas touch. - Local Flavor Near Me - Edmonton, Alberta

I love Candy Cane Lane! It's the fastest way to get into the Christmas spirit, and it's totally non-commercial, if you're not the ones paying for the lights and electricity bill, that is! It's just an afternoon or evening out enjoying the crisp air, being around others and enjoying the beauty and hard work of neighbours who've taken the time to dress their home in lights. For me, the real beauty is in taking time out - having a walk, which I never do as much as I'd like, strolling and having conversation without any rush to get somewhere, bringing a thermos of hot chocolate or maybe a little spiked hot apple cider, and seeing the children out having fun. It's a real community event. You can walk or drive through, and it's worlds better than going to Bright Lights at Hawrelak Park which is brought to you by corporate Edmonton rather than Edmontonians themselves. This is much more a people event. It's located along 148 St from 100 Ave to 96 Ave. If you don't want to walk but don't want to gas others with your car fumes, you can book a sleigh ride but you need to reserve online at www.candycanelane.ca. It's free but if you bring a non-perishable food item for one of the many bins along the walk you'll be contributing to the true meaning of Christmas - healing with your love. read more

Candy Cane Lane is one of Edmonton's great traditions. I am sure other cities have it to, but it is definitely something to check out during Christmas. I have checked it out many times over the years and it has lost a bit of it's appeal it is still a great place to go with the family and get into the Christmas spirit. I have nothing but appreciation and admiration for the people that decorate their houses so amazingly. It's a great experience and makes for a perfect winter night. read more

Candy Cane Lane is one of Edmonton's Christmas traditions. I grew up nearby and would often check out the bright lights and displays. However, ti has changed in recent years. I am not sure when Lauren visited last, but not all of the houses are decorated, and the displays are not as elaborate as they used to be. This can probably be explained by rising electricity costs. In fact, many of the houses are no more elaborate than other houses elsewhere in the city. Walking is a lot more fun than driving, as Lauren pointed out, and it is a fun, free, and safe way to have an evening family outing. I just really miss the way it used to be. read more

I love Candy Cane lane and even though we haven't managed to go down that magical street on a yearly basis with our kids, it is always a special treat and family outing, when we do. There is always something new to be discovered. Not just kids, but adults get a sparkle in their eyes strolling down that festive street. I think people do appreciate that neighbourhood's efforts and we should all encourage the tradition to go on. To all of you living on Candy Cane Lane .... my hats off to you, because we all know how long it takes to put up simple lights at our own homes. You spend days, if not weeks to set it all up and take it down, not to mention the cost of electricity! Candy Cane lane is the BEST!!! Jelley Family read more

Absolutely breathtaking! Spectacular lights, music and interactive displays. It is sad to see parents encouraging children to " ride" displays that are not meant to be ridden. We saw 1 child knock down a light system and the parents laughed and went about their way! Please show so respect for the people who do this each and every year. read more

I've lived in Edmonton nearly all my life, but I have never ventured down to Candy Cane Lane before. Not really sure why. Could be because my parents never cared enough to take me so I could experience the magic of the season, or it could be that I just couldn't be bothered. In any case, I went down there last night with a couple of co-workers who had also never been. Have to be honest, I was a little disappointed. There were a number of houses along the street that weren't decorated at all. While I realize that there's no obligation for anyone to put up decorations, I thought it was a bit of a let down. I'm also thinking that those are the houses that tend to get egged and TP'd on Halloween. Hell hath no fury like a neighbor scorned. My own personal disappointment notwithstanding, I had a good time with my friends, which more than made up for the lack of decorations. read more

The sleigh ride was fun I love animals and this was a nice way to do the street Though the houses weren't decorated that amazing Some were really nice but most just threw a light string on the tree and called that good I wasn't really impressed I wouldn't do it again that's for sure This place needs some sprucing up or just shut it down cuz it's nothing special needs more lights and themes It's just all over random And the blow ups are becoming boring as ppl find it easy to put up but I dunno it's nothing special read more

Candy Cane Lane used to be so much better. I find most people don't partake and the big gingerbread house at the end was sold and the new people don't decorate like the previous owners did. It's not worth walking in -20 anymore. The food bank donations of course are so important though... read more

I actually live on Candy Cane Lane, this is our second Christmas there. Last year was tough having just moved to Edmonton and our display was not elaborate at all. This year we have tried to do something unique and fun and I think we have achieved that :-) For all those who "aren't impressed" or have negative things to say I would hope they can realize that there is an expectation that because you live there it is your duty to go all out and spend a ridiculous amount of money decorating and paying for the utilities. I didn't know it was Candy Cane Lane when we moved there so we were caught unprepared. At the end of the day, those of us who participate, whether it is a simple strand of lights or a yard filled with decorations, the whole premise behind it, in my view, is that it gives everyone an opportunity to get into the Christmas spirit. When you see children and their parents walking down the street and hear their laughter and delight, that is what motivates me. If adults want to forget about the fun to be had just by being out and enjoying the season's festivities then it is their loss. read more

It's getting to be that time of year again! That's right Edmonton, winter is creeping in. Along with winter comes good things though. Good things such as Candy Cane Lane! I have been going to Candy Cane Lane since I was a child and I still like to go every year. Although the elaborate decorations have faded somewhat over the years, it's still a great place to take the family or have a romantic walk (preferably with some candy cane hot chocolate). You can drive down the Lane, all the cars go slow so you don't have to feel bad about slowing down to look at the decorations and lights. You can take a horse-drawn carriage if you want to really set the mood and have an experience. Or you can walk and talk, smiling at the other passersby while you all admire the effort and artistry that these people put into decoration their houses for the Christmas season. There is a gas station one block off the Lane so it's easy to grab a coffee of hot chocolate before you go, or even mid-trip. There are also people handing out candy canes and sometimes even a tiny hot chocolate stand if the kids are feeling brave and entrepreneurial. Candy Cane Lane is a part of Edmonton so I encourage you to check it out. It's worth it! read more

This place is a slice of Canadiana and Edmonton history. So much nostalgia. So nice to see kids so thrilled to be there, and excited for Christmas. Waves and waves of nostalgia, as cut-outs from many years past still make an appearance. The aesthetic is very much "classic christmas" lots of multi-colored lights, and the aforementioned wooden cut-outs. There are sleigh rides, and fire-pits to help get you the full experience. Most people on the block participate, which may be the most impressive part. Just really great to see a community coming together to honour a tradition and to bring joy to the rest of the city. read more

First my "Bouquets" to all the participants on "The Lane". It's beautiful to behold, exciting, and breathtaking. From the simply decorated to displays that are so inventive. Makes you go "WOW!!!" Thank you for giving us this joy at Christmas. Second, a "Beef" to Miss Grumpy Pants in a few reviews back re: polluting the air with our exhaust and poisoning people on sidewalk who are walking and taking in the sights. Well, I did not see anyone keel over and die. Your are lucky we do come and drive down to take in the sights, cause we donate a fair bit to the Food Bank. So Bah Hum Bug to you. Finally, a Beef to the "X Generation" which would be grown ups by now with little ones of their own. As Baby Boomers we did not teach you very well about respect for other peoples property. I was quite surprised how people just glamoured onto peoples lawns to take a picture by some decoration on the lawn. Years before I never saw this kind of thing. Now, I guess "X Generationer" feel they have "The Right" to trample over the lawns with their little ones in tow--yes for picture taking------and then I noticed how many little ones are just left to "mess around" with the decorations on the lawn with NO intervention from the parents. What's with you parents?? Stand on the side walk and take the picture from there---these lawns are private. GADZ, how my generation "The Boomers" failed in teaching you respect for others---and made you into a ME generation. But, once again to the Candy Cane Lane participants, Thanks for making our evening out a great experience and giving us even better memories. Terri read more

It had been over a decade for me, and my husband has never been. We were impressed! There were a good 3 blocks of houses loaded with displays on both sides of the street, and a few more blocks with many houses decorated. It ended up busy just after we arrived, but everyone just drove slowly and took in the sites. The displays were great, and seeing a neighborhood all on board was pretty great for community spirit! It was a very cd night at -25, but there were still many folks strolling around. Winter city had backpacks of hot chocolate to share. Nice thing to do in the long cold dark winter. read more

Sad to see that people were writing good revies and then I come along. Welcome to Candy Cane Lame. The decor and lights used look old. Lets modernize this place. Hate to say it but I heard they might move and so they should , go to south Edmonton some big houses I wanna see a spectacle. The food bank is there which is awesome but again I went for the first and last time, really disappointed. read more

Candy Cane Lane is just OK, especially if you don't have kids. I went for the first time this year and was expecting more. Instead, most homes had average lights and decorations, and nothing out of the ordinary. It's a nice walk for kids but if you don't have any, it can be a bit bland/boring. That being said, I do appreciate the community putting this on each year as they deserve a lot of credit. read more

Candy Cane Lane is one of the best attraction in Edmonton. It has the nicest decorations and who wouldn't love this place. But sadly some dumb and uncivilized people without a holiday spirit would go over there vandalize the place. This was just reported on the news: http://www.globaltvedmonton.com/Grinch+pays+visit+Candy+Cane+Lane/4033355/story.html read more

I really wanted to LOVE Candy Cane Lane. As a mom of a nearly-two-year-old, I am eager to start holiday traditions that inspire the wonder and magic of the season. From it's reputation, I thought Candy Cane Lane would be a magical, awe-inspiring sight for our little one. But sadly, Candy Cane Lane didn't live up to the hype. I didn't mind the few houses that were not decorated, but what about those houses that clearly had lights up, but simply hadn't bothered to turn them on (and we could see the home owners inside watching TV). My son loves lights and so he was thrilled with the decorations we saw. But he had the same reaction to the lights in our neighbourhood (Oliver) and those lights didn't involve the trek out to the West End. We may come and check it out in future years, but I doubt it will become an annual pilgrimage for us. We certainly won't brave -30 temps just to see it again. read more

We had a great time going down Candy Cane Lane this year.. I'm not sure what the last couple posters are complaining about but the residents on this street did a wonderful job decorating their homes and we all thought the scenery was spectacular and the people we walked past were very friendly. The one thing that really got on our nerves though were the amount of cars and trucks passing by blowing exhaust in our faces and drowning out the Christmas jingles as they revved their loud Hemi engines. I could understand if it was -40 that some people would want to skip the walk, but the evening we went it was only -1 out there and it only takes about a half hour to make the round trip on foot... blows my mind how lazy and inconsiderate some people can be. read more