Old Strathcona’s Winter Whyte Light Up 2023 Kickstarts the Holiday Season!

The Great Balanzo performing in Dr. Wilbert McIntyre Park. Photo by Marc Tran

Lights, carolers, magic, and a cozy atmosphere mark this year’s festival!

Bird Creatives was, once again, thrilled to be producing The Winter Whyte Light Up festival alongside the Old Strathcona Business Association! McIntyre Park and 83rd Avenue turned into a winter wonderland full of beautiful lighting installations, roving performers, live music and performances, and holiday cheer.

We had the pleasure of collaborating with partners including, Goodwill Alberta, Old Strathcona Farmers’ Market, Flying Canoe Volant & La Cite Francophone, Ice on Whyte, Edmonton Public Library, Edmonton Fringe, Edmonton Food Bank, Old Strathcona Youth Society, The Mustard Seed, The High Level Bridge Streetcar, Knox Church, Global Pet Foods, Rapid Fire Theatre, Imperial Sovereign Court of the Wild Rose, and Winter City Edmonton, along with many community members!

In the heart of Whyte Avenue, a lively mix of live music, street performers, yummy treats, and captivating light installations drew a large crowd for the entirety of the 4-hour event. Visitors even had a chance to win some rad prizes at the Old Strathcona tent. Following the main event, the Westbury Theatre hosted an after-hours spectacle called 'Drag-tastic Holidays: A Fabulous Journey Through Festive Traditions,' showcasing dazzling drag and burlesque performances by some of Edmonton's top-notch artists.

Here are some snapshots of the night! Photos by Marc Tran