Edmontonians welcome 2026 as downtown erupts with fireworks
Posted January 1, 2026 3:40 pm.
Last Updated January 1, 2026 3:44 pm.
Edmontonians rung in 2026 with the traditional fireworks show at Churchill Square. This year, fireworks were flying off the roof of the downtown library.
Hundreds of people packed the area to gaze at the 8pm show so families could get home early. It was the first of 2 shows with the other at the traditional midnight.
Kids also put on skates and danced on the rink in front of City Hall, as well live music echoed across the square.
2025 is over, and for some Edmontonians they are thankful it is.
“Everything is more expensive”, said one man who moved to Edmonton recently. “Food, rent, bus fare, gas. I wish it could be better.”
“2025 was a hard run”, said a woman with her two kids. “Just, all the change in reality, growth, everything. The world is changing very fast.”
For some, 2026 is bringing a renewal of positivity. Only 35 per cent of Canadians believe that next year will be better than 2025, according to a recent Léger survey.
Thirty-seven per cent believe that it will remain the same, about one-fifth think that 2026 will be worse.
In Edmonton, some have big plans in store.
“Probably going to start my own business in the new year”, said one man who works in snow clearing. “Hopefully everything will be all good and I enjoy a happy life.”
