Edmonton 
Wondering what you can do on December 25? Here is a short list of things to do on Christmas Day in this great winter city.
Photo Credit: Parks Canada
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I. Admire Christmas lights
- Visit the Alberta legislature grounds and enjoy the lights.
- Check out Edmonton’s Candy Cane Lane.
- Drive-thru Canadian Tire Magic of Lights along a 2.5-kilometre route is open from 5 pm to 9 pm.
- If you haven’t already explored, check out other places with light displays in Edmonton.
II. Explore Edmonton’s Behemoth of a Mall
This winter, the capital city of Alberta boasts a ginormous mall that has a massive waterpark, amusement park and more! The West Edmonton Mall is open on December 25.
- Mall Hours: Noon to 5:00 PM (not all shops might be open)
- World Waterpark: Noon to 5:00 PM
- Galaxyland: Noon to 5:00 PM
- Marinelife: 11:00 AM to 4:00 PM
- Sea Lion Show – 2:00 PM to 2:20 PM
- Ed’s Bowling & Escape Room: Noon to 5:00 PM
- Professor Wem’s Adventure Golf: Noon to 5:00 PM
- Dragon’s Tale Mini-Golf & Maze: Noon to 5:00 PM
- Birds of Paradise: Noon to 5:00 PM
- Drive: Noon to 5:00 PM
- Ice Palace: 10 AM to 5 PM & 5:15 PM to 7 PM
- Splatterverse: 11 AM to 5 PM
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III. Christmas Brunch/Dinner
Order in or dine out on Christmas Day!
You can plan a festive dinner at various restaurants or order takeout or dine-in at restaurants open on Christmas Day.
Brunch With Santa
Fantasyland Hotel invites you to celebrate the holidays on December 25th at the Beverly Hills Ballroom for a festive brunch buffet with Santa. Delight in a mouthwatering spread of savoury roasts, premium seafood, and decadent desserts that will tantalize your taste buds.
- December 25th | 11 A.M. – 2 P.M. @ Fantasyland Hotel, 17700 – 87 Ave NW, Edmonton
IV. Teri Meri Christmas Party
Get ready for the perfect mix of Bollywood hits, retro classics, and a bit of a spicy touch of Punjabi and hip-hop! Headlining the night is Canada’s best, DJ Alfaa, flying in all the way from Toronto, supported by Edmonton’s own DJ Arj and Nidhey, bringing the city’s favourite Bollywood and Punjabi sets.
- December 25 | 10 p.m. – 2:30 a.m. @ The Illusion Lounge, 10846 Jasper Avenue, Edmonton | Entry is free before 11 pm with a Guestlist ticket.
V. See a Movie
See a movie at Landmark/Cineplex Theatres.
Movies released/releasing include:
- Avatar: Fire and Ash
- Anaconda (Releasing Dec 25)
- Song Sung Blue (Releasing Dec 25)
- The SpongeBob Movie: Search for SquarePants
- The Housemaid
- Five Nights at Freddy’s 2
- David
- Zootopia 2
- Wicked: For Good
VI. Go Outdoor Skating
Photo Credit: Justin Reid/City of Edmonton
Go skating at Edmonton’s famous IceWays!
(Check status before travelling)
Skate along the Victoria Park Iceway that wraps through the majestic forests of Victoria Park. At night, the paths are illuminated by a series of laser-cut wooden and LED lanterns created by local artist Dylan Cooper. Beautiful reds, greens, and glowing geometrical patterns are reflected on the ice while you skate. @ 11004 – 12004 River Valley Rd NW. Skating hours: 11 am-10 pm
Rundle Park IceWay is a forested trail just under two kilometres that features a shinny hockey pond, a large skating surface and a smaller family rink next to a picnic shelter and fire pits. @ 2909 113 Ave NW. Skating hours: open 10 am to 10 pm.
Sir Wilfred Laurier Park has a spacious outdoor rink.
You can also check out Strathcona County’s outdoor skating trail on Broadmoor Lake (Sherwood Park), the skating pathway in South Cooking Lake, or the Emerald Hills Skating Pathway.
VII. Explore River Valley
Edmonton boasts of an expansive natural space along the North Saskatchewan River.
Climb down the stairs near the funicular (100 Street near the Hotel MacDonald) to access the river valley trails or enjoy the view of the river backdropped by the Edmonton skyline from the Frederick G. Todd Lookout.
If you love walking in winter, then treat yourself to walking along the many River Valley trails.
Check out some of the best views of Edmonton on Christmas Day from scenic vantage points spread across the city.
VIII. Do a Christmas Day Bird Count
Do a Christmas bird count on Christmas Day and enjoy a crisp morning walk! Though not an organized/official day for counting, you can always do one on your own.
If you don’t want to venture outside, do an unofficial count of the birds that visit your bird feeder.
IX. Edmonton Scavenger Hunt
Lace up your walking shoes and get ready to experience the city like you never have before. Snap pics, race against the clock, and put your navigation skills to the test as you wander at your own pace—no reservations, no tour guides, and fun for all ages.
X. Visit Elk Island National Park
Rent a car and visit Edmonton’s national park! Visit at dawn or dusk for the best chance to view wildlife, spend the afternoon skating or snowshoeing across a frozen Astotin Lake, or cuddle up around the campfire and catch an early sunset. Admission is free.
XI. Outdoor Winter Activities
**Weather dependent**
Edmonton isn’t a winter city for nothing! There is a plethora of outdoor activities you can do in Edmonton and the neighbouring cities’ outdoor spaces. Enjoy other winter activities such as tobogganing, snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, and more! See all the outdoor activities here.
More Fun Things to Do:
Check out our family fun activities during Christmas Break and Things to do this weekend for concerts, sports and more!
