Whether you don’t celebrate Christmas or you’re just tuckered out from all the festivities, here are some options for fun, holiday-free activities in Edmonton.
See a new film. Most movie theatres in Edmonton will be open for the holiday! New films released just before or on Christmas day this year include Little Women, Bombshell, Cats, and Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker. If you’re kid-free that day, visit one of the deluxe VIP theatres and lean back in one of their extra-wide, comfy seats!
Cineplex Odeon Windermere and VIP Cinemas | 6151 Currents Dr. | 780-822-4250
Cineplex Cinemas North Edmonton & VIP | 14231-137 Ave.
Share a coffee with a friend. Some of Starbucks’ downtown locations will be open on the 25th, but consider calling ahead to see if any coffee shops closer to you will be open!
Starbucks | 10387-112 St. | 780-424-2455
Enjoy a meal out. Take some work out of planning a holiday meal or just enjoy a night out at a great restaurant. Some good options are King Noodle House, where you can order a delicious bowl of homemade pho, or Chop Steakhouse for smoked baby back ribs or roasted mushroom ravioli!
King Noodle House | 10613-97 St. | 780-428-8983
Jumbo Dim Sum | 10451-170 St. | 780-481-3838
Columbus Pizza & Donair | 8230-175 St. | 780-484-4556
Chop Steakhouse & Bar | 10235-101 St. | 780-441-3075
Take in an attraction (or several). Many of the attractions and stores at West Edmonton Mall are open holiday hours (12 pm–5 pm). So why not test your nerve at Galaxyland, take a plunge at the World Waterpark, or sink a hole-in-one at Professor Wem’s Adventure Golf? Play arcade games at The Rec Room and then enjoy wood-fired pizza, poutine, and donuts in one of the on-site restaurants. There’s plenty of adventure and fun to be found in one place!
West Edmonton Mall | 8882-170 St. | 780-444-5321
Trek the great outdoors. Take a peaceful walk in the city’s river valley, or head out to Elk Island National Park! Elk Island is technically open 24 hours/day, 365 days/year, making it the perfect spot for wildlife spotting, hiking, snowshoeing (though you will need to bring your own equipment, as all on-site centres are closed on December 25), or checking out the dazzling northern lights.
Elk Island National Park | 35 km East of Edmonton on Yellowhead Hwy 16
