Whether you’re spending the holiday season with just yourself and your partner or with a ton of family, there’s always ways to have a ton of fun! Some families have long standing traditions for the holidays while some are more see where the day takes of type of people. No matter what type you are we have a few ideas you will probably want to add to your day!
Brunch
These places in Edmonton are offering an amazing Christmas Day brunch to fill your belly before all the days activities. Save on some cooking and hit up these spots to start off the day.
1. Delta Marriott South – Jingle Bell Brunch
A festive brunch with all your holiday favourites.
Where: 4404 Gateway Boulevard Northwest
How much: $35-$65
2. The Westin
A Christmas brunch buffet fit for the whole family.
Where: Share at the Westin 10135 100 St. NW
How much: $58 per person
3. Fairmont Hotel MacDonald
Experience the Grandest of Holiday brunches at Edmonton’s river valley castle in the Empire Ballroom.
Where: 10065 100 St NW, Edmonton
How much: $119 per person
Play Games
Just about every group game (big or small) ends in some sort of laughter and hilarity. A few games to add to the list this year are:
The datenight game
This game includes questions and conversation starters you’ve never thought to ask before and is the perfect way to get talking. Perfect for couples, or small groups. Make it interesting by adding a twist or timed element to up the ante!
Monopoly
Monopoly is by far the most widely played and well loved game probably in the world! With all the many different versions there is bound to be one for you.
Holiday Movie Trivia
This one will take a little organization but is so fun to play! Pick a movie a few weeks prior to the day so that everyone has a chance to watch. One person is nominated as the moderator that will create the questions. On Christmas day, break into teams and answer the questions about the movie. Add a fun prize, timer, funny rules, and have a great time!
Get Outside
Get outside and get some fresh air and exercise! We all know that most of the day tends to be spent eating, drinking, and lounging so be sure to add some outdoor fun!
Sled Races
Head to the local toboggan hill (or out to your yard if you are lucky enough) and race down the snowy hill!
This is a list of all the toboggan hills in Edmonton that you can visit, here
Lace up your skates
Grab those skates from the back of the closet and lace up to hit the ice! If you don’t have your own check out My Lake House for skate rentals in Hawrelak and Rundle Park.
These are all the skating rinks in Edmonton, here
Hit the trails on foot or skis
The Edmonton River Valley is known for the immense trail system for hiking and skiing in the winter. Get out and explore the trails or glide around on your cross country skis.
Click here to see a interactive river valley trail map
Click here to see where to go cross country skiing
Take In The Christmas Light Displays
There are lots of options in the Edmonton area to see some fantastic light displays. Grab some warm drinks and stroll down the streets or roll through all cozy in your vehicle, the choice is yours!
Borealis Lights
Christmas Drive-thru Light Display located in the Kinsmen RV Park in St Albert featuring over 800,000 twinkling holiday lights.
Magic of Lights
Located at the RAD Torque Raceway just south of Edmonton is a 2.7km immersive experience.
Candy Cane Lane
YEG Candy Cane Lane has been a staple in Edmonton for 50 years now. Located in the Crestwood community this is a must see!
Griswold House
Located at 63 Briarwood Point in Stony Plain this amazing spot is decorated as the perfect ohmage to the movie National Lampoons Christmas Vacation.
Elk Island National Park has 21 great trails for hiking, birding, and snowshoeing and more all located just outside Edmonton. A great spot to pack up and head out for some outdoor fun.
The trails range from easy to moderate and have a variety of distances. See the list of trails, here.
Note: the visitor information centre is closed on December 25th.
Looking to get away this winter? These are 8 Cozy Cabin Retreats to Visit This Winter in Alberta