19 family-friendly Things to do during Christmas Break in Edmonton
Christmas Break is just around the corner, and you’re probably wondering how you’re going to entertain the kids for two weeks. The lead up to Christmas is easy enough with the excitement, but the week after Christmas might just be the longest week in parenting, in the whole entire year.
Here’s what to do during winter break in Edmonton with kids:
Register for a FUN Ninja Camp at Fitset Ninja - December 20
Fitset Ninja camp is happening twice through winter break. The first option gives you the chance to entertain the kids right before Christmas, and the second (December 27-30) makes for a fantastic experience gift. Ninja camps are designed for kids 5-14, and will be separated into different groups based on age and ability. Parents can choose from morning camps, afternoon camps, or all-day camps.
Hit up an Outdoor Rink - Daily
Find out where to skate outdoors, right here. From loops and rinks for skating, to freeze-ways under colored lights, we’ve got you covered when it comes to finding out where to skate outdoors in the city.
Skate with Santa at Bonnie Doon Rink - December 21
Skate with Santa outdoors, at Bonnie Doon rink. In addition to skating with Santa, there are prizes every hour, and skaters from the Flying Canoe Festival in canoes between 1-2 pm. Don’t miss out on the free swag bags for the first limited guests.
Watch Home Alone at Central Social Hall Movie Night - December 21
Grab the kids and head down to Central Social Hall to enjoy a movie night, with showings of Home Alone 1 (kid-friendly screening) at both locations of Central Social Hall. Book your table online for a fun evening, with free popcorn, and a great night out with the kids enjoying Home Alone on the many screens in the restaurant.
Go Snow Tubing with Santa - December 23
Get on the Hill, read a story indoors with an ELF and get your photo taken during Snow Tubing with Santa on December 23. Tickets include snow tubing (two sessions) fun in the chalet, and take-home bags for all kids attending the event.
Snowshoe and Stargaze at Elk Island Park - December 23
Come take part in two unique experiences at Elk Island National Park: snowshoeing and stargazing! A short guided snowshoe hike around the shore of Astotin Lake takes you atop the snow like a snowshoe hare while stars twinkle overhead. As you march along, the welcoming crackle of a campfire eclipses the soft sounds of nature surrounding you. With a park interpreter and Orion as your guide, gaze up into a sky full of stars and learn to navigate the night sky of the Beaver Hills Dark Sky Preserve. Without the glow of city lights you’ll see more than you knew existed!
Watch ELF and Meet Santa at GRETAbar - December 23
Gretabar is hosting a family afternoon of fun, with a screening of ELF, the chance to meet Santa (yes, he’s got a real beard) and have snacks, drinks and play games with the kids. It’s the perfect kick off to Christmas break!
Register for a FUN Ninja Camp at Fitset Ninja - December 27
Fitset Ninja camp is happening twice through winter break. The first option gives you the chance to entertain the kids right before Christmas, and the second (December 27-30) makes for a fantastic experience gift. Ninja camps are designed for kids 5-14, and will be separated into different groups based on age and ability. Parents can choose from morning camps, afternoon camps, or all-day camps.
Cirquetastic Holiday Camp - December 20, 21, 23, 27, 28, 29
There are daily sessions for two different ages, at Cirquetastic over the holidays. With one session for kids 8+ and another for kids 11+, to include three hours of fun. Daily sessions are an inexpensive way to introduce kids to cirquetastic, acrobatics and fun in the gym.
Spend a Morning Snow Tubing - December 30
Hit up the Tubing hill at Sunridge and Snow tube (Children 7+) on the cheap. Get discounted admission for S’mores and Snow Tubing on the hill, and enjoy a fun morning out with the whole family.
Snowshoe and Stargaze at Elk Island Park - December 30
Come take part in two unique experiences at Elk Island National Park: snowshoeing and stargazing! A short guided snowshoe hike around the shore of Astotin Lake takes you atop the snow like a snowshoe hare while stars twinkle overhead. As you march along, the welcoming crackle of a campfire eclipses the soft sounds of nature surrounding you. With a park interpreter and Orion as your guide, gaze up into a sky full of stars and learn to navigate the night sky of the Beaver Hills Dark Sky Preserve. Without the glow of city lights you’ll see more than you knew existed!
New Year’s Eve Beach Ball at WEM - December 31
If you’re looking for fun New Year’s Eve plans with kids, we’ve got you - and it just so happens to be the best party in the city!
Noon Year’s Eve at the Science Centre - December 31
Bring your family! Bring your friends! Ring in the "noon year" together at the science centre, featuring a countdown and the science centre's special twist on fireworks! Hint: this spectacular science demo involves 12 colourful hydrogen balloons!
New Year’s Day at Strathcona Wilderness Centre - January 1
This year's activities include snowshoeing, remote control bobsled races, fire dancer shows, pony rides, caricature drawings, princess story times and meet and greets and more! Warm up with hot chocolate and satisfy your sweet tooth with s'mores, edible candy cane art or Cabane à sucre!
Ride Birds of Paradise at West Edmonton Mall - Daily
There’s a brand new attraction at West Edmonton Mall. You can paddle your way through the pond on a bird of paradise, and it’s a really fun way to experience the mall. You’ll find everything you need to know about the brand new attraction, here:
Explore the Kid-Friendly Installations at Art Gallery of Alberta
Kids get free admission to Art Gallery of Alberta. It’s your chance to visit the ROYGBIV exhibit, over the holidays, without a crowded weekend experience. This one is cool because the kids can TOUCH the exhibit and interact with it in different ways. Don’t skip the kids gallery, your kids are going to LOVE the ‘Soak, Stripe and Splatter’ exhibit.