Christmas time in Edmonton is warm and comforting, with many people surrounded by family and friends. But what if you’re alone for the holidays?
Santa’s big day is mere days away, and you might be alone physically, but you’re not alone regarding the larger issue of being alone over the holidays.
If you are staring down the fact you will be spending the Christmas holidays alone, whether it’s by choice or your loved ones got stuck in an airport on their way home, don’t fret. We have rounded up some great things to do in YEG to make the most of it!
What to do if you’re alone in Edmonton this Christmas
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Volunteer opportunities
Volunteering is one great way to avoid spending the holidays alone while contributing to a good cause. Volunteer Connector has a list of different volunteer opportunities available around Edmonton. A quick Google search will lead you to many other opportunities in the region.
If that isn’t your vibe, there are plenty of other ways to volunteer around Edmonton.
Go shopping at a mall
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Most malls in the city, with the exception of West Edmonton Mall, will be closed on Christmas Day. For those seeking a change of pace, a little shopping and the large crowd sizes might brighten your holiday.
Enjoy a holiday-themed event
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Zoominescense
Visit the Edmonton Valley Zoo to enjoy all your favourite animals surrounded by festive light displays at the Zoominescence Festival of Light! This event runs until January 1, 2025, so there is plenty of time to enjoy it over the Christmas break.
Borealis Lights
Borealis Lights in St. Albert is a Christmas drive-through light display in the Kinsmen RV Park. The display promises more than 800,000 twinkling holiday lights, with plenty of light displays and, of course, a drive-through holiday tunnel that you can marvel at while staying warm in your car!
Sippin’ Santa
If you’re looking to get your hands on some holiday-themed cocktails with a tropical twist, look no further than Wilfred’s. The menu includes some delicious holiday options like the Merry Spritzmas and Sugar Plum Mai Tai. You can also enjoy eats from the Wilfred’s menu, such as the delicious Hot Chicken Sandwiches.
Order a cheese pizza
Another way to spend Christmas alone is to follow in the spirit of our friend Kevin McCallister. In case you’re unfamiliar, McCallister was a young boy from Chicago whose family completely forgot about him when they went on a trip to Paris, leaving him all alone.
After some initial panic, McCallister went shopping, fought off burglars by placing traps all over his house, and ordered a cheese pizza without sharing it with anyone.
So go ahead and order that cheese pizza (or whatever kind of pizza you fancy), and throw on a holiday classic like Home Alone.
Enjoy a movie in a theatre
IMP Awards
Landmark Cinemas will be open on Christmas Day; check its website for more details on showtimes. On the other hand, Cineplex will have a select number of screenings on Wednesday, December 25. A list can be found on the Cineplex website.
We suggest grabbing tickets to Nosferatu, the next highly acclaimed film from director Robert Eggers, which will be released on Christmas Day and looks spectacularly terrifying. Other new films landing in theatres over the holiday break include A Complete Unknown and Babygirl.
Return to nature
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Edmonton is home to some seriously beautiful outdoor locations, and if you are looking to get some steps in while enjoying some nature, we recommend a stroll through the river valley or a visit to Elk Island National Park as a lovely Christmas Day activity. Hear the birds sing, get that fresh air into your lungs.
Grab a Starbucks
Starbucks Holiday Cups/Starbucks Canada | Ned Snowman/Shutterstock
Many Starbucks locations across Edmonton will be open on Christmas Day. Typically, at least one or two locations in each of the city’s districts will be open, so be sure to call the locations nearest to you before heading out! We love to be caffeinated, no matter what day it is!
With files from Amir Ali