Holy mackerel, folks! Here we are, at the tail end of another pretty weird year. Well, we’re already looking forward to 2022, whatever it may bring. If you’re hoping to get on that level, then we’ve got some great ways to spend the week leading up to New Year’s.

Here are 10 of the best things to do in Edmonton this week.

HOLLYWOOD FOR THE HOLIDAYS

While the Edmonton Symphony Orchestra has changed the rules in light of new guidance, they are still hosting some holiday concerts this week! The Hollywood for the Holidays shows will be, you guessed it, playing some of the most iconic and notable songs and soundtracks from the silver screen,

When: Showtimes Tuesday, December 28 to Thursday, December 30th
Where: 4 Sir Winston Churchill Square Northwest
Cost: $25+

WATCH A BLOCKBUSTER MOVIE

Of course, we should also mention that there is no shortage of incredible new releases to check out at any Cineplex location. The new Spider-Man, a new Matrix movie, family favourites like Sing 2… the list goes on, and is sure to have something for any kind of movie fan.

When: Showtimes throughout the weekend
Where: Locations around Edmonton
Cost: Varies

DO SOME BOXING WEEK SHOPPING

Craving a little bit of retail therapy this week? Us too. Well, we’re going to be looking around our local shops, but for those looking for some bigger/more popular options, we’ve got a roundup of the biggest national brands offering deals.

When: Deals vary per store
Where: All around Edmonton

2022 WORLD JUNIOR CHAMPIONSHIP

Although the fan situation has changed, the World Juniors still kicked off in Edmonton and Red Deer this weekend! You can still get tickets for most of the games, and of course, there will be extensive TV coverage throughout the tournament.

When: Games throughout the week
Where: 10220 104 Avenue NW
Cost: Varies

MUTTART CONSERVATORY

If you’re not feeling winter’s chilly embrace, remember that the Muttart Conservatory is back in action! Take a trip to this incredible indoor garden in the city, which we admit might double as one of our favourite buildings in the city.

When: Open throughout the week
Where: 9626 96a Street NW
Tickets: $14.95 for GA

ART GALLERY OF ALBERTA

It’s never a bad time to hit up the AGA, but right now is particularly nice. There are a whopping 8 different exhibitions and installations to check out, in addition to the permanent collection. Know what that means? Hours of cultured fun!

When: Open Wednesday, December 29th and Thursday, December 30th
Where: 2 Sir Winston Churchill Square
Cost: $14

ROYAL ALBERTA MUSEUM

On the flipside, one exhibition in particular at the RAM has caught our eyes in a big way. The Abandoned Alberta exhibition is a showcase of Alberta’s haunting abandoned buildings, which we must admit we think is super cool to look at.

When: Open Wednesday to Friday
Where: 9810 103a Avenue NW
Cost: $21

ACC ICE WALL

Ok, these final few picks are for those who actually want to brave the cold. First up- the ACC Ice Wall, which arrived in the city last year and soon became a favourite for climbers of all abilities. After all, when else could you actually climb up a sheet of ice in a safe manner?

When: Open throughout the week
Where: 9613 96 Avenue NW
Cost: $19+

RABBIT HILL

Don those extra layers and head to the ski hill for some Sunday hot laps? Why not! At those lows, we doubt there will be too many people standing around in the lift lines with you.

When: Open throughout the week
Where: 20715 57 Avenue SW
Cost: Varies

VICTORIA PARK ICEWAY

Of course, our top pick for those looking to do a little skating this week is the Victoria Park Iceway. Just make sure you bundle up, and maybe have, oh we don’t know, like 4 litres of hot chocolate sitting in a thermos for when you get back to your car.

When: Open throughout the week
Where: 12030 River Valley Road NW
Cost: Free

That’s what we’ve got in mind for this week, Edmonton! Have fun and stay safe out there.