And just like that, 2021 is coming to a close! Is it just us, or does anyone else feel like this year went by in the blink of an eye? Well, no matter how you’re feeling about the New Year, we’re hoping to make it that much better with some nice options around the city.
Here are 10 of the best things to do in Edmonton this weekend.
NEW YEAR’S EVE FIREWORKS
While the fireworks show in downtown Edmonton has been cancelled, the nearby one in St. Albert is still on! What’s more, the fireworks will be starting around 8:30PM, which means you won’t have to be hanging around until midnight to catch ’em. Good- we’re reserving midnight to a toast.
When: Friday, December 31st
Where: St. Albert, multiple viewing locations
Cost: Free!
RABBIT HILL
Ready to absolutely dominate your surroundings and the weather? Don those extra layers and head to the ski hill for some Sunday hot laps! With the temperature, we doubt there will be too many people standing around in the lift lines with you.
When: Open throughout the weekend
Where: 20715 57 Avenue SW
Cost: Varies
ACC ICE WALL
Our next pick for outdoor options this weekend is 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 weekend
Where: 9613 96 Avenue NW
Cost: $19+
VICTORIA PARK ICEWAY
Of course, our top pick for those looking to do a little skating this weekend 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 weekend
Where: 12030 River Valley Road NW
Cost: Free
LUMINARIA
While the frosty weather has affected the regular hours of this incredible light display, we’re holding out hope that there will be at least a few days where you can go check it out. If you haven’t, we highly suggest you do- the U of A Botanic Garden is pretty enough on its own, but downright beautiful during Luminaria.
When: Open throughout the weekend, weather dependent
Where: 51227 AB-60, Spruce Grove
Tickets: $21 for GA
ZOOMINESCENCE
Keep in mind that Zoominescence ends this weekend! You’ll get to see the zoo transformed by dazzling light installations, ranging from ‘Aurora Animals’ to a ‘Carnivore Canopy’. With dozens of different installations stretching practically across the entire zoo, the experience is a great way to deal with those early sundown blues we all know and love.
When: On until Sunday, January 2nd
Where: 13315 Buena Vista Road
Cost: $14.95 for GA
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 weekend
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 throughout the weekend
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 throughout the weekend
Where: 9810 103a Avenue NW
Cost: $21
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
That’s what we’ve got in mind for this weekend, Edmonton! Have fun, stay safe, and we’ll see you next year! (We couldn’t help but make the dad joke)
