10 pandemic-friendly things to do in and around Edmonton during the holidays

Fun ideas inspired by the NAIT community

It’s the most wonderful time of the year – Omicron be darned!

Public health restrictions have put a chill on traditional holiday celebrations but that doesn't mean you can’t enjoy a holiday season full of merriment and memories.

We present a list of fun activities you can do with the family – while still following all the rules needed for a healthy and safe holiday season.

1. Enjoy a nature walk

family walking in the winter

Get into nature without having to get too far out of the city. Check out these great trails suggested by a Biological Sciences Technology grad.

2. Go skating

Man skating in Edmonton

What better activity to celebrate the holidays than skating outdoors? The Ooks women’s hockey team offers these helpful tips for beginners.

3. Enjoy the perfect cup of hot chocolate

hot chocolate and whipped cream

Now that you’re well into enjoying winter in Edmonton, warm up with our favourite hot chocolate recipe, courtesy of a chocolate expert and Culinary Arts instructor.

4. Cook a meal with the kids

kids and parent with messy hands from baking

Cooking with your kids is a great way to enjoy quality time together (and to get them trying new things). Try your hands at sourdough, making stock or broth or roasting the perfect turkey, with these tips from Culinary Arts instructors.

5. Go birdwatching

bird feeder with blue jays

It's the family activity where nature wins too! You get to spend time together noting species that stick around for winter and the birds get a meal. Check out these tips from Biological Sciences Technology instructors and students for attracting a variety of feathery friends to your yard.

6. Make a gingerbread house

gingerbread house

It’s a holiday classic for a reason, so get building and decorating! A Baking and Pastry Arts instructor offers these helpful construction tips and recipes.

7. Check out a patio in winter

takeout illustration

Snacks and drinks outside in winter? You bet – we're Albertans! Check out this list of spots to visit where NAIT grads set the menus, do the cooking or both.

8. Break out the board games

family playing board games

What says quality time better than a board game? Enjoy these recommendations from a grad at Board N Brew Cafe.

9. Make some post-present pancakes

stack of pancakes with blueberries and chia seeds on top

Hungry after all that unwrapping? Try this Culinary Arts instructor's tasty and simple recipe for fantastic flapjacks.

10. Be together

Yukon Jack with the fam

Read, be silly, play video games, whatever. We have this time together, so enjoy it with advice from 100.3 the Bear's Yukon Jack (Radio and Television – Radio ’00).

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