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What is the nickname for Alberta's capital city, Edmonton?

Hey Edmonton!

It is Thursday!

Today we examine the Impact of Royal Alex Site Closure.

Also,  a great selection of 'Things to do this weekend'. :)

Lets get to it!

The supervised consumption site at Edmonton’s Royal Alexandra Hospital, once a vital safety net for inpatients and ER patients, has closed as of December 16, 2025.

This move marks a major shift in Alberta’s approach to addiction, as the province pivots towards a recovery-oriented system of care.

The provincial government cited low usage—just 22 clients per month—and high costs as reasons, instead investing in a new Rapid Access Addiction Medicine (RAAM) clinic at RAH and a 24/7 recovery response team on site.

With only two supervised consumption sites left in the city, local advocates warn of greater risks for people who use drugs, especially amid a 40% jump in opioid EMS calls this year. 

As Edmonton adapts, there’s hope that these new resources will help more people seek treatment, but concerns linger for vulnerable residents not yet ready for recovery.

1. Outdoor and Nature

Candy Cane Lane: One of Edmonton's most beloved Christmas traditions! Walk or drive through 148 Street from 92 Avenue to 99 Avenue to see life-size Santas, reindeer, and incredible festive displays. Vehicle-free nights available on December 23rd and 28th. Bring donations for Edmonton's Food Bank. Date: December 12, 2025 – January 2, 2026 (Nightly) Location: 148 Street, 92 Avenue to 99 Avenue, Edmonton Cost: Free admission (donations for Food Bank encouraged) Click for details

Play Rangers – FREE Outdoor Drop-In: The City of Edmonton's free outdoor play program for kids ages 6-12. December activities include snowshoeing and snow fort building with play leaders. Drop-in, no registration required. Date: Saturday, December 20, 2025 Time: 1:30 PM – 4:30 PM Location: Whitemud Park Day Camp Fire Circle, 13909 Fox Drive NW Cost: Free admission Click for details

Celebrate the Season at Alberta Legislature: Wander the beautifully lit Legislature grounds nightly with FREE festive musical performances in the historic rotunda. Perfect backdrop for holiday photos with family and friends. Date: December 5-20, 2025 (Fridays & Saturdays) Time: Fridays 12:00 PM-1:00 PM & 6:30 PM-7:30 PM; Saturdays 6:30 PM-7:30 PM Location: Alberta Legislature Building, 10820 98 Avenue NW Cost: Free admission Click for details

Magic of Lights (Drive-Through): A spectacular drive-through holiday light experience featuring over a million lights, animated displays, and magical scenes. Perfect for families to enjoy from the warmth of your vehicle. Date: Through December 31, 2025 Location: RAD Torque Raceway, 50342 Range Road, Leduc County Cost: Paid admission (tickets required) Click for details

Zoominescence at Edmonton Valley Zoo: Winter light spectacular featuring beautiful illuminated displays throughout the zoo grounds. Walk through glowing animal sculptures and festive scenes. Date: Through January 4, 2026 (Select evenings) Location: Edmonton Valley Zoo, 13315 Buena Vista Road Cost: Paid admission (tickets required) Click for details

2. Shows & Entertainment 📺

A Christmas Story at Metro Cinema: Watch the beloved holiday classic on the big screen! Metro Cinema's Reel Family Cinema offers FREE admission for kids 12 and under when accompanied by a paying adult. Ralphie's quest for a Red Ryder air rifle never gets old. Date: Saturday, December 20, 2025 Time: 12:30 PM Location: Metro Cinema, Garneau Theatre, 8712 109 Street NW Cost: Free for kids 12 & under with paying adult Click for details

Candlelight: Christmas Special Featuring "The Nutcracker": Experience the magic of "The Nutcracker" and more Christmas classics performed by a string quartet in the intimate, candlelit Betty Andrews Recital Hall at MacEwan University. Date: Friday, December 19, 2025 Time: 6:00 PM & 8:30 PM Location: Betty Andrews Recital Hall, MacEwan University, 11110 104 Avenue NW Cost: Paid admission (tickets required) Click for details

Girl Brain: On Stage: Three friends just want to watch Love Actually together, but life, love, mall cops, and a very wise sea lion keep getting in the way! Packed with all-new sketches, musical parodies, and unstoppable best-friend energy. Date: Through December 21, 2025 Location: Theatre Network, ATB Financial Arts Barns, 10330 84 Avenue NW Cost: Paid admission (tickets required) Click for details

Home Alone on the Big Screen: Watch Kevin McCallister defend his house from bumbling burglars in this holiday classic. Perfect for the whole family on a cozy Sunday afternoon. Date: Sunday, December 21, 2025 Time: Check Metro Cinema schedule Location: Metro Cinema, Garneau Theatre, 8712 109 Street NW Cost: Paid admission (check for family pricing) Click for details

Mrs. Claus Holiday Spectacular Drag Show: A raucous drag and burlesque variety show featuring Claudia Claus recounting how she bagged the man with the bag! Featuring some of Edmonton's finest performers with holiday cheer and adult humor. Date: Friday, December 19, 2025 Location: House of Hush Burlesque Cost: Paid admission (tickets required) Click for details

3. Arts, Crafts & Culture 🎭

The Art of Banksy: "Without Limits" Exhibition: Explore over 200 works from the legendary graffiti artist Banksy, including original pieces, prints, sculptures, photographs, and reproduced murals. Some works have been recreated using the artist's stencil technique exclusively for this exhibition. Date: October 17, 2025 – January 11, 2026 (Daily 10 AM – 9 PM, closed Dec 25) Location: Edmonton City Centre Mall (Main Floor East), 10025 102A Avenue NW Cost: From $26 CAD (paid admission) Click for details

Edmonton Christmas Market: It's the final weekend! Explore curated local vendors, festive treats, live entertainment, Fort Edmonton Park's historic carousel, Christmas streetcar rides, and NEW this year – ice slides! Use promo code YEGXMASFUN2025 to save 15%. Date: November 29 – December 21, 2025 Time: Thursday-Friday 3:00 PM-10:00 PM; Saturday 12:00 PM-10:00 PM; Sunday 12:00 PM-8:00 PM Location: Fort Edmonton Park, 7000 143 Street NW Cost: Paid admission (promo code available) Click for details

The Anarchist Art Ball: A multidisciplinary art show, marketplace, and formal night built by and for independent artists, makers, and dreamers. Celebrate another year of underground creation, collaboration, and defiance with Edmonton's art community. Date: Friday, December 19, 2025 Location: Red Cat Studio (check website for address) Cost: Paid admission (tickets required) Click for details

Free Crafts at Michaels Stores: Drop in to paint an ornament! Most Michaels locations offer free weekend crafting for kids. All supplies included, no registration required. Perfect for a quick family activity. Date: Saturday, December 20, 2025 Time: 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM Location: Various Michaels locations throughout Edmonton Cost: Free admission Click for details

A Midsummer Night's Dream on Stage: Experience Shakespeare's whimsical comedy of magic, romance, and mischief! Set in an enchanted forest with four young lovers, amateur actors, and fairy royalty. A night of hilarious mix-ups and chaotic confusion. Date: Friday, December 19, 2025 Location: Check Edmonton theatre listings Cost: Paid admission (tickets required) Click for details

Glow Edmonton: Enchanted Forest: Edmonton's cozy indoor Christmas light festival! Over 100,000 sq ft of glowing displays, activities including Santa's Sleigh VR, Snowball Fun Zone (FREE), cookie decorating with Mrs. Claus, and visits with Santa or princesses. Use promo code EnchantedPlayground for 10% off. Date: December 4-31, 2025 (Select days, check schedule) Location: Edmonton EXPO Centre, Halls B & C, 7515 118 Avenue NW Cost: Paid admission (promo code available for 10% off) Click for details

Holiday Fun at TELUS World of Science: Help build a MASSIVE cardboard dinosaur theme park, learn about the science of snowflakes, taste gingerbread-flavored ice cream made with liquid nitrogen! Also catch Laser Holiday Magic and The Polar Express 3D in IMAX. Date: December 20 – January 4, 2026 (9:00 AM – 5:00 PM, closed Dec 24-25) Location: TELUS World of Science, 11211 142 Street NW Cost: Paid admission (Kids 17 & under FREE with Canada Strong Pass until Jan 15) Click for details

Drop-In Winter Fun at Royal Alberta Museum: Daily drop-in activities including "Winter Dance, Play & Learn" (10:30 AM daily) and "Make a Pinecone Bird Feeder" (1:00 PM daily). Self-guided activities like Cardboard Workshop and Fishing Pond available anytime. Date: December 20 – January 4, 2026 (10:00 AM – 4:00 PM, closed Dec 24-25, Jan 1) Location: Royal Alberta Museum, 9810 103A Avenue NW Cost: FREE for kids 17 & under with Canada Strong Pass Click for details

Skate with Santa (FREE Event): Grab your ugly Christmas sweater, helmet, and skates and head to Kinex Arena to skate with Santa and The Grinch! Completely free family fun. Date: Sunday, December 21, 2025 Time: 1:45 PM – 3:15 PM Location: Kinex Arena, St. Albert (check address) Cost: Free admission Click for details

Behind the Apron: Cooking Workshop with Ashley (FREE at EPL): A hands-on Indo-Fijian cooking workshop led by Ashley Prasad, an Indo-Fijian home cook and cultural storyteller. Learn about flavours, techniques, and history through an immersive culinary experience. Date: Sunday, December 21, 2025 Location: Edmonton Public Library (check specific branch) Cost: Free admission Click for details

Bingo Loco: Name That Song: NOT your grandma's bingo! This is a bingo party complete with music game show, throwback anthems, lip sync battles, dance-offs, dancers, confetti showers, CO2 cannons, rave rounds, and conga lines. Wild night guaranteed! Date: Saturday, December 20, 2025 Location: Check Ticketmaster for venue details Cost: Paid admission (tickets required) Click for details

The Druid – Iconic Irish Pub Returns: Edmonton's favourite Irish pub has returned to a new iconic location at Mercer Warehouse in Ice District! Same heart, refreshed space, and a cold pint waiting. Perfect for a weekend pint or downtown celebration. Date: Open this weekend Location: Mercer Warehouse, 10363 104 Street NW, Ice District Cost: No cover (pay for food/drinks) Click for details

Mercy Funk Holiday Show: A very nice time filled with laughs, love, and plenty of grooves to carry you into the season. Whether it's a friend catch-up or pre-holiday dinner vibe check, Mercy Funk makes the day extra festive with funk music. Date: Saturday, December 20, 2025 Location: Theatre Network, ATB Financial Arts Barns Cost: Paid admission (tickets required) Click for details

How the Grinch Stole Brunch at Dolly's Cocktails: A drag brunch spectacular! The Grinch's heart grew three sizes and he's celebrating with his loved ones (the audience). Enjoy Who-Hash, Who-pudding, and a silly show hosted by Stretcher Hartout with musical companion Max and Pheromone Killz. Date: Sunday, December 21, 2025 Location: Dolly's Cocktails (check address) Cost: Paid admission (includes brunch) Click for details

Art Party at Art Gallery of Alberta: The AGA's late-night celebration where art, style, and community collide. From 9 PM to late, enjoy live DJ sets, dancing, immersive gallery experiences, festive treats, and creative cocktails in this after-hours creative playground. Date: Check AGA schedule for December dates Location: Art Gallery of Alberta, 2 Sir Winston Churchill Square Cost: Paid admission Click for details

Edmonton Oilers vs. Vegas Golden Knights: From the roar of the crowd to the stunning pre-game light show, every Oilers home game is a must-see event! Watch world-class talent including some of hockey's biggest stars, with premium concessions and the incredible atmosphere that only Oil Country delivers. Date: Sunday, December 21, 2025 Time: 6:00 PM puck drop Location: Rogers Place, 10220 104 Avenue NW Cost: Paid admission (tickets available on Ticketmaster) Click for details

Nitro Circus: Off The Rails Tour: High-flying stunts, extreme action, and heart-pounding excitement! Nitro Circus brings the world's best action sports athletes performing jaw-dropping tricks on BMX bikes, skateboards, and more. Perfect for adrenaline junkies and families alike. Date: Saturday, December 20, 2025 Time: 7:00 PM Location: Rogers Place, 10220 104 Avenue NW Cost: Paid admission (tickets available) Click for details

Top Talent Wrestling: Local professional wrestling action! Watch Edmonton's top wrestling talent compete in an evening of high-energy entertainment, dramatic storylines, and athletic prowess. Date: Friday, December 19, 2025 Time: 6:00 PM Location: Midway - Edmonton Cost: Paid admission (tickets required) Click for details

Swim with Santa (Sherwood Park): Not exactly a sport, but active fun! Warm up with tropical vibes at this annual event featuring photos with Santa, pool games, and mermaids! Toonie admission rates apply – amazing value for families. Date: Saturday, December 20, 2025 Time: 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM Location: Emerald Hills Leisure Centre, Sherwood Park Cost: Toonie ($2) admission Click for details

Play Rangers Outdoor Adventures (Snowshoeing & Fort Building): Active outdoor fun for kids! December activities include snowshoeing and snow fort building. Free drop-in program led by City of Edmonton play leaders. Date: Saturday, December 20, 2025 Time: 1:30 PM – 4:30 PM Location: Whitemud Park, 13909 Fox Drive NW Cost: Free admission Click for details

Languages and Coffee at Edmonton Language Meetup: Practice your language skills in a fun, dynamic, non-judgmental space. Whether you speak English, French, German, Spanish, or another language, this meetup welcomes all levels and languages. Date: Sunday, December 21, 2025 Time: 2:00 PM MST Location: Check Meetup.com for venue Cost: Free to attend (pay for your own coffee/drinks) Click for details

ELM Christmas Party: Edmonton Language Meetup's holiday celebration! Connect with language learners and multicultural friends in a festive setting. Great opportunity to practice languages and make new friends. Date: Friday, December 19, 2025 Time: 7:00 PM MST Location: Check Meetup.com for venue Cost: Free to attend Click for details

It is Mahjong Time!: Join fellow Mahjong enthusiasts for an evening of tile games and socializing. All skill levels welcome, from beginners to experienced players. Regular Friday evening meetup. Date: Friday, December 19, 2025 Time: 6:00 PM – 10:00 PM MST Location: Mah Society, 9643 okîsikow Way NW Cost: Free to attend Click for details

Let's P.O.P. YEG Artists, Gamers, and Makers: Community meetup for artists, gamers, and creative makers. Share your projects, play games, and connect with Edmonton's creative community in a welcoming atmosphere. Date: Check Meetup.com for weekend events Location: Various locations Cost: Free to attend Click for details

Dungeons & Dragons Meets YEG: Join fellow D&D enthusiasts for tabletop gaming adventures. Whether you're an experienced player or new to roleplaying games, this is a great way to meet fellow gamers and explore new campaigns. Date: Check Meetup.com for weekend sessions Location: Various locations Cost: Free to attend Click for details

Our Food & Drink, and Happy Hours sections are now featured exclusively in our sister publication Edmunchie.com : Click here

Edmonton's War on Speed: Are the 40 km/h Speed Limit Reductions Actually Making Streets Safer?

"Festival City" or "Gateway to the North"

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