The Best Things to Do on Christmas Day
Inspired ways to make the most of the holiday.
Things to Do on Christmas Day
Hit the ice
Kicking off our list of things to do on Christmas Day is the popular winter pastime—skating! From Ottawa’s Rideau Canal to Toronto’s Nathan Phillips Square, Christmas is the perfect time to lace up those skates and try out your fanciest skater moves. Triple salchow, anyone?
Check out the best outdoor rinks across Canada.
Order takeout from your favourite restaurant
A lot of restaurants around Canada are open for takeout and have special holiday menus. From your local diner to a super fancy spot, why deal with dirty dishes when you don’t have to?
Explore the country’s most unique restaurants.
Take a hike
Throw on those hiking boots or sneakers and hit a winter hiking trail to experience the beauty of nature this Christmas Day. What’s a better gift than relaxing in the great outdoors, which you’ll likely have all to yourself!
Enjoy a Netflix marathon
Baby, it’s cold outside! Stock up on your favourite snack foods, stay in your pyjamas and start up Netflix to binge-watch Gilmore Girls, Schitt’s Creek or Arrested Development.
Check out the best Christmas movies on Netflix Canada now.
Window shop
Take a stroll and enjoy the stunning holiday window displays. Big city stores are known for their fabulous and whimsical Christmas displays and smaller town centres often have fun displays, too.
Check out the best places to spend Christmas in Canada.
Snag some deals online
Get a leg up on those incredible Boxing Day bargains by starting your shopping on December 25. Just make sure you follow these safe online shopping tips, and take these measures to stop porch pirates from snatching up your purchases.
Hit up a Christmas Market
After the last few years in which holiday celebrations were hampered by lockdown conditions, Christmas markets are back in a big way. Take a peek at some of Canada’s best Christmas markets.
Enjoy a winter wonderland
Add a festive trip to the ski slopes to your list of things to do on Christmas Day. Throughout Canada, many mountains are open for fun snowy activities like skiing, snowboarding and tubing. And you’ll likely have your choice of slopes, with a minimal wait for the lift! Just make sure you purchase tickets online ahead of time, if necessary.
Check out the most magical winter resorts across Canada.
Master a mocktail (or cocktail) at home
Even if you don’t have a local pub or an upscale hotel bar just down the street, who says you can’t bartend at home? Festive suggestions include a champagne cocktail, a hot toddy, or a hot buttered rum. (Psst—this is the proper way to serve a Baileys and coffee!)
Treat yourself to brunch
The only thing better than sleeping in on Christmas Day? Waking up to a delicious brunch spread! No trip to the store required—just dig into last night’s leftovers. Now that’s a real holiday treat.
Here are 30 small-scale Christmas dinner recipes to try this year.
Cruise through Christmas lights
Too cold for a walk? You can still enjoy the spirit of the season from the comfort of your own car—check out these drive-through Christmas light displays across Canada.
