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Non-Festive Things to Do On Christmas Day

Need to get out of the house, but not looking for something Christmas-related on December 25th? Despite a lot of closures, it’s easy to fill a day. Christmas day also happens to be the best day for minimal lineups and crowds.

Got something else to add to the list? Leave it in our comments section so others can join you.

 

Go Under the Sea

The ROM, AGO, Toronto Zoo, Hockey Hall of Fame and Ontario Science Centre are all closed on Christmas Day, but if you’re looking to take in a major attraction, Ripley’s Aquarium of Canada (288 Bremner Boulevard) is open from 9 a.m. to 11 p.m.

 

Celebrate Cinema

See Rogue One: A Star Wars Story if you haven’t yet, or watch movies released Dec. 25, like Fences (Denzel Washington, Viola Davis), Gold (Bryce Dallas Howard, Matthew McConaughey), Live by Night (Zoe Saldana, Ben Affleck) or Toni Erdmann (Sandra Huller, Peter Simonischek). Movie theatres throughout the city are open for the latest blockbusters, or check out showings of Howl’s Moving Castle, Julieta, E.T., Vertigo and 2001: A Space Odyssey at TIFF Bell Lightbox (350 King Street West). No attention span? Tune in to the world’s best commercials at the Hot Docs Ted Rogers Cinema (506 Bloor Street West).

 

Hit the Ice

If you’re looking for some activity, or maybe just an opportunity to people watch, Nathan Phillips Square rink (100 Queen Street W) or the Natrel Rink at Harbourfront Centre (235 Queens Quay West) offer a chance for both. Skates and helmets are available to rent on site.

Warning: if you’re looking to completely avoid Christmas altogether, ie lights and festive decor, you might want to look for a more low key neighbourhood ice rink.

Photo Courtesy Michael Muraz via flckr

 

Volunteer

You might not celebrate Christmas, but might be game to make sure others can. In that case, check out websites for the Covenant House or Christie Ossington Neighbourhood House to see if they need volunteers to help serve a hot meal (St. Paul’s Bloor Street volunteer positions are filled at the time of this posting). For more volunteering ideas, today or year-round, checkout Volunteer Toronto.

 

Get Your Bowl On

Bathurst Bowlerama (2788 Bathurst Street at Glencairn) is open from 10 a.m. until 11 p.m. on Dec. 25 and features bowling, pool, video games and a licensed bar.

A photo posted by CODY LE (@cdyl) on

 

 

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