Family-Friendly New Year’s Eve in Fort McMurray
By New Year’s Eve in Fort McMurray isn’t just for the adult crowd. Of course, our local pubs and restaurants have been advertising events and fun things to do for the plus 18 demographic. But YMM Parents understand that the yesteryears of NYE don’t quite match up to what they are today, and a night out in the city is not as easy to come by.
Thankfully, our community has a lot to offer with plenty of ways to make ringing in 2020 a family-friendly affair. And, there are several options available outside and indoors to make the holiday special for every family member.
Planning to play outdoors? The warmer winter weather will continue into 2020 as The Weather Network is forecasting December 31 to be in +1C and -3C on New Year’s Day.
Family Fun on New Year’s Eve in YMM
#1. The Craze at MacDonald Island: 1 MacDonald Drive
The annual Craze presented by Syncrude starts at noon and ends at 6 p.m. with fireworks. The free community event offers a wide variety of family entertainment with live music and activities. Check out the full event schedule online.
Photo by Regional Recreation Corp.
#2. Outdoor Skating on the Lions Park trail: 3 Tolen Drive
The new skating trail at Lions Park has been the talk of the holiday season. With the recent announcement of its opening, residents have been bringing their skates down to Tolen Drive to check out the outdoor trail. Tip: Try ice skating at night to take in the beautiful tree-lit holiday scenery.
Photo by RMWB
#3. An Afternoon of Gaming at The Alley: 15-8528 Manning Avenue
The Alley YMM is a great way to enjoy an afternoon at the arcade with children at any age – parents included. From nostalgic arcade favourites like Space Invaders to newer interactive games like Let’s Bounce, there are many games to try out. Pricing varies for each guests’ playing experience. For a full list of options, check out the Alley’s website. The Alley also has a great lunch menu featuring kid favourites like the classic pepperoni pizza. Tip: If you haven’t tried deep-fried pickles, having them here is a must!
Photo by YMM Parent
#4. Holiday Flick at Landmark Cinemas: 175 Eagle Ridge Boulevard
Landmark Cinemas is open on New Year’s Eve with many Box Office hits playing like Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker and Jumanji: The Next Level. The first show to play is Spies in Disguise at 10:15 a.m. and the last showtime is the new Star Wars flick in 3D at 10:30 p.m. Find all the listings and showtimes online.
Photo by Landmark Cinemas
#5. Hot Chocolate at Surekha’s on the Snye: 2 Clearwater Drive
Surekha’s on the Syne will be open at 11:30 a.m. for those wanting to enjoy a cup of hot chocolate after some winter walking or tobogganing alongside the Snye River. Surekha’s will also be hosting an evening New Year’s Eve celebration, so regular operating times may vary.
Photo by YMM Parent
#6. Skiing & Tubing at Vista Ridge: 1 Spruce Valley Drive
With the nice winter temperatures, Vista Ridge All Seasons Park has been a hotspot this holiday season and families have been travelling to the local ski hill daily. Vista Ridge is open on New Year’s Eve from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. but will be closed on New Year’s Day. Check out their Facebook page for daily updates and announcements.
Photo by Vista Ridge
At-Home New Year’s Eve Traditions
Some of our family NYE traditions include making root beer floats and watching the New Year’s Eve Ball Drop from Time’s Square on TV. (A little bonus for this one is if you want the kids in bed around 10 p.m., you can watch it live in Eastern time from New York.) Channels like ABC, Fox and NBC all air specials with different hosts.
And, of course, there’s also the closer-to-home on-air celebration with CBC’s New Year’s Eve Countdown hosted by Rick Mercer from St. John’s, Newfoundland. The full list of Canadian performances can be found on CBC’s website. Go to: How to watch Canada’s New Year’s Eve: Countdown to 2020.
So, are you staying in or heading out? Whichever you decide, I hope you have a safe and happy time celebrating and you’re surrounded by the ones you love the most!
Happy New Year, YMM Parents!
