The cookies have been eaten, the stockings have been emptied, and the gifts have been opened. Now what? Families seeking to fill the day after Christmas without heading out to hunt for deals can explore various festive options for Boxing Day 2024.
Regina, known for its winter charm, offers plenty of outdoor fun. The City of Regina maintains 50 outdoor skating rinks for free public use, as long as weather permits. Most of these rinks are already operational, with others still undergoing preparation. Public skating indoors is also available from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Clarence Mahon Arena on December 26.
For those interested in hockey, six areas are designated for shinny games, all operating on a first-come, first-served basis. Note, the City Square rink and warm-up shelter at Victoria Park will only open the day after Boxing Day. The skating loop at Echo Valley Provincial Park, about an hour’s drive from Regina, officially opens on Boxing Day. Dubbed Skate the Park, this 900-meter loop encircles the Aspen Campground and features twinkling lights, making it ideal for evening outings. Echo Valley also boasts crokicurl rinks, snowshoeing trails, cross-country skiing routes, and even provides access to a wooden barrel sauna. A Sask Parks pass—$11 for the day or $45 for the entire year—is required for entry.
While Regina lacks significant elevation, families can enjoy the 19 city-designated toboggan hills now active thanks to the winter snow. For those who favor warmth after outdoor activities, the city also features community fire pits throughout its parks, with four new additions this year: Fairchild Park, Horizon Station Park, Rochdale Park, and near the Neil Balkwill Civic Arts Centre. Visitors are reminded to be cautious and to extinguish embers upon leaving.
If the cold isn’t appealing, Regina has several indoor options, too. The Saskatchewan Science Centre is open from noon until 6 p.m. on Boxing Day, with admission priced at $17 per adult and $12 to $14 per child, depending on age; toddlers under two enter for free. The Regina Floral Conservatory also invites visitors to escape the chill with special hours available from noon until 8 p.m., where admission is by donation.
The George Bothwell Library will be the sole branch open on Boxing Day, functioning from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Besides standard library activities, attendees can partake in a social mahjongg event at 1 p.m. Those wishing to engage with holiday-themed entertainment can visit local movie theatres; Moonlight Movies at the Golden Mile will showcase Christmas classics like Home Alone, The Santa Clause, and The Best Christmas Pageant Ever as part of their matinee and evening schedules.
While the Royal Saskatchewan Museum will close its doors for December 26, it will host drop-in holiday activities starting December 27 through January 3, including interactive gallery hunts. Also, for enthusiasts of winter wildlife, Nature Regina’s annual Christmas Bird Count is set for December 28 at 8 a.m. All community members, regardless of birding experience, are welcome to join for the count; interested parties must RSVP to the coordinator listed on Nature Regina’s website.
Moving away from recreation to health, the Stettler Hospital and Emergency Care Centre will be fully operational on Boxing Day, having filled previously identified gaps in physician coverage. Alberta Health Services announced the emergency department would remain temporarily closed from December 30 to January 1 but assured the community of continued nursing presence to triage patients and direct them to alternate care as needed. AHS stated, “When gaps in physician coverage are identified, Alberta Health Services (AHS) has processes in place to seek alternative coverage to avoid disruptions to services,” underlining their commitment to minimizing interruptions.
Meanwhile, travellers utilizing Vancouver International Airport (YVR) should prepare for potential delays around Boxing Day. With the McArthurGlen outlet mall expected to draw heavy shopping crowds, YVR recommends taking the Canada Line, particularly as it is conveniently located near the Templeton Station. For those driving to the airport, extra time is advised, as well as having ready parking plans, which can be pre-booked via YVR’s website.
Finally, Ontario convenience stores will now officially sell alcohol on holidays, including Boxing Day. This new initiative provides customers with options for refreshments during family gatherings, yet it’s important for shoppers to be aware of the specific hours; typically, alcohol sales are permitted from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m., including on holidays. Operated locations are subject to local bylaws, and it’s up to individual store owners to decide on holiday hours.
From outdoor festivities to accommodating holiday sales, Boxing Day 2024 presents diverse activities and services, allowing families to create lasting memories and navigate the post-Christmas period meaningfully.
