Lindork’s Lists #146 – More Holiday Giveaways, Free Ice Skating, Holiday Treats & more!
Newsletter for December 14, 2022 – December 20, 2022
Note: this is the public version of my weekly email newsletter that gets sent to subscriber inboxes first each Wednesday. Get the full newsletter first by becoming a free subscriber.
Things to Do This Week
We’re still in a pandemic! Please mask up, stay home if sick, and get vaccinated/boosted.
Holiday Markets continue this weekend! Here’s a few to check out…
A Very Indigenous Holiday Market: I.A.M. Collective presents A Very Indigenous Holiday Market at St. Basil’s Cultural Centre (10819 71 Ave.) this Dec 16-18. Catch an all-Indigenous fashion showcase, drag show, jigging, Pow Wows, crafts, food, beadwork, live entertainment, plus lots of vendors to shop from.
Last Chance Holiday Market: The Shamrock Curling Club is hosting the Last Chance Holiday Market this Sunday, Dec. 18 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Free entry, featuring a dozen local vendors, makers, and artists selling jewelry, clothing, photography, holiday florals and more. The bar will also be open, featuring drink specials while you shop!
Yule Market: Alt After Dark presents their Yule Market this Saturday, Dec. 17 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Bellevue Community League (7308 112 Ave.) There will be 35 local crafters, vendors and artists. Free entry and the first 25 attendees will receive a free gift!
Attend the City of Edmonton’s Bright Light Skate Night (City Hall Plaza)
Bundle up and head to Churchill Square + the City Hall Plaza this Friday, Dec. 16 from 6-9 p.m. for the Bright Light Skate Night, a free, family-friendly event with skating, a DJ. free hot chocolate, a fire pit, and roving performers. There will also be free skate rentals (first come first serve), and art installations!
P.S. Free City skating rinks like Victoria Oval and IceWay, Rundle Park IceWay, ICE District Plaza are also open for the season (with more to come).
Celebrate the Season at the Legislature (Legislature Grounds – 10800 97 Ave.)
Be sure to check out the free holiday lights at the Alberta Legislature Grounds in downtown Edmonton, and catch free musical performances (check the schedule!) There is also a free Chanukah Celebration Candle Lighting taking place this weekend on Sunday Dec. 18.
Celebrate the Grand Opening of Mod Uncorked in Ritchie (10003 80 Ave.)
Check out the new shops in Ritchie neighbourhood—including the Grand Opening of Mod Uncorked Consignment Store this Saturday, Dec. 17 (there will be in-store sale, giveaways, music, snacks and gifts at 10003 80 Ave.), and Glass Bookshop just opened in Ritchie too (9553 76 Ave.)! While you’re there, stop into Biera for a meal, or grab some Kind Ice Cream!
Catch the Mosaic Exhibit at Art Gallery of Alberta (2 Sir Winston Churchill Sq.)
Plan to pop into the Art Gallery of Alberta and check out their Mosaic Exhibit which showcases a range of artworks across a variety of subjects and mediums by over 80 artists in the ASR (Art Sales & Rentals) Collection. These artists are your neighbours, friends, and family who individually create artworks that, collectively, reveal what life and art is like in Alberta today. You can also purchase works in the exhibit (Christmas presents!) and directly benefit the Artist and programs at the Art Gallery of Alberta.
Don’t forget to book a spot in the Snow Way Out Snow Maze! (ICE District)
Get tickets to the new ‘Snow Way Out’ snow maze in downtown Edmonton (next to Rogers Place). This is a 75’x75′ Oilers-themed maze with photo ops, a slide, and a locker room. It opens Dec. 23 and runs until Jan 29 and you need to buy tickets to access.
And in case you missed it last weekend: Winter in Little Italy runs Dec. 18 too!
Check out the free Winter in Little Italy event (95 St. and 108A Ave.) which runs this Sunday, Dec. 18 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., featuring free horse sleigh rides, a fire pit, marshmallow and chestnut roasting, free hot chocolate, treats, and decorating workshops, ice sculptures, and more! (if you went last weekend, this would be the same programming).
Got an Edmonton area event, virtual event, or something coming up you think my readers would be interested in knowing about? Let me know!
Food to Try This Week
Please continue safely supporting local restaurants, in whatever way works for your comfort levels. If not dining in, please do take-out! Mask-up and please stay home if you’re sick.
Pick up some Filipino treats at Rolymie Bakery (1083 Knottwood Rd.)
I was recently interviewed by a NAIT student who mentioned his family owns Rolymie Bakery, a Filipino bakery (and caterer) in Mill Woods. They’ve got a great assortment of Filipino breads, snacks and desserts you can check out, or consider placing an order for a party tray this season.
Check out Lift Me Up’s Christmas Market + Wine Tasting (10750 124 St.)
Tiramisu Bistro’s Lift Me Up Market is hosting a Christmas Market and Wine Tasting on Saturday, Dec. 17 from 1 to 8 p.m. (30 min time slots). Tickets are just $12 and gets you samples of 3 types of European wine paired with 3 appetizers. You’re also encouraged to shop their adorable market where you can find gift boxes, pre-stuffed stockings, baked goods and more.
Try some poutine from Leopold’s Tavern (10302 82 Ave.)
Mike and I checked out Leopold’s Tavern in Old Strathcona on the weekend and really enjoyed their Cheeseburger Poutine. This is one of many poutine offerings they have, including a rotating weekly special, and you could challenge yourself to their Punchbowl Poutine (1 lb of cheese curds, 4 lbs of potatoes, 1 lb of gravy! lol)
Take a bite of the gnocchi from Bundok (10228 104 St.)
Diane recommends you try the parisienne gnocchi from Bundok downtown if it’s been awhile or if you’ve never had it. Super soft, pillowy, with mushroom, leek ragu and breadcrumbs, it’s actually personally my favourite gnocchi dish in the city! (Their other dishes are delicious too).
Get your Holiday Cookie + Cake + Treat Orders in! (various locations)
I round-up Edmonton bakeries + cafes selling holiday cookie, cake, and other treats this season on my blog as I narrow down my choices and thought I’d help you decide yours! Many pre-order deadlines are coming up so this is your reminder / warning to browse and place an order as soon as possible!!
Eaten something amazing recently? Want to show some love to a struggling restaurant? Have a take-out suggestion? Let me know to include in this newsletter.
You missed Newsletter Giveaways!
My annual “A Very Lindork Christmas” giveaways 🎁 is now running on my social media + blog until Dec. 16, 2022, and I’m excited to give away separate prizes for newsletter subscribers over the next few email newsletters too (plus promo / discount codes you can take advantage of from featured businesses!)
This week, newsletter subscribers got to enter for a chance to win one of 3 prizes:
A 1-night stay in the Canadian Rocky Mountain (Nordegg, Alberta, valued at approx $155) from Beehive Bungalows.
A $50 gift card to Alberta outdoor adventure store Breathe Outdoors (formerly Campers’ Village).
A Dermaplaning Facial + Scalp Massage treatment (valued at $155) from Edmonton Luxury Mobile Spa Kaavish Spa.
I also announced winners for last week’s newsletter subscriber-only prizes:
Margaret B. wins a 12-piece Holiday Collection with chocolate Snowman (valued at $47) from Edmonton chocolatier Chocolate Escapade.
Jeremy R. wins a $50 gift card to Edmonton restaurant Pink Gorilla Pub & Patio.
Navpreet S. wins a dozen Christmas-themed cupcakes valued at $50 from Edmonton gourmet custom cake and cupcake maker The Nancy Bakes.
Be sure to subscribe for free before the Dec 21’s newsletters for a chance at winning more subscriber-only prizes!!
Save this season with my promo codes!
Get 10% off at Chocolate Escapade using code LINDORK10.
Get a bonus $20 when you spend $100 on gift cards at Pink Gorilla Pub & Patio. Just mention LINDORK when purchasing.
Get 20% off the world’s most versatile smokeless firepits from Coulee Outdoor using code LINDORK20.
Get one free custom cake topper with a cake purchase valued at $150 or more from The Nancy Bakes. Just mention LINDORK!
Get 10% off your Beehive Bungalows booking with code LINDORKXMAS. You just have to message them on AirBnB when planning to book so they can apply your discount. Book by Jan 31, 2023 for travel by June 30, 2023.
Get 10% off when you shop at Breathe Outdoors this season using code LINDORK! Note: Until December 24, take advantage of Breathe Outdoors’ Winter Adventure Sale with many items up to 40% off! My 10% off code also saves you on sale items too!
Get 20% off a Kaavish Spa booking when you mention LINDORK20.
Get 10% off at The Fourth Maternity / Baby store using code LINDORK10.
Get 15% off at the Edmonton International Airport’s Value Park using code LINDORK15. Book by Dec. 31, fly by March 31.
Get 20% off at clothing boutique Bamboo Ballroom using my code LINDORK20.
… Even more promo codes to come!
New on the Blog
Check out my new blog round-up of Holiday Cookie Boxes, Cakes and Other Treats to Order This Season in Edmonton (and place your pre-orders ASAP as many deadlines are looming!)
I was also on Cityline TV, North America’s longest-running daytime talk show for women, sharing tips and products to help with travelling while pregnant (while I travelled, while pregnant! 😜) Check out my blog with tips + watch the segment.
From the Blog Vault
I won’t have time to do an updated blog this year on places you can order Take-Home Holiday Meals in the Edmonton Area but using 2021’s list is a good place to start browsing if that is something you’re hoping to do this season. Just be sure to double check for updated order deadlines / pick-up dates.
Popular on my Blog Right Now
Here are the top four most popular posts on my blog this week:
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