From Christmas markets to light shows around the city, the holiday season in YYC is certainly in full swing. To ensure you get the full holiday experience, we have put together the ultimate list of to-do’s around Calgary during the holidays.
1. Spend the day wandering around the enchanting Granary Road Christmas Market.
Start your holiday celebrations on December 18th at the enchanting Granary Road Christmas Market. Take in the stunning market in its impressive 40-foot vaulted ceiling building, before wandering through the greenhouse where unique gifts are sure to be found among their collection of artisan vendors and makers.
Where: 226066 112 Street West, Foothills County, AB
When: December 18th 10 am – 5 pm
Price: FREE (food bank donations encouraged)
2. Hit the ice at the Olympic Plaza.
This one is an oldy, but always a goody. Built in 1988, the Olympic Plaza is one of the few refrigerated outdoor ice surfaces in the city and is a beautiful destination to strap on your skates and take part in a classic winter activity.
Where: 228 8 Ave SE, Calgary AB
When: All Month
Price: FREE
3. Or strap on your skates at the new University District outdoor rink.
The newly opened Central Commons Park community ice rink is officially open to the public this month, and it’s the perfect spot for those December date nights! Surrounded by shops and restaurants, take a spin around the ice before grabbing a bite and perhaps a beverage or two at Canadian Brewhouse.
Where: University District’s Central Common Park
When: All Month
Price: FREE
4. Up for a drive? Light the night up at Discovery Wildlife Park.
Although technically not in Calgary, the Discovery Wildlife Park Light the Night display is truly worth the excursion. With an over 2km drive through dazzling lights and displays, which ends at a gift shop and concession it’s the perfect place to get into the festive spirit and enjoy a hot drink and some Christmas shopping.
Where: Discovery Wildlife Park, 5400 42 Ave Innisfail, AB
When: All Month 5 pm – 9 pm
Price: Starting at $30 for up to a group of 8
5. Take in the 36th Annual Lions Festival of Lights.
Want to escape to a winter wonderland without leaving the city? View the 36th annual Lions Festival of Lights in Confederation Park Golf Course. Bring your thermos of hot chocolate and take in the light displays nightly.
Where: Located on Confederation Park Golf Course and can be viewed along 14 St NW, North of 24 Avenue.
When: Nightly from 5:30 pm-midnight
Price: FREE
6. Feel like putting your festivities into party-mode? Check out Freestyle Social Club’s No Work, All Play Holiday DJ Party.
Dig into your closets and grab your ugliest holiday sweaters, ‘cause it’s time to celebrate the season at our first annual Freestyle No Work, All Play Holiday DJ Party. With good music, drink & food features all night long, let’s turn up the festivities!
Where: Freestyle Social Club, 119 12 Ave SW, Calgary, AB
When: December 23rd 8 pm – 11 pm
Price: FREE
7. Looking to get a sweat on before the meal of the season? Try your hand (or should we say foot) at cross-country skiing at the EV Nordic Loop.
Missing your winter activities in the mountains? Discover your new favourite winter escape right here in Calgary. Head on over to the 1km cross-country ski loop on the Fort Calgary lands in winter-friendly East Village. It’s cross-country (and snowshoeing) in the city!
It’s BYOS (bring your own skis) but if you don’t have a pair hiding in the garage rentals will do too!
Where: 750 9 Ave SE, Calgary AB
When: Daily 7 am – 10 pm
Price: FREE
8. After you hit the snow cozy up at Oxbow Restaurant and enjoy a classic Sunday Roast Dinner paired with Chef’s spin on traditional sides.
Warm up with the classic British tradition found right here in the heart of Kensington. Every Sunday, join the Oxbow team for a delicious classic Sunday Roast Dinner paired with horseradish au jus, Yorkshire pudding and traditional fixings. Take it from us… this dinner should absolutely be on your Christmas list.
Where: 1126 Memorial Dr. Nw Calgary, AB
When: Every Sunday 5 pm – close
Price: $39 per person
9. For some family-friendly fun, test your magic & wizard-like putting skills.
Inspired by fantasy and fiction and perfect for all ages, prepare to put your putting skills to the test against smoking cauldrons, giant spiders, 3-eyed toads and mystical potions. Even the most skilled golfer may be stumped (just kidding).
Where: Springbank Links Golf Club, 125 Hackamore Trail, Calgary, AB
When: Thursday – Sunday
Price: $15 per person
10. Find the perfect lookout point and close out 2022 with fireworks from the top of the Calgary Tower.
This New Year’s, find your perfect lookout spot and ring in 2023 with a view of this year’s dazzling firework display from the top of the Calgary tower. Starting at 11:55 pm watch the fireworks from your chosen lookout or from home via live stream. Whichever you choose it’s sure to light up the sky and begin 2023 on a bright note.
Where: Your Perfect Lookout Spot
When: December 31st starting at 11:55 pm
Price: FREE
11. Finish 2022 with the epitome of luxury at our Veuve Clicquot paired NYE dinner.
Champagne is the epitome of luxury, and Veuve Clicquot prides itself on excellence and the finest quality. Featuring Veuve Yellow Label to complement our Yellow Door and an inventive and audacious pairing menu, ring in the New Year at Yellow Door Bistro with our 5-course paired Veuve Clicquot NYE dinner.
Where: Yellow Door Bistro, 119 12 Ave SW, Calgary, AB
When: December 31st, seating at 5 pm, 7 pm, and 9 pm
Price: $190 per person (taxes & gratuity included)
Well that’s all folks! With so much to do we’re sure you’ll be keeping busy this holiday season! From all of us here at Hotel Arts we wish you a jolly holiday season!
