Happy New Year, folks! Congrats on surviving the holidays – though we’re sure it was not always easy on your bank account. With so many celebrations behind us, it’s time we do some damage control and you bet your bottom dollar we’re starting with our wallets! Of course, that doesn’t mean we need to watch the next few weeks pass us by from the couch – we can still get out and have fun! Don’t believe us? Here are 10 of the best free and cheap things to do in Calgary this January!
ENJOY THE ENCHANTING ICE MAGIC FESTIVAL
As long as there’s snow on the ground, the magic of winter is all around us! This January, experience the enchanting Lake Louise Ice Festival, a dazzling event featuring world-class designers, artists and craftsmen. Believe us when we say that you won’t want to miss this one, Calgary!
When: January 19th – 30th
Where: 111 Lake Louise Dr, Lake Louise, AB
Cost: $20
SKI THE EAST VILLAGE NORDIC LOOP
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Strap in and bundle up outdoorsy folk! Calgary’s East Village Nordic Loop has reopened for the winter season, but there are a few things to take note of before hitting the ol’ powder trail! Check out the link above for everything that you need to know before getting behind a pair of poles.
Where: See location above
Time: 7 am – 10 pm
Cost: FREE
CHECK OUT THE NATIONAL MUSIC CENTRE
The gift-giving season may be over, but Calgary’s National Music Centre still wants to treat you! Extended for 2022, the NMC will be offering free admission in celebration of Studio Bell’s 5th anniversary, but hurry! This will only last for a limited time! Check out the link above for more information!
Where: 850 4 St SE, Calgary, AB
Cost: FREE
GET OFF THE APPS AND ON TO 17TH
‘Tis the season of love. This January, 17th Avenue will be holding a community-wide two-week long singles ‘festival’, showcasing a bunch of local businesses. For more information about where and when you can check one of their many events, check out the link above!
When: Friday, January 7 – February 28
Where: 17th Ave SW, Calgary
Cost: Prices vary
HIT UP CHINOOK BLAST
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Celebrating culture, creativity and Calgary, YYC’s Chinook Blast has returned for another year of light, fun and colour. The best part? You can partake for FREE! This January, enjoy the very best in local art, music, theatre and recreation in addition to a number of incredible light displays that will be visible throughout the city for less! Is there anything better?
When: Friday, January 21st – February 27th, 2022
Where: All over Calgary
Cost: FREE
CELEBRATE THE CHINESE NEW YEAR
Happy New Year! From artisan crafts and food trucks to art performances and demonstrations – Calgary’s Chinese Cultural Centre presents its 2022 Celebration. Mingle, mix, give and party – after all, it’s the year of the tiger and things are about to get wild!
When: January 28th -30th
Where: Calgary Chinese Cultural Centre, 197 First Street SW, Calgary
Cost: FREE
WALK LEGACY’S LIGHT DISPLAY
Fill a to-go mug and bundle up because the Legacy community light walk has kicked off in YYC. Until January 16th, this FREE event with light the night with over a million tiny bulbs strung up on everything from the clock tower to the houses. Don’t miss it!
When: Until, January 16th
Where: Legacy Calgary – See directions here
Cost: FREE
INDULGE DURING THE ZOO SAFARI BRUNCH
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Hungry for some action?! Check out Calgary’s wildly tasty event – the Safari Zoo Brunch! This January, bundle up, head out and eat your way through to the afternoon surrounded by exotic animals, friends and family.
When: January 16th
Where: 210 St. George’s Drive NE, Calgary
Cost: $15.25+
RENT A FIREPIT
Get out, bundle up! After an incredibly successful pilot year, the FREE Calgary community fire pits are back and available to the public in hopes of warming the chillier months. Check out the link above for where and how you can rent one of these bad boys!
Cost: FREE
HIT ONE OF CALGARY’S ICE TRAILS
Winter is in full swing and while our feet are tired from lugging the rest of our bodies through another crazy year, we can’t wait to shove ’em into a pair of skates! This month, those looking to get their blades frosted can hit one of the two magical ice skating trails, now open within Calgary’s city limits for FREE!
There you have it, folks. 10 free and cheap things to do in Calgary this January. Now get out and enjoy yourselves! You deserve to have some fun!
