We made it, Calgary. Another Thursday is upon us, which means the two days of freedom are nearly here! From markets and events, light displays, and mountain fun – there’s a whole lot to get up to and see – so let’s not waste any more time! Here are 10 things to do in and around Calgary this weekend.
TAKE IN AIRDRIE’S FESTIVAL OF LIGHTS
This weekend, watch as Western Canada’s largest free outdoor walk-through Christmas light display lights the night. This year, Air dries Festival of Light will be celebrating its 25th anniversary and you won’t want to miss it! Bundle up, folks – because it’s going to be bigger and better than ever!
When: Until December 31st
Where: Nose Creek Park in Airdrie, AB
Time: 6 pm – 9 pm
Cost: FREE
WATCH NIGHTRISE AT THE BANFF GONDOLA
Up for a little drive? As if a ride on Banff’s gondola wasn’t already one of the most magical experiences you can have in Alberta’s Rocky Mountains this winter, Pursuit, the company behind the high climbing attraction has introduced Nightrise – an immersive activity that merges multimedia, storytelling and nature. Believe us when we say that it’s unlike anything we’ve ever seen.
When: Until March 12th
Where: 100 Mountain Ave, Banff, AB
Time: 5 pm
Cost: $56
TAKE A LAP AT THE OLYMPIC PLAZA SKATING RINK
Calgarians looking to lace up and take a lap and feel the wind through their hair downtown! This weekend, check out Calgary’s Olympic Plaza, one of the city’s favourite ice skating rinks and get into the spirit of things.
Where: 228 8 Ave. SE, Calgary
Time: 6 am – 11 pm
HIT UP ICE RINKS FOR INCLUSION
Have fun and do some good! This weekend, all-star skater and local legend Elladj Baldé (known by many of you for his insane Instavideos) will host and perform in Ice Rinks For Inclusion; a fundraising event featuring Olympic Gold Medalist, Kaetlyn Osmond and Canadian champion, Nam Nguyen. It’s going to be unreal.
When: Friday, December 17th
Where: 167 Templegreen Road NE, Calgary
Time: 4 pm
SETTLE IN FOR ALBERTA BALLET’S ‘THE NUTCRACKER’
Suit up, Calgary! The talented folks behind the holiday Classic The Nutcracker are set to take the stage this weekend. Featuring dancers from the Alberta Ballet Company with music from the Calgary Philharmonic Orchestra, this magical experience is one you won’t want to miss. After all, hasn’t it just been far too long since you saw a live show?!
When: Until December 24th
Where: 1415 14 Ave NW, Calgary
Time: See times above
Cost: $60+
NOG YOURSELF OUT AT SIPPIN’ SANTA
Thirsty? This tropical holiday pop-up will feature festive sips like their Kringle Kolada, Christmas Eve of Destruction and of course their sippin’ Santa, and man, is it going to be delicious! You want to miss it!
When: Until December 31st
Where: 1530 5 St SW, Calgary, AB
GET IN FOR FREE AT THE NATIONAL MUSIC CENTRE
Can’t wait until the 25th to receive a gift? Christmas has come early at Calgary’s National Music Centre where they’ll actually be offering free admission Saturdays and Sundays in celebration of Studio Bell’s 5th anniversary- check out the link above for more information!
Where: 850 4 St SE, Calgary, AB
SHOP THE MARKET COLLECTIVE HOLIDAY SERIES
This weekend, support local businesses at the annual Holiday Market Collective! Bring your friends, family, and credit card (of course) and enjoy the many vendors, the endless items, and the spirit of Christmas. Just make sure you save some dough for eating and drinking afterward though – you’ll more than likely work up an appetite.
When: Friday, December 17th – 19th
Where: 20 Roundup Way SE, Calgary (Hall B and C)
Time: See times above
Cost: $6 for the weekend
CLIMB ABOARD THE POLAR EXPRESS
Despite knowing that your family and friends make the holidays as cozy as they are, there’s no denying that whimsical events help to make the season bright. From lights and cookies to red suits and music, magical experiences – no matter how grand – will give you the warm fuzzies, especially when they’re well planned! This weekend, sip hot chocolate, mingle with Kris Kringle and relive a childhood favourite aboard Aspen Crossing’s Polar Express Train!
When: Fridays December 17th – 24th
Where: Aspen Crossing – Box 30 Mossleigh, AB
Cost: $66+
CATCH JULY TALK AT THE GREY EAGLE
Known for popular songs like Push + Pull and Picturing Love, singer-songwriters July Talk will take over the Grey Eagle Theatre for one night this month. Grab a drink and check it out Calgary! You won’t want to miss out!
When: Saturday, December 18th
Where: 3777 Grey Eagle Dr, Calgary
Time: 8 pm
Cost: $52
Well, there you have it, friends. 10 things to do this weekend in Calgary! Enjoy yourselves out there!
