Job well done, folks. We made it through another week, another month and are nearing the end of another year – all of which are cause for a celebration! With a nip in the air, markets, lights and festive events are here and are perfect to get out and live up the first few days of December. Not sure where to start? Here are 10 things to do in Calgary this weekend!
CATCH NIGHTRISE AT THE BANFF GONDOLA
This weekend, head to Alberta’s Rocky Mountains, where Pursuit (the company behind the high climbing Banff Gondola) has kicked off Nightrise – an immersive activity that merges multimedia, storytelling to create an inspiring experience, unlike anything you’ve seen before!
When: Thursday, December 2nd – March 12th
Where: 100 Mountain Ave, Banff, AB
Time: 5 pm
Cost: $56
LIGHT UP THE PARK
Bundle up, friends! Alpine Park is hosting their ‘Celebrate the Season’ event and starting this Saturday you can check out “Light up the Park,” a magical light display where you can wander dazzling residential displays, grab some cookie decorating kits and enjoy some carolers. Plus, in the spirit of Christmas & friendly holiday competition- their Festive Tree Challenge for charity also kicks off!
When: Saturday, December 4th
Where: Directions here
Time: 5 pm- 6 pm
Cost: FREE
VISIT THE CHRISTMAS MARKET
Need to check off a few things on your to-buy list? Check out the Kensington market, where attendees can bundle up, enjoy tasty treats and find the perfect gift for a loved one or friend. For more information check out the link above!
When: Friday, December 3rd – 4th
Where: 1205 Kensington Road NW (parking lot)
Time: Friday from 4 pm – 9 pm | Saturday from 11 pm – 4 pm
Cost: FREE
OR THE SASKATOON FARM CHRISTMAS MARKET
This weekend, shoppers can enjoy the holiday season with goods made by local artists, bakers, and pro crafters at the Saskatoon Farm Christmas Market! Meet and greet special guests, including Santa Claus and the Grinch, and indulge in some incredible tasty snacks! We’re talking fresh mini donuts, kettle corn, soft pretzels, and cinnamon buns (just to name a few). Yum!
When: Friday, December 3rd – 5th and 10th – 12th
Where: 80181 338 Ave East Foothills, AB
Time: See times above
Cost: $6
NOG YOURSELF OUT AT SIPPIN’ SANTA
It’s time to jingle jangle, Calgary! With a one-of-a-kind concept, this weekend’s only tropical holiday pop-up continues, featuring classic sips like their Kringle Kolada, Christmas Eve of Destruction and of course their sippin’ Santa, as well as brand new drinks like their white Russian Christmas and Yule Log Grog (just to name a few.) Don’t miss out!
When: Until December 31st
Where: 1530 5 St SW, Calgary, AB
WALK THE SPARKLE, SPARKLE INDOOR LIGHT EVENT
Don’t bother with the layers, folks. This weekend, head to the Calgary Telus Spark Science Centre, where Sparkle Sparkle has retunrned for another year of magic, whimsy and light! This season until January 2nd Calgarians can check out an event unlike anything else in the city and maybe score some date-night points in the process.
When: Until January 2nd
Where: 220 Saint George’s Drive Northeast, Calgary
Time: 5:30 pm – 9:30 pm
Cost: $19+
OR CALGARY’S ZOOLIGHTS
It’s tradition! This weekend ogle millions of enchanting lights strung through the trees at the Calgary Zoo, grab a hot cocoa, a snack and take a seat by the fire. Heck, while you’re there, maybe go for a lap or two around their skating rink, or pop a squat with the big man himself.
When: Until January 2nd
Where:210 St. George’s Drive NE
Time: 5 pm – 9 pm
Cost: $19.95
CATCH USS LIVE
Miss live music? So did we – which is why you won’t want to miss this one, folks! On Saturday, December 4th check out USS live at Commonwealth Calgary and get back to the things you love with the people you like the most.
When: Saturday, December 4th
Where: 731 10 Ave SW, Calgary
Time: 9 pm
Cost: $32
TASTE TEST YOUR WAY DOWN THE HOT CHOCOLATE TRAIL
Thirsty? This weekend, head to Banff and wet your whistle with 20 different hot chocolates from cafes, restaurants, bars, and convenience stores all over Banff and Lake Louise. Each drink is uniquely themed, holiday-centric, and only available for a limited time, so mark down your favourites from the list above and head out!
When: Until January 1st
Where: See locations above
WALK LEGACY’S LIGHT DISPLAY
Stretch those legs, cozy up, and don’t forget the hot cocoa 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
