New year, new month, new plans and new opportunities! 2022 is finally here and with it, 365 days of events and activities to keep us busy. Of course, if we shared them all, it could get a little overwhelming so let’s start with the first 31. From light displays to winter festivals here are 23 things to do in Calgary this January!
ARTS AND CULTURE
VIEW THREE NEW EXHIBITS AT CONTEMPORARY CALGARY
What once was a planetarium, Contemporary Calgary is now a destination for modern and contemporary art. And from now until January 30th, they’re displaying three solo exhibitions of local and national artists. For more information, visit www.contemporarycalgary.com.
When: Thursdays – Saturdays
Where: 701-11 Street SW Calgary, Alberta
EXPERIENCE THE MAGIC OF THE LAKE LOUISE ICE FESTIVAL
We’ve said it before and we’ll say it again. This time, loud enough for the people in the back! Alberta is an incredible place in the wintertime, but if you weren’t already convinced of this, we’ve got an event that will make you see it in a whole new light. This January, experience the enchanting Lake Louise Ice Magic Festival, a dazzling event featuring world-class designers, artists and craftsmen.
When: January 19th – 30th
Where: 111 Lake Louise Dr, Lake Louise, AB
GET OFF THE APPS AND ON TO 17TH
Let 2022 be the year 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
LIGHT THE NIGHT AT CHINOOK BLAST
Celebrating culture, creativity and Calgary, YYC’s Chinook Blast has returned for another year of light, fun and colour! 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.
When: Friday, January 21st – February 27th, 2022
Where: All over Calgary
ROCK ON AT THE BIG WINTER CLASSIC
Featuring several local and national artists, Calgary presents the 2022 Big Winter Classic – a performance series meant to keep you warm throughout the colder months! Over the course of four loud, exciting days, check out various venues around the inner city for concerts, art, and fun.
When: Thursday, January 27-30
Where: See venues above
CELEBRATE THE CHINESE NEW YEAR
From artisan crafts and food trucks, to art performances and demonstrations – Calgary’s Chinese Cultural Centre presents its 2022 New Year 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
WINTER LIGHT DISPLAYS
STROLL CALGARY’S ZOOLIGHTS – ONE LAST TIME
Last chance, Calgary! From now until January 2nd, 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 – it is tradition after all!
When: Until January 2nd
Where:210 St. George’s Drive NE
Time: 5 pm – 9 pm
Cost: $19.95
WANDER THE SPARKLE, SPARKLE INDOOR LIGHT EVENT
Held at Calgary Telus Spark Science Centre, Sparkle Sparkle is celebrating its last few days of magic whimsy and light! Now 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+
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
VISIT THE NIKKA YUKO JAPANESE GARDEN FOR ITS HOLIDAY DISPLAY
Looking for something truly enchanting? This month, check out the Nikka Yuko Japanese Gardens – one of the most beautiful places not just in Alberta, but all of North America! Though it’s best known for its flower gardens, this winter – guests can actually experience the magic of its winter light festival – an event that will take your breath away.
When: Until February 27th
Where: Corner of 9th Ave S &, Mayor Magrath Dr. S, Lethbridge
ENTERTAINMENT
BINGE NETFLIX’S JANUARY RELEASES
From classics to cult faves and originals, Netflix has announced yet, another month, of divine entertainment to get us through the chillier season. This January, those who would prefer to stay indoors can binge their way through winter with a ton of new releases! Check out our faves above!
CATCH CANADA’S QUEENS LIVE
Featuring your favourite queens from season 2 of Canada’s Drag Race and the Queen of the North, Brooke Lynn Hytes, this January, YYC will see the kick-off to a multi-city tour from coast to coast.
When: January 8th
Where: Canada Olympic Rd SW Calgary AB T3B
Cost: $63+
FOOD, DRINK AND SHOPPING
INDULGE DURING THE ZOO SAFARI BRUNCH
2022 is off to a good start, with Calgary’s favourite attraction hosting a wildly delish event! This January, bundle up, head out and eat your way through to the afternoon at the Zoo Safari brunch!
When: January 16th
Where: 210 St. George’s Drive NE, Calgary
Cost: $15.25+
PAY TRIBUTE TO THE MAKERS OF ALBERTA’S CRAFT SPIRITS
What better way to kick of the new year than with a little community spirit? Likewise, is there anything that brings people together quite like drinks, food and friends? This January, find the answer at the bottom of a glass when you check out TRIBUTE Craft Spirits Celebration, a tasty festival produced by MADE WITH LOVE in participation with Banff and Lake Louise Tourism.
When: January 19th – 30th | Outdoors January 28th-29th
Where: Bear Street, Banff Alberta
FALL DOWN THE RABBIT HOLE AT THE ALICE POPUP
From one rabbit hole to the next, 2022 is expected to bring the whimsy and magic that we’ve been missing over the last two years. This January, experience a topsy turvy world where colours are a little brighter, directions are up for interpretation and unbirthdays are as merry can be with a ticket to the immersive Alice In Wonderland Cocktail bar popup in Calgary.
When: Thursday, January 27th – March 31st
Where: #1 – 3300 14th Ave NE, Calgary
Cost: $47
OUTDOORS AND IN THE MOUNTAINS
RENT A FIREPIT
Bundle up, s’more lovers. After an incredibly successful pilot year, the FEE 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!
OLYMPIC PLAZA SKATING RINK
Lace-up and get ready to feel the chilly wind through your hair! Olympic Plaza, one of the city’s favourite ice skating rinks, is frozen over and open to the public. Check it out and enjoy, folks!
Where: 228 8 Ave. SE, Calgary
Time: 6 am – 11 pm
OR ONE OF CALGARY’S ICE TRAILS
Feeling more ‘linear?’ 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.
EXPLORE THE ATHABASCA ICE CAVES
Looking for something seriously magical this season? Gear up for one of the most incredible winter experiences in Alberta. Located along the Columbia icefields this one-of-a-kind spot is an iconic tourist destination – and just looking at the photo’s it’s pretty clear why. Surrounded by rich blue ice, the Athabasca caves are a sight to behold.
Where: Directions here
SKI THE EAST VILLAGE NORDIC LOOP
It’s back, snowfolk! 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
WATCH NIGHTRISE AT THE BANFF GONDOLA
This winter, the company behind the high climbing Banff Gondola attraction introduced Nightrise – an immersive activity that merges multimedia, storytelling and nature for what they’re calling a “new and inspiring perspective” – and believe us when we say, that it’s definitely worth checking out! For more information and tickets, check out the link above
When: Until March 12th
Where: 100 Mountain Ave, Banff, AB
Time: 5 pm
Cost: $56
TAKE A DIP IN A HOT SPRINGS
This winter, warm up – with a view! Located in Canmore, lesser-known spot, Mystic Springs is far less busy than hot baths in the area, and man is that a treat! An incredibly well-kept secret, guests who visit this month will be able to relax without all of the chaos!
Where: 140 Kananaskis Way, Canmore
SNOWSHOE UNDER THE STARS
This January, enjoy the great outdoors and up your next date night with this one-of-a-kind experience. On this unique excursion, Calgarians will follow a skilled guide on a fresh, starlit tour through forest and snow, then can sip hot cocoa in a secluded meadow. They’ll bring the drinks, the lamps, and the telescope, and all you have to bring is yourself, and a good jacket!
When: Saturday, January 8th, 21st & 22nd
Where: Kananaskis Village Centre- 1 Mt. Sparrowhawk Crescent
Time: 7 pm – 9 pm
Cost: $84.99
Whew, there you have it, friends. 23 things to do in Calgary this January. What will you check out first? Let us know and remember to stay safe, wash your hands and have fun. We’ll see you out there!
