Congrats on making it through the thick of the holidays and another busy December weekend! Not sure how to celebrate a family dinner, gift exchange or bake-off well done? Here are 10 exciting things to do this week in and around Calgary! It’s going to be a good one, we can feel it!

GO BOXING DAY SHOPPING

It’s been one heck of a year and in the spirit of giving, here’s a little advice. Don’t pay full price for anything! This Monday, hit the web or your fave local shop and cash in one of those gift cards you received this season. After all, you deserve it!

WANDER THE LIONS PARK FESTIVAL OF LIGHTS

Still in the holiday spirit? Grab a friend, a family member or a hot date, and take in the beautiful lights along 14th street. Dress warm, grab a hot chocolate and enjoy. The best part? It’s free to attend!

When: Until January 7th, 2023
Where: Confederation Golf Course – 14th Street NW, Calgary
Time:  6 pm – 12 am
Cost: FREE

SPONSORED PICK: GET ALL YOUR LAST-MINUTE NYE PARTY SUPPLIES

The countdown to 2023 is starting soon, and it’s time to get ready for NYE! Party City Canada is your one-stop-shop for all the goodies you’ll need for an unreal party: decor, balloons tableware, wearables, noisemakers, even piñatas!

When: Open Monday-Friday 10AM to 6PM, Saturdays 9AM-6PM. Holiday hours may vary. Please call ahead to confirm.
Where: Click here to search for the closest store to you
Cost: Check out Party City Canada’s website for all deets!

EXPLORE SPARKLE SPARKLE

If of course, you still haven’t had your fill of LEDs and festive music. This week, you can check out TELUS spark for a super-charged evening of lights, fun and tasty treats.

Where: 220 Saint George’s Drive Northeast, Calgary
Time: 9 am – 9 pm
Cost: $19+

GRAB A DRINK AND TEE OFF AT POTION PUTT

Did your Hogwarts acceptance letter get lost in the mail? Inspired by a wonderful world where magic, beasts and humans coexist, this competitive pop-up features 9 holes where golfers will encounter everything from toads and pumpkins to portals and spiders. Good luck and have fun!

When: Until May 31st, 2023
Where: Springbank Links Golf Club – 25 Hackamore Trail, Calgary
Cost: $15

CATCH A BATTLE OF ALBERTA

Toss on a jersey and head over to the Saddledome where you’re encouraged to grab a pocket dog, a beer and an epic battle of Alberta! For tickets check out the link above and enjoy! It’s going to be a wild one.

When: Tuesday, December 27th, 2022
Where: 555 Saddledome Rise SE
Cost: $184+

CHECK OUT CANYON SKI RESORT’S GLOW TUBE NIGHTS

Skiing isn’t for everyone and honestly, we get it. From the gear to the know-how, it can be a lot but luckily there’s an alternative! This Thursday or Friday night, check out Canyon Ski Resorts Glow Tube Night! An adrenaline-inducing evening of colourful lights and winter excitement.

When: Thursdays and Fridays (weather permitting)
Where: 38433 Range Road 264A, Red Deer Country, AB
Time: 5:30 pm – 7:30 pm
Cost: $25

TASTE TEST YOUR WAY DOWN THE HOT CHOCOLATE TRAIL

Last chance, Calgary! This week, 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, 2023
Where: See locations above

GO SKATING ON ONE OF CALGARY’S ICE TRAILS

Another crazy year has come and gone – but while our feet are tired, we can’t wait to shove ’em into a pair of skates! This week, those looking to get their blades frosted can hit one of the two magical ice skating trails, now open within Calgary’s city limits.

OR OLYMPIC PLAZA

Want something a little more populated? This week, Calgarians are encouraged to check out Olympic Plaza, one of the city’s most beautiful outdoor rinks open now and lit up for the season.

Where:  228 8 Ave. SE, Calgary
Cost: FREE

HIT THE CALGARY ZOOLIGHTS

We’ve all got our traditions – but Zoolights is a Calgary fave! Showcasing millions of lights, activities and so much more, this magical event is another must-visit this season.

When: Until January 8th, 2022
Where: Calgary Zoo, 210 St. George’s Drive NE
Cost: $21.95 for adults, $14.95 for children

WIND DOWN AT THE NORDIC SPA 

Now that the busiest part of the season is behind us, why not spend a day at the Nordic Spa where you can totally unwind, disconnect and relax? From facials and massages, this alpine sanctuary has everything you’ll need to revamp before things pick right back up in the new year,

Where: 1 Centennial Dr, Kananaskis
Cost: Prices vary

And there it is, friends! 10 things to do in Calgary this week. It’s sure going to be a busy one!