Jingle your bells! The jolliest month of the year is finally here and you’re in a ton of luck. This time around, there are a ton of delightfully festive activities that’ll give your wallet a much-needed break before the holidays – but there’s no time to waste! Not sure where to start? Here are 21 of the best FREE and cheap things to do this December in Calgary.

SKATE OLYMPIC PLAZA

Feel the wind through your hair and enjoy a lap around an ice rink! This month, Calgarians are encouraged to check out Olympic Plaza, one of the city’s favourite winter traditions.

Where:  228 8 Ave. SE, Calgary
Time: 6 pm – 11 pm
Cost: FREE

WANDER THE BANFF CHRISTMAS MARKET

Looking to get out of the city? We’ve got just the place! This December, check out the Warner stables in Banff for live music, fantastic food and charming gifts, pieces of artwork, and more created and offered by the locals. It’s going to be enchanting!

When: Friday, December 2nd -4th, 2022
Where: 100 Sundance Rd, Banff, AB
Time: See times above
Cost: $10

GAZE UPON THE SPRUCE MEADOWS CHRISTMAS LIGHTS DRIVE-THRU

 

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Grab a hot beverage, crank up the Michael Buble and take a relaxing drive through the grounds at Spruce Meadows. This month, enjoy thousands of lights, sights, and a ton of Christmas spirit all from the comfort of your own vehicle.

When: Friday, Saturday & Sunday starting December 9th, 2022
Where: Spruce Meadows, 18011 Spruce Meadows Way SW, Calgary
Time: 5 pm – 10 pm
Cost: Free

OR THE LEGACY COMMUNITY LIGHT DISPLAY 

Bundle up and don’t forget your to-go mugs, because the Legacy Community Light Display is about to kick off in Calgary. Until January 8th this affordable event will light the night with over a million tiny bulbs strung up on everything from the clock tower to the houses and it’s going to be breathtaking!

When: Thursday, December 1st – January 8th, 2022
Where: Legacy Calgary – See directions here 
Cost: FREE

CHECK OUT THE BEARSPAW EUROPEAN CHRISTMAS MARKET

Fireworks, vendors, live music and more! Almost every weekend this December, Calgarians are encouraged to check out the Bearspaw Market, a magical experience with a little something for everyone and anyone! Do NOT miss this one, friends. You’ll regret it.

When: Friday, December 2nd – 4th, 9th – 11th, 2022
Where: 253220 Bearspaw Road, AB
Cost: $5

SKATE THE GRAND OPENING OF CENTRAL COMMONS PARK 

Set to welcome the public on Sunday, December 4th, this 3-acre space is described as a ‘seasonless signature destination,’ mindfully made for social, cultural and recreational events. Grab some hot cocoa, skate, and relax next to a fire pit – you’re going to have a blast!

When: Sunday, December 4th, 2022
Where: 4410 University Ave NW, Calgary
Time: 1 pm – 5 pm
Cost: FREE

WANDER THE GLOW HOLIDAY FESTIVAL

 

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Can’t get enough of bright lights and seasonal markets? Showcasing a million bulbs, the Glow Holiday Festival will take bulb-loving Calgarians across the world and back again. the best part? It’s under $25!

Where: 1800 Stampede Trail SE
Cost: $16+

 SHOP THE MARKET COLLECTIVE HOLIDAY SERIES

This December, 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.

When:  Friday, December 9th – 11th, 16th-18th, 2022
Where: 20 Roundup Way SE, Calgary (Hall B and C)
Time: See times above
Cost: $6 for the weekend

OR THE CHRISTMAS TO REMEMBER MARKET

Granary Road’s annual Christmas To Remember Market is back, Calgary! This December guests can explore local vendors, take magical wagon rides, grab a hot chocolate or take pictures with their alpacas.

When: Saturdays and Sundays Until December 18th, 2022
Where: 226066 112 St W, Foothills County, AB
Time: 10 am – 5 pm
Cost: FREE

NOGG YOURSELF OUT AT THE SIPPIN’ SANTA CHRISTMAS POP-UP

With tropical decorations and Christmas lights from floor to ceiling, guests can enjoy holly sips at the annual Sippin’ Santa Pop-up, a festive event with music, ugly sweaters, and fun mugs.

When: Monday, November 21st, 2022
Where: 1530 5 St SW, Calgary, AB

EXPLORE SPARKLE SPARKLE

 

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Grab your loved ones, a friend, or a new flame and experience a super-charged evening of lights, fun and tasty treats. TELUS Spark is back with Sparkle Sparkle, a beautiful event featuring lights, Santa and science.

When: Thursday, December 1st, 2022
Where: 220 Saint George’s Drive Northeast, Calgary
Time: 9 am – 9 pm
Cost: $19+

VISIT SASKATOON FARM CHRISTMAS MARKET

Still not all shopped out?! This weekend, you can also visit the Saskatoon Christmas market where local artists, bakers, and pro crafters will be selling their goods and services! While you’re there, why not browse around, get some fresh air and take photos? There’s nothing cuter.

When: Friday, December 2nd – 4th, 9th-11th, 2022
Where: 80181 338 Ave East Foothills, AB
Cost: $7

TAKE ON THE MIRACLE ON 1ST STREET POP-UP 

Thirsty?! Serving themed cocktails in a variety of fun mugs and glasses, Miracle of 1st Street is back and has completely transformed Calgary’s Proof cocktail bar with over-the-top decorations from floor to ceiling Don’t miss out!

Where: 1302 1 St SW, Calgary, AB
Cost: FREE to attend

GET COMPETITIVE AT POTION PUTT: WIZARDRY MINI-GOLF 

 

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Inspired by a wonderful world where magic, beasts and humans coexist, this competitive pop-up will feature 9 holes where golfers will encounter everything from familiar characters to a mystical portal. Good luck and have fun!

When: Starts December 7th, 2022
Where: Springbank Links Golf Club – 25 Hackamore Trail, Calgary
Cost: $15

HIT THE CALGARY ZOOLIGHTS

Zoolights is back and you won’t want to miss it – it is tradition after all! Showcasing millions of lights, activities and so much more, this magical event is another Calgary favourite and a 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

OR THE AIRDRIE FESTIVAL OF LIGHTS

it’s back! Western Canada’s largest outdoor walk-through display will return to light the night this December and it’ll be just as beautiful as ever. Drink hot chocolate, take a lap around the ice rink, take photos, and cozy up next to their fire. You won’t want to miss it!

When: Thursday, December 1st – 31st, 2022
Where: Nose Creek Regional Park, Airdrie, AB
Time: 6 pm – 9 pm
Cost: FREE

RENT A FIREPIT

Get ready, s’more lovers. After two incredibly successful years, the FREE Calgary community fire pits are back and available to the public. Interested? Check out the link above for where and how you can rent one of these bad boys!

EXPERIENCE HOLIDAY MAGIC IN THE NIKKA YUKO GARDENS 

The Nikka Yuko Japanese Gardens are truly one of a kind. Not only is it one of the most beautiful places in not just Alberta, but it has stunned thousands of people from all over North America and the world. This December join them for their magical light festival of epic proportions. Enjoy!

When: All December long
Where: Corner of 9th Ave S &, Mayor Magrath Dr. S, Lethbridge
Cost: $12.50

LIONS PARK FESTIVAL OF LIGHTS

Prepare to be dazzled, Calgary! This December 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 Calgary’s incredible display – for free! You won’t regret it!

When: Saturday, November 26th – January 7th, 2023
Where: Confederation Golf Course – 14th Street NW, Calgary
Time:  6 pm – 12 am
Cost: FREE

HOME ALONE POP-UP

Inspired by the holiday classic, Home Alone, Eighty-Eight Brewing co. is back with a high-energy pop-up worth writing home about! This year, they’ll even offer three themed food and beer pairings to celebrate, so check it out! Who knows, you may even run into a wet bandit or two!

When: Until December 30th, 2022
Where: 2600 Portland St SE #1070, Calgary

TASTE TEST YOUR WAY DOWN THE HOT CHOCOLATE TRAIL

It’s the sweetest time of the year, Calgary! This December, 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

Well, there you have it, friends. 21 free and cheap things to do this December in Calgary! Enjoy yourselves out there!

Curiocity Staff

With a curated slate of what matters in your city, Curiocity presents you with the most relevant local food, experiences, news, deals, and adventures. We help you get the most out of your city and focus on the easy-to-miss details so that you’re always in the know.
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