December is one of the year’s most expensive months and in 2020 overpriced markets, displays and events are the last things we need. Luckily for those who have to be a little more conscious of their wallets this time around, there are still a ton of magically festive, bright and cozy things to see and do – for little to no deniro. Here are 10 events that you can attend this month for under $10!
AIRDRIE’S FESTIVAL OF LIGHTS
Believe it or not, Western Canada’s Largest outdoor walk-through display is totally free to check out! This month, drink hot chocolate, take a lap around the ice rink, snap some photos, and cozy up next to the fire at Airdrie’s Festival of Lights!
When: Thursday, December 1st-31st
Where: Nose Creek Regional Park, Airdrie, AB
Time: 6 pm – 9 pm
Cost: Free
Instagram: @AirdrieLights
MIRACLE ON 1ST STREET POP-UP BAR
Get elfin’ festive, without feeling like you’ll have to work overtime at Santa’s shop to make up for it. Magical pop-up bar, Miracle on 1st Street Calgary, is back for 2020 and nothing compares to a tall glass of boozy eggnog after a long day – except maybe finding out you made the nice list.
When: All month long
Where: 1302 1 St SW, Calgary, AB
Time: After dark
Cost: Free to attend
Instagram: @MiracleOnFirstStreeYYC
GRANARY ROAD CHRISTMAS MARKET
It’s the month of holiday markets, and who better to hold an enchanting celebration of community and the holidays than Granary Road?! The folks at one of Calgary’s favourite fun farms are holding a Christmas to Remember complete with Grinch tree decorating, Alpacas, candy apple making and a ton more! The best part? It’s only $10 to attend!
When: Every Saturday and Sunday until December 20th
Where: 226066 112 St W, Foothills County, Alberta
Time: 9 am – 5 pm
Cost: Admission is free at the gate, but you can pre-register online for their alpaca photos, wagon rides & s’mores making!
Instagram: @GranaryRoad
LIONS’ PARK FESTIVAL OF LIGHTS
Stay safe, stay dazzled and stay stress-free. This month, take in the beautiful lights along 14th street from inside your vehicle. Crank the heat us, grab a hot choco and roll through an incredible display – for free! Does it get better than that?
When: Until Friday, January 8th
Where: Confederation Golf Course – 14th Street NW, Calgary
Time: 6 pm – 12 am
Cost: Free
Facebook: Lions Park Festival of Lights
LEGACY CHRISTMAS LIGHTS DISPLAY
In celebration of Calgary’s resilience and the end to a chaotic year, Calgary’s Legacy has prepared a beautiful display of Christmas cheer and community – and this bad boy won’t cost a cent to attend! Every night until January 10th, this lively south YYC neighbourhood will light up with millions of lights, trees, and of course, holiday spirit.
When: Until Sunday, January 10th
Where: 15 Legacy Glen Manor and surrounding Legacy community
Time: After dark
Cost: Free
Instagram: @LegacyLifeYYC
CROSSIRON MILLS HOLIDAY HAVEN
We honestly can’t think of a better way to spend an afternoon, guys. From fluffy sled dogs and ice sculptures to food trucks and a hundred reasons to spend some cash – Holiday Haven at CrossIron Mills, will be a dream COVID-safe event. It really is all hands on deck for this year’s celebration of all things merry and bright.
When: Starts Friday, December 11th
Where: 261055 Crossiron Blvd, Rocky View County, AB
Time: 12 pm – 5 pm
Cost: Free
Instagram: @Crossiron_Mills
SIPPIN’ SANTA CHRISTMAS TIKI BAR
Take a load off by hitting Ricardo’s for their Sippin Santa Pop up bar! This month, jingle your bells to holiday bops, sip on Kringle Coladas and take in the best of the season – for only a few bucks. Sippin’ Santa is really every holiday lover’s dream so you won’t want to miss it!
When: All month long
Where: Ricardos Hideaway, 1530 5 St SW
Time: See hours above
Cost: Free to attend
Instagram: @RicardosYYC
SASKATOON FARM CHRISTMAS MARKET
From goods made by Alberta artists and bakers to pro crafters, the 2020 Saskatoon Farm Holiday Market will fill your bags and your hearts with some serious Christmas spirit. Meet and greet special guests, including Santa Claus and the Grinch, and indulge in fresh mini donuts, kettle corn, soft pretzels, and cinnamon buns (just to name a few).
When: Friday, December 11th – 13th
Where: 80181 338 Ave East Foothills, Alberta
Time: 9 am – 8 pm
Cost: Free
Instagram: @SaskatoonFarm
ROCKY MOUNTAIN SKATING
Is it even winter in Canada without a few laps around a frozen pond? This month, why not lace up a pair of skates and hit the ice! It’s totally free and you can literally go whenever the heck you want, which is great for those with busy schedules. Click the link above for a list of our favourite spots in Alberta to go skating!
When: Anytime
Where: See locations above
Time: Anytime
Cost: Free
MARKET NIGHTS AT HERITAGE PARK
This December explore the quaint shops and artisan booths or go for a drink on Selkirk’s Winter Patio for well under $10. Once you’ve shopped and are ready to drop, relax by the fire and make a s’more or watch a parade of dogs get their photo taken with Santa.
When: Thursday and Friday until December 18th
Where: 1900 Heritage Dr. SW, Calgary, AB
Time: 5 pm – 9 pm
Cost: Free
Instagram: @HeritageParkYYC
There you have it, 10 events that you can check out this month under 10$. We told you it could be done, didn’t we!? Enjoy yourselves out there Calgary and remember to bundle up, treat yourself to some extra whip cream on that hot choco with the money you saved and to wash your hands!
