December has arrived, but not without a ton of super fun holiday events that you and yours can attend this month! Whether you want to stay inside or get out and about, here are 12 things to do in Calgary this weekend.
EXPLORE THE BANFF CHRISTMAS MARKET
Looking to get out of the city this weekend? 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
OR THE LEGACY COMMUNITY LIGHT DISPLAY
Grab a to-go mug and pop a few hand warmers in your pocket because the Legacy Community Light Display kicks off in Calgary this weekend! From now 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: Until January 8th, 2022
Where: Legacy Calgary – See directions here
Cost: FREE
SPONSORED PICK: SHOP THE 500 COLLECTIVE WINTER MARKET
December is here folks, time to cross that holiday shopping off the list! 500 Collective’s first Winter Market is the perfect spot to get your loved ones some locally made unique goods. With vendors ranging from bath & beauty, jewelry, candles, plants, self-care, prints, and art, you can support Calgary’s small businesses while enjoying live music and of course- sipping on hot chocolate!
When: December 3rd and 4th, 2022,
Where: 500 Collective Space – #500, 321 50 Ave SE, Calgary
Time: 10 – 3 pm Sat and 11 – 3 pm Sun.
Cost: FREE entrance
GRAB A DRINK AT THE NIGHTMARE ON 1ST STREET
Thirsty? You better be, because Shelter’s iconic Nightmare on 1st Street Bar is back and serving Tim Burton, winter realness. Also on the menu? Tasty holiday cocktails and appetizers. You won’t want to miss it, Calgary!
Where: 2600 Portland St SE #1070, Calgary
SPONSORED PICK: CHECK OUT FREE DAILY HOLIDAY EVENTS HAPPENING ON 17TH AVE
It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas on 17th Ave! Their holiday event, 17th Days of Christmas, features next-level holly jolly events on Calgary’s favourite street from December 1 to 17! Take in classic Christmas movies on the big screen in Tomkins Park, local bands rocking out festive tunes, Instagram-worthy snow and ice sculpting and so much more! Plus, it’s all FREE!
When: Now – Saturday, Dec 17, 2022
Where: 17th Ave SW
Cost: FREE
VISIT SASKATOON FARM CHRISTMAS MARKET
Do you have holiday shopping on your to-do list? 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
SPONSORED PICK: CHECK OUT WINTER WONDERFEST AT ATCO PARK
Join Rümi, ATCOenergy and Blue Flame Kitchen for tasty treats, photos with Santa and family fun! Check out the gingerbread cookie decoration station, enjoy the lovely jingles by the carollers, and don’t forget to get a pic with Santa and his reindeer.
When: December 3rd and 4th, 2022
Where: ATCO Park, 5302 Forand St SW, Calgary
Time: 10 am – 2 pm
Cost: $5 admission with all proceeds going to Habitat for Humanity Southern Alberta Chapter – click here to reserve your spot!
WANDER THE 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
SPONSORER PICK: CELEBRATE CHRISTMAS WITH THIS CALGARY-MADE MUSICAL
If you love Christmas and you love Calgary then we have a show for you! Grab some kids or just treat yourself to “The Candy Cane Kids – A Holiday Musical” written and composed by Calgary musicians, Occasional Notes. While the show might say it’s for kids, you’re sure to enjoy the live singing, dancing, and discreet adult humour.
Where: Shane Homes YMCA Rocky Ridge – 11300 Rocky Ridge Rd NW, Calgary
When: Friday, December 2th – 4th, 2022
Cost: $25 to $40 per ticket
EXPLORE THE AIRDRIE FESTIVAL OF LIGHTS
Bundle up and enjoy! Western Canada’s largest outdoor walk-through display will return to light the night this weekend 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: Until December 31st, 2022
Where: Nose Creek Regional Park, Airdrie, AB
Time: 6 pm – 9 pm
Cost: FREE
EXPLORE SPARKLE SPARKLE
Grab your loved ones, a friend, or a new flame and experience a super-charged evening that’s certain to jingle your bells. TELUS Spark returns with Sparkle Sparkle, a beautiful event featuring lights, Santa and science.
Where: 220 Saint George’s Drive Northeast, Calgary
Time: 9 am – 9 pm
Cost: $19+
SKATE THE GRAND OPENING OF CENTRAL COMMONS PARK
Set to welcome the public this 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
There you have it, Calgary, the 12 best things to do this weekend. Now get out there and enjoy yourselves, you deserve it.
