Happy Friday and congrats on making it through another frosty December! Not sure how to celebrate a job well done or the big day at hand? Here are 10 of the very best things to do in Calgary this weekend! From pop-ups to markets, Light displays and more, it’s going to be a busy one so let’s jump into it. There’s really no time to waste! 

NOG YOURSELF OUT AT THE ‘HOME ALONE‘ POP-UP

Wet bandits and beer? Nothing says “happy holidays” quite like the annual Home Alone pop-up! Never been? Eighty-Eight Brewing co. is back with a high-energy event worth writing home about! This year, they’ll even offer three themed food and beer pairings to celebrate, so check it out!

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

EXPLORE THE CALGARY ZOOLIGHTS

Showcasing millions of lights, activities and so much more, Zoolights is back and you’re not going to want to miss it! For more information or to purchase tickets, hit the link above!

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

SPONSORED PICK: CAPTURE YOUR HOLIDAY PHOTOS DURING TOWNSHIP’S FREE MERRY AND BRIGHT PHOTO OP EVENT 

Photo via Royop Development / Bree Johnson

Capture those picture-perfect holiday photos during Township Shopping Centre’s Merry and Bright pop-up. Featuring 12 FREE holiday backdrops with props, these are the perfect way to share some holiday magic with friends and family. All you need is a camera!

The best part? You can share your photos on social with hashtag #experiencetownship to be entered to win a $500 gift card to the Township retailer of your choice. Donations to Make-a-Wish Canada Calgary Chapter are also being accepted.

When: Now until December 30th, 2022

  • Thursdays & Fridays: 4-8 p.m.
  • Saturdays & Sundays: 11-4 p.m. 
  • December 26-30: 11-4 p.m.

Where: Township Shopping Centre: 210 Ave SE & MacLeod Trail, Calgary, Unit 570
Cost: Free

CHECK OUT THE MIRACLE ON 1ST STREET POP-UP 

Serving themed cocktails in festive mugs and glasses, Miracle of 1st Street has returned to Calgary and has completely transformed Calgary’s Proof cocktail bar with over-the-top decorations from floor to ceiling.

Where: 1302 1 St SW, Calgary, AB

SPONSORED PICK: ENJOY A FESTIVE HOLIDAY SHOPPING EXPERIENCE AT CF SHOPPING CENTRE

With Christmas quickly approaching, Cadillac Fairview (CF) is continuing its holiday magic across its 18 shopping centres so you can enjoy joyful activities that extend into the New Year. Don’t miss the holiday musical performances, festive and picturesque decor, a wondrous indoor snowfall, fun outdoor events, extended holiday shopping hours and much more. To see a full listing of events in your area, visit CF’s holiday hub.

When: Now until January 8, 2023
Where: Cadillac Fairview Shopping Centres across Canada

SPONSORED PICK: CHECK OUT ALBERTA’S NEWEST OUTDOOR LIFESTYLE AND APPAREL RETAILER

Big news! Elements Inc just opened up their third store in Calgary and the second Elements Outfitters! Be it sturdy jackets and flannels, functional backpacks, warm-inducing coffee, or anything else you need for your outdoor adventure, the store has you covered. And of course, it all comes with the Filson and Elements standard of quality. So, they’ll probably live longer than you.

Where: #104 201 – 8th Avenue SW, Calgary

SKATE CENTRAL COMMONS PARK 

Your family is in town – but what do you do now?! Located in the University District, Calgary’s 3-acre Central Commons skating rink is described as a ‘seasonless signature destination,’ mindfully made for social, cultural and recreational events – perfect for the holidays.

Where: 4410 University Ave NW, Calgary
Time: 1 pm – 5 pm
Cost: FREE

WANDER THE AIRDRIE FESTIVAL OF LIGHTS

Bundle up! 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

CATCH ALBERTA BALLET’S ‘THE NUTCRACKER’

 

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They have beauty, they have grace! Featuring dancers from the Alberta Ballet Company and the Calgary Philharmonic Orchestra, The Nutcracker is back and better than ever. A long-standing tradition and a family favourite, tickets are sure to go quickly – so don’t hesitate to check out the link above!

When: Until December 24th
Where: 1415 14 Ave NW, Calgary
Time: See times above
Cost: $60+

WANDER THE GLOW HOLIDAY FESTIVAL

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.

Where: 1800 Stampede Trail SE
Cost: $16+

There you have it, Calgary – the 10 best things to do this weekend. Now get out there and enjoy yourselves, you deserve it.