December is here and Alberta has practically come to life! Despite freezing temperatures and long commutes, we live for snow and ice – after all, there’s so much to do! If of course, you’re not sure what’s happening over the next few weeks – here are just some of the best events, light displays and activities – all of which should definitely make it on your Calgary winter bucket list.
EVENTS
DRINK YOUR WAY THROUGH YYC HOT CHOCOLATE FEST
Warm drinks just hit differently in the wintertime and in Calgary, there’s nothing tastier than the YYC Hot Chocolate Fest. With restaurants and cafes from all over the city participating, this month-long event is a must!
When: February 2023
Where: TBA
NIGHTRISE AT THE BANFF GONDOLA
In the Rocky Mountains and looking for something truly magical this holiday season? Check out Nightrise at the Banff gondola – an immersive activity that merges multimedia, storytelling, and nature. It’s going to be breathtaking!
Where: 100 Mountain Ave, Banff, AB
Cost: $44+
CHINOOK BLAST
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Celebrating culture, creativity and Calgary, YYC’s Chinook Blast is just around the corner! This February – just like so many before it, enjoy the very best in local art, music, theatre and recreation in addition to a number of incredible light displays that will be visible throughout the city.
When: TBA
Where: All over Calgary
WINTERFEST AT SYLVAN LAKE
Celebrating winter everything, Sylvan Lake’s Winterfest is, once again, set to take the town of Sylvan Lake this February. Featuring ice fishing competitions, sleigh rides, axe throwing, ice slides and more – you’re bound to have a blast.
When: Saturday February 18th – 21st, 2022
Where: See directions here
THE PENGUIN WALK
There’s really nothing cuter than the Calgary Zoo’s penguin walk. An annual event that sees a colony of tuxedo-looking cuties waddle through the venue, this is a winter must-visit!
When: TBA
Where: 210 St. George’s Drive NE, Calgary
Cost: $29.95+
LIGHT DISPLAYS
THE LIONS PARK FESTIVAL OF LIGHTS
Nothing says “winter bucket list” quite like a light display! This season, dress warm, grab a hot chocolate and take in the beautiful lights along 14th street – for free! You won’t regret it!
When: Until January 7th, 2023
Where: Confederation Golf Course – 14th Street NW, Calgary
Time: 6 pm – 12 am
Cost: FREE
CALGARY ZOOLIGHTS
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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
GLOW HOLIDAY FESTIVAL OF LIGHTS
Don’t want to go outside? We get it! Calgary winters can be brutal – but that doesn’t mean you have to stay home. This winter, check out Glow – a worldly display of glitter, Lights and festive spirit!
When: Until December 31st, 2022
Where: 220 Saint George’s Drive Northeast, Calgary
Time: 9 am – 9 pm
Cost: $19+
MISCELLANEOUS
SKATE OLYMPIC PLAZA
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Lace-up your skates and glide! This winter, Calgarians can check out Olympic Plaza, one of the city’s favourite winter traditions! The best part? You can enjoy the lights and the ice for FREE!
Where: 228 8 Ave. SE, Calgary
Time: 6 pm – 11 pm
Cost: FREE
OR THE MOUNTAINS
Alberta is packed full of mountain skating spots that are practically to die for! Not sure where to lace up your skates? Check the link above for 10 gorgeous mountain skating spots in Alberta that you should check out this winter!
EXPLORE THE ICE CAVES AT MALIGNE CANYON
There is no place like the Rockies and this winter, with the help of a professional guide you can actually tour the icy cave-like passages, majestic frozen waterfalls, and the frozen canyon floor of Maligne in Jasper National Park. You’ll hardly believe your eyes!
Where: Directions here – Jasper National Park, AB
Cost: $69 / Adult
RIDE THE MT. NORQUAY TUBE TRAIL
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Not everyone is comfortable on a pair of skis, which is why we’re a big fan of the Mount Norquay tube park! Enjoy the breeze and hit the hills for an adrenaline-inducing activity that will delight the entire family.
Where: #2 Mt Norquay Rd, Banff
TAKE A DIP IN A HOT SPRINGS
Going for a swim in a natural hot spring is an experience unlike all others – but it’s best enjoyed in the wintertime! This season, before or after it gets hectic for the holidays, why not unwind, disconnect and relax in the beautiful Rocky Mountains of Alberta or BC?
And there you have it, friends. Just a few items you should add to your Calgary winter bucket list. Enjoy!
