Put down that wrapping paper and head out on the town this weekend, because there are so many fun and festive things to do in Calgary.
From Jann Arden coming to town to a Saturday afternoon Flames game, you’re bound to find the perfect activity for you. Check out these 15 things to do in Calgary this weekend, and have fun!
Jann Arden
What: Celebrate the holidays with Alberta’s own Jann Arden as she puts her unique spin on the classics you know and love, featured on her 2015 release A Jann Arden Christmas.
When: December 19 and 20
Where: Jack Singer Concert Hall — 225 8th Avenue
Price: Tickets start at $70.15; get them here
Horizon of Khufu-Montreal/Facebook
What: Horizon of Khufu is a VR experience that takes you on a journey to explore ancient Egypt and the pyramid of Khufu, the largest of the Egyptian pyramids. It’s a neat concept setting up in a space of nearly 10,000 square feet, allowing visitors to be transported to Cairo, where they will be able to freely wander through ancient Egypt.
When: Now until January 31, 2025
Where: CF Chinook Centre — 6455 Macleod Trail
Price: Cost varies, tickets can be found here
@powerplay/Instagram
What: PowerPlay, a spectacular new entertainment venue in Southcentre Mall, is now open and is bursting with sweet things to enjoy. The premium entertainment space offers a multi-sensory experience for all ages, including Canada’s first and only immersive game box, where players can get into the competitive spirit as they battle out their friends in a ton of fun games.
When: Saturdays from 1 to 11 pm, Sundays from 1 to 10 pm
Where: Southcentre Mall — 100 Anderson Road SE
Cost: Prices vary by experience
What: ZooLights is back for its 28th year and will be glowing for seven weeks of festive, family-friendly fun at Calgary Zoo! Enjoy all the magic of Calgary’s award-winning, magical holiday tradition while supporting wildlife conservation — it’s a win-win!
When: November 15, 2024, to January 5, 2025
Time: 5 to 9 pm
Where: Calgary Zoo — 210 St. George’s Drive NE, Calgary
Tickets: Price varies by day
Sergei Belski/Imagn Images
What: Grab your jersey and cheer on the Flames this Saturday as they skate off against the Chicago Blackhawks at the Scotiabank Saddledome. Nothing beats a home game on the weekend, and it’s a matinee game, too!
When: December 21 at 2 pm
Where: Scotiabank Saddledome — 555 Saddledome Rise SE
Cost: Tickets start at $39; get them here
What: It’s your last chance to check out Olympic Plaza for the epic free winter festival Plaza Palooza. With live entertainment, carnival games, and more, it’s the perfect place to have an awesome Friday night!
When: Fridays to Sundays until December 22; 4 pm to 9 pm
Where: Olympic Plaza – 228 8 Avenue SE
Cost: Free entry
What: Hop on the Polar Express train ride at Aspen Crossing and travel to the North Pole this week! Complete with hot cocoa, cookies, and movie characters, this event will bring the magical train from the beloved book and movie to life this holiday season! You’ll even get to hear a reading of The Polar Express as the journey begins.
Where: Box 30, Mossleigh, Alberta (one kilometre west of Mossleigh on Highway #24)
When: Fridays to Sundays, November 22 to December 15, and December 16 to 24
Tickets: Available online, varies by day and train
Sippin’ Santa
What: If you’re looking to get your hands on some holiday-themed cocktails with a tropical twist, look no further than Ricardo’s Hideaway. The menu includes some delicious holiday options like the Merry Spritzmas and Sugar Plum Mai Tai. You can also enjoy eats from Ricardo’s menu, such as the Cheese Empanadas.
When: November 18 to December 31, 2024
Where: Ricardo’s Hideaway – 1530 5th Street SW, Calgary
Eighty-Eight Brewing Co’s Home Alone House
What: The season also sees the return of Eighty-Eight’s festive Home Alone house. Inspired by the iconic Christmas movie, there’ll be Wet Bandits Triple IPA, cheese pizza just for you, and nods to some other classic movies to keep an eye out for.
When: From November 19 until December 29, 2024
Where: 2600 Portland Street SE #1070, Calgary
What: Spend your weekdays full of wonder at the Telus Spark Science Centre. Head over to the centre to be mesmerized by its Digital Immersion Gallery and jaw-dropping shows at the Infinity Dome. This place is bound to leave you awestruck!
When: Sundays to Fridays from 9 am to 4 pm; Saturdays from 9 am to 7 pm
Where: Telus Spark Science Centre – 220 Saint George’s Drive NE
Price: Various tickets are available; tickets can be purchased here
What: The Jubilations Theatre is hosting All Those Rolling Stones, and the show is sure to take you on a whirlwind journey through the ’60s and ’70s. Rock out to some classic tunes, fill your belly with some delicious food, and leave the theatre with a huge grin on your face after a spectacular evening!
When: Running until January 11, 2025
Where: Jubilations Dinner Theatre — 1002 37th Street SW
Price: Tickets start at $75.95 and can be purchased here
What: Explore the amazing stalls at the Crossroads Farmers’ Market this Friday. You can purchase some cute trinkets for your mantlepiece or buy all the ingredients you need for a delicious weekend meal from local vendors.
When: Open Friday, Saturday, and Sunday year-round from 9 am to 5 pm
Where: 1235 26th Avenue SE
Visit a cute bookstore
What: With the chilly weather outside, we can’t think of a better way to enjoy winter than with a good book. Calgary has so many amazing bookshops to check out, so head over to one of the amazing spots in the city and fill your bags with stories that can last you through the entire winter.
What: The Gasoline Alley Museum is the ideal weekday trip for vintage car lovers. Step into this museum and be transported back into the world of old automobiles with its vast collection of antique vehicles and artifacts.
When: Tuesdays to Sundays from 10 am to 4 pm
Where: Heritage Park — 1900 Heritage Drive SW
Cost: Tickets start at $14.95 for adults (16+) and $8.95 for children (3-15) and can be purchased here.
What: If you’re missing some greenery with all the snowfall around the city, check out one of the DIY workshops at Plant. There are so many fun activities to do, and you can even start decorating for the holiday season by learning how to make your own wreath.