Calgary has turned into a winter wonderland — and if anyone knows how to embrace the cold, it’s Albertans! So, don your toque, zip up your snowsuit, and dive into the holiday magic happening in downtown Calgary this season.
You live, work, learn, play, and shop all year long in downtown. Now it’s time to celebrate with one of the many activities and entertainment options happening this December.
Wondering where to begin? Here are five itineraries tailored to different personalities to help you make the most of it. Chill downtown this winter and discover the magic of the season!
Happy for holidays
If your Christmas tree’s been up for weeks and Hallmark movies are taking over your Letterboxd, you’re clearly someone who relishes in the magic of the holiday season. It’s the most wonderful time of the year for a reason, after all!
So, embrace it with a full day of festive fun. Kick things off with a delectable brunch — we recommend the fry bread with cream at Maven on 17th, the pollo frito at Native Tongues in the Beltline, and the confit de canard breakfast poutine from OEB Breakfast Co. in Bridgeland.
Next, get some shopping done while supporting local creators at the Market Collective Holiday Markets, happening December 6 to December 9 and December 13 to December 15. Afterwards, check out the dazzling ZOOLIGHTS at the Calgary Zoo, enjoy free festive fun at Plaza Palooza, or head to Theatre Calgary for a classic performance of A Christmas Carol.
End your day with an enchanted twist on your favourite cocktail at a holiday-themed pop-up bar. Christmapolitan, anyone?
Cozy adventurers
It may be cold outside, but that doesn’t mean you can’t stay warm and toasty. If your favourite part about winter is the time spent indoors, don’t worry — there’s still plenty for you to do!
Start with a latte at your favourite coffee shop, or try a new spot. We love Aggüdo Coffee Roasters for their Ethiopian roasts, the specialty beverages at Alforno, and the hip underground vibe of I Love You Coffee Shop.
You can’t be truly cozy without a good book, so head down to Shelf Life Books for the best staff recommendations in the ‘biz, Fair’s Fair for an endless supply of used options, and Pages or The Next Page for a mix of both. And you don’t even have to commit to buying a book thanks to the Memorial Park Library and Calgary Central Library, located in the heart of the city.
Finish your adventure with a movie at the historic Globe Cinemas or Plaza Theatre, followed by a cute cocktail at your favourite downtown speakeasy or cocktail bar.
Fun families
If the holidays are fun for adults, then they’re positively magical for children, and downtown Calgary has no shortage of family-friendly fun to keep that magic alive.
Looking to enjoy some fresh air? Grab a coffee and tasty treat from the Simmons Building, then kick back while the kids explore the Crossroads Playground in East Village. Or, check out nature’s playground in the form of St. Patrick’s Island’s beautiful wetlands and wooded areas.
Be sure to check out the fantastic downtown skating spots, including Barb Scott Park, Thomson Family Park, Prince’s Island Park lagoon, and a new Lot 6 pop-up rink that you can find at 311 8 Street SW. Visit Calgary.ca/rinks to check the status of the rinks before you go.
If you prefer being warm indoors, there’s plenty of urban exploration to be had. Devonian Gardens, an urban oasis on the upper level of The Core shopping centre, is sure to delight kids and adults alike — plus, it’s a convenient spot to pick up a few gifts along the way.
Want to be wowed? The view from the Calgary Tower will do just that! And finally, for year-round fun, the Central Library has events for all ages and interests, along with floors upon floors of bookish bliss.
Arts & culture connoisseurs
Clinton Hallahan/City of Calgary
With world-class museums, contemporary galleries, performance spaces, art installations, and incredible architectural accomplishments, there’s always something new to learn or discover in downtown Calgary.
If you’re interested in art, be sure to check out the various exhibitions at Contemporary Calgary or embark on a public art walking tour to discover hidden gems around the city.
Is history more your cup of tea? Visit The Confluence Historic Site & Parkland to learn about the city’s past, the Lougheed House for a guided tour of the historic mansion, or the Chinese Cultural Centre for displays that highlight Chinese history and tradition.
And what’s a day of exploration without a deliciously innovative meal to finish it off? Enjoy seasonal ingredients in the historic Deane House, sip on rare spirits in One18Empire, or feast on veggie-forward dishes at Ten Foot Henry.
Life of the party
In Calgary, the city doesn’t have to sleep. There’s plenty of fun to be had when the sun goes down, with everything from cozy pubs to vibrant dance parties and all things in between.
Nothing quite beats live music, and venues like Commonwealth Bar & Stage, King Eddy and Modern Love host local and international acts on a regular basis. Once you’ve got your dancing shoes on, head over to a nightclub like Greta Bar, Infinity Ultra Lounge, or Sub Rosa.
If a cozy bar or pub is more your speed, there’s no shortage of those downtown. James Joyce Irish Pub & Restaurant and St. James Corner Restaurant and Irish Pub both offer classic Irish fare, while Ship and Anchor is best known for its rotating draft and punk rock bingo events. On a budget? One Night Stan’s Bar Room & Divery shows that going out doesn’t have to break the bank.
This is just a glimpse of the winter fun awaiting you in downtown Calgary this winter. View a full list of activities and events online and start building your itinerary. Explore downtown Calgary today — your adventure awaits!