Christmas time in Calgary is warm and comforting, with many people surrounded by family and friends. But what if you’re alone for the holidays?
Santa’s big day is mere days away, and you might be alone physically, but you’re not alone regarding the larger issue of being alone over the holidays.
If you are staring down the fact you will be spending the Christmas holidays alone, whether it’s by choice or your loved ones got stuck in an airport on their way home, don’t fret. We have rounded up some great things to do in YYC to make the most of it!
What to do if you’re alone in Calgary this Christmas
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Volunteer opportunities
Volunteering is one great way to avoid spending the holidays alone while contributing to a good cause. Volunteer Connector has a list of different volunteer opportunities available around Calgary. A quick Google search will lead you to many other opportunities in the region.
If that isn’t your vibe, there are plenty of other ways to volunteer around Calgary.
Go shopping at a mall
CF Chinook Centre (Shutterstock)
Malls across the city will be closed on Christmas Day, including Chinook Centre, The Core, Marlborough, Southcentre, Cross Iron Mills, and Market Mall.
You can still get some shopping done on Christmas Eve, as malls will be operating on limited hours and it’s suggested you check them before you head out.
Enjoy a holiday-themed event
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Zoolights
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! This event runs until January 5, 2025, so there is plenty of time to enjoy it over the Christmas break.
Eighty-Eight Brewing Co’s Home Alone House
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. This event runs until December 29.
Sippin’ Santa
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. This event runs until December 31.
Order a cheese pizza
Another way to spend Christmas alone is to follow in the spirit of our friend Kevin McCallister. In case you’re unfamiliar, McCallister was a young boy from Chicago whose family completely forgot about him when they went on a trip to Paris, leaving him all alone.
After some initial panic, McCallister went shopping, fought off burglars by placing traps all over his house, and ordered a cheese pizza without sharing it with anyone.
So go ahead and order that cheese pizza (or whatever kind of pizza you fancy), and throw on a holiday classic like Home Alone.
Enjoy a movie in a theatre
IMP Awards
Landmark Cinemas will be open on Christmas Day; check its website for more details on showtimes. On the other hand, Cineplex will have a select number of screenings on Wednesday, December 25. A list can be found on the Cineplex website.
We suggest grabbing tickets to Nosferatu, the next highly acclaimed film from director Robert Eggers, which will be released on Christmas Day and looks spectacularly terrifying. Other new films landing in theatres over the holiday break include A Complete Unknown and Babygirl.
Return to nature
Rush Photography Calgary/Shutterstock
Calgary is home to some seriously beautiful outdoor locations, and if you are looking to get some steps in while enjoying some nature, we recommend a stroll along the Bow River or a visit to Fish Creek Provincial Park as a lovely Christmas Day activity. Hear the birds sing, get that fresh air into your lungs.
Relax in a Calgary Public Library
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Libraries across the city will be closed on Christmas Day; however, many are open until 5 pm on Christmas Eve. Go check out a book and enjoy it in a nice, peaceful library here in Calgary.
Grab a Starbucks
Starbucks Holiday Cups/Starbucks Canada | Ned Snowman/Shutterstock
Many Starbucks locations across Calgary will be open on Christmas Day. Typically, at least one or two locations in each of the city’s districts will be open, so be sure to call the locations nearest to you before heading out! We love to be caffeinated, no matter what day it is!
With files from Amir Ali