Holiday magic
#ExploreDowntownYYC Holiday magic
The glow of the holiday season is upon us! Enjoy this special time of year with friends and family, and explore all the beauty and magic downtown has to offer during this festive time of year.
Explore downtown with these holiday itineraries.
Outdoor activities
Have fun in the outside this winter with these outdoor activities!
Skate & Celebrate at Olympic Plaza - Dec 2
Hygge Hut - open until March
Downtown skating rinks – check on conditions
Photo by Neil Zeller
Holiday Events & Entertainment
Photo by Kelly Hofer
Take some time over the holiday season to enjoy these magical events and performances.
ZOOLIGHTS at Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo – Nov 17-Jan 7, 2024
Theatre Calgary: A Christmas Carol – Nov 30-Dec 31
Sparkle Sparkle at TELUS Spark Science Centre – Until Jan 2, 2024
Calgary Opera Beauty and the Beast – Dec 1-3
Plaza Holiday Movies – Dec 1 – Dec 31
A Charlie Brown Christmas – Dec 2
Films at the Fort – Dec 2-16
Light Up The Square – Dec 2
Traditional Christmas with the Calgary Philharmonic Orchestra – Dec 5-7
Real Canadian Wrestling Crazy Christmas Chaos – Dec 9
The Andy Kim Christmas – Dec 14 & 15
The Palomino Smokehouse Annual Sock Hop for the Alpha House – Dec 16
Winter Birding on St. Patrick's Island – Dec 17
Free Kids Christmas Event – Dec 16
A Jann Arden Christmas – Dec 19-20
Globe Holiday Movie– Dec 20
One Big JAM Holiday Special – Dec 20
Holiday Sing Along – Dec 20-21
Bear Grease – Dec 21-21
The Palomino Smokehouse Rifle Country Players Holiday Special – Dec 22
GLOW Calgary Presents: Santa's Sleigh Adventure – Dec 7-31
The Nutcracker by Alberta Ballet – Dec 15-24
Devonian Gardens Winter Drop-In Programs - Jan 5-7
History of 1886 and Eau Claire Lumber – Jan 6
Contemporary Kids Workshop – Jan 7
TELUS Spark Goodnight Moon – Until Jan 31
Downtown Holiday Markets
Festival of Crafts – Nov 26-29
Market Collective: Holiday Dates – Nov 27-29, Dec 4-6, Dec 11-13, Dec 18-20
Authentically Indigenous Market – Dec 10 & 11
Christmas in Kensington – Dec 2, 9,16 & 23
Christmas in Inglewood – Dec 2, 9 & 16
Photo by Travel Alberta / Chris Amat
Holiday Shopping
Photo by Colin Way
Be sure to check-out our shopping itinerary to help you buy unique and thoughtful gifts for your loved ones.
Festive Pop-Up Bars
What better way to get into a holly-jolly spirit, than by experiencing these holiday themed pop-up bars – cheers!
Miracle on First Street at Proof – Nov 15 – Dec 24
Sippin' Santa at Ricardo's Hideaway – Nov 20 - Dec 31
Tinseltown – Nov 22 – Dec 30
Photo by Travel Alberta / Dave Lieske
Meet Santa!
Photo by Colin Way
Share your list with Santa and see if you’re on the naughty or nice list.
Visits with Santa at The CORE Shopping Centre – Dec 2-3, Dec 9-10, Dec 16-17
New Year’s Eve
There’s so much fun to be had as we ring in the New Year!
Family Friendly
The City of Calgary New Year’s Eve 2023 – midnight fireworks
Zoo Year’s Eve (Family-Friendly) – 5pm – 9pm
Central Library – 12pm – 4pm
Calgary Flames vs. Philadelphia Flyers – 6pm
New Year’s Eve Dinners
Charbar Año Nuevo, New Years Eve in Buenos Aires – 9pm – 1am
New Year’s Eve at Oxbow – 5pm – 9pm
NYE Dinner at Yellow Door Bistro – Various seating times available
Zoo Year’s Eve (Snow Globes) – 10:30pm – 12am
Barberella Bar - 7pm – 2am
New Year’s Eve Events
The City of Calgary New Year’s Eve 2023 – midnight fireworks
Zoo Year’s Eve (Adult Night) – 10pm – 12am
NYE 2024 – Blind Tiger – 7pm
King Eddy Hockey Happy Hour – 4pm – 6pm
The Laugh Shop – Dave Hemstad – 7pm
Commonwealth Bar & Stage, NYE23 - A Black & White R&B Affair with Jayemkayem and Joash Charles – 7pm – 2am
The Palace Theatre, 90.3 AMP Radio’s NYE 2024 – 9pm
Ironwood Stage & Grill, The Mocking Shadows New Year’s Eve Spectacular – 9:30pm
King Eddy, New Year’s Eve with Dueling Piano Kings – 9:30pm
