8 Things to do in Calgary over the holidays (Dec 23-27)


Here we are, pals! The holidays have officially arrived in Calgary and this week is filled with plenty of festive things to do. From shows and light displays to pop-up bars and other Christmas-ey things, the schedule is stacked.
Here are 8 of the best things to do in Calgary this week!
Polar Express at Aspen Crossing
All aboard Aspen Crossing Polar Express! Just outside the Calgary limits, a magical experience inspired by the motion picture awaits! Guests are in for some carolling, hot chocolate, Christmas cookies, and appearances by Jolly Old Saint Nick and other characters from the story onboard a fully functional train.
When: Until Sunday, December 29
Where: Aspen Crossing, AB-24, Mossleigh, AB
Time: 7:30 pm and 2:00pm, 4:30pm, 6:00pm on December 25th
Cost: $134+
Holidays at the Rimrock Resort
Banff is an actual wonderland in the winter. Celebrate the holidays at the Rimrock Resort and check out some of their exciting events in the spirit of the season. Get crafty, meet up with Santa, or indulge in one of their Christmas feasts!
When: Check event calendar here
Where: The Rimrock Resort Hotel, 300 Mountain Ave, Banff AB
Skating at Olympic Plaza
Grab the entire family for some obligatory ice skating over the Christmas break. Olympic Plaza is one of the only official city outdoor rinks that has opened this holiday season, and due to the warmer winter we’re expecting, she might be short-lived. Get out there and skate to your heart’s content while you can, Calgary!
When: Currently open
Where: Olympic Plaza, 228 8 Ave. SE
Time: 6:00am – 11:00pm
Cost: FREE
SUB ROSA Nutcracker Ball
Couldn’t get a flight out to visit the ‘rents this Christmas? Don’t let that be the reason you stay in! On December 24, check out Sub Rosa’s holiday industry party. Toast to the holidays with shots of Jameson’s, pop a bottle of Dom or keep it chill with tallboys of PBR. Email nutcrackersball@subrosa.com with the subject line “Nutcrackers Ball” to reserve your spot.
When: Tuesday, December 24
Where: Sub Rosa, 200 8 Ave SW
Time: 9:00 pm – 3:00 am
Cost: Free
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Calgary ZOOLIGHTS
It’s tradition! Grab your closest friends and family for a familiar evening of Christmas magic and bright lights. Enjoy special guests and kid-friendly activities at this year’s ZOOLIGHTS.
When: Until Saturday, January 4th
Where: Calgary Zoo, 210 St. George’s Dr NE
Time: 6:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Cost: $14.95+
Boxing Day on 17th Avenue
Escape the malls and get some fresh air, all while snagging a few incredible deals! 17th Avenue has completed construction and is ready to get down to some serious shopping business.
When: Thursday, December 26th
Where: 17th Ave
Sippin’ Santa Christmas Tiki-Bar
Jingle your bells to a fiest-ive soundtrack of Christmas music while you sip on Kris Kringle Coladas all December long! Sippin’ Santa will be every holiday lover’s dream, every grumpy grinch’s nightmare, and every rowdy Rudolph’s watering hole.
When: Until Tuesday, December 31
Where: Ricardos Hideaway, 1530 5 St SW
Time: 4:00 pm – 11:00 pm
Alberta Ballet Presents: The Nutcracker
Last call! You only have a few more days to see Pyotr Tchaikovsky’s beautiful two-act ballet The Nutcracker. This timeless story will be brought to life by over 120 professional dancers, a live orchestra, and incredible choreography. You won’t want to miss it!
When: Until Tuesday, December 24th
Where: Southern Jubilee Auditorium, 1415 14 Ave. NW
Times: 1:00pm, 6:00pm, and 7:00pm
Cost: $67+
There you have it! 8 things to do this week in Calgary. Have an incredible holiday break, friends!