9 Christmas date ideas in Calgary to do with your sweetheart

Written for Daily Hive by Dania Gravelle

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It’s that time of year again where it every weekend is booked solid with holiday festivities. Between work Christmas parties, and family or friend get-togethers, things can get a little hectic.

Make sure you aren’t ignoring the sweetie in your life during the busy time of year, and take them on one of the many Christmas dates around the city.

International Christmas Market at Spruce Meadows

Truthfully, the International Christmas Market is an all ages event, but for $10 it’s a perfect place to take your date. Not only can you meet every single reindeer – except Rudolph, he has to rest for the big day – you can cozy up next to multiple outdoor fire pits while enjoying a Spanish coffee or mulled red wine.

When: December 2 to 4
Where: Spruce Meadows – 18011 Spruce Meadows Way SW

The Nutcracker by the Alberta Ballet

Everyone should see at least one Christmas show, and if dance is your thing, then so is The Nutcracker. Ballerinas dance seamlessly as they tell the story of sugar plum fairies, the army of mice, and the Nutcracker Prince. Even if dance isn’t necessarily your thing, the costumes and set design are enough to enthrall anyone.

When: December 16 to 24
Where: Southern Alberta Jubilee – 1414 14th Avenue NW

A 1K, 2k, 5k, or 10k run. (yes, really)

For all you fitness buffs, there are a number of marathons taking place over the Christmas holidays, so why not grab your date and hit the snow (safely). Afterward you can stop for hot chocolate and cozy up!

Runs in Calgary during the Christmas holidays:

• Santa Shuffle Fun Run & Elf Walk on December 3
• Dashing Through The Glow on December 4
• Run Santa Run on December 12

Cut down (or pick up) a Christmas tree

Why not grab your special someone, an axe, and a permit and head out into the forest and cut down your own tree. Sure to end in plenty of laughs (and hopefully minimal injuries) being outdoors is the perfect way to spend a Saturday or Sunday. And if you aren’t the adventurous type, then simply going to one of the places around town and picking up a tree can be a romantic outing too.

Zoo Lights

You can’t plan a Christmas date without going to Zoolights. What’s more romantic than 1.5 million lights, crackling fire pits, skating rinks, and hot chocolate? Just remember, the animals will be sleeping so it’s humans only!

When: Now until January 8
Where: Calgary Zoo – 1300 Zoo Road NE

Canadian Pacific Holiday Train

The Canadian Pacific Holiday Train heads across Canada and the United States every year to raise awareness for food banks. It’s the perfect date since you get to check out a show, lights, and bring a donation for the food bank.

When: December 10
Where: Anderson C-Train Station

Tubing at Mount Norquay

Why not put on your winter gear and head out to the slopes for some action packed fun. You and your date can each grab a tube and hurtle down the tube park at Mount Norquay. Since it’s super close to Calgary you can make it a half-day or full day activity – which leaves plenty of time to hang out in the lodge afterward for a drink.

Kananaskis Sleigh Rides

If you love winter activities but like to keep things a little more “slower paced” then you definitely have to bundle up and go on a horse drawn carriage ride out in Kananaskis. You and your date will share a blanket, hot chocolate, and take a ride through the Rockies. If you want to make it extra special, you can stay for the meal too!

A Christmas Carol at Theatre Calgary

Everyone knows the story of Ebenezer Scrooge, but when is the last time you went and saw the play? Grab someone special, buy your tickets in advance (last year it sold out), and head down to watch an amazing performance that will leave you with all of those “Christmas feel goods.”

When: Now until December 24
Where: Theatre Calgary – 220 9th Avenue SE