Cue the countdown, fireworks, pop-fizzle-clink… and it’s officially 2018!
The year is truly off to a good start with a four-day week for most working around the city.
There is no sign of it warming up any time soon, unfortunately, but that doesn’t stop Calgarians from going about their day-to-day (we’re stronger than a little -23 here and there). From creative theatrical performances to hockey games to brunches to festivals to the last of the Christmas light displays, there is lots going on that should make venturing out into the cold well worth the chilly adventure.
Here is our thing of exciting things happening in and around the city that will get 2018 off to a great start!
See also
- Canadians are officially fed up with the deep freeze taking over the country
- This amazing homemade hockey rink is every Canadian’s backyard dream (VIDEO)
Tuesday, January 2
DJD $5 Class Week
- What: Is one of your New Years resolutions to try something totally out of your comfort zone or to pick up an old hobby that has fallen by the wayside? Come move with DJD and try out some of their unique dance and workout classes for only $5 a class all week long. Try some of the classic styles, such as ballet, jazz, tap or hip hop, switch it up a bit with West African, Soca, Dance Hall, and Krump, or shake it like Beyonce in their fun Diva Style Hip Hop class. There is something for everyone!
- When: January 2 to 4
- Time: Varies
- Where: Decidedly Jazz Danceworks – 111 12th Avenue SE
- Admission: Drop-in (first come first served), $5
Brunch at Two Penny Chinese
- What: Beginning on January 2, the newly opened Two Penny Chinese will be offering lunch AND brunch daily. As if you didn’t have enough reasons to check out his beautifully designed foodie hotspot!
- When: Beginning Tuesday, January 2
- Time: 11 am daily
- Where: Two Penny Chinese – 1213 1st Street SW
Wednesday, January 3
High Performance Rodeo
- What: This “rodeo” is a fantastic showcase that animates the city with some of the best live performances from around the world and is essentially known as Calgary’s International Festival of the Arts. View this year’s exciting lineup here!
- When: January 3 to 28
- Where: Varies for each performance
- Tickets: Online, bundle of four tickets – $120
Thursday, January 4
Last chance to experience this year’s Zoolights
- What: Experience an authentic Calgarian love story by grabbing a cuppa hot cocoa and strolling hand-in-hand through ‘lovers lane’ and the other 1.5 million dazzling lights at the zoo this holiday season. If you get chilly, just cuddle up to one of the many fires or head into the Enmax Conservatory to check out the Mad Hatter in Wonderland.
- When: Now to January 6
- Time: 6 to 9 pm
- Where: The Calgary Zoo – 210 St. Georges Drive NE
- Tickets: General (16+) $14.95, Child (3-15) – $11.95
Watch the Calgary Flames play the Los Angeles Kings
- What: Cheer on the Flames in a sea of red all the way to the Red Mile!
- Where: Scotiabank Saddledome – 555 Saddledome Rise SE
- When: Thursday, January 4
- Time: 7 pm
- Tickets: Ticketmaster, $25 to $175
Friday, January 5
The Motorcycle Show
- What: This year’s motorcycle show features all the latest accessories and products direct from the manufacturers themselves. The show will also feature “SHE Rides” an extreme MX Freestyle show, riding retailers, riding clubs, celebrity racers, associations and the Yamaha Riding Academy for kids 6 through 12.
- When: January 5 to 7
- Time:
- January 5: noon to 9 pm
- January 6: 10 am to 8 pm
- January 7: 10 am to 5 pm
- Where: BMO Centre – 1410 Olympic Way SE
- Tickets: Online, $13 to $40
Watch the Calgary Hitmen play Moose Jaw
- What: Come show the Hitmen some love as they make their way to the Memorial Cup.
- Where: Scotiabank Saddledome – 555 Saddledome Rise SE
- When: Friday, January 5
- Time: 7 pm
- Tickets: Ticketmaster, $13 to $26
Mountain Top Christmas
- What: Nothing is more magical than celebrating Christmas in a wonderland of snow on the top of a mountain. Help out at Santa’s workshop, experience the Elf Interactive Centre, write Santa a letter, participate in a Christmas Treasure Hunt, stargaze with astronomers, watch Disney’s ‘Prep and Landing’ Christmas short film, and so much more. It’s truly a magical wonderland that the whole family can enjoy.
- When: Now to January 7 (Varies per event)
- Time: Varies per event
- Where: 100 Mountian Avenue, Banff
- Tickets: Online, Adult – $62, Child – $31
Winter CARnival
- What: This yearly event is always a fun time and a great way to get the entire family out of this house for an afternoon! Enjoy an international adventure by experiencing winter around the globe. Participate in games, workshops and activities true to many cultures and traditions that help beat the cold (or the heat) around the world. Bon Voyage!
- When: Now to January 7
- Time: 10 am to 4 pm
- Admission: Regular admission to the park
Saturday, January 6
Ebi: The 50 World Tour
- When: Saturday, January 6
- Time: 9 pm
- Where: Southern Alberta Jubilee Auditorium – 1415 14 Avenue NW
- Tickets: Ticketmaster, $54 to $192
Watch the Calgary Flames play Anaheim Ducks
- What: Cheer on the Flames in a sea of red all the way to the Red Mile!
- Where: Scotiabank Saddledome – 555 Saddledome Rise SE
- When: Saturday, January 6
- Time: 8 pm
- Tickets: Ticketmaster, $25 to $193
2018 FIS Freestyle Ski Acro World Cup Presented by Toyota
- What: Come see the world’s best mogul skiers from over 15 different countries, compete for the 2018 FIS Freestyle Ski Moguls World Cup. Viewing the action is free, but for an elevated experience grab tickets freestyle fan zone, where you will have the opportunity to met members of Team Canada, enter to win exciting prizes and enjoy a tasty BBQ and beer gardens all centred around outdoor heaters and fire pits to keep you warm throughout the day. Click here to view the full schedule!
- When: January 6 and 7
- Where: Winsport’s Canada Olympic Park – 88 Canada Olympic Road SW
- Tickets: Online, $10 (single Fan Zone Ticket)
Christmas Lights at Spruce Meadows
- What: This two-kilometre drive through Spruce Meadows is lit up so festively that it’s undeniably special for anybody to see.
- When: Now to January 7
- Time: 5 to 10 pm
- Where: Spruce Meadows – 18011 Spruce Meadows Way SW
- Admission: $10 per carload
Sunday, January 7
Rockies Run Collective
- What: Join Lululemon every Saturday morning for a fun morning run through iconic mountain landscapes and a chance to escape the hustle and bustle of the busy town streets!
- When: Every Saturday morning
- Time: 9 am
- Where: Lululemon Banff – 121 Banff Avenue, Banff
- Admission: Free!
Watch the Calgary Hitmen Play Kelowna
- What: Come show the Hitmen some love as they make their way to the Memorial Cup.
- Where: Scotiabank Saddledome – 555 Saddledome Rise SE
- When: Sunday, January 7
- Time: 4 pm
- Tickets: Ticketmaster, $9 to $26
Lion’s Festival of Lights
- What: This festival of lights is the largest drive-by Christmas lights event in Calgary (and it’s free!). With over 300,000 lights and opening fireworks to start the celebration, this is a light show you won’t want to miss.
- When: Saturday, December 2 to Monday, January 8
- Time: Opening day 5 pm, then 6 pm to midnight daily
- Where: Confederation Park – 14th Street NW, north of 24th Avenue
- Admission: Free!
Hitmen Sunday Funday
- What: Spend your Sunday’s at the rink with the entire family! As you cheer on the Hitmen, enjoy face painters, concourse activities, exciting giveaways, a post-game family skate at the dome and more.
- Where: Scotiabank Saddledome – 555 Saddledome Rise SE
- Tickets: Ticketmaster, Adult: $19.99, Kids: $8.99
Any day of the week
Go Tubing at Canada Olympic Park
- What: Calgary’s only tube park is the largest of its kind in Western Canada and now boasts 12 lanes, a four person tube option, and a dedicated magic carpet. A village including a food trailer, a deck with heaters, a fire pit, and washrooms have also been added for the 2017/18 season.
- When: During the winter season
- Where: WinSport’s Canada Olympic Park, The Acura Tube Park – 88 Canada Olympic Road SW
- Admission: Tickets cost $28 for an adult to slide for two hours, and senior, youth, and family discounts are available.
Go skating on Lake Louise
- What: Lake Louise was rated as 2014 World’s most Beautiful Skating Rink and trust us, it definitely lives up to its reputation. Glide hand-in-hand with your special someone as you enjoy the tranquil views and take in the fresh mountain air. The lake is even lit during the evening so you can skate under the stars and then warm up by a cozy campfire. Skate rentals are available.
- Where: 111 Lake Louise Drive
- Admission: email or call the Concierge Team for prices and ice conditions before heading up.
Hit the Slopes
- What: Getting snow early this year means that our mountainous backyard is waiting for us with a fluffy layer of the white stuff, perfect for winter sports and activities. Take advantage and get some shredding in during this great pre-season, or take your snowshoes for an adventure around one of the many picturesque lakes that the Rockies have to offer.
- Check the websites for Sunshine, Mount Norquay and Lake Louise to check hours of operation and see which trails are open!
Go ice fishing
- Looking for a new winter activity to try your hand at? Test the waters with ice fishing. In the city try spots like Chestemere Lake, Bearspaw reservoir, Bruce Lake Ghost Lake and MORE! If you’re looking for more of an epic adventure try out one of the many lakes up in the rockies, or book a guided tour to show you the ropes!
Experience a Dog Sledding Exhibition
- What: Cuddle up under a blanket enjoy the scenery as you glide through the trail or head up your own team of home-bred Canadian huskies – you choose!
- Where: Snowy Owl Sled Dog Tours – 109, 829 Street Canmore or Mad Dogs & Englishmen Expeditions in Canmore
Take a road trip through the Icefields Parkway
- What: Did someone say road trip? Grab some pals and your camera and go cruising on this stretch of highway between Jasper and Lake Louise. The views are tremendous, just make sure you don’t limit you to one single destination. It’s all about the drive and what you’ll discover!
- Where: Highway between Jasper and Lake Louise
Escape to the Post Hotel & Spa
- What: Located in the heart of Lake Louise, this charming European-inspired hotel boasts picturesque mountain scenery, complimentary access to skating on the lake, ice walks, snowmobile tours, and, of course, lots of opportunities to enjoy a cozy fire. Their restaurant, Fondue Stübli, features their famous traditional Swiss fondue along with other speciality eats that will have you wanting to spend the entire holiday season at this snowglobe-esque resort.
- Where: 200 Pipestone Road, Lake Louise
Go Snowshoeing
- Take in the crisp outdoor air and the picturesque views as you march your way through the many trails in and around the Calgary area – plus, it’s a great workout! If your are of an inner city roamer check out Fish Creek Park Or Nose Hill for some fantastic trails close to home. If you’re interested in taking a drive out to the Rockies, Canmore, Bragg Creek and Banff all boast unreal trail paths that lead to some magical destinations. Be sure to check trail reports before heading out and dress for the weather!