24 things to do in Calgary this weekend: December 8 to 10

The weekend is finally here, and what a beautiful one it is at that!

Make the most of it by heading out to do something fun; we’re sure our list will give you a few ideas of where to spend your valuable days off.

Friday, December 8

Spruce Meadows Run Series – Dashing Through the Glow

• What: Dash through the dark winter wonderland in this 10 km, 5 km or 2 km run held by the Running Room and Spruce Meadows.
• When: Friday, December 8
• Time: 7 pm
• Where: Equiplex Building, Spruce Meadows – 18011 Spruce Meadows Way SW
• Tickets: $55 and up

Curated. Holiday Market

• What: Shop over 85 different vendors for four weekends leading up to the Christmas season. Come get your photo with Santa, while enjoying live entertainment, children’s workshops, and more!
• When: December 8 to 10
• Time: Hours vary, check the schedule
• Where: Deerfoot City – 901 64 Avenue NE
• Tickets:$5

Market Collective Holiday Series 

• What: Everyone’s favourite local market is back and they are transforming Inglewood’s historic Yellow Warehouse into a cozy winter wonderland for the first three weekends in December. Shop over 150 vendors, engage with unique art pieces and interactive stations, and be sure to save room for a delicious snack from Food Truck Alley. They will also be collecting donations for the Calgary Food Bank and encouraging everyone to write a holiday card to the homeless for Make it Merry. Santa will of course be making an appearance and will be taking photos with everyone and their dog – literally! #locallove
• When: December 8 to 10
• Where: The Yellow Warehouse – 1390 17 Avenue SE
• Tickets: $5

Watch the Calgary Hitmen Play Swift Current 

• What: The Hitmen are officially in their regular season, come show them some love as they make their way to the Memorial Cup.
• Where: Scotiabank Saddledome – 555 Saddledome Rise SE, Calgary
• When: Friday, December 8 vs Swift Current
• Time: 7 pm
• Tickets: Ticketmaster, $13+

Zoolights

• What:  The Zoolights at the Calgary Zoo never fail to amaze. Each year, this unforgettable winter tradition of fun activities and stunning lights warms the hearts of many. See the Calgary Zoo light up for seven weeks straight and help celebrate the 20th anniversary of everyone’s favourite holiday experience.
• When: Friday, November 24 to January 6
• Time: 6 to 9 pm
• Where: The Calgary Zoo – 210 ST. Georges Drive NE, Calgary
• Tickets: General (16+) $14.95, Child (3-15) – $11.95

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. Each hill also has a variety of Christmas themed activities happening throughout the holiday season, be sure to check the websites before heading up so you don’t miss the festivities.
• Check the websites for Sunshine, Mount Norquay and Lake Louise to check hours of operation and see which trails are open!

Happy Chicken Dinner at The Nash + Notable

• What: Enjoy an impromptu Christmas Dinner, without having to go to the hassle of cooking it yourself. Both  The Nash and Notable Restaurant are offering a Happy Chicken Dinner to-go, which includes a wood roasted whole chicken, veggies, and all the fixings!
• Where: The Nash – 925 11 Street SE

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: November 18 to January 7 (Varies per event)
• Time: Varies per event
• Where: 100 Mountian Avenue, Banff
• Tickets: Online, Adult – $62, Child – $31

Saturday, December 9

Granary Road Christmas Market 

• What: Calgary’s newest market has a whole lot of festive fun planned for this holiday season. Get your photo taken with an alpaca wearing a festive scarf, enjoy delish holiday treats, let Santa and Mrs. Claus know what is on your Christmas list, sit back and enjoy a sleigh ride, and so much more!
• When: Every Friday to Sunday until December 23
• Time: 9:30 am to 5:30 pm
• Where: Granary Road – 226034 112nd Street W
• Admission: FREE

Canadian Pacific Holiday Train

• What: The Canadian Holiday train will pass by looking like a scene straight out of any Christmas movie ever, and will be presenting a boxcar stage, musical performances, and an important contribution to the local food bank. This is a Calgary light event you surely won’t want to miss out on.
• When: Saturday, December 9,  2017
• Where: Anderson C-Train Station – South C-train parking lot
• Time: 6:45 to 7:45 pm
• Price: Free! Bring non-perishable donations to support your local food bank.

Christmas Lights at Spruce Meadows

• What: This 2 km drive through in Spruce Meadows is lit up so festively that it’s undeniably special for anybody to see. Also free, this Christmas lights event will leave you feeling as though Christmas day is just one sleep away.
• When: Saturday, December 9 to Sunday, January 7
• Time: 5 to 10 pm
• Where: Spruce Meadows – 18011 Spruce Meadows Way SW
• Admission: $10 per carload

Skate the Lake Fundraiser 

• What: Embrace winter wholeheartedly as you skate in front of the stunning Chateau Lake Louise while helping to raise money for a fantastic cause. Afterwards, you can warm up by a crackling fire as you roast marshmallows and drink hot chocolate with your friends and family.
• When: Saturday, December 9
• Time: 11 am to 2 pm
• Where: Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise
• Admission: Free

Christmas in Kensington 

• What: Every Saturday until Christmas, enjoy complimentary coffee and hot chocolate, selfies with Santa, horse and wagon rides, a petting zoo, and four of your favourite Christmas classics up on the silver screen. The best part – it’s FREE!
• When: Saturday, December 9 – The Grinch
• Where: The Plaza Theatre – 1133 Kensington Road NW
• Admission: FREE/ by donation

Calgary Christmas Market – One the Table, Under the Tree

• What: Indulge in local treats, shop for unique holiday gems, and enjoy the seasonal ambiance of the Calgary Farmers Market as they continue their annual holiday tradition.
• When: November 16 to December 23
• Time: Thursday to Sunday, 9 am to 5 pm
• Where: The Calgary Farmers Market – 510 77 Avenue SW
• Admission: Free

Greater Goods’ second Annual Sip and Shop

• What: Enjoy a free hot chocolate and Christmas treats by Pretty Sweet as you peruse the shop for unique, local holiday gems for everyone on your list. Inspired Findings will also be doing an exciting pop up with her beautiful wooden signs that you won’t want to miss!
• When: Saturday, December 9
• Time: 11 am to 9 pm
• Where: Greater Goods Boutique and Tea Bar – 606 Meredith Road NE
• Admission: FREE

Dave Kelly Live Christmas Special 

• What: Join Dave Kelly for a night of songs, stories and laughs with special guests Paul Brandt and the Young Canadians of the Calgary Stampede.
• When: Saturday, December 9
• Time: 8 pm
• Where: Southern Alberta Jubilee Auditorium – 1415 14 Avenue NW
• Tickets: Ticketmaster, $27 – $104

Watch the Calgary Flames Play Vancouver

• What: Cheer on the Flames in a sea of red!
• Where: Scotiabank Saddledome – 555 Saddledome Rise SE, Calgary
• When: Saturday, December 9 vs Vancouver
• Time: 8 pm
• Tickets: Ticketmaster, $41+

Skate with Santa

• What: Glide through the magical winter wonderland at Olympic Plaza while getting to know Santa, his elves and Ice Princesses. This is the perfect opportunity to change your fate on his naughty or nice list!
• When: Saturday, December 9
• Time: 1 to 4 pm
• Where: Olympic Plaza – 228 8th Avenue SE
• Admission: Free

Sunday, December 10

Northwestival Winter Festival 2017

• What: Taking place at the University of Calgary’s field 9, Northwestival will also be host to live music from pianist Derek Chiu, the Stetson Show Band, the Children’s Choir, Pulse Dance Studio, Thundering Nations, and the Rondel Roberts Band.
• When: Sunday, December 10
• Time: 1 to 7 pm
• Where: Field 9, University of Calgary – 2500 University Dr NW, Calgary
• Admission: By donation

The Brick Teddy Bear Toss 

• What: See the Calgary Hitmen play the Moose Jaw Warriors and bring a teddy bear to participate in this world-famous toss. In recent years they have collected over 300,000 stuffed toys that have gone to local groups and community partners. Let’s make an effort to beat that this year!
• When: Sunday, December 10
• Time: 2 pm
• Tickets: Online, $13 Kids and $20 Adults

Experience Christmas from years gone by

• What: Go back in time for a more traditional form of Christmas from years ago. Tap into your inner child and decorate gingerbread cookies, get vintage photos taken, visit the alpaca’s, paint snow, enjoy a wagon ride, and even sing along to some Christmas carols. You can also find some unique holiday treasures as you peruse The Corner Emporium, Plaza Mercantile, Antiques and Collectables, Switzer’s Grocery & Confectionery, and the Toy Shoppe.
• When: November 25 to December 17, 22 and 23
• Time: 9:30 am – 4 pm
• Where: Heritage Park – 1900 Heritage Drive SW, Calgary
• Admission:
  • General (16+) – $10.95
  • Senior (65+) – $8.75
  • Youth (7 – 15) – $6.95
  • Child (3 – 6) – $5.65
  • 2 & under – Free

Northern Lights Window Exhibition

• What: Downtown Calgary shop windows will be getting a makeover this December, and it’ll be more than just a bit of paint. Using an Augmented Reality enabled app on your phone, you’ll be able to interact and experience each painted window destination, that will reflect various Christmas stories and memories of local artists. Don’t forget to vote for your favourite window through the app!
• When: Friday, December 1 to Sunday, December 31
• Where: In and around Calgary’s downtown core
• Admission: Free!

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.

Winter ice skating at Olympic Plaza

• What: Skate amidst the beauty of downtown Calgary at everyone’s favourite outdoor rink.
• When: Monday, November 20 to mid-March
• Time: weather dependent, from 10 am to 9 pm
• Where: Olympic Plaza – 228 8th Avenue SE
• Admission: Free