These Calgary malls are taking the stress out of gift shopping

It’s the last work week of the year, you’re in the thick of the holiday season, the roads are busy, you’ve double-booked your Saturday night, and you still have to start your gift shopping. But don’t worry — you’ve still got time.

As we inch closer to December 25, two Calgary malls want to help make your holiday season more enjoyable and efficient. CF Chinook Centre and CF Market Mall know how you can experience the magic of Christmas as you shop for those on your list — stress-free.

This includes everything from saving you time with a gift wrap valet, larger-than-life holiday décor, and unique choices you won’t find anywhere else in Calgary. Of course, there’s something for the kids too with a Santa experience, and at CF Market Mall, the Playground/Monkey Around.

Here’s everything you need to know to fully enjoy your holiday gift shopping.

Extended hours

Working late doesn’t have to impact your holiday preparations because CF Chinook Centre and CF Market Mall have extended their shopping hours. During some evenings, CF Chinook Centre is open past 9 pm. This gives you more flexibility and convenience, easing the stress of finding your last-minute holiday essentials.

Gift wrap valet

It’s difficult to find time to gift wrap when you have holiday parties and get-togethers every couple of days. Thankfully, there’s a gift wrap valet pop-up shop that can help you out. Simply bring your unwrapped gifts along to the shop near TD Bank at CF Chinook Centre and in Bay Court at CF Market Mall, and have them wrapped as part of a white glove valet service.

Pricing for the gift wrap valet is $3 for a small-sized gift, $5 for a medium-sized gift, and $7 for a large-sized gift. You’ll be giving back when you have your gifts wrapped as a portion of the proceeds will go to WE — Cadillac Fairview’s national charitable partner which supports youth empowerment programming in Canada. Find out more about the gift wrap valet at CF Chinook Centre and CF Market Mall.

Experience a magical moment with Santa

You’re never too old to experience the magic of Christmas and this year, Santa Claus is back in town at CF Chinook Centre and CF Market Mall! Walk-ups are welcome to take a photo with Santa and enjoy a magical moment. You’ll find Santa’s workshop at Bay Court in CF Chinook Centre and in the Centre Court at CF Market Mall. For more details visit CF Chinook Centre and CF Market Mall.

Holiday décor

Get festive and stop by some of the Instagrammable holiday décor at CF Chinook Centre. Capture holiday moments with your friends and family next to artful Christmas sculptures like CF Market Mall’s larger-than-life moose and the iconic 38-foot tree in the Centre Court at CF Chinook Centre. Pro tip: Wear your Christmas sweater to make your photos dazzle even more.

Parking

Holiday shopping (and cold weather) means more Calgarians are out driving, but that’s not a problem when there’s sufficient parking. CF Market Mall has 4,000 parking spaces available, including special spots for expectant moms or brand new parents. Underground parking is also available just off 32nd Avenue.

You can drop your car off to the convenient Holiday Valet at CF Chinook Centre every day in December and it costs just $8 to do so. You’ll find the valet at the South end by Chapters, and North end by Nordstrom and Boston Pizza. Finished shopping? All you have to do is text Meridian Valet in advance to have your vehicle brought to one of the two locations.

Be sure to treat yourself amid the holiday shopping, whether that’s with hot cocoa, a new pair of shoes, or a selfie with Santa! Check out CF Chinook Centre and CF Market Mall for more information before you visit.

CF Chinook Centre

Where: 6455 Macleod Trail
Holiday hours:

• Monday to Saturday: 9 am to 9:30 pm
• Sunday: 10 am to 7 pm

CF Market Mall

Where: 3625 Shaganappi Trail NW
Holiday hours:

• Monday to Saturday: 9 am to 9 pm
• Sunday: 10 am to 6 pm