11 things to do in Calgary this week: December 14 to 18

Dec 14 2020, 6:47 pm

As recommended by health officials, if you choose to participate in events outside of your home, please adhere to COVID-19 health and safety measures, including proper physical distancing, mask wearing, and frequent handwashing. If you are sick, please stay home.

There’s still plenty to do in Calgary, even with new public health measures in place.

From outdoor activities with members of your household to things to keep you entertained while inside, there’s no reason to be bored in YYC this week as we head into the holidays.

Here are a few fun events and activities you can do — all while safely physically distancing!

Go for an ice skate at Olympic Plaza

If you’re down to get outside and have some fun, then make your way downtown for some (physically distanced) skating.

The rink is open from 10 am to 9 pm daily, and it’s completely free of charge — unless you’re hoping to rent some skates, that is.

Location: 228 8th Avenue SE

Pick up a locally made gift for that special someone

gift

Rocky Mountain greeting cards (@krystlesimmonds/Instagram)

Our city has a strong entrepreneurial spirit that not even a pandemic can shake, but it still needs our help to keep it alive. This year more than ever, it’s so important that our hard-earned dollars go towards supporting local businesses, makers, and artists whose livelihood depends on the success of the holiday season.

When you purchase a gift from a small business, you’re not only helping to support the family behind it but also our local Calgary economy as a whole.

We’ve put together an extensive guide to shopping local this holiday season to help you find gifts for all your friends, family, and frontline workers whom you may or may not see in person this year.

Go for a holiday photo walk

It’s the most wonderful time of the year in Calgary, and what better time to brighten up your Instagram than when the city is lit up for the holidays?

If you’re looking to get out into the city, live your best holiday life, and take pictures to document winter’s precious moments, we’ve got just the list of spots for you.

Check out Telus Spark’s Sparkle Sparkle

Telus Spark

Telus Spark

Telus Spark has launched Sparkle Sparkle, an indoor winter wonderland featuring over 270,000 LED lights arranged in stunning (and incredibly photo-worthy) displays.

The pathway experience brings visitors through a simmering Northern Lights cave, past LED bonfires, and under simulated shooting stars.

Guests will also get to grab a hot chocolate, create their own lantern, taste some treats at a Sugar Shack, and learn about the infinite expanse that is the cosmos.

When: Now until January 3, excluding December 24, 25, and 31
Time: Time slots are available between 5 and 9:30 pm
Where: Telus Spark — 220 St. George’s Drive NE
Tickets: Available online, $19

Jam out to some Christmastime bangers

The Christmas season is officially in full swing, which means radio stations, your mom, and lobbies everywhere are switching over to their holiday playlist.

Some of the songs you’ll hear on repeat over the next few weeks are awful, and some are amazing.

But only 15 are THE BEST, as determined by both the scientific method and an Elven focus group. Check out our list here.

ZooLights 2020

zoolights

Zoolights (@erikasmind/Instagram)

One of Calgary’s most festive events is on its way back this holiday season.

Zoolights, presented by Olympia Trust Company, is returning to the Calgary Zoo for its 24th year.

The zoo will be transformed into a magical wonderland with two million twinkling lights from November 20, 2020, to January 3, 2021 (excluding December 25), for seven weeks of family-friendly fun that gives back to animal conservation.

When: November 20, 2020, to January 3, 2021
Time: 5 to 9 pm
Where: The Calgary Zoo — 210 St. George’s Drive NE
Tickets: Available online, 20

Go sledding on a City of Calgary approved hill

Winter is still a month away, but someone must have forgotten to tell Mother Nature because Calgary has already seen quite a bit of snow over the past week.

While YYC may be going through its usual freeze, snow, thaw routine at the moment, it’s only a matter of time before the white stuff is here to stay. Not that there’s anything wrong with that, as the snow covering actually lends the opportunity for anyone looking to slip and slide down some hills.

Calgary actually has a bylaw in effect, stopping would-be tobogganers from sliding down any hills that haven’t been officially given the green light, but lucky for us, there are quite a few on that list.

Kick back and binge some Disney+

Stay indoors and stay safe this week by making some popcorn and having some Disney+ and Chill time.

Here are a few new releases worth checking out on the streaming giant this weekend.

Pick up the perfect Christmas Tree

Markham Christmas

Shutterstock

It’s that time of year again where it pays off to think ahead before the stressful holiday rush.

Dust off your shopping chops, dig out the Christmas decor and get ready for the holiday festivities.

If you’re thinking about getting a new Christmas tree this year, real or artificial, there are plenty of places to find the perfect tree fit for any home.

Check out our list of locations here.

Check out what’s new on Netflix

In what is arguably the best time in the history of humanity to sit back and stream, Netflix Canada is offering a slate of great new content just in time for the weekend.

From some holiday content and specials to foreign films, animation, animals, and everything in between, the streaming platform is making it pretty enticing to stay glued to the tube all weekend.

Go for a wintertime hike

winter camping

Hiking in Alberta (@kristinrepsher/Instagram)

Just because winter is here doesn’t mean the hiking season is over.

With the right gear and preparation, you can keep hiking through the snow and ice. The chilly temperatures might be challenging, but the blanket of snow makes everything simply beautiful. Here are some tips for making sure your winter hike is safe, warm, and fun.

DH Calgary StaffDH Calgary Staff

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