6 Instagrammable holiday spots to visit in Calgary this year (PHOTOS)

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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.

• See also:
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  • 11 photos of this year’s spectacular ZooLights display
  • Opinion: The Lord of the Rings should totally count as a Christmas movie

With no shortage of holiday decor, lights, markets, and festive cheer, these spaces around YYC will bring the spirit of the holiday season to your ‘gram in no time.

Here are some of the best spots to take pictures around the city this winter:

The Calgary Zoo

 

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A post shared by Andy Kermack (@shandyk) on Nov 25, 2019 at 11:07pm PST

Since November, the zoo has been playing host to over two million dazzling lights as part of this year’s ZooLights display, and many Calgarians have already visited to take part in the festivities.

Every evening from 5 to 9 pm, the lights turn on and the zoo is transformed into a winter wonderland, complete with a skating rink, a 16-foot Christmas tree, and a toasty fire pit — among many other amazing attractions.

Stephen Avenue

 

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Stephen Avenue has gotten an extremely festive makeover for the season. With lights strung up and magic in the air, this street makes for the perfect holiday backdrop — especially right after a fresh falling of snow!

Lions Festival of Lights

 

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A post shared by Logan McIntyre (@logeebear_) on Dec 16, 2018 at 8:38pm PST

This year, the Lions Festival of Lights is back for its 34th year to brighten Calgary’s 14th Street NW with over 500,000 shining lights.

The display is put together by volunteers who spend thousands of hours creating the shining assortment of Christmas figures and decked-out trees — and is definitely a go-to spot for that guaranteed flawless ‘gram.

Heritage Park’s Market Nights

 

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A post shared by patrick_patman (@patrick_patman) on Nov 30, 2019 at 2:13pm PST

Market Nights at Heritage Park features adult beverages, s’mores by the fire, artisan vendor booths, and even the chance to get a picture of your pup with Santa Claus himself.

Market Nights started on Thursday, November 26, and will run for the following three Thursdays and Fridays in the lead up to Christmas.

Olympic Plaza

 

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Definitely a staple when it comes to wintertime activities here in YYC, the Olympic Plaza skating rink is open from 10 am to 9 pm, depending on the weather, and skates can be rented for $12, while the use of the ice is free to all comers.

Honestly, you don’t even need to get on the ice to snap a quick pic at this iconic Calgary spot — but it’s a lot more fun if you do!

Winsport’s Canada Olympic Park

 

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A post shared by @anjuhlyn on Dec 4, 2019 at 4:53pm PST

Head over to Canada Olympic Park for some classic wintertime activities (skiing, snowboarding, tubing) without ever having to leave the city.

The vantage from the top of the hill is stunning, as is that Olympic podium pic.

With files from Rumneek Johal.