by YP Contributor
If you're in Calgary for the holidays, then you've got ample opportunity to make this a winter season to remember. Make the most of the city’s unique events and celebrations and find your own western winter wonderland. [Image credit: istockphoto.com/BrendanHunter]
Ask most Calgarians about the best Christmas light displays around the holidays, and they'll likely recommend Zoolights at the Calgary Zoo. Zoolights is designed with families in mind, offering the beautiful sights of more than 200 light displays with more than 1.5 million lights. The event also offers a chance to ice skate, visit with Santa and sit around crackling fire pits drinking hot chocolate.
A much newer light display in town worth checking out is the Legacy Christmas Light Parade, where the new community of Legacy is decorating its show homes with more than 80,000 lights. Or, if you want to stay closer to the city centre, take a walk down Stephen Avenue and enjoy the lights that adorn this historic pedestrian mall every year.
Winter markets in Calgary are a great place to find gifts and support local vendors. One of the most popular is the Calgary Christmas Market at the Calgary Farmers' Market. Featuring all of the Calgary Farmers' Market vendors you know and love, plus additional holiday vendors, the Calgary Christmas Market ensures you won't be able to leave empty-handed!
Another great winter market is the Market Collective Cheer Holiday Market. Market Collective is committed to showcasing the wares of local artisans, artists, musicians and designers in order to build a stronger Calgary community.
Don't forget about Calgary's winter festivals! If you're looking for a family-friendly event, make sure you stop by Winter CARnival at Heritage Park. Spend some quality time with your kids by taking part in fun, winter-themed events at the Gasoline Alley Museum.
Finally, who could pass up on Calgary's bangin' New Year's Eve Celebrations? Taking place every year at Olympic Plaza, New Year's Eve in Calgary is all about enchanting visual arts performances, family-friendly activities and, of course, fireworks!
As a former host of the Winter Olympic Games, Calgary is certainly not lacking opportunity to participate in winter sports. Make the most of the winter by heading out as much as you can to go skiing and snowboarding at WinSport, which offers three different parks based on your ability.
If skating is more your style, get yourself over to Olympic Plaza for free public skating. Skate rentals are available, so don't worry about springing for a new pair if you're just starting to test your skills on the ice.
On those freezing Calgary days when it's hard to make yourself go outside, you can stay indoors and enjoy a performance of The Nutcracker. Performed by the Alberta Ballet to the music of the Calgary Philharmonic Orchestra, The Nutcracker is sure to get you into the holiday spirit. You can also attend the Calgary Philharmonic Orchestra separately as they perform their yearly holiday concerts.
There’s no shortage of winter events and activities in Calgary during the holiday season. Whether you're interested in Christmas lights, winter markets, the performing arts or winter sports, Calgary has it all.
