5 Boxing Day activities. . . that aren’t shopping!

Image source: @modogloves

Not everyone has the same eagerness and rigour to hunt down the city’s best Boxing Day deals. If you rather conserve your energy (and mental capacity) than fight with the shopping crowds, we have five different ways you can spend Boxing Day downtown!

The Glenbow Museum

Image Source: @glenbowmuseum, Instagram

Calgary’s iconic downtown museum will be opening their doors to the public this Boxing Day from noon to 5:00pm. Come celebrate the holiday season with the very best of Western Canadian art and culture. Refresh your world history with permanent collections that take you through historical Alberta, Asia, and West Africa.

This seasons temporary exhibitions look to expand your knowledge on contemporary Canadian art with a diverse selection of works that range in medium from embroidery to oil painting. Find admission prices here.

Skating at Olympic Plaza

Calgary’s only refrigerated outdoor rink is found right in the heart of downtown at Olympic Plaza! The rink is open daily from 10:00am to 9:00pm all winter long, including statutory holidays. Olympic Plaza offers views of some of the city’s most impressive architecture and situates itself across the street from the City Hall C-Train for easy accessibility.

For those without equipment, the Skate Hut at Olympic Plaza has extended their holiday hours and will also be open for rentals between noon and 9:00pm everyday including Boxing Day, Christmas, and New Years.

While skating is free and open to everyone, skate and helmet rentals are available as well. Click here for prices.

Northern Reflections Window Exhibit: #WindowMagic

For the entire month of December, 8th avenue has become home to six new winter themed window murals. The series was started by the Calgary arts organization Buds of Buds and features the work of 11 local painters and animators who worked in teams to integrate these pieces with augmented reality.

Simply download the free Augle app (available online at the iTunes App Store and Google Play), and watch the works come to life as you stroll through the city’s historical Stephen Avenue Walk. Don’t forget to vote for your favourite!

Alberta Theatre Projects: Charlotte’s Web

Image Source: @atplive, Instagram

This company’s home is found in The Martha Cohen Theatre on 8th Avenue and is the only organization within the Arts Commons to present a Boxing Day show.

The classic tale has been brought back by popular demand this holiday season and is presenting a single 7:30pm show on December 26th. Filled with beautiful visuals and music, this adaptation is guaranteed to be two hours of engaging family friendly entertainment. Ticket prices can be found here.

The Fairmont Paliser: Boxing Day Dinner Buffet

For those looking for a holiday meal out, Calgary’s landmark hospitality institution offers a full range of dining options all season long. On Boxing Day, the hotel’s 1920’s inspired Rimrock Dining Room will be offering a full dinner buffet starting at 4:30pm.

While you’re there, feel free to check out the life-sized Ginger Bread House that has been set up by a team of local Calgary charities. Entrance into the house is permitted with the donation of a non-perishable food item. Prices for the buffet can be found here.

Parking Tips and Specials

Enjoy FREE parking all day at Bankers Hall on Tuesday, December 26, 2021. You can also find quick tips for cheap and easier parking at Downtown Parking including our interactive parking app to finding what is closest to your destination.

Share with us!

Know of other activities happening downtown on Boxing Day? Share with us at [email protected].

Tagged as: #WindowMagic, ATP, boxing day, Fairmont Palliser, Glenbow Museum, holiday, Olympic Plaza, skating