Where to Find Holiday Fun in Downtown Calgary

Written by Kait Kucy

If you’re sticking around town for the holidays you’ll want to take in the sights and sounds of the Christmas season right in the heart of downtown. From the twinkle lights that line Stephen Avenue, to the holiday music blasting from store windows, to the hustle and bustle of the last minute shoppers, you’ll find all sorts of Christmas spirit in the core. And now with a fresh dusting of snow, the city feels even more like a winter wonderland just in time for the big day. Here are five fun and interactive activities around downtown to get you in the Christmas mood.

Holiday Movies at Eau Claire Market Theatre

Who doesn’t love to watch holiday classics every single year at Christmastime? Now you can watch them on the big screen. Eau Claire Market Theatre is screening a few classics just before the holidays. Catch It’s A Wonderful Life on Wednesday December 20th at 8:40pm, The Bolshei Ballet: The Nutcracker at 5:20pm on December 20th and Irving Berlin’s Holiday Inn: The Broadway Musical on Thursday December 21 at 7:00pm.

Santa Claus at The CORE until December 23

Have you been able to get down to see the big jolly guy in red yet? If you haven’t luckily, Santa Claus is stationed at The CORE until December 23rd for FREE (!) photos on the 2nd floor. Share your photo on social media to get a free printed photo as well as other surprises from the CORE’s holiday partners.

The Fairmont Palliser’s Life Size Gingerbread House

The amazing folks at The Fairmont Palliser have constructed an awe-inspiring life-size gingerbread house that you can actually tour! With donation to the Calgary Food Bank or the Calgary Drop-in and Rehab Centre,  you can peek inside the adorable, candy-encrusted masterpiece. The Fairmont’s holiday decorations are a sight to behold as well. Pop into one of their lounges or restaurants for hot cocoa, a holiday cocktail or a bite to eat.

Ice Skating at Olympic Plaza

Looking for some more budget-friendly activities? Why not head down to Olympic Plaza with your ice skates for a family skate around the rink. There is nothing more stunning than skating amongst the twinkle lights and sparkling downtown towers. Pack a thermos of hot cocoa and some cookies - and you’ve got yourself an outdoor date right in the heart of the city.

Buds of Buds Interactive Holiday Window Displays

Another fun free activity to do in the city is take the self-guided tour of Buds of Buds Interactive Holiday Window Displays - all you need is your smartphone! The Northern Reflections Window Exhibition uses the app Augle to make animations show up when you point your phone at the painted window. Using augmented reality, you can experience a bit of holiday magic all over the downtown core. There are six windows total - get all of the details here: http://www.budsofbuds.com/events.html.