Best of Calgary is a celebration of the people, places and voices that make Calgary an amazing place to live and call home.

Written by: Kelsey Woods

With winter slowly creeping up on us, we start to gravitate to indoor activities and tend to neglect the outdoors. However, we know you Calgarians are tough and can deal with a little cold. With three, four, sometimes even five months of snow ahead of us, we need to spend some of that time outside. We’ve compiled a list of fun events happening right here in Calgary for you to attend outdoors this winter and get that much needed breath of fresh air!

Zoolights

What: Sure we know Calgary can get chilly, but TWO MILLION Christmas lights might get you wrapped up and out the door. Join the Calgary Zoo for another year of Zoolights as you wander the grounds with hot chocolate through their magically decorated topical oasis and surrounding gardens, finding a giant gingerbread house, an enchanted forest, an apple wishing tree and Santa himself.
Where: Calgary Zoo
When: Today - January 5 (Please check their website for holiday closures)
Time: 6-9pm
Cost: General - $19.95, Children (ages 3-15) - $14.95

Spruce Meadows Christmas Market

What: Join Spruce Meadows for their final market weekend. Peruse their indoor and outdoor booths to find Christmas gifts, homemade baking, handmade trinkets and one-of-a-kind creations from local makers. Make sure to stop and take a photograph down Candy Cane Alley to commemorate the day.
Where: Spruce Meadows
When: November 30 - December 2
Time: Fri. 9:30am-8pm, Sat. 9:30am-7pm, Sun. 9:30am-5pm
Cost: $10 online, $12 at the gate

Lion’s Festival of Lights

What: Each year, Confederation Park is lit up by thousands of multi-coloured bulbs displayed in beautiful patterns and festive shapes. If you wish to attend the 2018 grand opening, be at the park by 5pm on December 1. Festivities start at 5pm, with the lights turning and celebratory fireworks at 6pm. Mark your calendars Calgary - there will be treats, ice sculptures and musical entertainment to be enjoyed by all! If you can’t attend the grand opening, no worries. These lights run until the beginning of January, so stop by anytime.
Where: 24 Ave - 14 St NW
When: December 1 - January 8
Cost: FREE

Meet Santa’s Reindeer

What: Bring the kids to meet Santa’s reindeer at the Calgary Farmers’ Market free of charge! All they ask is for you to bring a non-perishable food item or cash donation for the Calgary Food Bank to meet Rudolph and his buddies. Donations over $10 will receive a $10 voucher for Santa and cookies inside. Visit the Facebook page above for full event details - hope to see you there!
Where: Calgary Farmers’ Market
When: December 7 & 8
Time: 10am-4pm
Cost: Cash and food donations to the Calgary Food Bank

CP Holiday Train - Calgary Stop

What: If you’re never seen the CP Holiday Train, this year is a must. Each year, it travels across Canada, collecting money and food for the local neighbourhoods it passes through. Every pound and dollar raised at each stop stays with the local food bank to help feed those in need in that community. This year, Terri Clark, Kelly Prescott and Sierra Noble will be performing and entertaining the crowd as you wait for the much anticipated CP Holiday Train arrival. Grab the family and head down there this December 8!
Where: Anderson C-train Station
When: December 8
Time: 6:45-7:45pm
Cost: Free with food and/or cash donations