Wondering what there is to do in Calgary this year? Start 2021 off right with this list of fun and safe things to do in and around the City of Calgary this January.
This month you can check out several YYC Christmas light displays before they’re gone, stretch your legs and go for a walk or try out a new winter sport. There’s plenty to do this January in YYC.
Walk and Ride YYC Christmas Light Displays
In case you didn’t get the chance over the holidays, this is the last week Calgarians will be able to see quite a few of the big Christmas light displays around the city.
ZOOLIGHTS
This week is your last chance to take part in this Calgary Zoo tradition going on 24 years strong.
This year, there are over two million twinkling Christmas lights, 200+ lit figurines along with interactive and choreographed light displays. The Calgary Zoo has also added new themed areas, including Polar Wonderland and Journey to Wechiau.
The beautiful light displays along with fun activities like the Calgary Zoo Skating Rink, Firepits, Rival Axe Throwing and strolling through the Tunnel of Love in Lovers’ Lane are all family-friendly ways to have a good time and give back to animal conservation.
Pro-tip: The Calgary Zoo offers a Sensory Sunday Experience meant to meet the needs of sensory-sensitive guests. Going on a day with strobe lights turned off, and music turned down/off is great for parents with young children who may get overwhelmed easily.
Where: Calgary Zoo
When: November 20, 2020– January 10, 2021
Admission: General (16+) $19.95 | Child (3-15) $14.95
#KensingtonBRIGHT is a bold, colourful, and interactive art installation located outdoors at four Kensington locations; The Theodore Condos, Good Trade Coffee Company, Ridley’s Cycle and Vine Styles.
Created by local artists in collaboration with PARK™ Production House and the Kensington Business Improvement Area (BIA), this is an excellent excuse for Calgarians to explore the neighbourhood and find some Instagram-worthy photo ops.
Where: Kensington, Calgary
When: Available now
Admission: FREE
Legacy’s 6th Annual Christmas Light Parade
Through a continuous partnership with WestCreek Developments and the Legacy Residents Association, Legacy’s Christmas Light Parade is back for its 6th year in a row!
This Legacy community event is free for all Calgarians. Take a drive through the community, tour a decorated show home or bundle up and take a walk along the many lit-up streets, parks and light tunnels.
This year, they’ve added over 200,000 lights, new figurines and some beautiful Christmas trees.
Where: Legacy, Calgary
When: November 16th, 2020 – January 10th, 2021
Admission: FREE
Lions Festival of Lights – Retro ‘Drive-By’
The LionsFestival of Lights is one of the largest, Free, drive-by Christmas Light showcases in YYC. This year’s festival display is now 99% GREEN and comprises over 650,000 bulbs on 25,000 strings and almost 4 km of power cords.
The festival included walkable displays in previous years, but Due to Covid-19 concerns, there will no walkable collections this year.
Where: Confederation Park, Calgary
When: November 29th, 2020 – January 8th, 2021
Admission: FREE
Outdoor Events Happening in Calgary
Christmas lights are fun, but what about the rest of January? Thankfully, Calgary has plenty of fun places to skate, ski and even snowshoe. (Weather permitting).
Winning at Winter in East Village
Strap on your skis (or snowshoes) because as of December 4th, the East Village Nordic Loop is now officially OPEN! This groomed 1 km free cross-country ski track is a great recreational activity for individuals or families.
Provided in partnership with Fort Calgary and the Foothills Nordic Ski Club, there will also be Curling at St. Patrick’s Island in Confluence Plaza.
Where: East Village, Calgary
When: Open with adequate snowfall
Admission: FREE
Currently, there are seven, free to use skating rink locations maintained by the City of Calgary. These skating rinks are flooded as needed during low usage hours and are available on a first-come-first-served basis for all Calgarians.
So why not lace up your skates and get outside for winter fun?
Where: Various Locations in Calgary
When: December 2020 – February 2021 (Weather permitting)
Admission: FREE
Looking for a Calgary skating rink near someplace you can grab a bite to eat and maybe do some shopping after?
Grab your skates and check out Skate the Boulevard at Deerfoot City for some safe and family-friendly YYC fun. The synthetic skating rink is perfect for casual or first-time skaters.
Pro-tip: Rink capacity is limited, so it’s recommended you reserve your skate time in advance.
Where: Deerfoot City, Calgary
When: November 28, 2020 – February 28, 2021
Admission: FREE
Take a ride down one of the fastest tube parks in Western Canada. The WinSport tube park is located right here in beautiful YYC and comprises eight lanes and a magic carpet to bring you to the top.
WinSport also offers skiing and snowboarding tracks. Which makes WinSport perfect for Calgarians that want to make a day of it, but don’t want to drive all the way out to Banff or Kananaskis.
Where: WinSport, Calgary
When: Opens December 19, 2020
Admission: $20 – $25 per person
