Go for a drive to see some spectacular holiday light displays
When: Legacy Christmas light display runs from November 15 to January 10; Spruce Meadows’ Christmas Lights Drive-Thru runs from November 27 to January 3 (except for Christmas Day) The Lions Festival of Lights runs from November 29 to January 8
This winter, get ready to be dazzled by Christmas light displays without leaving the comfort (and warmth) of your car. There are at least three displays you can drive by in Calgary: The Legacy community will feature more than a million lights from November 15 to January 10, while the Spruce Meadows’ Christmas Lights Drive-Thru launches on November 27. Finally, the Lions Festival of Lights kicks off on November 29. The best part? It’s completely free to drive through all three of these holiday light displays.
Legacy Christmas lights display, 53 Legacy Gate, facebook.com; Spruce Meadows, 18011 Spruce Meadows Way S.W., sprucemeadows.com; The Lions Festival of Lights, 14 Street N.W., lionsfestivaloflights.ca
Go skating at Olympic Plaza
Olympic Plaza is the only City-maintained outdoor skating rink that is currently open, so the next time you’re in need of some fresh air, head there for a skate. It’s free to skate at Olympic Plaza, and those who need to rent skates and helmets can do so for a small fee at the Skate Hut from Thursday to Sunday. Be sure to read up on the physical distancing guidelines before attending, including the one-hour time limit when the rink is at capacity and the recommendation to wear a face covering.
228 8 Ave. S.E., calgary.ca
Watch a virtual concert featuring Canadian singer-songwriters
When: November 27 and December 4, 11 and 18
The Blue Jay Sessions, a local pop-up music event, has turned its 2020 holiday event into four nights of live streamed shows. The virtual shows can be watched live on Facebook over four Fridays from November 27 to December 18, and will kick things off with performances by Meg Dawson, Krissy Feniak, Brettyn Rose and Alex Hughes on November 27.
thebluejaysessions.com; eatnorth.com
Have some Pinnovate craft kits delivered to you
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DIY studio Pinnovate is helping Calgarians stay crafty from home with its DIY delivery service, which delivers craft kits ($35 to $95) with everything you need to be creative. There are kits to help you make macramé, cheeky doormats, string art, embroidery and more. Three- and six-month craft subscription boxes are also available.
Grab a bite at Calgary’s first King of Donair location
Calling all donair fans! King of Donair, the iconic Halifax-based donair restaurant chain, is about to open its first Calgary location on 17 Ave. S.W. Starting November 28, you can pop by in-person (or get delivery through its website, Uber Eats and DoorDash) to get your hands on a donair wrap, donair plate or some pizza.
503 17 Ave. S.W., kingofdonair.ca
Get some exercise with a 12K virtual holiday run
When: December 1 to 12
Run Calgary’s final run of the year is the 12K’s of Christmas. The run is virtual, which means you can complete it all at once or bit by bit (and anywhere you want) as long as it’s done between December 1 to 12. While paid registrant spots with swag are sold out, you can still sign up just for fun (and for free) until November 29.
Take part in a holiday singalong event at home with the Youth Singers of Calgary
When: December 1, 8, 15 and 22
This month, get in the holiday spirit by becoming the newest member of the Youth Singers of Calgary’s online Christmas choir. The two choirs (one for those under 14 years old, one for those over 14) will rehearse online for three Tuesdays. Then, it all comes together on December 22 for a live singalong done virtually.
Order some pizza and fried chicken at the newly opened Jin Bar
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Canadian Culinary Championships and GoldMedal Plates winner, former chef at Raw Bar and Foreign Concept, Top Chef Canada finalist — there’s no denying chef Jinhee Lee is one of Calgary’s culinary powerhouses. And now, she’s ventured out on her own with a new restaurant called Jin Bar. The new Bridgeland restaurant offers a Korean-influenced menu of snacks (like dragon breath J.F.C. sliders and sautéed kimchi mac and cheese), fried chicken and pizza. The restaurant is currently open for dine-in and takeout.
24 4 St. N.E., 587-349-9008, jinbar.ca
Get your shopping done with the help of Avenue’s handy holiday gift guide
Looking for a cool stocking stuffer or gift for a family member? We’ve got you covered. Avenue‘s holiday gift guide has 36 suggestions to help you find just the right presents for your friends and family this year.
Read more: Avenue‘s Holiday Gift Guide 2020
Hear the story of The Wizard of Oz via livestream
When: December 3 to 6
You don’t have to follow the yellow brick road to reach the Wizard this month. Instead, tune in for Alberta Theatre Projects’ virtual presentation of The Wizard of Oz, which will be performed as a live on-stage reading that guests can watch from home via livestream. Make a night of it by opting to add a one- or two-person dinner experience (available for curbside pickup) from Deane House.
Enjoy a beer, vegan food or some barbecue on a winterized patio
Now that it’s getting colder, several restaurants, bars and breweries have been winterizing their patios so that Calgarians can enjoy them all winter long. While some patios are outdoors with features like heaters and fire pits, others are now fully enclosed with retractable walls. if you’re comfortable with dining out right now, then one of these winterized patios may be for you.
Read more: 8 Winterized Restaurant Patios in Calgary
Pick up some Shipnog to enjoy at home
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Enjoying a glass of eggnog (aka Shipnog) at The Ship & Anchor is a classic holiday tradition for many. This year, while you can still enjoy a glass in-person, the local pub will also be offering 750 ml bottles ($22) for takeaway leading up to Christmas. These are bound to be popular, so make sure to preorder online soon. It’s for some good causes, too: $5 from each glass and $10 from each bottle will go towards the Awo Taan Healing Lodge, the Calgary Drop-In Centre and the Centre for Newcomers.
534 17 Ave. S.W., 403-245-3333, shipandanchor.com
Watch a local holiday theatre or music production virtually
Local performing arts companies have found a way to stage holiday productions this year in the form of virtual theatre and music performances that will bring the holiday spirit right into your home. From classics like A Christmas Carol to holiday concerts, you won’t want to miss these shows.
Read more: 5 Holiday Productions You Can Watch Virtually in December
Decorate some cookies (or cake, cupcakes or cake pops) at home
The only thing better than eating cookies is having fun decorating them beforehand. Cakeify Studio offers sugar cookie and gingerbread DIY cookie kits ($2.75 to $25 depending on the number of cookies) that come with icing, sprinkles and candy/sanding sugar. The studio also offers DIY kits to decorate cake pops, cakes and cupcakes. Curbside pickup and delivery are available.
607 Meredith Rd. N.E., 403-454-7885, cakeifystudio.com