What To Do This Winter In NW Calgary

Winter might be coming, but it doesn’t mean that we can’t enjoy it in all of its frozen glory!

Whether you’re ready to embrace the festive feelings that December brings, or make the most out of the snow that’s about to cover the city as we know it, the season in Calgary can be long, but that doesn’t mean it can’t be fun.

The Northwest is ready to welcome winter with open arms, and offers seasonal activities for all ages and interests. Don’t just take our word for it, here’s some of our favourite things coming up, whether you’re looking to ride out the cold indoors or enjoy the frosty fun outside.

FESTIVE FEELINGS — UNIVERSITY DISTRICT’S NORTHWESTIVAL

What better way to celebrate the season and our community than with a festival that does just that?

The (cleverly) named Northwestival will be hosted by University District on December 10th from 1-7 pm as a way for us to gather our favourite neighbours, community members and partners together to ring in the season and enjoy what winter brings.

Northwestival promises to be packed full of holiday surprises and all things that make the Northwest worth celebrating, including:

• Calgary-based food trucks for any appetite — wait to see which of your favourites will be joining our lineup!
• DIY workshops — for handmade wreaths, ugly sweaters, greeting cards and all things merry.
• Snow-sports in the great outdoors, from fatbiking and snowshoeing to dogsledding.
• Local music and entertainment—including children’s choirs, interactive light displays, marching bands and beyond!

Come sit by the fire with us on December 10th for the ultimate winter warm-up and to take in the season with U/D! Stay tuned for more details and hints at what’s to come!

For more information check our Northwestival.ca

WINTER WARM-UPS – SKATING

What better time than winter to pull on your skates and head for your nearest rink?

The Northwest is home to numerous places to show off your twirls—both indoor and out. If you’re unafraid of stepping outside and getting some very fresh air, head over to the incredibly picturesque Bowness Park, where you can skate the Bow River-fed lagoons that run throughout —making for an adventure that extends beyond your typical outdoor rink.  When you’re done, warm up within the park at Seasons of Bowness Park Restaurant for a host of locally sourced, seasonal goodies and a much-deserved hot chocolate.

Not sure if you’re ready to venture out into the cold but still up for a skate? The Northwest offers several arenas that offer public-skates, including Shouldice Arena, and our neighbouring Olympic Oval. Don’t have any skates to call your own? Not to worry, University of Calgary’s Outdoor Centre is happy to rent you some.

GET CRAFTY — CANDLE-MAKING AND BEYOND

Hoping to spend some time out of the snow and enjoy some warmer pursuits? Get cozy with a Northwestern candle-making class!

On Tuesday December 5, from 7 – 9 pm, YYC Beeswax HQ invites you to join them for an evening of holiday-inspired candle making fun, and an opportunity to get a start on your homemade gifts. The workshop is kid-friendly, and provides all necessary materials needed for crafting.

This workshop is limited to 10 participants only, so book early! If you have a larger group and are interested in the workshop, let them know and they can create a custom workshop just for you.

LIGHT IT UP — LIONS FESTIVAL LIGHTS

For a light display unlike any other, take a walk (or drive) by Lions Festival Lights, a massive installation of over 105,000 lights along Confederation Park and 14th Ave NW!

Lions Festival Lights is the largest drive-by light display in Calgary, and a classic holiday mainstay within the Northwest. Beginning with their grand opening on December 2 at 5 pm, until January 8th, all ages are welcome to take in the sights, and with that kind of wattage, they’re basically impossible to miss.

LET IT SHOW — SEE A PLAY

The Northwest’s own Jubilee Auditorium at Northwest Calgary’s SAIT hosts an ever-changing selection of seasonal theatrics, and December is a month to look forward to for holiday classics.

From the Alberta Ballet’s rendition of The Nutcracker, to Alberta-born favourites like the 48th Annual Edmonton Singing Christmas Tree, festive favourites are returning to the Northwest, and this is the best time to catch them.

What are you looking forward to most this December? To get University District’s updates on where to be and what to see this season (including what’s to come at our Northwestival), make sure to follow us on Facebook and Twitter!