40 Free Things You Gotta Do This December 2017 In Calgary
Any person who's been around long enough knows that when December comes around, your wallet starts to suffer. It's time to start shelling out cash for Christmas presents for all your loved ones, hair and nail appointments so you're prepped for all the upcoming holiday functions, and of course, booze and food.
Being a university student, I know that it's tough to balance your budget so that you can still pamper yourself, and enjoy life at the same time. Dinner at fancy restaurants on 17th and nights out at Commonwealth and Cowboys don't come cheap. If you're under serious financial strain, you need to learn to ball on a budget, and keep your agenda full of cheap, fun things to do.
Luckily, with Calgary being such a big city, there's always something new and exciting going on, especially during the holiday season; sometimes, it's just a matter of keeping your eyes peeled for event postings. Just because you're low on cash doesn't mean you need to spend your December at home watching Netflix. We've done the hard work for you, and comprised a list of some free things for you to check out this month, all you need to do is bundle up, and show up.
What are you looking for?
Free things to do from December 1 - 8
Free things to do from December 9 - 15
Free things to do from December 16 - 22
Free things to do from December 23 - 31
For things to do from December 1 - 8, click "Next".
The CORE's 150 Trees
Where: 324 8 Ave SW // Downtown
When: Anytime during mall hours, until December 20th.
A lot of people's favourite thing to do during the holidays is admire Christmas lights, but that can sometimes come at a hefty cost. The CORE has 150 trees, decorated by Calgarians set up for you to admire.
Christmas in Kensington
Where: Kensington
When: Every Saturday from 12 - 4 p.m.
Snap a picture with santa, take a sleigh ride, or catch a free movie. There's plenty to do in one of Calgary's trendiest neighbourhoods.
Airdrie Santa Claus Parade
Where: Main Street // Airdrie
When: December 2nd from 5 - 6 p.m.
Kick off this festive month by welcoming Santa into town. Enjoy the great hand-crafted floats and live entertainment Airdrie has to offer.
Visit the Glenbow Museum
Where: 130 9 Ave SE // Downtown
When: December 7th from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.
The Glenbow offers free admission on the first Thursday of every month, and it's definitely worth taking advantage of. Take a date, or roll solo; either way, you'll learn something new.
Esker Foundation
Where: 1011 9 Ave SE #444 // Inglewood
When: Tuesday - Sunday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
If you haven't already, you definitely want to visit this modern and contemporary art gallery in Inglewood. They're only open when they have an exhibition, and lucky for you they currently have two running until December 22nd.
Hike through Nose Hill Park
Where: 1320 5th Ave NW // Sunnyside
When: Anytime!
Nose Hill is another Calgary hot spot, and is great if you're looking to get outside and enjoy some fresh air. If you have a dog, this is a great spot to go for a stroll, or if you just happen to like dogs, you'll see some here for sure.
Firefighters Museum of Calgary
Where: 5111 47 Street NE // Castleridge
When: Tuesday - Friday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
This museum may be small, but it's packed full of cool stuff. Admission is free, but donations are accepted and encouraged.
Tobogganing in Royal Oak
Where: 8900 48 Ave NW // Bowness
When: Anytime!
Royal Oak is a great place to go sledding, as there's a variety of hills, all of different sizes, perfect for everyone to enjoy.
Open Mic Night
Where: 1011 1 Street SW // Downtown
When: Every Tuesday night
Café Koi present open mic night, every Tuesday for your enjoyment. Of course, a drink and some food might make your experience even better, but if you're strapped for cash, the live music is great too!
Inglewood Bird Sanctuary & Nature Centre
Where: 2425 9 Ave SE // Inglewood
When: Tuesday to Friday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., and Saturday from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m.
Stay active this winter, and spend a day snowshoeing in Edworthy Park. There's plenty of beauty around you to explore.
For things to do from December 9 - 15, click "Next".
Urbi et Orbi Fine Art Christmas Market 2017
Where: 623 58 Ave SW // Meadowland Park
When: December 9th, from 11:30 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Even if you don't have money to spend, Christmas markets are still a great place to hangout and get in the holiday spirit. Admire the fine art that's for sale, and do any last minute Christmas shopping you need if you've got the funds.
Christmas at the Hive
Where: Chinook Honey Company // Okotoks
When: December 2nd and 9th, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Make the drive to Okotoks, and spend your day participating in fun winter activities, including visiting donkeys, roasting marshmallows, and sipping on honey hot chocolate.
Explore Stephen Avenue
Where: Stephen Avenue // Downtown
When: Anytime!
Stephen Ave is a great place to explore, as long as you have enough self-control to avoid spending money at all the hot spots you'll find. Bring along a camera and have an impromptu photoshoot with your friends while you're at it.
Explore Calgary Chinese Cultural Centre
Where: 197 1st Street SW // Downtown
When: Anytime!
The Chinese Cultural Centre is beautifully decorated, and another really great place for taking cool pictures for your Instagram feed.
Nickle Galleries
Where: University of Calgary // University Heights
When: Current exhibits are running until December 16th
The University of Calgary Nickel Galleries are always worth a visit. Admission is completely free, and gives you access to three galleries, and a variety of amazing artifacts.
Hillhurst Sunnyside Farmer's Market
Where: 1320 5th Ave NW // Sunnyside
When: Every Wednesday from 3 - 7 p.m.
You don't need to spend money to reap the benefits of a market. Grab some free samples of tasty, local goodies and find new favourites.
Study at the Calgary Public Library
Where: Various locations
When: Anytime!
December is time for finals, and finding a good study spot can sometimes be difficult. The Calgary Public Library has a large selection of locations around the city, so find the one closest to you and hit the books!
Marshmallow Roast in Bowness
Where: 8900 48 Ave NW // Bowness
When: Anytime!
S'mores don't need to be limited to the summer. Take a walk in Bowness this winter, and pack a picnic of hot dogs and marshmallows that you can roast over an open fire.
Canadian Pacific Holiday Train
Where: Anderson C-Train Station // Southwood
When: December 9th from 6:45 - 7:45 p.m.
The Holiday Train comes once a year, and is sure to brightly light up your holiday season. The cost is free, but you can bring a donation for the local food bank in the spirit of giving.
Relax with your pup at Shelf Life Books
Where: 1302 4 Street SW // Downtown
When: Hours vary by day
Need a cozy place to curl up with a book this December? Head downtown to Shelf Life Books, and spend the day reading! Did we mention you can bring your dog along?
For things to do from December 16 - 22, click "Next".
Legacy Christmas Light Parade
Where: Legacy View // Legacy
When: All December long
More Christmas lights? Absolutely. If you don't mind making a drive down to Legacy, you'll see that the community is brightly lit up with over 100,000 Christmas lights, perfect for your viewing pleasure.
Skate Nights with DJ CLAUZ
Where: Olympic Plaza // Downtown
When: Every Saturday night in December from 5:30 to 9:30 p.m.
Make your skate date even more fun. On Saturday nights, you can find a live DJ at Olympic Plaza, spinning tunes for you while you glide around.
Take some photos on 17th Ave
Where: 17th Ave SW // Downtown
When: Anytime!
There's a plethora of cool spots for you to check out on 17th. From cafes and restaurants to record stores and thrift shops, you'll definitely take some awesome pics for your Instagram.
Relax in the Devonian Gardens
Where: The CORE Shopping Centre // Downtown
When: Anytime!
One of the downfalls of winter is that it can be difficult to get outside and enjoy the beauty of nature. Luckily, the CORE's indoor Devonian Gardens will make you feel like you're relaxing outdoors on a nice summer day.
Photoshoot on Peace Bridge
Where: Prince's Island Park // Downtown
When: Anytime!
Calgary's Peace Bridge is always a popular hangout, especially for those who have a knack for photography. Pose for a few snaps, or if you prefer being behind the lens, snap some of our beautiful city.
Visit Contemporary Gallery
Where: 117 8 Ave SW // Downtown
When: Wednesday - Sunday from 12 p.m. to 6 p.m.
The Contemporary Gallery is always free to visit, and is always worth visiting. The aesthetic is super cute, so you'll always get great pics for the 'gram.
YouthLink Calgary Police Interpretive Centre
Where: 5111 47 Street NE // Castleridge
When: Tuesday - Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
If police work has ever interested you, you'll want to check this place out. You might just feel like you're on an episode of CSI. Admission is free on Fridays and Saturdays for your enjoyment.
Play a game of ice hockey
Where: Any of Calgary's outdoor rinks
When: Anytime!
Ice hockey is a Canadian winter tradition, let this be the year that you partake.
Window Shop at the Uncommons
Where: 1325 9 Ave SE // Inglewood
When: Hours vary by day
This is another trendy spot, in another trendy Calgary neighbourhood. The aesthetic, and all the little trinkets you can purchase are super cute.
Snowshoe in Edworthy Park
Where: 5050 Spruce Drive SW // Edworthy Park
When: Anytime!
Stay active this winter, and spend a day snowshoeing in Edworthy Park. There's plenty of beauty around you to explore.
For things to do from December 23 - 31, click "Next".
Lions Festival of Lights
Where: Confederation Park // Queens Park Village
When: Open every night until January 8th from 6 p.m. to midnight
If you're too broke for Zoolights, we highly recommend the Lions Festival as an alternative. It's just as bright and beautiful, and completely free.
Take a hike in Fish Creek
Where: Fish Creek Provincial Park
When: Anytime!
Fish Creek is the second largest urban park in Canada, and it's located within Calgary city limits. There's plenty for you to explore.
Clubbing on a budget
Where: Music Calgary // Downtown
When: Wednesday - Sunday, from 9 p.m. to 2 a.m.
Clubbing doesn't have to cost you a fortune. Nightclub's like Music often offer guest list, which includes free cover, and sometimes a free drink! Music is also known for hosting theme nights, which are usually super lit. The contact number for guest list can be found on the Facebook page, linked below.
The New Gallery
Where: 208 Centre Street South // Downtown
When: Tuesday - Saturday, from 12 p.m. to 6 p.m.
The New Gallery is non-commercial and artist run, and promotes contemporary art made by local artists. It's super cool, totally free, and definitely worth visiting.
Enjoy the view at Scotsman's Hill
Where: Scotsman's Hill // Downtown
When: Anytime!
Scotsman's Hill boasts one of the best views of Downtown YYC, no matter what time of day (although it's particularly beautiful at sunset or after dark).
Watch the sunset in Prince's Island Park
Where: 698 Eau Claire Ave SW // Eau Claire
When: Anytime!
Sunsets in YYC are usually pretty, but watching them in a gorgeous park with people you love make them even better.
Windowshop at Eau Claire Market
Where: 200 Barclay Parade SW // Eau Claire
When: Hours vary by day
Eau Claire Market is a great spot to visit, even if you don't have money to spend. Check out a variety of vendors and shops, and connect with cool Calgarians.
Check out the mall's Christmas lights
Where: Chinook Centre and Market Mall
When: Anytime!
I'm at the mall every day because of my job, but this display right outside my work place never fails to get me in the holiday spirit. I've seen photos of Market and Chinook, both beautifully decorated for the season; the displays make for great pictures.
Explore St. Patrick's Island
Where: 1300 Zoo Road NE // St. Patrick's Island Park
When: Anytime!
If you need a break from Calgary, without really leaving the city, just cross the George C. King Bridge and enjoy the 31 acres of adventure that await you.
Explore the Plus 15
Where: Downtown
When: Anytime!
If the Calgary cold is too much for you, explore downtown via the 16km long pedestrian skywalk system. Stay warm, and enjoy all the same views that your favourite city has to offer.