#EXPLOREDOWNTOWNYYC Choose your own Holiday Magic adventure

Welcome to choose your own downtown adventure, where you design your itinerary and #ExploreDowntownYYC your way!

Photo credit: Neil Zeller

This itinerary is based on all things ‘Holiday Magic.’ Enjoy this special time of year with friends and family and explore all the beauty and magic downtown has to offer! Ready, set, explore!

Enter the Calgary Parking Winter Contest and win $150 worth of free parking. As part of The City's Support Local 2024 campaign, this is Calgary Parking's way of saying thank you for supporting local. Join the Calgary Parking winter contest before it ends on Tuesday, December 24.

Wander through a day downtown! Click the red hyperlinks or pictures below to learn more about each activity.

Infogram description

A map-style infographic to bring you through a day exploring downtown Calgary. 

  1. Start your day with a delicious brunch at one of the downtown favourites.
  2. Wander over to the independent stores and markets to get some festive shopping done.
  3. Attend a holiday event in or around the downtown core!
  4. Head over to a holiday pop-up bar to enjoy a holly-jolly cocktail.
  5. And plan ahead to attend one of the amazing New Years Eve events downtown - there is something for everyone!

Brunch

Linger over French Toast and a warm cup of coffee! Fuel-up for a festive day downtown at one of these amazing brunch spots!

OEB Breakfast Co.

Website: OEB Breakfast Co.
What to eat: Korean Bulgogi Eggs Benedict
Where: #110 – 222 Fifth Ave. S.W.
Parking: 

Namo Cafe Bistro

Website: Namo Cafe Bistro
What to eat: West Coast Brunch Bowl
Where: 396 11th Ave. S.W.
Parking: 

Maven

Website: Maven
What to eat: Kaya French Toast
Where: 1006 17th Ave. S.W.
Parking: 

Park By Sidewalk Citizen

Website: Park By Sidewalk Citizen
What to eat: Breakfast Arayes Sandwich
Where: 340 13th Ave. S.W.
Parking: 

Ten Foot Henry

Website: Ten Foot Henry
What to eat: Sourdough Pancake
Where: 1209 First St. S.W.
Parking: On-street parking

Monki Breakfast Club & Bistro

Website: Monki Breakfast Club & Bistro
What to eat: Halloumi Bene
Where: #4 – 1420 9th Ave. S.E.
Parking: 

Pigeonhole

Website: Pigeonhole
What to eat: Croque Madame
Where: 306 17th Ave. S.W.
Parking: 

  • Lot 82 - 1520 4th St. S.W.
  • On-street parking

Blue Vinny Diner

Website: Blue Vinny Diner
What to eat: Coconut French Toast
Where: 105 8th Ave. S.W.
Parking: 

ZCrew Café

Website: ZCrew Café
What to eat: Avi Tuna Avo Brekkie
Where: 401 11th Ave. S.E.
Parking: 

The Beltliner

Website: The Beltliner
What to eat: Truffle Mushroom Benny
Where: 243 12th Ave. S.W.
Parking: 

Native Tongues

Website: Native Tongues
What to eat: Pollo Frito
Where: 235 12th Ave. S.W.
Parking: 

Thomsons Kitchen and Bar

Website: Thomsons Kitchen and Bar
What to eat: Challah French Toast
Where: 700 Centre St. S
Parking: 

Yellow Door Bistro

Website: Yellow Door Bistro
What to eat: Croissant and Mortadella Melt
Where: 119 12th Ave. S.W.
Parking: 

Friends With Benedicts

Website: Friends With Benedicts
What to eat: “Heads Up, Sunglasses On” Breakfast Sandwich
Where: 1327 First St. S.W.
Parking: 

Deane House

Website: Deane House Weekend Brunch Menu — Deane House
What to eat: Flat Iron Steak and Eggs
Where: 806 9th Ave. S.E.
Parking: On-street parking

Red’s Diner

Website: Red’s Diner
What to eat: Kensington Benny
Where: 286 10th St. N.W.
Parking: 

Blue Star Diner

Website: Blue Star Diner
What to eat: Breakfast Poutine
Where: 809 First Ave. N.E.
Parking: On-street parking

Central Taps

Website: Central Taps
What to eat: Breakfast Enchiladas
Where: 211 11th Ave. S.W.
Parking: 

Galaxie Diner

Website: Galaxie Diner
What to eat: Calgary Breakfast Sandwich
Where: 1413 11th St. S.W.
Parking: On-street parking

Fortuna’s Row

Website: Fortuna’s Row
What to eat: Torta Ahogada
Where: 421 Riverfront Ave. S.E.
Parking: 

The Wilde on 27

Website: The Wilde on 27
What to eat: Lobster Hash
Where: 525 Fifth Ave. S.W.
Parking: 

River Cafe

Website: River Cafe
What to eat: Croque Madame
Where: 25 Princes’ Island Park S.W.
Parking: 

River Cafe in the winter

Photo credit: River Cafe

Shopping and holiday markets

#SupportLocalYYC this holiday season by visiting unique, local stores and holiday markets in the heart of our city. Check-out our shopping itinerary to help you buy unique and thoughtful gifts for your loved ones.

Authentically Indigenous: 9th Annual Indigenous Holiday Market

Website: Authentically Indigenous: 9th Annual Indigenous Holiday Market
Where: Kerby Centre Gym
When: Nov. 30 - Dec. 1
Parking: On-street parking

Market Collective Holiday Markets

Website: Market Collective Holiday Markets
Where: BMO Centre Hall D
When: Dec. 6-8 & 13-15
Parking: 

Small Business Winter Market

Website: Small Business Winter Market
Where: The Rooftop YYC, 414 Third St. S.W.
When: Dec. 8, 2024
Parking: 

Christmas in Kensington

Website: Christmas in Kensington
Where: Kensington Village
When: Nov. 30 – Dec. 22
Parking:

The Core Shopping Centre at Christmas

Photo credit: TC Roth and Ramberg, The Core Shopping Centre

Holiday events

Embrace the magic of the season and attend a holiday event.

Plaza Palooza

Get together outdoors with your friends, family and fellow Calgarians to check out four weekends of free festival fun at Olympic Plaza.  

Website: Plaza Palooza 
Where: Olympic Plaza
When:

  • Nov. 29 - Dec. 1
  • Dec. 6-8
  • Dec. 13-15
  • Dec. 20-22

Parking: 

ZOOLIGHTS

It’s back! This November, look up, out and through millions of enchanting lights strung through the Calgary Zoo. Grab a hot cocoa, a snack and take a seat by the fire – it is tradition after all!

Website: ZOOLIGHTS
Where: Calgary Zoo
When:  Nov. 15, 2024 to Jan. 5, 2025 
Parking: Calgary Zoo West Lot - 1300 Zoo Rd. N.E.

Theatre Calgary: A Christmas Carol

Don’t miss out on Calgary’s Holiday tradition and purchase tickets to a wonderful adaptation of a classic tale.

Website: Theatre Calgary: A Christmas Carol
Where: Arts Commons
When: Nov. 29 – Dec. 29
Parking: 

Heat up the Holidays at TELUS Spark Science Centre

From thaw-dropping holiday lights to sizzlin' science experiments and even a bark-tacular show - there's something for everyone to melt over.

Website: Heat up the Holidays at TELUS Spark Science Centre
Where: TELUS Spark Science Centre
When: Until Jan. 4, 2025
Parking: TELUS Spark - 220 St. Georges Dr. N.E.

 

Calgary Philharmonic Orchestra: A Choral Christmas

Former Associate Conductor Adam Johnson returns to kickstart the festive season with a potpourri of Christmas classics and traditional carols with the Calgary Philharmonic Orchestra.

Website: Calgary Philharmonic Orchestra: A Choral Christmas
Where: Jack Singer Concert Hall
When: Dec. 6
Parking: 

In the Christmas Mood by D.D.A. Inc.

The Glenn Miller Orchestra brings the Christmas mood to the Jack Singer! Featuring over 18 musicians and singers performing unforgettable Christmas classics.

Website: In the Christmas Mood by D.D.A. Inc.
Where: Jack Singer Concert Hall
When: Dec. 7 
Parking: 

Calgary Civic Symphony: Christmas and Neujahrskonzert

Join the orchestra and Calgary’s favourite Divas for a festive concert of Christmas treasures, combined with champagne, sparkle, and inevitable hijinks.

Website: Calgary Civic Symphony: Christmas and Neujahrskonzert
Where: Jack Singer Concert Hall
When: Dec. 8
Parking: 

A Rocky Mountain High Christmas by Info Geek SOS Productions

Enjoy an amazing night of John Denver’s hits along with Christmas music, perfect for the holiday season!

Website: A Rocky Mountain High Christmas by Info Geek SOS Productions
Where: Jack Singer Concert Hall
When: Dec. 10
Parking:

Spark After Dark: Greatest Hits

TELUS Spark Science Centre invites you to Spark After Dark: Greatest Hits, a collection of throwbacks from all the Spark After Dark events in 2024. This is an adults only (18+) event.

Website: Spark After Dark: Greatest Hits
Where: TELUS Spark Science Centre
When: Dec. 13
Parking: TELUS Spark - 220 St. Georges Dr. N.E.

Holiday Embroidery Workshop

Learn how to embroider your very own Christmas tree ornament! Our experienced crafting facilitator will take you through the basics of embroidery, and you will choose from 3 designs to create your ornament. All supplies are included for this workshop. Recommended as a beginner-level adult workshop.

Website: Holiday Embroidery Workshop
Where:
Lougheed House
When: Dec. 14
Parking: 

Studio Bell After Hours: Holiday Edition

Sleigh the night away at this unique after hours holiday bash at Studio Bell. Expect live drag performances, DJs, immersive holiday décor, and more across all five floors.

Website: Studio Bell After Hours: Holiday Edition
Where: Studio Bell, East Village
When: Dec. 14
Parking: 

A Drag Queen Christmas by Murray & Peter

For the 10th consecutive year, enjoy a holiday tradition with contestants from the Emmy-Award-winning show in this fabulous event.

Website: A Drag Queen Christmas by Murray & Peter
Where: Jack Singer Concert Hall
When: Dec. 16
Parking: 

Home Alone for the Holidays

THE GRAND is Home Alone for the Holidays! Join us on Tuesday, December 17th for the most festive movie night in Calgary!

Website: 
Home Alone for the Holidays
Where: The Grand
When: Dec. 17
Parking: 

A Charlie Brown Christmas – Live Soundtrack

Enjoy the classic soundtrack of Charlie Brown’s Christmas performed live in the intimate setting of the Engineered Air Theatre.

Website: A Charlie Brown Christmas – Live Soundtrack
Where: Arts Commons
When: Dec. 18
Parking: 

Jann Arden Christmas Tour

The smash-hit event of the holiday season returns this December as Calgary’s own Jann Arden puts her unique spin on the classics you know and love. Paired with funny and heartwarming stories of Christmases past, this is an evening you won’t want to miss!

Website: Jann Arden Christmas Tour
Where:
Arts Commons
When: Dec. 19 & 20
Parking: 

Joy to the World: A Sacred Christmas Celebration

Celebrate Christmas with Jenny Oaks Baker and her talented children, musical group Family Four as they present an inspiring Christ-centered Christmas show of sacred, exhilarating and treasured Christmas Carols.

Website: Joy to the World: A Sacred Christmas Celebration
Where: Arts Commons
When: Dec. 21
Parking: 

Small girl on Santa's sleigh at ZOOLIGHTS

Photo credit: Arielle Rylands, ZOOLIGHTS

Festive pop-up bars

Enter the enchanted world of festive pop-up bar and enjoy a Merry-Twist on your favourite cocktail.

Two people at a bar decorated for Christmas

Photo credit: Roam Creative

Miracle on First Street at Proof

Website: Miracle on First Street at Proof
Where: Proof, 1302 First St. S.W.
When: Nov. 15 - Dec. 24
Parking: On-street parking

Sippin’ Santa at Ricardo’s Hideaway

Website: Sippin’ Santa at Ricardo’s Hideaway
Where: Ricardo’s Hideaway, 1530 Fifth St. S.W.
When: Nov. 18 - Dec. 31
Parking: 

Red Nose at Frenchie Wine Bar

Website: Red Nose at Frenchie Wine Bar
Where: Frenchie Wine Bar (behind Una Takeaway), 616 17th Ave. S.W.
When: Thursdays to Sundays from Nov. 22 - Dec. 23
Parking: 

The Potion Room

Website: Facebook
Where: 1211 Ninth Ave. S.E.
When: Dec. 1 – 31
Parking: 

Nightmare on First Street at Shelter

Website: Nightmare on First Street at Shelter
Where: Shelter Cocktail Bar, 1210 First St. S.W.
When: Nov. 26 – Dec. 31
Parking: On-street parking

Christmas at Truth Bar

Website: Christmas at Truth Bar
Where: Truth Bar, 608 17th Ave. S.W.
When: Nov. 24 – Dec. 31
Parking: On-street parking

New Year's Eve

Ring in 2025 in style and attend a downtown New Year’s Eve event.

City of Calgary New Year’s Eve

Celebrate New Year’s Eve with free, family-friendly fun at Prince’s Island Park and Lot 59 (200 Memorial Dr. N.W.) starting at 8 p.m. Enjoy activities, live entertainment, food trucks, a dance party and more! The night will cap off with a midnight fireworks show launched from Prince’s Island Park, synchronized to music by Canadian artists on CJSW 90.9FM. Watch the spectacular fireworks in person from Prince’s Island Park or Lot 59. You can also enjoy the show online via the livestream at calgary.ca/NYE

Website: New Year's Eve Celebrations
Where: Prince’s Island Park
When: Dec. 31
Parking:

  • A dedicated parking lane will be available on the south side of Memorial Dr. (eastbound) between 10th St. N.W. and 4a St. N.W. from 10 p.m. to 1 a.m., allowing you to park close to the festivities. Vehicles not cleared after 1 a.m. will be ticketed and towed.  
  • Harmony Parkade (Lot 40) - 112 5 Avenue S.W. (Accessible parking)
    • $3 max rate after 6 p.m.
  • Lot 71 (Downtown) - 603 3 Avenue S.W.
    • $3 max rate after 6 p.m.
  • Lot 888 (Chinatown) - 109 Riverfront Avenue S.E. (Accessible parking)
    • $4 max rate after 6 p.m.
  • Lot 26 (Chinatown) - 307 1 Street S.E.
    • $4 max rate after 6 p.m.
  • On-street parking

TELUS Spark Noon Years Eve

Want to ring in the New Year at an acceptable time? Bring the kiddos out to Spark for a blazing good time on Noon Years Eve this Dec. 31.

Website:
HEAT UP THE HOLIDAYS
Where: TELUS Spark Science Centre
When: Dec. 31
Parking:

Calgary New Year's Eve 2025 Club Crawl

Don't miss Calgary's biggest club crawl of the year on New Year's Eve 2025 with exclusive access to four top Calgary venues!

Website: Club crawl eventbrite
Where: Home and Away YYC
When: Dec. 31
Parking:

  • On-street parking

Roaring in the 20's with...Murder!

Ring in 2025 with other molls and dolls as we celebrate the turn of the year by returning to New Year's Eve 1925 at Club owner Felix Fontano's Speakeasy.

Website:
1925 NYE eventbrite
Where: Rouge Restaurant
When: Dec. 31
Parking:

New Year's Eve 2025 Dinner and Party

New Year's Eve can be a drag — that's why Lounge Eighteen has a Hollywood theme, complete with red carpet, an all-hits playlist from our DJ’s, and a photobooth that'll capture all your red carpet moments.

Website:
Hollywood dinner and party eventbrite
Where: Lounge Eighteen
When: Dec. 31
Parking:

New Year’s Eve Countdown Party at CRAFT

Ring in the New Year at CRAFT Beer Market Calgary Downtown with a DJ spinning late, dance floor, and an unforgettable New Year’s Eve party.

Website:
CRAFT eventbrite
Where: CRAFT Beer Market Calgary Downtown
When: Dec. 31
Parking:

Año Nuevo, NYE 2025 at charbar

Indulge in delectable chef-curated Argentinian street food stations and passed canapés featuring flavors that will transport you to Buenos Aires! Sip on handcrafted cocktail features, and arrive early for exclusive spirit tasting experiences.

Website:
charbar eventbrite
Where: charbar
When: Dec. 31
Parking:

The Malt Ball: A Cold Garden New Year's Eve

Cold Garden is transforming The Palace into a space disco! This year’s Malt Ball will be featuring interactive performances from Le Cirque De La Nuit and galactically renowned live DJs playing all genres of EDM including house, funk, BASS and vocal melodies!

Website:
 Coldgarden Malt Ball 
Where: 
The Palace Theatre, 219 Eigth Ave. S.W.
When: Dec. 31 – 9 p.m. to 2 a.m.
Parking:

Midnight Soirée: A Jazz & Burlesque New Year's Eve

Join The Cab Co. at The Attic Bar & Stage for a spectacular New Year's Eve filled with glitz, glamour, and unforgettable entertainment! Step into the night with live jazz music by the Angela Wrigley Quartet Feat. Scott Morin, dazzling burlesque performances, and a midnight champagne toast that’s bound to make this an evening to remember.

Website:
Midnight Soiree eventbrite
Where: The Attic Bar & Stage - 1413 Ninth Ave. S.E.
When: Dec. 31
Parking:

NYE Countdown Party

Ring in 2025 the Central way! Celebrate the New Year with a dancefloor, DJ, party favours, and more for a night to remember.

Website:
NYE Countdown Party eventbrite
Where: Central Restaurants - 224 12th Ave. S.W.
When: Dec. 31
Parking:

Zoo Years Eve: Family Night

Celebrate Zoo Year’s Eve: Family Night where you’ll be able to enjoy all the fun of ZOOLIGHTS with extra special activities added to help you ring in the New Year – including numerous countdowns and a Zoo Year’s Eve light show so your little ones don’t have to stay up too late to partake in the fun!
Website: Zoo Year's Eve: Family Night
Where: Calgary Zoo
When: Dec. 31
Parking:

Zoo Years Eve: Adult Night (18+)

We are keeping the lights on until midnight to celebrate the New Year! This Zoo Year’s Eve: Adult Night (18+) event, will include the beauty of ZOOLIGHTS and an extra special light show with a ball drop and countdown at midnight. Cheer on the countdown and spend the evening with the ones you love.
Website: Zoo Year's Eve: Adult Night
Where: Calgary Zoo
When: Dec. 31
Parking:

New Year’s Eve at Central Library

Ring in 2025 with some family-friendly fun at the Library! Enjoy a dance party, special story time, mock countdown, and more!
Website: New Year’s Eve at Central Library
Where: Central Library
When: Dec. 31
Parking:

New Year's Eve Movie Screening of The Last Emperor

Enjoy a free movie screening as part of the New Year's Eve Events at the Calgary Chinese Cultural Centre. Watch the classic film ‘The Last Emperor’, win some door prizes and take part in the Fire Dragon Parade following the movie screening!
Website: New Year's Eve Movie Screening of The Last Emperor
Where: Calgary Chinese Cultural Centre - 197 1 Street SW
When: Dec. 31
Parking:

New Year's Eve at Hawthorn Dining Room

Ring in the New Year at Hawthorn with a five-course meticulously crafted prix-fixe menu, enjoy an elevated evening of live music and festive ambiance to toast to new beginnings.
Website: New Year's Eve at Hawthorn
Where: Fairmont Palliser - 133 9th Avenue SW
When: Dec. 31
Parking:

Stephen Avenue lit up with Christmas lights

Photo credit: Neil Zeller

Getting here

Learn how you can get downtown by driving, taking Calgary Transit or walking, wheeling, running.

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