The holidays are a popular time to visit with family and celebrate with coworkers, neighbours, and friends. However, instead of planning another party or dreading the thought of having to attend another one, why not participate in a holiday activity together? There are many organizations and attractions hosting festive events throughout the month of December. Whether it’s with your children or co-workers, consider taking part in one of these seasonal activities:

Holiday Skate Pop-Up Roller Rink
Saturday, December 7, 2019
12:00 – 4:00 p.m.
New Horizon Mall (260300 Writing Creek Cres, Rocky View)

Stop by the New Horizon Mall’s pop-up skating rink in partnership with Calgary Roller Skate and Alien In-Line. There is no admission fee and visitors are welcome to bring their own skates or rent a pair for $10. Music and a disco ball will be set up to entertain people as they skate around the large space blocked off for the event. Guests are also encouraged to bring with them a donation for the Airdrie Food Bank.

Dinner & A Movie
Tuesday, December 10 and Tuesday, December 17, 2019
Dinner reservations from 5:00 – 6:45 p.m., movies start at 7:45 p.m.
Heritage Park (1900 Heritage Dr. SW)

Enjoy a movie-themed meal and holiday movie at Heritage Park’s Selkirk Grille and Gasoline Alley Museum in December. Each menu for the meal is based on the movie being played. Popcorn and drinks are available for purchase during the movie. On December 10, Heritage Park will be screening “Die Hard,” followed by the “Sound of Music” on December 17. For dinner and a movie, tickets are $44 not including GST and can make reservations at the Selkirk Grille here. People just interested in seeing the movie can pay $8 plus GST at the door.

Holiday Movie Party
Friday, December 13, 2019
10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Canyon Meadows Theatre (110, 13226 Macleod Trail South)

Perfect for parents with small children, this event will provide the opportunity for families to enjoy two Christmas movies (The Grinch and Frosty the Snowman). The movies will be played in a way that accommodates the light and sound for small children. Santa will also be around to take pictures with children. Parents can take a look at a small holiday market made up of local Calgary vendors. Visitors are encouraged to bring their own snacks, though the regular movie concession will still be open. For one parent and child/baby, tickets are $20. Each additional guest is $5. For more information and to purchase tickets, click here.

Paint Nite
Tuesday, December 17, 2019
7:00 – 9:00 p.m.
Ricky’s at Deerfoot Meadows (#860 8180 11 St SE)

Learn how to paint the “Hello Holiday Owl” at paint night – and this event is open to youth ages 13 and older. No one is required to have any prior painting experience or artistic skill. Come with your friends or co-workers to celebrate the season with this holiday-themed painting. There will also be food and drinks available for people to purchase during the painting session, which takes about two hours to complete. If you are coming with a group, it is encouraged that you all arrive early to get seats together as you cannot reserve them in advance. Purchase tickets ($40 each) online here.

Indoor Light Park & Christmas Market
November 28 – December 31, 2019
4:00 – 10:00 p.m.
Nutrien Centre at Stampede Grounds (1410 Olympic Way SE)

With four different themed light parks and an interactive light tunnel, there is so much to see at the indoor light park. After the light show, kids can take part in the “Christmas Kid’s Adventure” and adults can browse through the artisan gifts available for purchase and the rest of the vendors at the Noel Christmas Market. Food and drink will also be available to purchase throughout the event. Visitors are encouraged to buy tickets for their preferred time and date in advance online.