You're in luck if you’re ready to dive head-first into all things winter, community, and holiday spirit over the next few months. One Alberta city is gearing up for the best winter ever, and you won’t believe how stacked its roster of events and activities is. We’re not exaggerating when we say that there’s truly something for everyone. So, let’s throw the spotlight just north of Calgary to the beautiful city of Airdrie. If you’re not familiar, Airdrie is Alberta’s 5th largest city. It is a charming, modern city that is known for being family-oriented, friendly, and welcoming, and a pretty hot topic for folks looking to plant roots in Alberta. While the city is attracting new residents in droves, you may not know that it has some pretty incredible perks for visitors looking for unique happenings and memorable experiences in Alberta. The City of Airdrie wants to invite you to join them in making this season truly special.
In Airdrie, during the winter, you can revel in the snowy wonderland with activities like cross-country skiing, skating, sledding, snowman building, snow angels, and snowshoeing. The city offers over 1,500 acres of parkland and about 130 kilometres of paved pathways for safe outdoor enjoyment. The City of Airdrie maintains various skating rinks, including boarded and natural ice surfaces. Additionally, there are three official toboggan hills to experience thrilling sled rides. Snowshoeing can be enjoyed in Airdrie's parks, providing a unique perspective on the city's winter landscape. In a beautiful and playful landscape like Airdrie, we can promise that you won’t be bored for a second, no matter what Mother Nature has in store. Now, let’s take a look at the calendar.
December
December is overflowing with things to do! December truly is a magical month filled with enchanting events and holiday celebrations. December 1st to 31st, the Airdrie Festival of Lights in Nose Creek Park offers the largest free outdoor Christmas light display in Western Canada, featuring dazzling light displays, nightly events, miniature train rides, Santa visits, ice skating, hot cocoa by the fire, and a kids-only shopping experience, all with free admission every night for an affordable and delightful family winter destination. On opening night, December 1st, you can check out the FortisAlberta Light Up the Night celebration, where you can Join the Airdrie Community Choir in some holiday carols as they switch on the Community Tree lights and Nose Creek Regional Park in a magical moment to remember.
Next, you can enjoy the Santa Claus Parade on Main Street on December 2nd, an Old Fashioned Skating Party on December 9th, the CPKC Holiday Train rolling into town on December 8th, "Feel the Glow 2023!" in partnership with 948 Brewing Co. and Atlas Brewing Co. on December 16th, and a family-friendly New Year's Eve fireworks display at Ed Eggerer Athletic Park on December 31, 2023. These events offer a mix of dazzling light displays, joyful music, ice skating, holiday carols, and more, providing affordable, delightful family winter experiences throughout the month.
January
January marks the beginning of a new year, a fresh start, and a world of possibilities. January ushers in the promise of new beginnings, offering a world of possibilities in Airdrie. You can embrace the beauty of winter with cross-country skiing, connecting with nature and staying active at Chinook Winds Regional Park through the Airdrie Nordic Club. On January 20, 2024, don't miss the 6th Annual Creekside Yarn Festival at Town & Country Centre, a day filled with creativity and inspiration in the world of yarn. Additionally, beat the winter chill by exploring your artistic side with arts and crafts workshops and lessons offered by Airdrie's unique businesses, including Complete Home Collective, Color Me Mine, Mukluk Magpies Stained Glass Emporium, Image Painting Plus Art Studio, The Spirit Within Canada, Where Memories Are Made, MakiMakes, and Cooking Classes at the Airdrie Community Kitchen.
February
February invites you to celebrate the universal language of love through a delectable array of sweet treats. Express your affection with indulgent chocolates, pastries, and more. Savour love at:
- Dough Bits Dessert House of sweet dessert from Turkey
- Maverick Donuts for delicious Canadian cake donuts
- La Diperi, where you’ll find award-winning ice cream
- Sweet Tooth Candy Company for homemade baking and artisan chocolate
- La Table Haute Pastry for French pastries, desserts, and macarons
- Crumbl Cookies for USA famed flavored cookies
- Queen Latina Bake Shoppe for Latino specialty baking
- Over The Top Pop Shop for family classics, gourmet drinks, and treats
- Bubble Tea Brewers for boba, milk tea specialty & Taiwanese drinks
Don't miss the intimate 2023-24 Cabaret Series by Bert Church LIVE Theatre, with Brandon Lorenzo performing on February 15 at 7:30 pm. On Family Day weekend from February 17 to 19, enjoy Cabin Fever, where you can embrace the chill with tobogganing and outdoor activities before warming up with sweet cocoa by the bonfire hosted by the City of Airdrie.
