Family New Year’s Eve Fun + Things to Do Around Calgary in January
The festivities of the holidays may be behind us, but there is still plenty of fun to be had in Calgary in January!
Whether you’re looking for ways to celebrate the end of 2023 for New Year’s Eve, or are looking for activities to keep you busy throughout the rest of the month, here are some events to check out that everyone in the family can enjoy in January in YYC…
Family Celebrations for New Year’s Eve in Calgary
Noon Year’s Eve at Telus Spark | sparkscience.ca
Sunday December 31st
Gather up the scientists in your family to celebrate Noon Year’s Eve at Telus Spark! Celebrations include a family-friendly disco party and a countdown to Noon Years Eve (at 12 pm sharp) complete with an exciting balloon pop. For family members who prefer celebrating in a lower-volume setting, there’s even a quiet space with sensory-friendly activities. Don’t forget to check out the rest of the exhibits throughout the science centre, including SILVER & BOLD, Goodnight Moon’s immersive exhibit, and the Holiday Countdown experience, which includes stations like The Night before Flintmas, Cindy Loo Hoo’s lab, Baking with Science, a Teddy Bear Plunge, and more.
Admission: Children 3-17 $19; Adults 18-64 $26; Seniors 65+ $24; Students $22; Kids 2 and under FREE
Zoo Year’s Eve | calgaryzoo.com
Sunday December 31st from 5 – 9 pm
If you haven’t had a chance to check out Calgary Zoo’s ZOOLIGHTS, Zoo Year’s Eve is the perfect time to make a visit! Not only will you get to take in the sparkling lights spanning the zoo grounds, but there are also special activities such as crafts, face painting, ice sculpture carving, hula hoop dancing and a ball drop every 20 minutes to help you ring in the New Year well before the clock strikes midnight.
Admission: General (16+ years old) $29.95 + GST; Children (3 – 15 years old): $22.95 + GST; Infants under 3 Free
New Year’s Eve at Calgary Public Library | calgarylibrary.ca
Sunday January 31st from 12-4 pm
For a family-friendly daytime way to say goodbye to 2023, head to Central, Crowfoot, Saddletowne, Shawnessy, or Signal Hill library to join in on activities like a family dance party, a special storytime, a mock countdown, refreshments and more!
NYE Fireworks at Prince’s Island Park | calgary.ca
Sunday December 31st at 11:55 pm
If you’re looking for an explosive way to ring in the new year, find a vantage point around downtown (or take in the festivities at home via livestream) for some midnight fireworks launched from Prince’s Island Park! Be sure to tune into CJSW 90.9 FM at 11:55, as the fireworks will be synchronized to music, after a blessing from Indigenous Elder Clarence Wolfleg, followed by a countdown to midnight with Mayor Jyoti Gondek.
Airdrie NYE Fireworks | airdrie.ca
Sunday December 31st at 6:30 pm
If a midnight fireworks display is a little past your bedtime, hop in the car and take a short drive to the city of Airdrie for a dazzling 15-minute fireworks display at 6:30 pm. Don’t forget to bring your ice skates and come a bit early, as there will be ice skating available on the East Lake at Genesis Place between 9 and 10 am and 1 and 2 pm.
Family Fun Things to Do Around Calgary in January
Calgary Renovation Show | calgaryrenovationshow.com
Friday January 12 – Sunday January 14
Are you looking for some inspiration for an upcoming renovation project? The Calgary Renovation Show boasts more than 200 exhibitors, and is Calgary’s largest home reno show! Check out innovative products and chat with hundreds of experts to bring your renovation dreams to life! See presentations from industry celebrities like Brian Baeumler and Scott Mcgillivray, relax with a drink in the lounge, and take your kids to burn off some energy at the Trendy Playhouse playspace.
Admission: Free for children ages 12 & under. Advance prices available through January 11. Adult (ages 13+) advance price of $11 (after, $13); Senior (ages 60+) price of $9 (after, $11)
Mean Girls – The Musical | calgary.broadway.com
Tuesday January 16 – Sunday January 21
What could be more fetch than an evening enjoying Mean Girls, in musical form?
This hit musical from an award-winning creative team, including Tina Fey (30 Rock), composer Jeff Richmond (Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt), lyricist Nell Benjamin (Legally Blonde) and original director and choreographer Casey Nicholaw (The Book of Mormon)? If you liked the movie from the early 2000s, you’re going to love it in all of its musical glory! Tickets start at $102.34
Banff and Lake Louise Snow Days Festival
Friday January 19 – Sunday February 4
If you don’t mind taking a bit of a drive, Banff and Lake Louise are bringing back their annual SnowDays celebration beginning Friday January 19. Fabulous events like Lake Louise’s Ice Magic and downtown Banff’s giant snow sculptures make incredible memories and even more stunning photographs. Check out skijoring as you line up along the streets of Banff Avenue, and don’t forget to enjoy the snow at the SnowDays Play Zone!
Step By Step: Evolution of the Greatest Boy Bands | stagewestcalgary.com
Until Sunday February 4
Whether you were a fan of the Beatles or the Backstreet Boys, you’ll be bopping along to all of the hits from the 1960s to the 1990s and all of the decades in between in this musical celebration of all things “Boy Band” featuring hits from 20 different artists. Tickets start at $135.45
Which events will your family be attending this January in Calgary? Will you be counting down to the end of 2023 at a big event or cozying up at home? However you plan to celebrate, we wish you all the best for what remains of 2023 and we’ll see you next year!
