Budget-Friendly Outings to Do this Holiday Break in Calgary

Feeling the pinch this season? Fortunately there are plenty of affordable activities for families in Calgary over the holidays. Here's a look at our favourite cheap (and free!) excursions that promise to deliver comfort and joy to your brood.

Spruce Meadows keeps families in the holiday spirit with their dazzling Christmas light display, set up until January 8. The grounds are decked out with hundreds of thousands of twinkling lights, which you'll explore by driving the 2 km route in your vehicle (no need to worry about that stroller transfer). With complimentary ice skating on the pond and a roaring bonfire there's good incentive to get out of the car, though. Just don't forget the hot dogs, marshmallows and a thermos full of hot chocolate.

On Saturday, December 17, head to the Trico Centre for a family skate and enjoy seasonal crafts, hot chocolate, cookies, and skating set to festive music with a very special guest. Skating begins at 10:30 am and runs till 12:30 pm, and the other activities start at 12:15.

Slipping and sliding down the slopes is a great way to get the adrenaline flowing. While the city maintains over a dozen hills that are prime spots for toboggan adventures, Stanley Park, Signal Hill and Confederation Park are a few of our faves. If you don't have a sled, a garbage bag will do, but you'll want to protect their little noggin's with a helmet.

The Olympic Oval's Toonie Skate runs every Monday for the season Bring a non-perishable food item for the University of Calgary's Food Bank, and your skate will only cost a toonie! Good to know: Helmets are mandatory, but can be rented from the Olympic Oval Skate Shop for $2.

Come 7 pm on New Year's Eve, the Municipal Building becomes a tricked-out party palace with stilt walkers, a magician and fire spinners enthralling families keen to get into the groove. Bring your dancing shoes and try to wear neon, white or anything that glows, so you look extra psychedelic in the glow-in-the-dark environment. With a play area for the under-five crowd and kids' countdown beginning at 9 pm, this is a sure winner for families.