CMLC embraces winter with seasonal programming and placemaking offering
Family-friendly activities kickstart the holiday season in East Village and The Culture + Entertainment District.
Calgary Municipal Land Corporation (CMLC) is excited to unveil an array of winter programs and events designed to kickstart the holiday season and bring joy and community spirit to Calgarians of all ages. This season's offerings feature a blend of new initiatives and cherished traditions, ensuring there's something for everyone. As steward of the East Village and Rivers District master plans, CMLC continues to champion placemaking in downtown Calgary’s east end, and this year’s robust winter programming brings CMLC and its partners to a total of 850 events across East Village and The Culture + Entertainment District (The C+E) in 2024.
Check out the full lineup of events and programs in East Village at evexperience.com and in The Culture + Entertainment District at cedistrict.com.
New This Season:
JOURNEY THROUGH THE STARS | November 22 – February 17
Delight in a wintertime journey that moves you through four locations in the heart of East Village.
Woven into a four-part short story exhibit, this experience invites readers to discover new ways to take in the night sky, embrace the crisp winter air, and find words to express a newfound love for their surroundings. Written by four talented authors – Richard Harrison, Cheryl Foggo, Gabrielle Weasel Head, Weyman Chan – and inspired by different folklore, history, and imagination, each story unfolds uniquely, shaped by the path you choose.
Daily | After sunset | FREE
Returning Favourites:
HYGGE HUT | November – March 2025
Hygge Hut returns to RiverWalk for its fifth winter season, bringing you warmth, comfort, and all the cozy winter vibes. This contemporary, Scandinavian-style space is inspired by the Danish idea of Hygge, which means a special kind of well-being. Watch the lights twinkle across the river and warm your hands with crackling firepits ready to welcome you until March 2025.
And, while you’re at Hygge Hut be sure to check out the newest additions to the EV Merch line-up featuring some of our favourite local makers and businesses, just in time for the holiday season.
For more details, visit the link below.
Fridays | 2:00 PM – 6:00 PM | FREE | Hygge Hut
Saturday, Sunday & Holidays | 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM | FREE | Hygge Hut
LIGHT UP THE SQUARE | December 7
Calling all East Village residents and East Villagers at heart – the annual tree lighting ceremony returns to 5 Street Square. Featuring Christmas carolers and special guest appearances from Santa and Allen the Alpaca, this family-friendly event is helping kickstart the holiday season. So, grab some hot chocolate and cookies and meet your neighbours down by the firepit as you await sundown for the lighting of the tree.
3:00 – 6:00PM: Christmas Carolers
4:00 – 6:00PM: Visits from Santa and Allen the Alpaca
5:30 PM: Tree Lighting
For more details, visit the link below.
December 7 | 3:00 PM – 6:00 PM | FREE | Light Up The Square
Coming Soon:
NORDIC LOOP | Coming Soon!
With colder days ahead, we’re busy preparing the East Village Nordic Loop for another great season so dust off your skis, start stretching and brush up on all things cross-country skiing. This one-kilometer loop in the heart of East Village offers a freshly groomed route fit for the perfect urban adventure. The Nordic Loop will open as weather conditions allow.
Stay tuned for opening details on our website!
Winter Fun in Calgary’s Culture + Entertainment District:
WINTERIZE YOUR BIKE WITH TWO WHEEL VIEW | November 30
Get moving with the Pixel Park Fitness Series! Every Saturday in November between 2-4 PM, Pixel Park transforms into a space for everyone to try something new, stay active, and connect with local experts across various fitness disciplines. Whether you're a seasoned pro or just curious about trying a new activity, there's something for everyone.
On November 30, join us for a "Winterize Your Bike" workshop in partnership with Two Wheel View. Get your bike ready for winter and learn valuable tips from experts. Don't miss out on this chance to keep riding all season long!
November 30 | 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM | FREE | Winterize Your Bike at Pixel Park
PAWS + CLAUS | December 7, 14, 21
Join us at Pixel Park for a festive and furry-friendly event, Paws + Claus, this December. Capture a memorable holiday moment with free photos of your four-legged friends and Santa himself. Dive into Christmas crafts with a workshop hosted by Quickdraw Animation Society. Participants will make their own thaumatropes – a two-sided spinning craft that can double as a Christmas tree ornament.
December 7, 14, 21 | 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM | FREE | Paws + Claus at Pixel Park
