’tis the season for holiday parties, pints of christmas cheer and the inevitable awkward family get togethers.
It’s natural to get caught up in the madness of the season – work events, shopping for gifts and trying to cram as much work as possible into a few hours so not to miss out on any of the festivities. Not to mention trying to look your best while doing it.
There is a certain magic that comes with the holidays and done right- the season can be truly memorable.
Here is our best of the season list for a perfect holiday date.
1. Have a coffee date
A date can be with anyone- it can even be with yourself. Take a few for you. Visit one of our favourite spots for a holiday java and enjoy the new issue of BRANDED. We’ve packed this issue full of seasonal favourites, a gift guide for him and her and feature some of Calgary’s game changers! You can pick up a copy at one of Calgary’s best cafe’s: Cafe Blanca, Gravity Cafe, Analog, Purple Perk, Phil & Sebastian, Higher Ground, Savour and Cafe Rosso.
View our distribution list here for other places to pick one up.
2. The Zoolights Date
Our favourite holiday date is back! There really isn’t anything better than a Zoolights date to get into the holiday season. Whether you’re a new flame or the old ball and chain- the magic of the lights will always bring a spark to date night! This year, The Calgary Zoo has a few exciting additions to make date night at The Zoo even better including a “winter wonderland” ice palace made by our friends at Fiasco Gelato , a skating rink, Santa and a 16ft singing Christmas tree.
3. Buy an ugly Christmas sweater.
Make it a rule that you have to wear one to work once a week. It’s a great conversation starter. Bonus points if there is a grumpy cat on it or if it lights up.
We suggest heading to Bang On or House of Vintage- both on 17th Ave.
4. Make it a Hip Hop Christmas
Make Christmas Cards, decorate Christmas cookies and jam to hip hop @ Cafe Blanca with us Tuesday December 9th at 7pm. Proceeds being donated to The Calgary Drop In Centre.
Good vibes and good times only. Get tickets here.
5. Shop for your lady- the easy way
Yeah, sure, we’re stereotyping. Boys hate shopping for their lady at Christmas and girls like jewelry. ” I don’t know babe, I don’t want anything.” yeah, she’s full of it.
We’re making it so painless this year for the guys. One day-Saturday December 13th from 12-4pm. Join us at Troy Shoppe Jewellery in Bridgeland for a shop day designed with the guy in mind. We’re serving up Spolumbo’s sausages and Village beers for all guests and every RSVP is entered to win a gift for themselves. Guys you can even get your lady to go in and make a list so you can surprise her. Best news ever- everything is on sale for one day only!
Don’t wait to get OUT of the dog house this year. Want your bells jingled, buy her diamonds.
Troy SHoppe has jewellery from $10 to $10,000 so whatever stage you’re in you can find something she’ll love! RSVP here.
6. Watch a classic holiday movie
Our Cinema Monday for December has been elevated with Christmas swag, ugly sweaters and a showing of ” Christmas Vacation”. Join us for our First Annual Ugly Sweater Christmas Party with Raw Bar by Duncan Ly on December 15th. Your RSVP includes two drinks and canapé’s. Get tickets here.
We will be accepting your old coats for donation as well-and your donation will score you an extra drink.
7. Do good in your hood
Oh- you’re bored? Put yourself to good use.
Donate your most valuable asset-your time. Check out our friends at United Way, The Calgary Food Bank or The Calgary Drop-In Centre who always need a few extra hands over the holidays.
8. Cozy up to a fireplace
Nothing says Christmas like a sparkling fireplace and a cozy seat. Grab your date to warm up by the fire with a delicious cocktail or a festive coffee at one of our favourite fireplaces in Calgary.
Higher Ground Cafe
Thomson’s Lounge at The Hyatt
Bonterra
Cilantro (pizza oven’s count right?)
River Cafe
The Living Room
Or, you can tune in to the faithful Shaw holiday log and let the sparks fly in your living room.
9. Plan an escape
You can really feel Christmas in The Rockies. Fresh snow and mountain air generally do the trick. If you’re feeling a little humbug- pack the car and get out of town for a day.
Our top picks for a quickie winter vacay:
Sunshine Mountain Lodge
Emerald Lake
Mt. Norquay ( Make sure you go tubing! )
Other getaway date ideas here.
10. Be cliche
Get dressed up and embrace the season. Cheesy holiday stories and all. The Alberta Ballet, The Calgary Opera and Theatre Calgary are all reliable choices or hit up one of our favourite open mic or live music spots for something festive. See The Music Date here.
Other ideas?
- Go see Santa
- Decorate a tree
- Christmas baking
- Skating at an outdoor rink
- Tobogganing
More? Check our calendar or our winter date ideas here for all that’s hot this season.
Grab someone special and enjoy the magic. Hey- you might even start a new tradition like hot dogs at IKEA as you pick out your perfect tree. It’s the little things.
