The holiday season is fast approaching. Soon, it’ll be time to make your wish lists for all of the gifts you’ll need for family and friends. For busy families, Christmas shopping can easily become a cause of stress. The holiday parties are plentiful, the weather isn’t always cooperative and there seems to be an endless need to bake during the Christmas season. Your shopping needs tend to take a back seat. When you're ready to tackle your holiday shopping, get it done in a flash and enjoy a fun weekend away, then it’s time to visit Calgary. And when you stay at one of their participating hotels, you could receive a $75 gift card to one of the major shopping malls.
The CORE
The CORE is known as Calgary’s metropolitan shopping destination. Right in the heart of downtown, this mall features four storeys of shops and services, a large food court, and an indoor tropical garden. Find all of your gifts for less with promotions from your favourite stores like Things Engraved, Nine West and Urban Kids.
What’s Nearby?
Clive Burger: After a full day of shopping, you and your family may want to grab a quick bite to eat so you should know that the food scene in Calgary is bursting with flavour. Be sure to check out Clive Burger. Made with all-natural Alberta beef, it’s a choice the whole family will salivate over. Check their website menu combos and so much more!
Theatre Junction GRAND: Have the night off after a full day of shopping? Take in the sights at Western Canada's oldest theatre in the heart of downtown Calgary which features contemporary live arts including local, national, and international theatre, dance, and musicals like Timmy, Tommy & The Haunted Hotel on stage from December 14-17.
CF Chinook Centre
CF Chinook Centre takes pride in being Calgary’s largest shopping, dining and entertainment destination. There, you’ll find all of your favourite stores perfect for holiday shopping. With fall and winter promotions from your favourite brands like Jersey City, LIDS and West 49, get all of your gifts on time and under budget.
What’s Nearby?
Smuggler’s Inn: This restaurant gem offers a down-home feel for the good old days when Calgary was just starting to grow into the bustling, busy town it is today. Their comfort food menu is a favourite amongst the locals.
Vin Gogh Paint and Sip Studio: Looking for a fun and creative family night out? Get ready to get your hands dirty and take your squad to the Vin Gogh Paint and Sip Studio. Paint nights are all the rage these days and for good reason – they get everyone together for a fun activity.
Calgary Zoo: What’s a family fun weekend without a trip to the zoo? At the Calgary Zoo, visit the penguins, gorillas, hippos, giraffes, red pandas and so much more. Take part in the zoo’s winter tradition ZOOLIGHTS, on from November 24, 2017 to January 6, 2018.
CrossIron Mills
What makes CrossIron Mills unique is that it’s the biggest one-level shopping centre in Alberta with distinctive Alberta-themed architecture and entertainment. But if you’re looking for exceptional deals and discounts, this is a must-stop shopping destination. Some of their premium outlets include Bed Bath & Beyond, DSW, Forever21, H&M, Homesense, Indigo, Tommy Hilfiger Outlet and Toys R Us. Travelling with a newborn? No need to worry – a very comfortable Mother’s Room is available in the women’s washroom in the Food Hall, complete with a TV and comfy nursing chairs.
What’s Nearby?
Century Downs Racetrack and Casino: This hot spot is a great idea if you’ve decided to make it a parents-only travel weekend. And don’t worry if you aren’t sure how to bet on horses – the Racetrack offers free courses every Saturday and Sunday. Also, be sure to check out their brand new food truck, the Starting Gate! If casinos are more your thing, you’ll have over 600 slot machines and electronic game tables to keep you occupied.
The Locked Room: Now that you’ve finished all of your Christmas shopping on time (and under budget) it’s time to enjoy some fun in Calgary. The Locked Room is a real-life escape room (trust us, it’s a lot of fun). Choose from ‘Mutiny on the High Seas’ or ‘The Wine Cellar’ for your group’s exciting adventure. Ticket prices and booking slots will vary.
If you find yourself in Calgary, it’s a great place to explore. With plenty of shopping and entertainment hot spots, it makes for a perfect weekend getaway before the stress of Christmas sets in. Need another reason to make the trip? Book a stay at one of their participating hotels, and receive a $75 gift card to one of the major shopping malls. Talk about an early Christmas present!
