Lights, skating, Crokicurl: Make the most of winter in Calgary’s parks

Winter can be a hard time for some — the temperatures get colder, the days are darker, and it can be tempting to hibernate.

But, there are lots of reasons to look forward to winter in Calgary this year, thanks to an assortment of activities across the city.

Light displays

Earlier sunsets create the opportunity for cheerful and bright light displays; a fan-favourite, especially during the holiday season.

Here where you can take in the twinkle:

Eau Claire Plaza: There’s a giant 40-foot Christmas tree, a forest of festive trees, a glowing polar bear, wreaths, and more. Eau Claire Plaza is also hosting The City’s New Year’s Eve celebration on Dec. 31, which will end with spectacular fireworks. More information can be found at calgary.ca/nye

Prairie Winds Park: The outdoor skating rink is glowing brighter than ever — festive lights have tripled, and city workers have added more fire pits and seating.

Confederation Park Golf Course: For 39 years, the Lions Festival of Lights has lit up the night along 14 St NW north of 24 Avenue. The family-friendly free light display runs every evening until Jan. 8, 2026.

Bowness Park: Take in the sight of sparkling lights as you walk or skate along the ice trail or lagoon in the northwest park.

North Glenmore Park: This park has bright lights and plenty of winter activities, including including an illuminated tunnel over the ice trail, strings of light along the skating area that includes two Crokicurl rinks, curling and a shinny hockey rink.

Where to skate

The City of Calgary has eight outdoor, natural skating rinks, more than 60 Adopt-a-Rinks run by volunteers, and indoor skating.

Among the locations are West Confederation Park, Carburn Park, North Glenmore Park, Bowness Park, Big Marlborough Park, and Prairie Winds Park.

Outdoor natural ice rinks can only start once temperatures are consistently between – 7 C and – 12 C. Officials said last week that the rinks would likely be ready to go by Christmas.

For those in the downtown core, skating is available on the Prince’s Island Park lagoon, less that a five-minute walk from Eau Claire Plaza.

Skate rentals will be available for the first time this year, according to the city. More firepits and seating have also been added to the venue.

Thomson Family Park is also a popular choice for downtown skating enthusiasts.

A different type of skating experience can be found on Calgary’s ice trails, located in North Glenmore and Bowness parks.

Patrons can enjoy illuminated natural ice pathways with vibrant light displaces.

Unique winter experiences

Ice bikes

Ice bikes can be rented at Bowness Park and offer an alternative to skates for all ages and skill levels.

The city says this allows Calgarians who aren’t strong skaters to join in on the fun.

The front wheel of the bike has been replaced by skates and the back wheel moves on the ice and is surrounded by skates.

It has a wide base, so the rider doesn’t even have to balance, just pedal and steer just like riding a normal bike.

Crokicurl

This unique winter activity is suitable for everyone and doesn’t require any previous experience,

Crokicurl is a large-scale version of the Crokinole board game combined with curling.

All that’s needed to play is city-supplied curling rocks, available during the rink’s opening hours.

Bowness Park has four full-sized Crokicurl rinks — three with a firepit in the middle — and a junior Crokicurl rink. North Glenmore’s two full-sized Crokicurl rinks are located near the ice trails. Barb Scott Park has one Corkicurl rink in the main greenspace.