The holiday season is here! It’s an exciting time, there’s no doubt about it, but it’s also a time that can burn holes in your pockets pretty quickly. Luckily, there’s plenty to do and see in and around the city that won’t cost you much, and there’s a ton of fun to be had at home that won’t make a dent in your bank account.
Here are some budget-friendly family fun tips that won’t make you a scrooge this holiday season:
1. Holidays in the Rockies. Enjoy the holiday season in the Rockies with Christmas in Canmore - five weeks of extended shopping hours on weekends, skating on the pond, outdoor movies and so much more. It’s the perfect quick weekend getaway, or even just a day away, that will make you feel like you’ve made your way to the North Pole to visit Santa and the gang. For more information, visit www.tourismcanmore.com.
2. Bring on the birds. Extend your holiday decorations to the outdoors with a tasty garland. Not for you, but for the birds! String up some popcorn and cranberries, and then coat some of the popcorn in peanut butter and top with birdseed.
3. Ditch the chill for some wheels. While it’s certainly the season for ice skating under the stars, we often get those days that are just too cold to venture outdoors for winter fun. Stay warm, without spending a fortune, by taking the whole family roller-skating! On Monday nights at Lloyd’s Roller Rink (www.lloydsrollerrink.com) from 7:30 to 10pm, admission is only $3, and on Thursdays from 6 to 8pm, admission is $3.50 per person, or $10 per family (up to six people). Add on the $2.75 rental fee, your whole family can have a blast without breaking the bank (or freezing any little toes!). For more holiday family fun indoors and out, check out the Events Calendar on this website.
4. Just hear those sleigh bells jingling. Head down to Horsin’ Around (just off of 146 Avenue SW near Fish Creek Park) during their Ten Days of Christmas for horse drawn sleigh rides, pony rides, tobogganing and a petting zoo. The event runs between December 20 and 30, and costs just $10 for adults, $8 for kids or $20 for a family of four. Head to Horsin’ Around between 10am and 5pm during the event, or visit www.horsinaround.ca or call 403-263-7433 for more information.
5. Get crafty. Naturally, the holiday season can get pretty pricey, but getting your kids involved in the gifting process can save you more than a few bucks. Plan out a few DIY projects for the family to work on together. Scented bath salts, flavored oils and vinegars, homemade candles, monogrammed books or stationary, and personalized mugs are easy-to-make gifts that anyone would love. For more ideas and tutorials, search ‘DIY Gifts’ on Pinterest.
6. Throw a cookie-decorating party. Bake up a few batches of cutout sugar or gingerbread cookies, whip up several different colors of icing, stock up on small candies and sprinkles, and you’ve got yourself the making of a fabulous party. The kids will keep themselves occupied with the decorating, and the adults can enjoy some time with one another, just chatting, catching up and enjoying a glass of wine (and maybe some of the cookie scraps!). If you have the chance, pick up some cute takeout boxes from the dollar store or Michaels (they’re usually under a dollar each) for the kids to decorate and take their cookies home in.
7. Friends and family fun night. Grab a handful of your closest friends and family (and plenty of little ones!) for a night of games, karaoke, snacks and great company. A low-key night like this will fill your home with the cheer of the holiday season, without the stress of dressing up, cooking up a storm or finding a sitter for the night. Have all of your guests bring along their favorite game and some snacks, and enjoy a relaxing night with those closest to you. If you want to kick it up a notch, give the night a theme - one-pot foods, movie-inspired grub, tropical getaway (we could all use one of those right about now!), or ‘50s dishes are just a few easy, but still stress-free options.
8. Slipper decorating. Whether they’re a cute snow-day DIY project for the kids, or a fun homemade gift, these decked-out slippers is the perfect project for a chilly winter day. Pick up a simple pair of cheap slippers and carefully, using a hot glue gun, adhere an assortment of decorations to them. Get wild by cutting animal ears and a little nose out of felt, and glue them on, along with buttons for eyes and yarn for whiskers. Be creative by gluing on plastic gems, small toys, yarn - you name it - anything can be used to jazz up the slippers! Bonus points for only using things you find around the house!
9. Get into the spirit. Head west to Bragg Creek on Saturday and Sunday, December 6 and 7 or December 13 and 14, and take in all that this beautiful little town has to offer. During Bragg Creek’s Spirit of Christmas, you’ll find real-live reindeer, horse-drawn carriages, caroling, ice sculpting, storytelling, face painting, Santa Claus and more! This event, while just a short distance from the city, will make you feel like you’re a world away from the crowds during the busy holiday season. For more information, visit www.visitbraggcreek.com.
Stephanie is a freelance writer specializing in travel and food writing. For more information, visit www.stephaniearsenault.ca.
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