Take the 'brr' out of winter - cure your family’s cabin fever with events, activities, and holiday fun!
CROSS-COUNTRY SKIING & SNOWSHOEING - GROOMED AREAS IN CALGARY
CROSS-COUNTRY SKIING & SNOWSHOEING - UNGROOMED AREAS IN CALGARY
CROSS-COUNTRY SKIING & SNOWSHOEING - OUTSIDE OF CALGARY
Some ski areas now charge use fees; check before you go!
OUTDOOR SKATING RINKS
NE QUADRANT
NW QUADRANT
SE QUADRANT
SW QUADRANT
Ongoing; Santa Visits. There is nothing more magical this holiday season than capturing Christmas memories in photos with Santa. The Big Man in Red makes an appearance at a number of locations around Calgary, including all of the major malls. Check individual websites for registration and pricing information.
November 26 to 27, December 3 to 4, 10 to 11, 17 to 18; Once Upon a Christmas at Heritage Park. Once Upon a Christmas at Heritage Park is one of Calgary's most iconic holiday events, with hands-on activities and entertainment sure to delight guests of all ages. Come get your fix of wholesome holiday cheer including a holiday market and Santa photos. Learn more at heritagepark.ca.
November 27, 3pm to 4:30pm; The Calgary Philharmonic Presents Symphony Sundays for Kids – Firebird for the Family. The Firebird comes to life with music and dance in this family-friendly concert featuring the Orchestra and members of Alberta Ballet School. Igor Stravinsky based this popular work on a folk tale about a prince who encounters a mysterious firebird and receives a magic feather that helps him defeat an evil wizard. Learn more at calgaryphil.com.
Until November 27; Festival of Trees. Red Deer Festival of Trees will kick off the holiday season in Central Alberta for the 29th time in 2022. Join in on traditional festivities like the Christmas Tree Room, silent auction, gift and sweet shop, and - just for children - Candy Cane Lane! Learn more at reddeerfestivaloftrees.ca.
Until November 27; Loose Moose Theatre Presents Treasure Island. The Loose Moose Theatre For Kids is a truly magical experience for children ages four to 10, as well as fun and entertaining for parents. Learn more at loosemoose.com.
November 29 until December 31; Alberta Theatre Projects Presents The Jungle Book. This holiday season, escape into the jungles of India with this vibrant reimagining of the legend of the boy raised by wild animals. Learn more at albertatheatreprojects.com.
Opening in December; Winsport Tube Park. The tube park is one of the largest in Western Canada and is the perfect activity to pens time outdoors with your family. Purchase advance tickets at winsport.ca.
December 7 to 31; Theatre Calgary presents Little Women. This coming of age war–time story about a family during the holidays is a tale that has been cherished for generations. Jo March isn’t your typical Victorian lady. She is unconventional and headstrong. And she is convinced that one day she will be a great novelist. But tumultuous times surround her and her sisters. They need to be imaginative, wise, and brave – all while approaching adulthood in Civil War America. Learn more at theatrecalgary.com.
December 11, 5:45pm to 6:45pm; CP Holiday Train. The Canadian Pacific (CP) Holiday Train will return to the rails this season on its first cross-continent tour in three years, following virtual concerts in the pandemic years of 2020 and 2021. The train will again raise money, food and awareness for local food banks in communities along the CP network. Check it out at Anderson C-Train Station - South C-train parking lot. Learn more at cpr.ca.
Until December 17; Vertigo Theatre Presents Murder on the Orient Express. Just after midnight, a snowdrift stops the legendary Orient Express in its tracks. By morning, the train is one passenger fewer. It is up to detective Hercule Poirot to identify the murderer before they can strike again. Learn more at vertigotheatre.com.
December 20 to 25; Banff Gondola Mountaintop Christmas. ‘Tis the season of magic and wonder in Banff. Starting November 20, the Banff Gondola transforms into a magical winter wonderland complete with opportunity to take a photo with Santa and other Christmas delights. Learn more at banffjaspercollection.com.
November 18 to 20, 25 to 27, December 2 to 4; Spruce Meadows International Christmas Market. With more than 300 independent local businesses, the market prides itself on a unique shopping experience. Stroll through the winter wonderland of Spruce Meadows. Learn more at sprucemeadows.com.
November 25 to 27, December 2 to 4, December 9 to11. Christmas Market at The Saskatoon Farm. The market grows every year and includes more than 200 local makers, bakers, growers and small businesses. Learn more at saskatoonfarmmarkets.com.
November 26, 10am to 3pm; 18th Calgary Scout Christmas Market. The 18th Calgary Scouts are hosting their second annual Christmas Market at their hall. Admission is $5 and all proceeds go towards supporting youth programming and upcoming camp trips. The market has a variety of local vendors, food, and raffles.
November 26, 10am to 3pm, Dalhousie Christmas Craft Market. Come out to the Christmas Craft Market at the Dalhousie Community Centre to find 60 amazing vendors that make, bake or grow their products. Food donations are accepted for the Veteran’s Food Bank and new toy donations are accepted for Inn From the Cold. Learn more at dalhousiecalgary.ca.
November 26, 9am to 3:30pm; Little Modern Market. Find a modern and local pop-up market this holiday season, with free face paint and glitter tattoos for the kids. There is free entry with a donation to the Calgary Food Bank (or $5 entry without donation), a free Market Tote for the first 100 shoppers, and ticketed workshops. Find everything from home decor to clothing to treats. Learn more at littlemodernmarket.com.
November 26, 9:30am to 3:30pm. Marlborough Christmas Market. The Marlborough Community Association invites you to the annual Christmas Market which features 65 tables of handcrafted items showcased by local artists and crafters. Learn more at calgarymarlborough.com.
November 26, 10am to 2pm; Rocky Ridge Ranch HOA Holiday Market. If you are looking for unique gifts to give away during the holiday season, be sure to check out the Rocky Ridge Ranch Homeowner’s Association’s Holiday Market. They will have a variety of local vendors selling a wide array of handmade treasures like crafts, baked goods, greeting cards, stained glass sun catchers, knit and crochet items, jewelry, and more. Learn more at rrrha.ca.
November 26 to 27, 10am to 3pm; Lake Bonavista Christmas Craft Fair. The Christmas Craft Fair at the community association is the perfect opportunity to discover wonderful gift-giving ideas. You’ll find unique handcrafted items and home-based businesses. Learn more at lakebonavistacommunity.com.
November 26 to December 18; Granary Road’s Christmas Market. Granary Road’s Christmas Market is an enchanting celebration of the holidays that starts with their stunning Market with 40-foot vaulted ceilings, exposed trusses and lighting reminiscent of days gone by. Learn more at granaryroad.com.
December 3, 10am to 4pm; Haysboro Winter Market. Shop the Haysboro Winter Market for home businesses and artisan vendors. With free entry and parking, you can make your Christmas shopping a little easier at Haysboro Community Hall. Learn more at haysboro.org.
December 3, 10am to 3pm; Hidden Valley Community Association Craft Fair Bake Sale. Check out this Craft Fair and Volunteer Bake Sale Fundraiser in Hidden Valley at the Holy Trinity Anglican Church. Learn more at hiddenhut.org.
December 3, 10am to 4pm; Merry and Bright Christmas Market. Christian Life Assembly Church is hosting its Christmas market for the community. This market has 50 local vendors and free family activities to enjoy, like face painting, Santa photos with a printable photo booth, and s’mores.
December 3, 10am to 3pm; North Glenmore Park Community Association Holiday Craft Market. Check out this holiday craft market featuring 50 local vendors selling handmade items. There is free parking and complimentary coffee. Learn more at ngpca.ca.
December 3, 10am to 3pm; Ranchlands Community Association Christmas Market. The RCA is presenting the Christmas Market, so make sure to shop local this holiday season. This event is limited to vendors selling handmade items only so there will be tons of unique and one-of-a-kind items, perfect for that “hard to shop for” person on your gift list. Learn more at ranchlandscommunity.com.
December 3, 10am to 4pm; SCA Community Association Christmas Craft Fair. There will be 50 vendors offering unique, handmade gifts and much more. Learn more at scacalgary.ca.
December 3, 10am to 2pm; Tuscany Resident’s Association Holiday Extravaganza. Over 40 craft and baker vendors under one roof with free admission to the public. Come and find some unique holiday gifts and yummy baking at Tuscany Club. Learn more at tuscany-connect.com.
December 3, 11am to 4pm; New Horizon Christmas Craft Market. New Horizon Mall in partnership with Kay’s Hairstyling & Consulting are excited to be hosting the Annual Christmas Craft Fair. With over 50 vendors on site, entertainment, door prizes and more you will want to save the date to get a head start on your holiday shopping. Learn more at newhorizonmall.com.
December 3 to 4, 10am to 4pm; AZURIDGE Magic + Merry Christmas Market. AZURIDGE is excited to announce its annual Christmas Market. With a theme of Magic and Merry, this event will bring the joy of Christmas back to our city. There will be something for everyone at this festive market, including Santa and his reindeer, sleigh rides, Kristen Scott and the Harmonic Gems, and plenty of shopping opportunities. Learn more at azuridgehotel.com.
December 4, 11am to 4pm; Whole Earth Market. The Whole Earth Market is a monthly market that operates within the historic Shawnessy Barn in the community of Shawnessy in southwest Calgary. The December Market features two floors of vendors selling unique, hand-crafted items. They support local artisans, crafters, makers, and creators. Learn more at wholeearthmarket.ca.
December 4, 10am to 4pm; Wildflower Art Salon & Sale. At the Wildflower Art Salon & Sale you will be immersed with art in every direction. Experience a one-of-a-kind shopping experience. At the Salon you will find paintings, fibre art, hand pulled prints, ceramics, sculpture, jewelry, drawing, glass work and more. Learn more at wildflowersalon.ca.
Sunday, Friday, Saturday, Until December 4; Banff Christmas Market. With more than 80 artisanal vendors, live music, an outdoor fire lounge, Santa’s House and Reindeer Stables, Christmas treats and warm drinks, there is something for the whole family at Warner Stables. Learn more at banffchristmasmarket.com.
December 9 to 11, 16 to 18; Market Collective’s Holiday Series. Enjoy live music, interactive workshops, galleries, more than 150 local vendors and special surprises. Learn more at marketcollective.ca.
December 10, 10am to 4pm; North Haven Christmas Makers Market. Shop until you drop for handcrafted items at this holiday market. Learn more at northhavenyyc.ca.
December 10 to 11, 10am to 5pm; Authentically Indigenous Holiday Craft Market. Come to visit this annual holiday craft show with a unique twist at the Kerby Centre. The Authentically Indigenous Craft Show ‘Holiday Edition’ features unique Indigenous artist vendors from the Calgary and Treaty 7 area of Southern Alberta. Here you’ll find handmade crafts, art, jewelry, food, and more. Tickets are $5 for one day and kids 12 and under are free. Learn more at authenticallyindig.com.
December 10 to 11, 10am to 4pm; Cochrane Made Christmas Farmers’ Market. Two days on two floors makes for a great shopping experience at Spray Lakes Saw Mills Family Sports Centre. You will find many of your favorite vendors from the summer market plus many more seasonal artisans selected to make this a “must attend” event. Learn more at cochranefarmersmarket.ca.
December 11, 9:30am to 4pm; Peak to Prairie Holiday Market. The Peak to Prairie Holiday Market is back at Winsport, with free parking, large aisles for strollers, and a variety of vendors. Get unique gifts for the special people on your list from the Calgary small business community. Tickets are usually $8 and kids 12 and under are free. Learn more at peaktoprairiemarket.com.
December 16 to 17; The Pop-Up Holiday Market in Cochrane. Support local this holiday season by buying unique handmade gifts at Frank Wills Memorial Hall.
Until December 21, 10am to 4pm; Christmas in the Country. The Leighton Art Centre is featuring fine crafts and artwork by local artists in the galleries of the historic Leighton home. This annual community-favorite sale comes at the perfect time for getting a head start on purchasing seasonal gifts and getting into the Christmas spirit with beautiful decorations, gorgeous art, and the home’s historic ambiance. Learn more at leightoncentre.org.
November 26 to December 24; Stage West for Kids Presents The Elves and the Shoemaker. Twinkle and Cookie the elves want desperately to earn their top elf shoes. A family friendly musical adventure with a modern twist, this festival tale reminds us all that the true magic of Christmas is found through acts of kindness and the spirit of giving. Learn more at stagewestcalgary.com.
December 2 to 3; Calgary Philharmonic Presents Rune’s Christmas. Join Music Director Rune Bergmann, the Calgary Philharmonic Chorus, and Cantaré Children’s Choir for a joyous concert of curated holiday music. From beloved classic carols to contemporary festive hits, there’s something for everyone in this heartwarming Christmas musical buffet. Learn more at calgaryphil.com.
December 5 to 16, 10am; Storybook Theatre’s Candy Cane Kids The Musical. Cookie, Stripe and Pep are the Quality Control Inspectors for McJingles Incorporated. Their job? To monitor, measure and analyze Christmas spirit worldwide. This year, however, the cheery trio discover Canadian spirit is dangerously low, and pull out all the stops to raise it. Using their social media platform Jinglegram, they decide to broadcast live. They sing, dance, bake and cheer-on Canada in this 75-minute-long extravaganza. Learn more at storybooktheatre.org.
December 11, 6pm; ATCO Presents ‘Twas the Night Before Curtain. ‘Twas the night before curtain and here at the hall, the Stage Manager is stressing, eight hours ‘til call. The Lead and Director just can’t get along, the show is unfinished, still missing a song! The crew and ensemble are ready to quit; the Host is dramatic and pitching a fit. But there’s love in the air and it’s sometimes the case, we might find romance in an unlikely place. Learn more at youthsingers.org.
December 16 to 24; Alberta Ballet Presents The Nutcracker. It’s Christmas Eve and Klara has received a magical gift from her eccentric Uncle Drosselmeyer: a handsome nutcracker doll. Little does she know as she falls asleep that her new toy is about to spark her imagination and take her on a dreamy adventure to the Land of Sweets. Learn more at albertaballet.com.
Until December 31; Storybook Theatre's Elf The Musical. A title known the world over, Elf The Musical is a must-produce holiday musical that can easily become an annual tradition for any theatre. This modern-day holiday classic is sure to make everyone embrace their inner elf. After all, the best way to spread Christmas Cheer is singing loud for all to hear. Learn more at storybooktheatre.org.
Until January 15; A Mighty Shrek Christmas. Jubilations Junior presents A Mighty Shrek Christmas – a production written for kids, and a meal designed with kids in mind. Learn more at jubilations.ca.
December 31; Zoo Year’s Eve. You'll be able to enjoy all the fun of ZOOLIGHTS with extra special entertainment. It's a festive way to help you and your loved one’s ring in the new year in a safe (and zoonique way!) while supporting the zoo’s wildlife conservation initiatives. There is a family friendly version that ends at 9pm and a late-night adults only event. Learn more at calgaryzoo.com.
December 31; Livestream Fireworks Show. Ring in the New Year with a livestream fireworks show atop the Calgary Tower set to a musical soundtrack of Canadian artists curated by CJSW 90.0 FM. Be sure to tune in live from calgary.ca/NYE at 11:55pm or listen to the broadcast on CJSW 90.9 FM.
Until January 14; Jubilations Theatre Presents The Office: A Pop Rock Parody. Who would have ever guessed that the TV world would be so enthralled and entertained with the goings on at small paper company office. A simple ordinary office with average people like Jim and Pam with their little flirtations… and Michael with his terrible staff meetings… and Dwight with his, ah… crossbow? Okay so maybe not ordinary! Learn more at jubilations.ca.
January 15, 3pm to 4:30pm; The Calgary Philharmonic Presents Charlotte and the Music Maker. Charlotte plays the trumpet on a cardboard tube, the xylophone with two knitting needles, and the drums on anything that bangs. Families will enjoy this magical journey with Platypus Theatre exploring the sounds and colors of the instruments and the exciting possibilities that music has to offer. Come early for the Instrument Discovery Zoo at 2pm. Learn more at calgaryphil.com.
Until February 5; Stage West Presents One Hit Wonders. It is said that everyone has a chance for 15 minutes of fame, and so it is with One Hit Wonders. For every great band or artist, there are about 20 more groups or artists who have had one big break – one great song to their credit. Learn more at stagewestcalgary.com.
CALGARY REPTILE PARTIES
Phone: 403-457-2202
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Website: calgaryreptileparties.com
Add fun and education to your birthday party event! Kids meet and interact with iguanas, monitor lizards, dragons, boa constrictors, pythons, skinks, salamanders, and much more!
RICHARD RONDEAU MAGICIAN
Phone: 403-254-8718
Website: rrmagician.com
Make your child’s birthday party extra special. Richard can present a 30- to 45-minute show with comedy, audience participation, and jaw-dropping magic.
MAD SCIENCE OF SOUTHERN ALBERTA
Phone: 403-263-4140
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Website: calgary.madscience.org
Our parties entertain children aged four to 12 with high energy, interactive shows full of “edu-tainment” which come to you and have everything you need to make your child's party a total success.
REAL CANADIAN SUPERSTORE
Various Locations
Website: realcanadiansuperstore.ca
At the Real Canadian Superstore, you can pick up the cake, the cake platter, the party platter, the party decorations, the party favors and more!
SPRAY LAKE SAWMILLS FAMILY SPORTS CENTRE (SLSFSC)
800 Griffin Road E, Cochrane, AB
Phone: 403-932-1635
Website: slsfamilysportscentre.com
Fabulous birthday party packages and fitness and recreation programs are offered daily. All ages welcome!
VIN GOGH PAINT SIP STUDIO
7160 Fisher Street SE
Phone: 403-475-4644
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Website: vingogh.ca
Vin Gogh Paint Sip Studio is the place for painting parties! We host parties for both kids and adults. You will get a step-by-step painting session with an experienced artist. You can choose your favorite painting from our painting gallery.
ARTS COMMONS PERFORMANCE TICKETS
205 8 Avenue SE
Phone: Call Centre/Box Office 403-294-9494
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Give the gift of a live experience! As the largest performing arts centre in Western Canada, we offer endless ways to experience the transformative power of the arts.
AMARANTH STORES
Three Locations in Calgary
Website: amaranthfoods.ca
Since 1994, Amaranth has provided the best in healthy groceries and supplements. We have everything you need from allergen-friendly choices to hard-to-find bulk herbs and spices. As always, if you have any questions, feel free to ask one of our friendly staff.
THE ART OF PORTRAITURE BY SVP PHOTOGRAPHY
Phone: 403-281-8429
Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Website: theartofachild.com
Your children grow up so fast. Don’t say, “I wish I would have!” We create Wall Art and Storybooks that allow you to savor this moment in time for generations. We offer different themes throughout the year. Perfect gifts for Christmas, Mother’s Day, Father’s Day, and birthdays. Gift certificates available.
BEANERS FUN CUTS FOR KIDS
Website: beanersfuncuts.com
At Beaners Fun Cuts For Kids, our experienced stylists give the whole family great hair in a fun-filled atmosphere. Maybe it’s the themed chairs, movie screens, or the video games, but we love kids, and they love us. We also offer clipper art, ear piercing, up-dos, braiding, baby’s first haircut, and professional hair care products. Book online. Experience our haircuts!
CALAWAY PARK
Phone: 403-240-3822
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Website: calawaypark.com
Give the gift of family fun this holiday season! Calaway Park invites your family to enjoy endless fun at Western Canada’s Largest Outdoor Family Amusement Park!
CALGARY PHILHARMONIC ORCHESTRA
Phone: 403-571-0849
Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Website: calgaryphil.com
We have something for the whole family – from blockbuster movies to favorite classics and concerts just for kids.
CHUNK'D BAKERY
#101 - 330 10 ST NW
Phone: 403-764-7558
Website: chunkd.ca
The best gourmet cookies in Calgary, fully loaded with flavor and creativity! We deliver everywhere in Calgary. Enjoy one of our super decadent rotating weekly flavors or take home a Pienormous cookie to share with family and friends!
CITY OF CALGARY REC PASS
Website: calgary.ca/dropin
Don’t let the family get bored this winter. Drop in to one of our recreation facilities and enjoy affordable family fun!
HERITAGE PARK HISTORICAL VILLAGE
Phone: 403-268-8500
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Website: heritagepark.ca
Create lasting memories with a Heritage Park Annual Pass! Valid all year long, a Family Annual Pass provides endless entertainment for your family of up to six at one low price.
JUBILATIONS JUNIOR
Phone: 587-603-5635
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Website: jubilations.ca/calgary-junior
An amazing interactive live theatre experience with a two-act musical comedy, and a family-friendly three-course meal.
MNP COMMUNITY & SPORT CENTRE (FORMERLY REPSOL SPORTS CENTRE)
Phone: 403-233-8393
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Website: mnpcentre.com
Make this an active and unforgettable year at MNP Community & Sport Centre. There is no shortage of fun and sport discovery on land and in the water for the whole family.
PAISLEY & PAIGE
Phone:1-800-858-9837
Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Website: paisleyandpaige.ca
What’s the secret to a healthy complexion and extending the life of your beauty products? It’s our washable beauty bag! Organizing and keeping your lashes, palettes, makeup, and skincare free of residue and beauty bag grime has never been so easy or so beautiful! Holding up to 26 beauty products, it’s easily packable in a diaper bag, carry on, gym tote or backpack. Earth friendly and reusable; no more throwaway plastic makeup cases.
SPRAY LAKE SAWMILLS FAMILY SPORTS CENTRE
800 Griffin Road E, Cochrane
Phone: 403-932-1635
Website: slsfamilysportscentre.com
With 350,000 square feet of space and over 15,000 weekly users, the Spray Lake Sawmills Family Sports Centre (SLSFSC) is a tremendous facility for all members of the community and surrounding area.
TRICO CENTRE FOR FAMILY WELLNESS
11150 Bonaventure Drive SE
Phone: 403-278-7542
Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Website: tricocentre.ca
Trico Centre for Family Wellness wants your family to be #tricotough and active! Come swim with us in our wave pool with waterslide, water features, hot tub, and steam rooms. Huge, clean fitness centre, bright pool, hockey arenas. We offer activities for all ages!
VIVO FOR HEALTHIER GENERATIONS
1950 Country Village Link NE
Phone: 403-532-1013
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Website: vivo.ca
Skate, swim, dance, climb, create, connect, and explore. Come in from the cold for family fun at Vivo with a wide variety of unique and innovative programs and activities for parents and children alike. Get active, get healthy, and do it together! Visit vivo.ca and discover your passion today!
YMCA CALGARY
Locations throughout Calgary and two locations west of Calgary
Website: ymcacalgary.org
From swim lessons, day or overnight camps to triathlon swim and boot camps, we have the programs and facilities to keep your whole family active. Join us and our active community at one of our health and wellness locations or outdoor camp locations.
BANFF NORQUAY
Website: banffnorquay.com
School’s in for winter! Bunny slopes to the big mountain! Ski and snowboard lessons, and programs for three to 16-year-olds including early season and holiday camps. Programs fill up fast, so book now!
CITY OF CALGARY RECREATION
Website: calgary.ca/dropin
Don’t let the family get bored this winter. Drop in to one of our recreation facilities and enjoy affordable family fun! Splash in a wave pool, take turns on a waterslide, swim some laps, or work out in a weight room. With many locations to choose from, there’s always something fun to do!
WINSPORT
Phone: 403-247-5452
Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Website: winsport.ca
WinSport’s purpose is to inspire human potential through the spirit of sport and it’s something that is woven into all of our year-round, award-winning programming. Our passionate, expert instructors will help your child learn a sport, get better at it, and develop a lifelong love for being active. We have summer camps and programs in mountain biking, hockey, ringette, figure skating, and in specialized sport training. Come out and play with us!
This listing is provided for your reference only. Please research carefully and choose the company that meets your family’s needs best. CCM
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