Calgary, AB,
07
December
2015
|
09:14
America/Denver

Skate, dance and swim into 2016 with The City of Calgary’s New Year’s Eve celebrations

This New Year’s Eve, Calgarians can ring in 2016 with a free Outdoor Celebration and count down to midnight at Olympic Plaza, a free Family Dance Party at the Municipal Building atrium, or a Family Pool Party at Village Square Leisure Centre.

“New Year’s celebrations at Olympic Plaza and the Municipal Building are always some of the best,” said Mayor Naheed Nenshi. “This year’s festivities are a chance for Calgarians of all ages to ring in 2016 together in our great public spaces”

Outdoor Celebration

Bundle up for the weather and join the party outside at The Outdoor Celebration on Olympic Plaza starting at 8 p.m. Calgarians can bring their skates or borrow from Skate Shack, who will be onsite offering free rentals until 11:45 p.m., and take a spin on the ice. The festivities will include ice sculptures and live ice carving demonstrations, storytelling and bonfire songs by the fire pit, DJ music and entertainment with emcee Andrew Phung. Cap off the night by welcoming 2016 with a spectacular countdown to midnight featuring a video, light and laser show synchronized to music and fireworks!

Family Dance Party

Dress in neon or white and anything that glows, and kick off the evening with a boogie at the Family Dance Party from 7 – 9 p.m. The Municipal Building becomes party central with music, stilt walkers, a magician and fire spinners. Party-goers can leave messages for 2016 on the glow-in-the-dark resolution wall, make a hand-made reminder of the night at the craft table, test their aiming skills for prizes at the beanbag toss and bounce their way through the inflatable obstacle course. There will be an under-five-years-old play area for the littlest partiers and families can stay energized with free hot chocolate courtesy of Good Earth Cafe. The fun will finish with the always-popular kids’ countdown at 9 p.m.

Swim and Sport Party

Families can also play, swim, jump, splash and slide into 2016 at Village Square Leisure Centre. Bring the whole family; grandparents, aunts & uncles and friends for tons of fun. Head to the gymnasium from 4:30 – 6:30 p.m. for arts and crafts, games, obstacle courses, a bouncy house and the “Take a Selfie” photo booth. From 5:30 – 8:30 p.m.,  take the party to the waterpark where there will be a DJ pumping out tunes as families enjoy the wave pool, slides, hot tub and safari splash.  Stay until the very end to enjoy the Pool Party Countdown! Family admission rate for the event is $26.30.

“However you celebrate this New Year’s Eve, please make a plan to get home safely,” said Mayor Nenshi. “I’m very pleased to see that Calgary Transit is once again running night buses and CTrains, with last trips leaving downtown at 3 a.m. So have a very Happy New Year, Calgary! Here’s to a wonderful and prosperous 2016.” 

 

When getting to and from the event, citizens should be aware that MacLeod Trail from Sixth Avenue S.W. to Ninth Avenue. S.W. will be closed from 3 p.m. on Dec. 31 until 3 a.m. on Jan. 1. This closure will allow everyone downtown for the two events to walk safely between the Municipal Building and Olympic Plaza.  

Calgarians are invited to share their experiences at the events by using #yycnye.

For more information on The City of Calgary’s New Year’s Eve Celebrations visit, calgary.ca/nye or call 311.  

For information on the public transit available on New Year’s Eve, visit calgarytransit.com