As the snow begins to fall, the weather starts to cool and the holidays near, there’s no better time to support local businesses. There’s magic in a Calgary winter, and you can experience it by participating in seasonal festivals, discovering new winter activities and browsing for gifts in the many nearby shops, all while strengthening the community. With more than 51,000 small businesses making up 95 per cent of Calgary’s economy, there’s plenty of reason to shop for your gifts at locally owned stores.
Now in its seventh year, The City of Calgary’s Support Local Holiday Campaign brings businesses, neighbourhoods and Calgarians together to shop, dine and celebrate locally. The campaign highlights winter experiences across the city and connects Calgarians with the many hidden gems in the community.
“The Support Local Holiday Campaign makes it easier for Calgarians to shop locally by connecting them with businesses that they may not have heard about before,” says Erin Chrusch, leader of the Business & Local Economy team at The City of Calgary. “More and more consumers want to spend their money locally, and our resources make it easier to identify how to do that.
Calgary Business Improvement Area holiday highlights
This year, several of Calgary’s 15 Business Improvement Areas (BIA) are celebrating the season with unique holiday themes that showcase what makes each business area special. Here’s a small glimpse into what you can find, and an invitation to explore them all.
Beltline (BLOX): Dine, Shop, Play, Stay: A vibrant mix of restaurants, boutiques and experiences, all within walking distance of downtown.
Bowness: Discover a variety of local shops and eateries that capture the charm of this close-knit community on Mainstreet Bowness.
Inglewood: Where History Meets Holiday Magic: Calgary’s oldest main street, filled with character, local craftsmanship and festive energy.
Kensington: Shop Local in the Heart of the City: From unique gifts to cozy cafés, there’s something for everyone.
Marda Loop: Walkable and Welcoming: With more than 190 trendy shops, restaurants and services, it’s a perfect stop for holiday shopping.
Greenview: Map it, Wrap it, Done. Skip the malls, shop the map and discover one-of-a-kind finds in Greenview. From makers to mechanics, cafés to creatives, every shop in Greenview has something special for you.
Chinatown: Discover a blend of tradition and creativity, from independent bookstores and gift shops to cozy cafés and local eateries. Every visit offers a taste of culture, connection and something truly one-of-a-kind.
17th Ave.: Explore one of Calgary’s most popular and vibrant city destinations. Whether you’re dining with friends, browsing shops and boutiques for holiday gifts, or embracing the energy of the nightlife, 17th Ave. isn’t just a street, it’s a place where connection, culture and community come alive.
These are just a few highlights; each of Calgary’s 15 BIAs has its own flavours, stories and locally owned gems waiting to be discovered this winter. Explore a map of the BIAs here.
City-wide seasonal activities
Winter in Calgary offers more than shopping; it’s a season full of celebrations, outdoor fun and neighbourhood discoveries. From November through March, The City provides monthly Choose Your Own Adventure itineraries, making it easy to plan the perfect downtown outing. Each month introduces a new theme with fresh ideas to help you explore, connect and celebrate the season.
The campaign also celebrates active and vibrant winter living through major city events, like Chinook Blast (Jan. 30 to Feb. 16, 2026). For more information about winter events, visit the website.
Park, explore and win
To encourage Calgarians to explore new corners of the city, Calgary Parking is offering Calgarians a chance to win $150 in parking credits, which can be redeemed and shared with family and friends through the MyParking App. Participants will also have opportunities to receive a $100 gift card as a thank-you for supporting local businesses. For the chance to win, follow @CalgaryParking on Instagram or Facebook, like the contest post and tag your favourite local business and share why you love them.
Every time you park with Calgary Parking, your payments help reinvest in improving roads, public spaces and community services across the city. Grab your shopping list, find a great spot to park and get to exploring some of Calgary’s vibrant neighbourhoods for holiday fun.
Visit Calgary.ca/SupportLocal for more information.
This content was produced for the advertiser by RedPoint Media for commercial purposes. It is not written by and does not necessarily reflect the views of Avenue staff.
