It seems like only a little while ago when I opened up my computer on a late December day in 2014 and typed in the title “Youth Friendly New Year’s Eve 2015”. It feels surreal typing in ‘2017’ today. These past couple of years have breezed by at a lightning pace, and I’ll admit, writing this post gives me a sense of nostalgia since it’ll be my last year as a “youth” and my last Youth Friendly NYE in my time at YAA (which really puts into perspective how long I’ve been writing here!). 2017 will be an exciting year ahead for me, from graduation, to a jam-packed summer, to starting university in the fall, it’ll be a year of change, and I have to say I am looking forward to whatever it brings to me and wherever it will take me. No matter what walk of life you are from or what your 2017 looks like, I think we can all agree that we want to start of the new year right, so here we are again: a list of youth-friendly activities to do this NYE. Here’s to 2017.
NEW YEAR’S EVE OUTDOOR CELEBRATION
If you’ve been a longtime Calgarian, this annual celebration hosted by our city shouldn’t be news to you. Join thousands of people at Olympic Palaza on December 31st starting at 8pm to ring in 12am with a stunning fireworks, music, and laser show. The skating rink will be open and free skate rentals are also available. The evening is sure to please with performances and musical features that will make it a night to remember. I attended this celebration with friends last year, and it was a ton of fun. I would recommend bringing your own skates where possible and bundling up!
More information here
A LUMINOUS NEW YEAR’S EVE
For those more inclined to classical music, Luminous Voices, Calgary’s professional chamber choir, will once again to hosting their ever-special concert on New Year’s Eve at Knox United Church starting from 8pm and going until 10pm. Tickets are $31 for students and everyone is welcome to celebrate 2017 by indulging in enchanting choir music, delicious chocolates, and sparkling champagne. Best of all, Knox United Church is across the street from Olympic Plaza, making it easy to hop from one celebration to the next to make the most of your night. I’m not typically one for choir music, but having heard Luminous Voices, I can safely say that they changed my opinion. They are truly a refined and sophisticated group and definitely worthy of your night.
JUBILATIONS DINNER THEATRE NYE
For those willing to spend a little more and get a bang for your buck back, visit the Jubilations Dinner Theatre on NYE to celebrate 2017 by watching a three-act musical comedy based off of the Big Bang Theory, a four-course dinner, late night buffet, and champagne. There will also be party favours, a DJ, and a dance party after the show. Tickets are $114.95 plus tax, but for all the treats and fun included in the night, it will be well worth it. Tickets and more info here.
ZOO YEARS EVE
Another Calgary NYE staple, the Calgary Zoo will once again be opening its gates on NYE for everyone to revel in their fantastic light displays. Though there will be no fireworks this year, patrons are still free to enjoy giant firepits, interactive displays, and swing around on the skating rink with free skate rentals all night. Gates open at 6pm and will close at 9pm, making it a perfect activity to attend before other festivities, or a great stand-alone for those with busy schedules and tight bedtimes. Details.
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