Skate with Santa returns to the Olympic Oval

The holiday season is back, and what better way to celebrate than with a cherished Calgary tradition — Skate with Santa.

The festive event returns to the Olympic Oval on Dec. 6 for an afternoon of skating, crafting, face painting and a special visit from Santa himself. 

The head elf is scheduled to be at the Oval for one day only — so organizers warn would-be attendees to not miss their chance to snap a photo and enjoy the holiday cheer on the ice.

This year’s event is adding an extra sprinkle of holiday magic with the introduction of a brand-new holiday market, showcasing vendors from Alumni Built Businesses (ABB) and UCalgary student-entrepreneurs through the Hunter Hub for Entrepreneurial Thinking. 

It’s a perfect opportunity to shop local, support UCalgary talent and find unique gifts for the season, says Jeff Wallace, BCS’10, business development lead in the Office of Development and Alumni Engagement.

“The Holiday Market offers Alumni Built Business owners a chance to showcase their holiday-themed products and connect with a wider community,” he says.  

“It’s an exciting opportunity to grow brand awareness and strengthen partnerships through the Alumni Built Business program. 

"This is the first time we’ve opened the event to our ABB owner community, and we’re eager to see it grow into a cherished annual tradition.” 

Whether an alum or a member of the wider community, everyone’s invited to take in the fun. 

UCalgary alumni and their guests receive free admission with a donation to the SU Food Bank, and can enjoy complimentary cookies and hot chocolate through a festive stamp card. 

All other attendees are welcome at the regular recreational skating rates, listed on the Olympic Oval website.

“By bringing together Skate with Santa and the Holiday Market, we’re creating a fun, festive day that also highlights the creativity and entrepreneurial spirit of our UCalgary students and alumni,” says Kaitlyn De Boer, marketing, communications and events specialist at the Oval. 

For her, the best part of the day is seeing that joy in action. 

“It’s wonderful to watch families on the ice and kids lighting up during the festivities,” says De Boer.

Skate with Santa is a chance to make memories that will last long after the holidays and to experience the magic of the fastest ice in the world in full festive swing.