Calgary's Sweetest Winter Tradition Returns for 15th Year
Calgary's beloved YYC Hot Chocolate Fest is set to return for its 15th anniversary this February, transforming the city into a month-long celebration of warm, creative beverages while supporting a vital community cause. This citywide event invites residents to explore local cafes and chocolate shops while raising crucial funds for Meals on Wheels.
A Growing Citywide Tradition
What began in 2011 as a modest initiative has blossomed into what organizers describe as "a giant, citywide event" that brings warmth to one of Calgary's coldest months. Brittney Edge, marketing and communications specialist for Meals on Wheels, emphasizes the festival's dual purpose: "It's just a great way to support local businesses and raise funds to support Calgarians who are struggling with food insecurity."
Edge notes that even long-time residents discover new businesses through the festival, describing it as "like a scavenger hunt around the city to try out new coffee shops."
How the Festival Works
Throughout February, Calgarians can visit participating businesses that have submitted unique hot chocolate creations for the festival. After sampling these warm treats, participants can rank them using the dedicated YYC Hot Chocolate Fest app. A portion of proceeds from each cup sold—typically ranging from $1 to $3—goes directly to Meals on Wheels, which delivers affordable, nutritious meals to people in need.
The impact has been substantial: over the past two years alone, the festival has raised $325,000 for Meals on Wheels, enough to subsidize approximately 65,000 meals for vulnerable Calgarians.
Creative Competition and Community Spirit
Participating businesses compete across multiple categories, including best overall hot chocolate, best spirited hot chocolate, and most creative hot chocolate. Edge encourages vendors to unleash their creativity: "It's like a Caesar—we want people to take the idea of a hot chocolate and do whatever they can with it."
This year promises innovative submissions, with hints of "tropical" themed hot chocolates and orange chocolate-flavoured creations. Additional awards include "worth the drive" for top submissions outside Calgary city limits and "cup that runneth over" for most cups sold.
Local Business Enthusiasm
Hexagon Board Game Cafe in Kensington, last year's winner of the "cup that runneth over" award for their Mississippi pie themed hot chocolate, is eager to participate again. Store manager Carli Armeneau expresses the sentiment shared by many participating businesses: "It's a great way to give back to the community. Being partnered with Meals on Wheels means a lot to us, and a lot of the money we make with hot chocolate fest, we do donate."
Getting Involved
A complete list and interactive map of participating businesses will be available on the YYC Hot Chocolate Fest app and website starting January 28. The festival offers Calgarians a perfect excuse to venture out during February's chill while supporting both local businesses and neighbors facing food insecurity.
As Edge summarizes, "It's a great way to get out of the house in a really cold, slower month" while making a meaningful difference in the community.
