It's almost time to put 2021 in the rearview mirror and look ahead into 2022 with positivity and optimism, and there are plenty of events planned to ring in the New Year!

Here are just some of the ways you can bid adieu to 2021 in Calgary:

The City of Calgary will once again be hosting a spectacular fireworks display this year. After being cancelled last year, fireworks will be set off from atop the Calgary Tower to ring in 2022. There will be a synchronized soundtrack broadcast on the CJSW 90.9 FM airwaves to go along with the show. The live-streamed fireworks will blast off at midnight following a blessing from an Indigenous Elder and Mayor Jyoti Gondek will lead the countdown. While there will be no countdown or events at Olympic Plaza this year, the skating rink will be open from 10 a.m. until midnight on December 31 and will be a great viewing spot to catch the fireworks display in person. Otherwise, follow this link for the live-stream details.

ZOOLIGHTS is celebrating 25 Years of Magic this year as thousands of colourful lights once again adorn the Calgary Zoo. Welcome 2022 with the family-friendly Zoo Year's Eve event with timed entry from 5 p.m. until 8 p.m. on December 31. Or there's the adult-only Zoo Year's Eve Late Night starting at 10 p.m. and running until midnight.

Perhaps you want to start 2022 off with a new budding romance. The 8th Annual Singles New Year's Eve Gala takes place at the Jack Singer Lobby at Arts Commons in downtown Calgary. Couples are also welcome to attend. You'll receive a white rose if you're single and a red rose if you're in a relationship so it will be apparent who is available.

Dig out your most dapper duds from the closet for the Moulin Rouge Dinner, Show & Dance at Pure Casino Calgary. The city's premier circus troupe Le Cirque De La Nuit will provide an entertaining cabaret performance while you enjoy a delicious four-course dinner. Then DJ Joe Swell will provide the tunes while you dance your way into 2022.

As we say goodbye to 2021, the BMO Centre will say goodbye to Beyond Van Gogh: The Immersive Experience. Thousands of attendees have been delighted by this stunning visual presentation of Vincent Van Gogh's work projected from floor to ceiling. December 31 is your last chance to check out this once-in-a-lifetime experience.

If live music is your thing, you can ring in the New Year with the likes of Honeymoon Suite at Deerfoot Inn and Casino, Burton Cummings and Band at Grey Eagle Event Centre, or tributes to ABBA and Fleetwood Mac at Delta Calgary South.

Whatever way you choose to bring in 2022, have a very Happy New Year!

Leanne Murray