Get ready to indulge in the ultimate hot chocolate experience this February! From February 2027, Calgary Meals on Wheels presents the YYC Hot Chocolate Fest, a beloved annual event that transforms Calgary into a paradise for hot chocolate enthusiasts. With participation from cafés, restaurants, and chocolatiers across the city, this community-driven event promises delicious drinks, friendly competition, and a heartwarming cause.

A Sweet Competition for a Good Cause

The YYC Hot Chocolate Fest isn’t just about savouring delectable hot chocolate—it’s also a competition! Participating establishments will put their creativity and craftsmanship to the test as they vie for awards in four exciting categories:

• YYC’s Best Hot Chocolate: The ultimate honour for the most delightful cup in town.
• Best Spirited Hot Chocolate: A boozy twist on a classic treat for adults.
• Cup That Runneth Over: Celebrating the establishment with the most hot chocolates sold.
• Most Creative Hot Chocolate: A category added in 2024, rewarding the most innovative and imaginative concoction.
• Worth the Drive: Recognising an exceptional hot chocolate destination worth travelling a little farther to experience.
  
• Community Champion: Honouring a participating business that demonstrates outstanding community spirit and support for Calgary Meals on Wheels.

Calgarians have the power to decide who wins these coveted titles by rating the drinks they try online or through the event’s app. Each cup brings not only joy to your taste buds but also vital support to the community.

How It Works

1. Explore: Check out the list of participating cafés, restaurants, and chocolatiers at yychotchocolate.com or via the event’s app.
2. Taste: Visit one or more of these establishments to sample their unique hot chocolate creations.
3. Rate: Share your thoughts by rating each drink online or in the app to help crown the winners.

Sip for a Cause

What makes YYC Hot Chocolate Fest truly special is its impact on the community. With every cup sold, $1–$3 goes directly to Calgary Meals on Wheels. This organization provides nutritious meals to Calgarians in need, ensuring that your sweet treat contributes to the greater good.

The festival has grown significantly in recent years. Organisers report that 2025 was its biggest edition yet, with more than 159 vendors and 225 participating locations. Over a two-year period, the event raised $325,000 for Calgary Meals on Wheels, helping support subsidised meals for vulnerable Calgarians.

Discover the City Through Chocolate

The YYC Hot Chocolate Fest is more than just a foodie event—it’s a chance to explore Calgary. With participating establishments scattered throughout the city, you can embark on a hot chocolate crawl that takes you to cozy cafés, vibrant restaurants, and innovative chocolatiers. Each location brings its own twist to the classic hot chocolate, offering everything from traditional flavours to daring creations featuring exotic spices, creative toppings, and unexpected ingredients.

A Calgary Winter Tradition with a Purpose

Since 2011, YYC Hot Chocolate Fest has combined Calgary’s winter café culture with support for a local cause. Each February, participating businesses create signature drinks while customers explore the city, vote for their favourites and help raise funds for Calgary Meals on Wheels.

The full 2027 participating-vendor map and drink list are still to come. Readers can check the official festival website closer to February for participating locations and programme updates.

Few winter events make exploring a city quite as delicious as YYC Hot Chocolate Fest. Its combination of creative drinks, local businesses and community fundraising gives chocolate lovers a reason to discover Calgary one cup at a time.