YYC Hot Chocolate Fest was started in 2011 by Calgary Meals on Wheels as a way to bring our community together to support local businesses and raise funds for a good cause. Originally just 10 businesses participated to raise $5,000 for Calgary Meals on Wheels. Now in its 14th year, this annual Fest has grown into a beloved city-wide event that sees over 100 businesses take part and raises over $100,000 to combat food-insecurity in Calgary. 

Demand for Calgary Meals on Wheels’ service has gone up by 10%, so this year our goal is to raise 10% more than last year, for a total of $126,500 to help us make and deliver our nutritious, affordable meals to the community members who need them.

Every February, participating cafés, restaurants, and chocolatiers compete for the coveted awards of YYC's Best Hot Chocolate, Best Spirited Hot Chocolate, Cup That Runneth Over (most sold) and, new for 2024, the Most Creative Hot Chocolate. For 29 days, Calgarians can sip varieties of hot cocoas and vote to determine the blend that roasts them all!

How does it work? Try out some of the Hot Chocolates from our list of contestants and then rate the drink online or through our app to help decide who has the best Hot Chocolate in town!

$1 - $3 from every cup sold supports Calgary Meals on Wheels, thereby directly providing nutritious meals to Calgarians.