Now in its 13th year, the YYC Hot Chocolate Fest in support of Calgary Meals on Wheels returns on Feb. 1, 2024. Like previous years, over 100 food and drink businesses around the city have created clever (and comforting...and chocolatey) concoctions for folks to sip until the end of February.

With so many creations competing for various awards like Best Hot Chocolate and Most Creative Hot Chocolate, it's going to be hard to stand out from the pack. While sifting through the full list of 2024 YYC Hot Chocolate Fest drinks, there are more than a few that have caught our eye.

Sauce Italian Market has gone all out with their The Barbie and The Ken hot chocolates, coloured pink and blue respectively. LICs Ice Cream Shop has also brought its larger-than-life hot chocolate game with a vibrant Creme Brulee French Hot Chocolate & Wonka Popping White Hot Chocolate garnished with rainbow sour candy.

Bono Coffee's ChocoRazz Bliss comes topped with cream puffs and Oolong Tea House's delicious-sounding Blue Lavender Chocolate Fog (think London Fog meets hot chocolate) is adorned with the cafe's homemade lavender earl grey cookie.

Of all creations this year, we have to say that the hot chocolate by 8 Cakes sounds the most unique. A tahini-infused dark hot chocolate is topped with strawberry rose whipped cream, watermelon couli and a watermelon rose cookie garnish.

And that's just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to the 2024 YYC Hot Chocolate Fest creations!

The 13th annual YYC Hot Chocolate Fest runs from Feb. 1-29, 2024. For more information about the festival, its participating Calgary businesses, and how to vote for your favourie drink, head to its website.