What’s Up This Weekend?

December 16 to 18

December 15 and 16; Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo – Beary Merry, Eat, drink and be beary merry at the Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo. Designed for small groups, this holiday party is the perfect way for you and your small business team, clients, group of friends or family to toast the season in a fun, festive and zoo-nique way. Learn more at calgaryzoo.com.

December 16; Handel’s Messiah at Knox United Church, a favorite Christmas tradition, Early Music Voice presents a full performance of Handel’s Messiah with Rosa Barocca, guest soloists and an elite choir made up of VoiceScapes and friends, conducted by Claude Lapalme. Learn more at showpass.com/emv-messiah-2022.

December 16 to 18, 7:30pm; Market Collective Holiday Markets, visitors to the family-friendly event can anticipate two weekends of live music, interactive workshops, galleries, food and beverage, over 150 local vendors, and special surprises. Learn more at marketcollective.ca.

December 16 to 18; Grinchmas at Calgary Farmer’s Markets, do you hate Christmas? The whole Christmas season? Are your shoes too tight? Or is it just that your heart is two sizes too small? Get rid of that resting Grinch face and make your way to the market for a marvelous meeting with our roaming Grinch. Wallow with him in self-pity, visit with his best friend Max, and enjoy some witty banter as he roams through the market. Learn more at calgaryfarmersmarket.ca/events/merry-grinchmas.

December 16 to 18; Christmas at the Nation, support Indigenous and local artists and businesses at the first annual Christmas at the Nation. In genuine partnership with the Seven Chiefs Sportsplex & Chief Jim Starlight Centre and Taza, this holiday market will feature an array of local Calgary and Indigenous vendors at Seven Chiefs Sportsplex and Chief Jim Starlight Centre. Learn more at christmasatthenation.ca.

December 16 to 19; Santa Is Missing, a musical revue collaboration with a fun script, dancing and singing. Silver Stars Musical Revue is collaborating with FLC Acting Club, 3rd Time Lucky Barbershop Quartet to mount the show called Santa Is Missing. Director, P. Gail Whiteford has written and directed the show that will take place at several different venues. Learn more at silverstarsrevue.com.

December 17, 10am to 4pm; Mountain Made Last-Minute Market, don’t miss your last chance to purchase amazing locally and regionally made arts, crafts and specialty foods at Canmore Civic Centre. Learn more at www.facebook.com.

December 17, 5pm; Drop n Shop at YYC Nature & Education Centre, do some last-minute shopping while your kids enjoy an animal experience at the Nature Centre! Kids will do a coloring sheet and craft, and meet mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians and invertebrates over two hours. Learn more at ticketor.com/yycnaturecentre/tickets/drop-n-shop-251026.

December 17; Tinsel and Tunes – An A Cappella Celebration, enjoy the holiday season and benefit the Calgary Food Bank with choruses and quartets singing Christmas and holiday favorites a cappella at McDougall United Church. Learn more at sing4fun.ca/node/17129.

December 17; Candles and Carols: Cantare Children’s Choir, the glow of candles warms the heart as the angelic sound of children’s voices uplift the spirit. Cantaré Children’s Choir presents its most cherished concert of the year at Knox United Church. Learn more at cantarechildrenschoir.org.

December 17; The Most Wonderful Time of the Year, Blend Vocal presents some of our “Favorite Things” this Christmas including jazzy four-part arrangements of many holiday favorites at River Park Church. Learn more at eventbrite.ca/e/the-most-wonderful-time-of-the-year-tickets-461199850167.

December 17, 6pm; Lights of Love & Live Nativity, you’re invited to the third annual Lights of Love and Live Nativity at Hillhurst United Church. Follow the pathway of light from Kensington Wine Market to the front of the church for a stunning display of paper bag luminaries. Say hello to Mary, Joseph, and animal guests from Butterfield Acres Farm (costumes are provided for kids to join the nativity!) while sipping apple cider and listening to the choir sing at Hillhurst United Church. Learn more at allevents.in/calgary/lights-of-love-and-live-nativity/200023775457424.

December 17; A Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols, celebrate the incarnation of our Lord Jesus Christ with music and good news of the Messiah at Calvary Grace Church. Learn more at calvarygrace.ca.

December 17 and 18; Christmas Afternoon Tea at the Lougheed House, enjoy afternoon tea in the festively decorated Victorian mansion, with holiday-themed sweets and savories. Learn more at lougheedhouse.com/restaurant.

December 18; Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo – Festive Brunch, a festive brunch experience in the heart of Destination Africa before heading out to enjoy a beautiful winter stroll around the zoo. The specialty brunch menu features traditional breakfast items, cozy comfort foods and festive desserts! It’s the perfect way to get in the holiday spirit while supporting wildlife conservation. Learn more at calgaryzoo.com.

Ongoing

Opens in December; Servus Tube Park at WinSport, take a ride down one of the fastest tube parks in Western Canada with the Servus Tube Park at Winsport. The tube park is located on the main hill with eight lanes and a magic carpet to bring you to the top. Learn more at winsport.ca.

Until December 17; Tiny Tim’s Christmas Carol at the Pumphouse Theatre, the Workshop Theatre Society is proud to present Tiny Tim’s Christmas Carol written by Matthew Thompson. Learn more at workshoptheatre.ca/tickets.

Until December 18; Winter Wonderland at the Library; enjoy free programs, activities and performances at Central and Memorial Park libraries from December 10 to 18 and watch for more exciting news as they continue to celebrate 110 years together. Learn more at calgarylibrary.ca.

Until December 18; IKEA VinterFest; with events like JULBORD (smorgasbord!), the Holiday Market, the Santa experience, and in-store and virtual holiday workshops. Be sure to stop by for Santa on December 10 to 11 from 12pm to 5pm. Learn more at ikea.com.

Weekends until December 18, 10am to 4pm; Once Upon A Christmas at Heritage Park, one of Calgary’s most iconic holiday events, with hands-on activities and entertainment sure to delight guests of all ages. Come get your fix of wholesome holiday cheer! Learn more at heritagepark.ca.

Until December 18; Granary Road’s Christmas Market, an enchanting celebration of the holidays that starts with our stunning Market with 40-foot vaulted ceilings, exposed trusses and lighting reminiscent of days gone by. Learn more at granaryroad.com.

Until December 18; Home for the Holidays at Lunchbox Theatre, when a flight from Orlando to Calgary gets grounded on Christmas Eve, it leaves four strangers stranded together in the airport. Ella is a Christmas enthusiast who insists on not only making friends with everyone but hosting an airport Christmas. A world premiere production of a heartfelt and funny new holiday musical, created by Calgary artists and developed right here at Lunchbox Theatre. Learn more at tickets.lunchboxtheatre.com.

Until December 21; Christmas in the Country Art Sale, enjoy a whole lot of Christmas cheer in Alberta’s beautiful Foothills region. The Leighton Art Centre is featuring fine crafts and artwork by local artists in the galleries of the historic Leighton home and on the online shopping site this November and December. Learn more at shop.leightoncentre.org.

Until December 23; Calgary Christmas Market, the Calgary Farmers’ Market (south and west locations) have transformed into the Calgary Christmas Market, just in time to get everything you need for ‘on the table and under the tree’ and have fun doing it. Learn more and book your Santa photo at calgaryfarmersmarket.ca.

Until December 24; The Nutcracker – Alberta Ballet, the Nutcracker is prepared each year with an eye to inspire the youngest audience members and to create cherished memories and traditions for your family that will last a lifetime at the Southern Jubilee Auditorium. Learn more at albertaballet.com.

Until December 24; Christmas Sleigh Rides, roundup the whole family for horse-drawn sleigh rides this holiday season at Horsin Around. Go dashing through the snow on a two-horse open sleigh with breath taking views of the Calgary Skyline. and warm up to the camp fire with a cup of hot chocolate. Learn more at horsinaround.ca.

Until December 24; The Elves and the Shoemaker, with only a few days left before Christmas, siblings Ezra and Charlie Wishniski are struggling to make ends meet. With limited supplies and no one stopping by their shop, a good Christmas seems like a faraway dream. But, when two elves are sent by Santa to help, their fortunes begin to turn around. Can the elves help in time to give the Wishniski’s the Christmas they hoped for? Learn more at stagewestcalgary.com/stage-west-for-kids.

Until December 26; Christmas at The Castle, Fairmont Banff Springs’ annual ‘Christmas at the Castle’ programming features holiday events, activities, and exclusive dining experiences that are as enchanting as one will ever find. Though primarily offered to hotel guests, visitors who are not staying at the hotel can still experience the grandeur of the castle by joining a Eat the Castle culinary tour of the Fairmont Banff Springs, or by taking in a live performance of A Christmas Carol with the whole family. Learn more at christmasatthecastle.ca/.

Until December 28; The Immersive Nutcracker: A Winter Miracle, the ultimate holiday experience for the entire family! For nearly 130 years, The Nutcracker has enchanted children around the world. Now your family can experience the timeless holiday tale like never before – brought to life on a majestic scale at the BMO Centre. Learn more at immersive-nutcracker.com/Calgary.

Until December 31; Elf The Musical, Beddington Theatre Arts Centre presents this title known the world over. This modern-day holiday classic is sure to make everyone embrace their inner elf. After all, the best way to spread Christmas cheer is singing loud for all to hear. Learn more at storybooktheatre.org.

Until December 31; Canmore Rotary Festival of Trees, a community-based holiday celebration with decorated trees, wreaths, gingerbread houses, and special events and activities for the entire family. It is free to view and walk through the forest of trees and magical Candy Cane Lane. Learn more at rotaryclubofcanmore.ca/page/festival-of-trees.

Until December 31; Airdrie Festival of Lights, located in Airdrie’s Nose Creek Park, the Airdrie Festival of Lights is a beautiful, outdoor walk-through lights experience, with about a million dollars’ worth of displays and other special features. Learn more at airdrielights.com.

Until December 31; Alberta Theatre Project’s The Jungle Book, this holiday season, escape into the jungles of India with this vibrant reimagining of the legend of the boy raised by wild animals at Martha Cohen Theatre. Learn more at albertatheatreprojects.com.

Until December 31; Glow Calgary, introducing a brand-new Christmas Festival–a unique experience in Calgary for the first time. Christmas Around The World – Santa crosses the globe to bring gifts to the children of the world. Can you help him? Celebrate Christmas magic in China, India, The Netherlands, Mexico, France, and England, all in one night, and all under the glow of a million twinkle lights. The breathtaking space is over 70,000 square feet, and brings a majestic winter wonderland completely indoors. Complete your travels with a visit to the North Pole and meet the man himself–Saint Nick! Learn more at glowyyc.ca.

Until December 31; Nightrise at Banff Gondola, pursuit unveils an immersive experience of light, sound and wonder with the launch of Nightrise, a multi-sensory winter experience at the Banff Gondola. This unique winter activity merges multimedia, storytelling and nature for a new and inspiring perspective at such an iconic Banff location. Learn more at banffjaspercollection.com.

Until December 31; Banff Mountaintop Christmas, Christmas activities galore can be found atop Sulphur Mountain at the Banff Gondola’s Mountaintop Christmas, featuring a Santa Claus photo-op on top of the world, holiday crafts, a holiday movie screening, and more. Learn more at banffjaspercollection.com.

Until December 31; In Search of Christmas Spirit, discover the wonder of Christmas in Banff National Park this holiday season. Bundle up for a walk through the Cascade of Time Garden, where you’ll witness a live Christmas story told by the animals of Banff National Park. Learn more at banfflakelouise.com.

Until December 31; Little Women at Max Bell Theatre, this coming-of-age war–time story about a family during the holidays is a tale that has been cherished for generations. Jo March isn’t your typical Victorian lady. She is unconventional and headstrong. And she is convinced that one day she will be a great novelist. But tumultuous times surround her and her sisters. They need to be imaginative, wise, and brave – all while approaching adulthood in Civil War America. Louisa May Alcott’s classic novel adapted by Kate Hamill is sure to bring warmth and joy to your holiday season. Learn more at theatrecalgary.com.

Until January 1; Hot Chocolate Trail in Banff, bundling up isn’t the only way to stay warm while exploring Banff and Lake Louise. The Hot Chocolate Trail is a treasure map of local restaurants and cafés offering 29 limited-time holiday-themes hot chocolates. With alcoholic and non-alcoholic options like the Alpine Cherry boozy hot chocolate from one of Banff’s newest restaurants, Brazen, to the Ferrero Rocher Hot Chocolate at JK Bakery & Café, there’s something for everyone. Dine in or take yours to go, but don’t forget to bring a reusable mug with you to reduce waste. Learn more at banfflakelouise.com/christmas/hot-chocolate-trail.

Until January 2; Goodnight Moon Digital Immersion Experience at TELUS Spark, the world’s first and only Goodnight Moon digital immersion experience takes the famous bedtime story off the page and into a massive pixel playground, where kids and adults alike can travel through a star-filled tunnel, hear the story and interact with characters and objects from the story’s visual universe. Learn more at sparkscience.ca/whats-on/goodnight-moon.

Until January 2; Sparkle Sparkle at TELUS Spark, the science centre is open late every night, and full of holiday surprises! Starting at 5pm, guests will experience the magic of Goodnight Moon, holiday carollers, quirky characters on stilts, a robot dog, crack open a geode, and so much more! Guests can enjoy the whole science centre – with a holiday twist. Learn more at sparkscience.ca.

Until January 8, 5pm to 9pm; ZOOLIGHTS, The Calgary Zoo is full of twinkling lights and the classic holiday activities you’ve come to love! This year’s ZOOLIGHTS will feature activities such as ice skating, fire pits, and much more! Learn more at calgaryzoo.com.

Until January 8; 34th Annual Lions Festival of Lights, this year’s display will feature Merry Christmas greetings in 15 languages together with the Candy Canes and Shooting Stars along 14 Street! Learn more at lionsfestivaloflights.ca.

Until January 14, Jubilations Dinner Theatre presents The Office: A Pop Rock Comedy, a hilarious take on the goings on at a small paper company office with Jim, Pam, Michael, and Dwight. Learn more at jubilations.ca/the-office-a-pop-rock-parody.

Until January 15; A Mighty Shrek Christmas, Jubilations Junior presents A Mighty Shrek Christmas – a production written for kids, and a meal designed with kids in mind. Learn more at jubilations.ca.

Until January 15; Legacy Christmas Lights, Legacy will light up the south end of the city with more than a million Christmas lights in a cheery display throughout the community as one of Calgary’s largest free light displays. Learn more at legacyresidents.ca.

Until January 22; Potion Putt – A Wizardry Minigolf Course, test your magic and wizarding putt putt skills on the golf course. A crazy golf course inspired by famous fantasy and fiction Wizards is coming to Springbank Links Golf Club this year. Embark on nine wand-erful holes of magic and encounter smoking cauldrons, tasty beverages, and magical portals along the way. You may even be required to cast a few spells in order to excel and complete the mystical challenge. Learn more at potionputt.com.

Until March; Snowshoe Under the Stars, this November, enjoy the great outdoors and up your next date night with this one-of-a-kind experience. On this unique excursion, Calgarians will follow a skilled guide on a fresh, starlit tour through forest and snow, then can sip hot cocoa in a secluded meadow. They’ll bring the drinks, the lamps, and the telescope, and all you have to bring is yourself, and a good jacket! Learn more at kananaskisoutfitters.com.