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Activities . Family Fun . What's Up in Calgary?

What’s Up This Week?

On December 16, 2025 by

December 18 to 28

Thursdays, until December 18; NMC Jam Club. Jam Club is a free after-school drop-in program for teens looking to practice their skills and explore their creative potential, all the while making new friends at Studio Bell. Youth ages 13 to 19 are invited to jam for free. Learn more at studiobell.ca/jam-club.

December 19; The Pop-Up Holiday Market in Cochrane. Support local this holiday season by buying unique handmade gifts at Cochrane Lions Club and Events Centre.

December 19, 6pm; Snow Ball Christmas Jellybean Dance. Celebrate the holidays at the Scholars Snow Ball Christmas Jellybean Dance with DJ Goodward and his Bright Nights lightshow, No Bones Theatre Company roving performances, Family Fry Guy Food Truck, free and festive Christmas activities, cash bar, and prizes. Tickets are free but required. Learn more at capitolhill.getcommunal.com.

December 19, 7:30 to 9:30pm; Heebee-jeebees Christmas: Notwithstanding Claus. This a cappella group will have you laughing and getting into the spirit with Notwithstanding Claus at Bella Concert Hall. Learn more at heebee-jeebees.com.

December 19 to 20, 11am to 6pm; Winter in Chinatown Artisan Market. Explore unique handmade goods from local Asian and Calgary-based artisans at The New Gallery.

December 19 to 20; Bert Church Theatre Presents: All Roads Lead to the Station – An Airdrie Christmas Story. It is 1917 when we meet 14-year-old Peter Harris, who has been uprooted from his home in Nova Scotia and sent to stay with his Uncle Hubert in the small but bustling town of Airdrie. How will he fair so far from home? Learn more at airdrie.ca.

December 19 to 21; Calgary Nativity Pageant. This interfaith event is a lovely way to experience the Christmas season, and it’s planned and performed by dedicated volunteers. It includes live actors and animals and choreographed performances at Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Learn more at calgarynativity.ca.

Until December 20; Morpheus Theatre: Peter Pan: A Pantomime. All children, except one, grow up… On the hunt for his pesky shadow, Peter Pan meets the Darling children in their nursery. With a sprinkling of Tinkerbell’s fairy dust, Wendy, John and Michael leave Nana the dog behind on a flight to Neverland – a magical place home to lost boys, mermaids and the most villainous pirate of them all; Captain Hook! Learn more at pumphousetheatre.ca.

Until December 20; Marda Loop Sip & Support Local Events. Enjoy free coffee November 29, December 13 and 20, festive pop-ups, late-night shopping, Santa Paws at Marda Loop Brewing on November 29 and Spirit of the Loop on December 6 – an afternoon of cozy, family-friendly fun at Elizabeth Square. Learn more at visitmardaloop.com.

Until December 20; Leighton Art Centre Festive Foothills Art Sale. This beloved seasonal event features original artwork and fine craft from over 70 local artists, offering a wide range of pieces including paintings, pottery, jewelry, glass, textiles, and more.  Learn more at leightoncentre.org.

December 20, 1 to 3pm; Michael’s MakeBreak: Ornament Painting. Take a step back from your holiday chaos and come relax with and paint a wooden ornament and some sweet treats. Learn more at canada.michaels.com.

December 20, 3pm; Sing-Along Messiah. A Christmas tradition for many, sing along in the choruses with Rosa Barocca and hear the solos sung by the auditioned Debut Singers or just sit back and enjoy the beautiful music at Knox United Church. Learn more at earlymusicvoices.ca.

December 20, 3 to 5:30pm; Fiddle Fantasia. The Calgary Fiddlers and Bow Valley Fiddlers will toe-tap their way into your hearts and leave you humming Christmas favorites at University Theatre. Learn more at calgaryfiddlers.com/events.

December 20, 7 to 9:30pm; Blend Vocal: Winter Reverie. The 14-voice female performance group is bringing their four-part “BLEND” to get you deep into the Christmas spirit, so join them for the always uplifting and toe-tapping holiday performance at St. Laurence Anglican Church. Learn more at blendvocal.ca.

December 20, 7:30pm; Cantaré Children’s Choir Presents: One Starry Night. This holiday season, Cantare Children’s Choir is thrilled to present a captivating performance that perfectly captures the essence of the winter holidays at Knox United Church. Learn more at cantarechildrenschoir.org.

December 20 to 23; Once Upon a Christmas at Heritage Park. Visit Heritage Park for outdoor and indoor family activities, Christmas carolers, visits with Santa, and a Christmas market. Learn more at heritagepark.ca.

Weekends until December 21; Christmas in Kensington. On Saturdays, snap a photo with Santa, warm up with coffee and hot chocolate, enjoy live music, and write a letter to Santa. On Sundays, meet the “Green Mean Friend,” cuddle up with animals at the petting zoo, capture a memory in a holiday photo station, and warm up with free hot chocolate and coffee. Learn more at kensingtonyyc.com.

Until December 21; Stampede Christmas. Join at Stampede Park for two festive weekends at the BMO Centre Great Lawn and Outdoor Plaza for a brand-new holiday event where Stampede Spirit meets holiday cheer, all for our community. The event is free to attend, with free activities and free festive treats for all ages to enjoy. Learn more at calgarystampede.com/stampedechristmas.

Until December 21; Enchanted Festival at Spruce Meadows. The Enchanted Festival will replace the traditional Christmas Lights Drive-Through as Spruce Meadows prioritizes guest safety and family fun. In addition to the beautiful light displays, the celebration will offer seasonal market vendors, indoor activities, family movies, and more, all without the traffic delays and safety concerns from previous years. Learn more at sprucemeadows.com.

December 21, 3 and 7pm; Calgary Jazz Orchestra Presents: A Perfectly Frank Christmas. A Christmas tradition, blending the sounds of Sinatra and holiday music at Bella Concert Hall. Learn more at calgaryjazzorchestra.com.

December 22, 1:30 to 3:30pm; Cardel Rec South Skate With Santa. Bring your skates, helmet, family and friends and join Santa to skate together in this beautiful time of the year. Enjoy some hot chocolate and cookies and have a wonderful time celebrating the holidays with our wonderful community. Learn more at cardelrec.com.

Until December 23; StoryBook Theatre Presents: One Christmas Carol. One actor. 35 distinct characters. The timeless Dickens holiday classic is completely reimagined in One Christmas Carol. The holiday favorite is back, featuring multi-award-winning Alberta actor Natascha Girgis in this one-person tour-de-force at Beddington Theatre Arts Centre. Learn more at storybooktheatre.org.

Until December 23; CF Holiday Happenings Across Calgary. Winter Warm-Up: Guests can enjoy interactive decor, photo moments, indoor curling and even a thrilling Sunshine Village Snow Show (December 5 to 7) featuring professional skiers and snowboarders riding on a specially built terrain park in a one-of-a-kind ski stunt performance. Mrs. Claus will spread joy with surprise appearances, giveaways, and photo opportunities. The most magical tradition returns — Visits with Santa are back allowing families (and friends!) to meet Santa, capture festive photos, and make cherished memories. Select centres will host sensory-friendly Santa experiences in partnership with the Autism Alliance of Canada, offering a calm environment for children and families. Get into the spirit with live musical performances by talented local artists. From jazzy renditions of classics to acoustic holiday favourites, CF Music brings cheer to your shopping experience. Learn more at shops.cadillacfairview.com.

December 23 to 25; 10am to 1pm; Santa Claus at Lake Louise. Santa loves to ski at the Lake Louise Ski Resort! He will be out skiing, stopping for pictures and handing out candy to everyone on the Nice List! He will also be making appearances in the Lodge of Ten Peaks so be sure to keep your eyes open and ears listening for the jingle of the reindeer bells. Learn more at skilouise.com.

Until December 24; Alberta Ballet Presents The Nutcracker. It’s Christmas Eve and Klara has received a magical gift from her eccentric Uncle Drosselmeyer: a handsome nutcracker doll. Little does she know as she falls asleep that her new toy is about to spark her imagination and take her on a dreamy adventure to the Land of Sweets. Take in this iconic show at the Southern Alberta Jubilee Auditorium. Learn more at albertaballet.com.

Until December 24; The Gift Wrap Factory 2025. Experience the magic of gift wrapping at Southcentre Mall while supporting a wonderful cause. Let the elves at the Gift Wrap Factory near the North Entrance, just underneath the escalators, turn your gifts into masterpieces this holiday season! Our skilled wrappers are ready to make your presents shine, all for a heartfelt donation in support of Cystic Fibrosis Canada. Learn more at southcentremall.com.

Until December 24; Stagewest for Kids Presents: Let it Snow! Let it Snow! Let it Snow! Addison and Taylor never thought asking Santa for a white Christmas would lead to a huge snowstorm on Christmas Eve. When their family is forced to pull off the road on their way to their grandparents’ house, the kids fear their wish will ruin Christmas. Learn more at stagewestcalgary.com.

Until December 24; Polar Express Train. This Christmas, take your family on a journey that they will never forget. Step into the magic of the holiday season aboard the Polar Express at Aspen Crossing. A fun-filled adventure, directly inspired by the hit movie. Learn more at aspencrossing.com.

Until December 24; Santa at Bass Pro and Cabela’s. Enjoy a visit with Santa Claus at BassPro Shops or Cabela’s in a Christmas wonderland! Join the arrival event on November 8 at 5pm complete with treats. Then make your free advanced reservation for Santa photos from November 9 to December 24 and get a free 4×6 photo. Learn more at cabelas.ca/pages/santa.

Until December 24; Santa’s Enchanted Forest 2025 at Southcentre Mall. The magic of the season returns to Southcentre. Step into The Enchanted Forest, a whimsical and heartwarming experience where families can meet Santa in a beautiful, interactive holiday setting. Learn more at southcentremall.com.

Until December 24; The Cookie Kitchen 2025 at Southcentre Mall. Bring your holiday spirit—and your sweet tooth—to the Cookie Kitchen at Southcentre Mall, just steps from Santa’s Enchanted Forest on the main level. Decorate your own festive cookie in exchange for a donation to Made by Momma, supporting local families in need. Learn more at southcentremall.com.

December 24; 5 to 8pm; Okotoks Christmas Eve Parade. Santa will be taking a break from delivering presents to make an escorted tour of Okotoks this Christmas Eve with Okotoks Emergency Services, as part of the annual Santa’s Christmas Eve Parade. Learn more at okotoks.ca.

Until December 28; A Christmas Carol In Banff At The Fairmont Banff Springs. The ghosts of Christmas Past, Present, and Future are packing their bags and heading straight for Banff. That’s right, A Christmas Carol in Banff is lighting up the stage at the Fairmont Banff Springs for its eighth spectacular season. Learn more at thebanffguide.com.

December 28, 2 to 3:30pm; The Adventures of a Wooden Boy. Inspired by the classic Pinocchio story (by Carlo Collodi) of a wooden puppet who dreams of becoming a real boy, and Buratino’s tale (by Alexei Tolstoy) of cleverness, adventure, and the fight for freedom, this performance is re imagined with a fresh twist at Evan Hazell Theatre at Brookfield Residential YMCA at Seton. Learn more at palarts.ca/events.

Ongoing

Until December 30; StoryBook Theatre Presents: Miracle on 34th Street. With the support of a determined attorney, and the belief of a young girl named Susan, Kris Kringle takes on the cynics in this musical adaptation of this holiday classic at Beddington Theatre Arts Centre. Learn more at storybooktheatre.org.

Until December 30; ZOOLIGHTS Festive Feast. ZOOLIGHTS, presented by Olympia Trust Company, is always a magical night, but you can make it even more memorable with a combo ticket that includes admission and a delicious dinner! Enjoy either a delicious Turkey Stew, a “AAA” Beef Bourguignon or a hearty vegetarian Leek, Lentil & Mushroom Ragu as you take a break from the cold in the cozy Kitamba Café and Safari Lodge. Learn more at calgaryzoo.com.

Until December 31, 5 to 11pm; Let’s Glow at Tomkins Park. Experience a stunning display of lanterns and lights by local artist, Dylan Toymaker. This dazzling spectacle illuminates the park for the entire month, creating unique opportunities for magical Instagram moments. Learn more at 17thave.ca.

Weekends until December 31; Banff Gondola Christmas: A Very Vintage Mountaintop Christmas. Soar up Sulphur Mountain for a retro summit celebration featuring Santa visits, cookie and ornament decorating, classic movie screenings and a flurry of festive surprises. Learn more at banffjaspercollection.com.

Until December 31; ZOOLIGHTS Snow Globes. Make this year’s ZOOLIGHTS, presented by Olympia Trust Company, extra magical with a Snow Globe experience! In a private oasis surrounded by twinkling lights, you’ll make festive memories to make any date night, friends’ night out, family celebration, or special occasion sparkle. Learn more at websales.calgaryzoo.com.

Until December 31; In Search of Christmas Spirit in Banff. 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; Theatre Calgary Presents: A Christmas Carol. On Christmas Eve, Ebenezer Scrooge is visited by three spirits, who take him on a journey into his past, present, and future to show him the errors of his ways. Dickens’ classic holiday tale comes alive on the Theatre Calgary stage, with stunning sets and costumes and the return of Doug McKeag as Scrooge. See why A Christmas Carol has become a holiday tradition for so many Calgarians. Learn more at theatrecalgary.com.

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. Visit Santa’s Gift Shop near the entrance to find high-quality and whimsical gifts for yourself, your family and your friends. Learn more at airdrielights.com.

Until January 1; Light Art Projection. Each evening at dusk, the artistic responses of four Indigenous youth, who learned how to use projection mapping to project their artistic responses onto 3D objects such as trees, grass and tipis, will be displayed on the northwest corner of the Barracks building at The Confluence Historic Site & Parkland. Learn more at theconfluence.ca/150.

Until January 1; Strathmore Celebration of Lights. Strathmore Agricultural Society Park is open nightly and admission is free, but donations are welcome. Families will enjoy visits with Santa right before Christmas and a Kids’ New Year’s Eve party. Learn more at strathmorestampede.com.

Until January 3; Holiday Wonder. Holiday Wonder is Calgary’s newest holiday tradition — an indoor, immersive Christmas festival that brings the season to life like never before. Step into a sparkling wonderland filled with breathtaking light displays, festive attractions, and magical moments for the whole family at the BMO Centre. Learn more at holidaywonder.ca.

Until January 4; Quest World Family Entertainment: Eye Spy Adventure! Christmas Eye Spy is a full-size, interactive scavenger hunt for all ages. The whole family will be delighted by 12 enchanting vignettes, inspired by holiday favourites at Quest World Family Entertainment. Learn more at questworld.ca.

Until January 4; Alberta Theatre Projects Presents: The Wizard of Oz. Follow Dorothy and her friends down the Yellow Brick Road in this family-friendly musical filled with courage, friendship, and magic – the perfect holiday outing for Munchkins aged five to 105! Learn more at albertatheatreprojects.com.

Until January 4; Merry & Matter at TELUS Spark. Merry & Matter invites guests to explore the science behind the season: the chemistry of warmth, the physics of light, and the biology of joy. Learn more at sparkscience.ca.

Until January 4; ZOOLIGHTS. The Wilder Institute/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 5; Discovery Wildlife Park Light the Night. A drive-through light experience, with a gift shop and a concession. Plus, the Grinch will be visiting every Wednesday to Saturday from 5:30 to 8pm. Learn more at discoverywildlifepark.com.

Until January 8; Lions Festival of Lights. For many Calgary families, the visit to the Lions’ annual light display marks the beginning of the Christmas season. You’ll find thousands of glowing lights displayed in beautiful Christmas themes at Confederation Park. Learn more at lionsfestivaloflights.ca.

Until January 10; Jubilations Junior Presents: Petey Paan’s Christmas Pirate Adventure. Petey Paan is living free in the land where you never grow old, but the Pirates on their ship aren’t fans of Petey Paan’s games. In fact, they might want to cancel Christmas altogether. Learn more at jubilations.ca/calgary-junior.

Until January 10; Jubilations Dinner Theatre Presents: Pirates of the River Saskatchewan.  Cap’n Jack and his crew are ready to set sail from the port of Jubilations Dinner Theatre. The Cap’n is looking to recruit any and all who wish to join his gang and partake of this adventure. Great music and laughter surely await all who dare to climb aboard… and treasure of course, I meant music laughter and treasure! Learn more at jubilations.ca.

Until January 15; Free Admission to National Parks. During the Canada Strong Pass periods (December 12 to January 15), no fees apply for admission for all visitors to all national historic sites, national parks, and national marine conservation areas operated by Parks Canada. Free admission applies to places operated by and for Parks Canada, during regular operating hours. No entry pass or ticket is required.  Learn more at parks.canada.ca.

Until January 15; Free Admission to Participating Alberta Museums. Did you know the Canada Strong Pass provides free admission to many of Alberta’s museums, including Lougheed House in Calgary and the Royal Tyrrell Museum in Drumheller from December 12 to January 15? Check out the full list of participating museums at parks.canada.ca.

Until March 1; WinSport Tube Park. The tube park is one of the largest in Western Canada and is the perfect activity to spend time outdoors with your family. Purchase advance tickets at winsport.ca.

Until March 29; Nightrise at the Banff Gondola. When the sun sets, a whole new adventure begins at the Banff Gondola. Experience Nightrise and rediscover Sulphur Mountain’s summit beneath the moon. Learn more at banffjaspercollection.com.

Mondays to Thursdays, 9am to 12pm; Active Toddlers at the Genesis Centre. Bring your little one for a delightful playtime adventure with our bouncy castle, toys, puzzles, and a lot more for free. Learn more at genesis-centre.ca.

Thursdays, 4 to 4:30pm; Storytime at Mastermind Toys. Mastermind Toys often has special events at their Calgary stores, including storytime. Check with your store to confirm details. Learn more at mastermindtoys.com.

Weekends; Asylum for Art Brunch. Asylum for Art hosts weekend brunch and live music at the WaffleHaus Saloon. Admission is by donation, and you can reserve a spot. Learn more at asylumforart.ca.

Monday and Wednesday from 10 to 11:30 am. The Beach YYC Drop-In Children’s Playtime. On Monday and Wednesday mornings take part in children’s play time at the beach. Learn more at thebeachyyc.ca.

Monday to Thursday, 9am; Parent + Tot Drop-In at Cavalry FC Regional Field House. Cavalry offers a variety of drop-in programs for parents to participate in with their children ages 18 months to three years old. Learn more at regionalfieldhouse.com.

Drop-In Programs at City of Calgary Recreation Centres. Don’t miss out on Active Play where you can bring your kiddo’s energy to an indoor play space. Learn more at calgary.ca.

Storytime at Calgary Public Library. Drop into various Calgary Public Library locations to enjoy stories, songs, and finger plays for the whole family at Family Storytime. Learn more at calgarylibrary.ca.

All winter; Monday Night Twoonie Skate at Olympic Oval. Lace up and hit The Fastest Ice in the World™ every Monday this season for the Monday Night Toonie Skate. From 6pm to 8pm, you can carve up the ice for $2. Learn more at oval.ucalgary.ca.