Activities . Celebrations & Holidays . Family Fun . What's Up in Calgary?

What’s Up This Weekend?

On December 8, 2022 by Calgary's Child

December 9 to 11

December 9; What’s Up with Powerful Predators at Bow Habitat Station, Alberta is full of powerful predators; big and small. Coming in all shapes and sizes, from fins to claws – looks can be deceiving. This December, learn about the top predators across our landscape, roaring rivers, and endless skies. Learn more at bowhabitat.alberta.ca.

December 9 to 10; Calgary Philharmonic Presents Home Alone in Concert, a true holiday favorite, this beloved comedy classic features renowned composer John Williams’ charming and delightful score performed live to picture by the Calgary Phil at Jack Singer Concert Hall. Hilarious and heart-warming, Home Alone is holiday fun for the entire family. Learn more at calgaryphil.com.

December 10; Breakfast with Santa at Scenic Acres, join Scenic Acres Community Association for a pancake breakfast with the big man himself! There will be time for pictures, crafts and a delicious meal! Learn more at eventbrite.ca.

December 10; Stories, Crafts and S’mores at Fort Calgary, get cozy around a roaring fire for this family-friendly event at Fort Calgary. Storyteller Jeff Murray will share fascinating stories about winters in early Calgary and the people who lived here. After stories and s’mores, come inside to make your own sketchbook and draw the beautiful winter scenery around Fort Calgary. Learn more at fortcalgary.com.

December 10; Willow Park Village’s Winter Wonderland, mark your calendars for some whimsical winter fun in Willow Park Village! Finish up your holiday shopping then stop by Santa’s workshop for complimentary gift wrapping. Plus, festive activities for the entire family: an interactive scavenger hunt to put you into the holiday spirit, photos in Santa’s sleigh, roaming Christmas carollers, and don’t forget to say ‘hi’ to the friendly farm animals of Butterfield Acres.

December 10, 5pm to 7pm; Coca-Cola Caravan Tour, Coca-Cola is celebrating with its Iconic Coca-Cola Caravan Tour at 555 Saddledome Rise SE! With hundreds of Canadian stops, the Caravan Tour will spread holiday joy to communities over shared experiences and moments of magic. Since lighting up the small screen in a TV ad that first aired in the mid-1990s, the Coke Caravan has signaled the start of the festive season for nearly three decades, and it is thrilled to be stopping in Calgary this year! Learn more at coca-colacanada.ca/holiday.

December 10, 5pm; Drop n Shop at the 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-251027.

December 10, 7pm to 9pm; The Greatest Gift, what was the greatest gift that you have given? or received?. It’s been the resiliency through hardship, the holiday spirit, the cold wind that brings white Christmas, or Mary’s lullaby. Join Calgary Children’s Choir at St. Giles Presbyterian Church for their Christmas concert and celebrate those precious gifts. Learn more at  eventbrite.ca/e/calgary-childrens-choir-christmas-concert-the-greatest-gift-tickets-431143691387.

December 10 and 11; Nutcracker (in a nutshell), an engaging and fun performance for the whole family! This watch-and-play performance takes children through the classical ballet in just 30 minutes at Brookfield Residential YMCA at Seton. After the “fuss-friendly” performance, children are invited to join the performers to dance, play and more. There are crafts for the children 30 minutes ahead of each show. Learn more at ymcacalgary.org/ymcarts-presents.

December 11, 11am to 2pm; Kid’s Hiss-mas Party at YYC Nature & Education Centre, join the YYC Nature & Education Centre to celebrate the holidays animal style! While the parent units get to finish off some peaceful shopping nearby, child units get to meet red, green and white animals. Meet teo doves and a turtle. Program includes a Christmas related craft, animal experience, digital photo with an animal, and a nut-free holiday treat. Learn more at ticketor.com/yycnaturecentre/tickets/kids-hiss-mas-party-5-9-250913.

December 11, 2pm to 6pm; The Coca-Cola Caravan Tour, Coca-Cola is celebrating with its Iconic Coca-Cola Caravan Tour at 1900 Heritage Dr SW With hundreds of Canadian stops, the Caravan Tour will spread holiday joy to communities over shared experiences and moments of magic. Since lighting up the small screen in a TV ad that first aired in the mid-1990s, the Coke Caravan has signaled the start of the festive season for nearly three decades, and it is thrilled to be stopping in Calgary this year! Learn more at coca-colacanada.ca/holiday.

December 11; The Calgary Civic Symphony Presents: A Divas Christmas, join the orchestra and friends, Johannes Brahms and Divas Opera, in performances of one of the greatest symphonic masterpieces and classic songs to celebrate the holiday season at Jack Singer Concert Hall. Learn more at artscommons.ca.

December 11; ‘Twas the Night Before Curtain! ‘Twas the night before curtain and here at the hall, the stage manager is stressing, eight hours ‘til call. The lead and director just can’t get along, the show is unfinished, still missing a song! The crew and ensemble are ready to quit; the host is dramatic and pitching a fit. But there’s love in the air and it’s sometimes the case, we might find romance in an unlikely place. ATCO is pleased to present “‘Twas the Night Before Curtain” with Youth Singers of Calgary – a merry, musical production, inspired by those Christmas romance movies we all love at the Southern Alberta Jubilee Auditorium. Learn more at ticketmaster.ca.

OTHER CHRISTMAS FAIRS & MARKETS

Under $100 Art Show

When: December 8 to 11
Where: 8 Manning Close SE
Learn more: under100artshow.com

Christmas Market at Saskatoon Farm

When: December 9 to 11

Where: #20 80181 338 Ave East

Learn more: saskatoonfarm.com

Market Collective’s Holiday Market

When: December 9 to 11
Where: BMO Centre
Learn more: marketcollective.ca

North Haven Christmas Makers Market

When: December 10

Where: North Haven Community Association

Learn more: northhavenyyc.ca

Authentically Indigenous Holiday Craft Market

When: December 10 to 11
Where: Kerby Centre
Learn more:  authenticallyindig.com

Cochrane Christmas Farmers Market

When: December 10 to 11
Where: Spray Lakes Sawmills Family Sports Centre
Learn more: cochranefarmersmarket.ca

Golden Acre Community Market

When: December 10 to 11
Where: Golden Acre
Learn more: goldenacre.ca

Peak to Prairie Holiday Market

When: December 11
Where: WinSport
Learn more: peaktoprairiemarket.com

Ongoing

Until December 10; Christmas at the Hive, this annual event at Chinook Honey Company in Okotoks offers family fun and fundraising for the Foothills Country Hospice Society. Visit the animals, taste mead and learn all about bees and honey. You can partake in beeswax snow candle making, s’mores by the fire, honey taffy making, hot chocolate and enjoying mulled mead. Learn more at albertaopenfarmdays.ca/events/christmas-at-the-hive.

Until December 11; European Christmas Village Market and Fireworks, the European Christmas Village Market will provide you with an amazing, fun-filled family event at Bearspaw Lifestyle Centre. You will enjoy shopping from the Edelweiss booth to a variety of vendors each weekend. There will be story time, Santa’s workshop, skating and sleigh rides. Learn more at bearspawlc.org.

Until December 13; Canadian Pacific Holiday Train 2022, The Canadian Pacific (CP) Holiday Train program is returning to the rails to raise money, food, and awareness for food banks and hunger issues. Find out where and when you can see it in Calgary and the area by visiting cpr.ca/holidaytrain.

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; 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.