What’s Up This Week?

December 22 to 24

December 19 to 20; A Jann Arden Christmas. Celebrate the holidays with Calgary’s own Jann Arden as she puts her unique spin on the classics you know and love, plus her own tried-and-true hits at Jack Singer Concert Hall. Mark the season like never before with a beloved artist, beautiful music, and heartwarming stories. Learn more at artscommons.ca.

December 20 to 24 (Saturdays and Sundays), 25 to 30 (daily); Banff Gondola Mountaintop Christmas. ‘Tis the season of magic and wonder in Banff. Starting December 20, the Banff Gondola transforms into a magical winter wonderland, complete with the opportunity to take a photo with Santa and other Christmas delights. Learn more at banffjaspercollection.com.

December 21 to 22; Bear Grease Christmas Special. Do you think Grease is the word? Then get ready for Bear Grease! MT7 and The GRAND proudly welcome Treaty 6 Hip Hop duo, LightningCloud, back to Mohkinstsis with their Indigenous take on the classic 1978 musical, “Grease” – this time with a Christmas twist! It has all the characters and plots you love about Bear Grease with holiday attire and tunes that will have you rockin’ around the Christmas tree. Learn more at thegrandyyc.ca.

December 21 to 23, 6:30 to 8:30pm; Calgary Nativity Pageant. This traditional Christmas Nativity Pageant is planned and performed by dedicated volunteers and includes live actors, choreographed performances, and sometimes even live animals at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. Families of all ages will enjoy this free inter-faith event to experience the Christmas season.

December 21 to 24; Bert Church Live Theatre Presents Bumbles’ Big Christmas Adventure. Share in the adventure as Santa entrusts Bumbles with the all- important jar of Christmas magic. When everything goes awry it appears that Christmas is doomed, but Santa has confidence in Bumbles’ ability to fix his mistake. Join Santa and his elves (plus the Easter Bunny and Tooth Fairy!) for a gripping adventure, in which Bumbles learns that the key to big success is found in just one little word: PERSIST! Learn more at airdrie.ca.

December 22, 12:45 to 8:30pm; Swim With Santa at Trico Centre for Family Wellness. Trico Centre for Family Wellness is calling all families to enjoy the holidays. Learn more and register at tricocentre.ca.

December 22 to 23, 7:30pm; Heebee-jeebees Christmas. The Heebee-jeebees have been sharing their special blend of music and laughter for 30 years. This funny acapella group is back with Holy Christmas … We’re 30 at Bella Concert Hall. The Heebee-Jeebees will be the most fun you hear this holiday season. Learn more at tickets.mru.ca.

Until December 23; All is Calm: The Christmas Truce of 1914 at Rosebud Theatre. A gaggle of weary English soldiers hunker down in the trenches of the Western Front on Christmas Eve, 1914. And then they hear a solo voice with a Christmas carol drifting toward them. A German soldier steps into No Man’s Land singing Stille Nacht. It begins an extraordinary night of camaraderie, music and, above all, peace. A remarkable true story told in the letters and songs of the men who lived it. Learn more at rosebudtheatre.com.

December 23; Christmas in Kensington. Christmas in Kensington is back on select days this season, with live music, Santa, and sleigh rides! Get some shopping done and enjoy a festive atmosphere. Stay tuned for more details, but this event generally takes place during the afternoons. Learn more at kensingtonyyc.com.

December 23, 5 to 9:30pm; Magical Christmas Feast at Lake Louise. Experience the warmth of the fire in the Lodge of Ten Peaks with trees, lights and wreaths, for all to enjoy while indulging in a yummy turkey feast. Warm hot chocolate will be available for the kids, and a cash bar for the kids at heart. Get bundled up for outdoor thrills with nighttime snow tubing, fun for all ages. Fire pits and snacks will be in the base area for a quick warm-up while everyone is at play. Learn more at skilouise.com.

December 23 to 24; Christmas Sleigh Rides. Round up 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 breathtaking views of the Calgary Skyline. Learn more at horsinaround.ca.

December 23 to 25; Christmas Cheer with Santa Claus. Can you spot jolly old Saint Nick? He loves to ski at Canada’s Natural Playground – the Lake Louise Ski Resort. Santa will be out skiing with his elves and Griff the Grizzly, 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.

December 24; Santa’s Christmas Eve Parade in Okotoks. 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.

December 24, 5 to 6:30pm; Sand Art Performance at Y NOT TODAY. Come and witness the most incredible sand art performance of the year! Get ready to be mesmerized by the stunning creations that will come to life right before your eyes. This unforgettable event is happening in person, so make sure to grab your friends and family for an evening filled with magic and wonder. Learn more at ynottoday.ca/events.

Ongoing

Starting December 1; Sparks’ Countdown to the Holidays! Two dozen immersive spaces just ready to be explored and Instagram ready. Guests will experience a Flint the Robo Dog room, have some fun in Cindy Loo Hoo’s lab, Baking with Science, a Teddy Bear Plunge, and more. Learn more at sparkscience.ca.

Until December 21; Festive Foothills Art Sale. The Leighton Art Centre is featuring fine crafts and artwork by local artists in the galleries of the historic Leighton home. This annual community-favorite sale comes at the perfect time for getting a head start on purchasing seasonal gifts and getting into the Christmas spirit with beautiful decorations, gorgeous art, and the home’s historic ambiance. Learn more at leightoncentre.org.

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. Learn more at albertaballet.com.

Until December 24; Peace of Mind Santa Visits at Southcentre Mall. Create heartwarming moments that truly capture the spirit of the season as Southcentre provides a warm and inclusive experience for children and families with unique needs, ensuring everyone can cherish the magic of a Santa visit. Learn more at southcentremall.com.

Until December 24; Polar Express Train Rides. 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™. A fun filled adventure, directly inspired by the hit movie. Grab all your loved ones and your favorite pajamas and join us for a journey to the North Pole that everyone will enjoy. Learn more at aspencrossing.com.

Until December 24; Stage West for Kids Presents Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree. Every Christmas, Santa’s elves hold the annual Holly Jolly Festive Holiday Christmas Spectacular – a showcase of all of their skills. But one elf, Sam, can’t figure out what his best skill is and without an amazing performance, he won’t earn his special elf name. With the help of his friends Twinkle, Cookie, and Cosmo, Sam searches for his true place at the North Pole. Learn more at stagewestcalgary.com.

Until December 29; StoryBook Theatre’s One Christmas Carol. Just one extraordinary actor telling a timeless story. Dickens’ famous tale about selfishness and selflessness is stripped down to its bare essence, forgoing the usual opulence of the holidays and focusing on what

is of utmost importance. Be dazzled as one actor portrays over 35 distinct characters in this intimate, spirited evening of theatre that everyone in the family will love! Learn more at storybooktheatre.org.

Until December 30; StoryBook Theatre Presents Chitty Chitty Bang Bang. Take a fantastic musical adventure with an out-of-this-world car that flies through the air and sails the seas. Featuring an unforgettable score by the Sherman Brothers (Mary Poppins), Chitty Chitty Bang Bang is one family-friendly blockbuster that audiences will find “Truly Scrumptious.” Learn more at storybooktheatre.org.

Until December 31; A Christmas Carol at Fairmont Banff Springs. A Christmas Carol at Fairmont Banff Springs returns for its sixth year. Do not miss this timeless, heart-warming tale of a man named Scrooge who is visited by three ghosts and learns what the true meaning of Christmas is all about. Produced and created at one of the most beautiful places on earth, this production is not to be missed. Learn more at banfflakelouise.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, with about a million dollars’ worth of displays and other special features. Learn more at airdrielights.com.

Until December 31; Banff’s Hot Chocolate Trail. What could be better than a hot chocolate on a winter night? How about 20+ hot chocolates? Banff and Lake Louise’s Hot Chocolate Trail is a treasure map of restaurants each offering a limited-time, holiday-themed hot chocolate. Learn more at banfflakelouise.com.

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

Until December 31; Theatre Calgary Presents A Christmas Carol. A timeless tale of redemption, told as only Theatre Calgary can tell it: full of life, spectacle, and backed by a huge cast. Come relive Calgary’s favorite holiday tradition with friends and family. Learn more at theatrecalgary.com.

Until December 31; Sparks’ Countdown to the Holidays! Two dozen immersive spaces just ready to be explored and Instagram ready. Guests will experience a Flint the Robo Dog room, have some fun in Cindy Loo Hoo’s lab, Baking with Science, a Teddy Bear Plunge, and more. Learn more at sparkscience.ca.

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; Christmas Light Drive Through at Spruce Meadows. This display features hundreds of thousands of twinkling lights totaling over 50km in length strung up around the grounds. Learn more at sprucemeadows.com/christmaslights.

Until December 31; GLOW Calgary YYC Presents 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 twinkling lights at Nutrien Western Events Centre in Stampede Park. This 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; Discover winter magic with Calgary Public Library! Celebrate the magic of the season with Winter Wonderland at Central Library and Memorial Park Library. With a variety of family-friendly activities throughout the month, there is something for everyone. Learn more at calgarylibrary.ca.

Until January 1; Light the Night – Discovery Wildlife Park. Over a two-km drive through of dazzling lights and displays! Stop in to do some Christmas shopping, get a souvenir, or enjoy a nice hot drink. The Grinch will also be visiting every Wednesday to Sunday. Learn more at discoverywildlifepark.com.

Until January 7; 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 Polar Nights in Prehistoric Park, Photos Amongst the Flowers, and much more. Visit the website to learn more about the Sunlight to ZOOLIGHTS Combo tickets: websales.calgaryzoo.com.

Until January 7; Silver & Bold at TELUS Spark. TELUS Spark transforms into a science-inspired winter wonderland of holiday decor, festive drinks and food, a new dome show, and, of course, guests can experience Margaret Wise Brown’s classic tale, Goodnight Moon, in the Digital Immersion Gallery. Learn more at sparkscience.ca. 

Until January 8, 5:30pm to 12am; 37th Annual Lions Festival of Lights. For many Calgary families, the visit to the Lions annual light display marks the beginning of the Christmas season. Located on the east side of the Confederation Golf Course, you’ll find thousands of glowing lights displayed in beautiful Christmas themes at Confederation Park. Learn more at lionsfestivaloflights.ca.

Until January 13; Jubilations Junior Presents Guardians of Christmas. Peter Quill and the Guardians barely made it out of their latest brush with danger in time to start their trek to Earth for Christmas. But wait… a few of them got left behind? A rescue mission sends them crash landing on a snow-laden planet ruled by an Ice Queen. Will the Ice Queen let them leave her planet? Can they get the parts they need to fix their ship and save their friends? Come see the Jubilations Junior show: The Guardians of Christmas. Learn more at jubilations.ca/calgary-junior.

Until January 14; Christmas Lights in Legacy. What was once a one-off way to dazzle local residents, has now turned into an annual family-friendly event that brings everyone from Calgary and area. Drive through the Legacy Community in the southeast of Calgary to enjoy a wondrous Christmas lights display of more than one million lights. Learn more at legacylife.ca/legacy-lights.

Until January 30; Jubilations Dinner Theatre Presents Top Gun: A Maverick Musical. Jubilations Dinner Theatre takes a ride on the Highway to the Danger Zone with their parody spin on the fighter jet franchise. Two classic movies made 30 years apart featuring a movie star that somehow looks like he hasn’t aged a single day… it’s just a musical theatre spoof waiting to happen. Learn more at jubilations.ca.

Until February 4; Stage West Presents Step By Step: Evolution of the Greatest Boy Bands. the creation of a boy band is pretty easy. You take a heartthrob, a cutie, a bad boy, and a guy that may be a little too old to be in a boy band, throw them into some matching outfits, add synchronized dance moves, and, all of a sudden, you’ll make the music world swoon. Watch as Stage West recreates music history from The Beatles, to The Bee Gees, to the New Kids on the Block, and finally on to *NSYNC and the Backstreet Boys. Learn more at stagewestcalgary.com.

Until March; Hygge Hut on River Walk. the East Village is bringing cozy back to East Village Hygge Hut on RiverWalk. The Hygge Hut is a big warm East Village hug in the middle of a long, cold Calgary winter. The contemporary, Scandinavian-style space is inspired by the Danish idea of Hygge, which means a special kind of well-being — it’s a cozy, easy togetherness enhanced by the glow of a firepit, soft lighting, a warm drink and good company. The snuggle vibe, in short. Learn more at evexperience.com.

Until March 31; Nightrise. At Nightrise, Sulphur Mountain’s summit is transformed after dark through four digital art installations. Vibrant lighting, multimedia effects, video projections, and music bring the mountaintop to life in a new and unexpected way. Learn more at banffjaspercollection.com.

Until March 17; Winsport Servus Tube Park. The perfect activity for a day with family and friends. WinSport’s Tube Park is one of the fastest of its kind in Western Canada. Learn more at winsport.ca.