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

What’s Up This Week?

On December 10, 2024 by Calgary's Child

December 12 to 22

Until December 12; Calgary Philharmonic Presents: Traditional Christmas 2024. Celebrate the spirit of the season with a selection of holiday favourites performed by the Orchestra, Calgary Men’s Chorus, and soloists from Calgary Opera’s McPhee Artist Development Program. The beautiful Grace Presbyterian Church provides the backdrop for this beloved Calgary tradition. Learn more at calgaryphil.com.

December 13, 6 to 10pm; Capitol Hill SNOW BALL and Puppet Parade. It’s a festive and free evening of jolly puppets, live music, family activities, and Christmas cheer at Capitol Hill Community Association. Learn more at capitolhill.getcommunal.com.

December 13, 14, 20 and 21; YouthLink Holiday Events: Gingerbread Mysteries. Gingerbread Mysteries are returning to YouthLink this December, where you can create gingerbread houses that come with all the extras for intrepid crime scene creators. Learn more at youthlinkcalgary.com.

December 13 to 15; Nutcracker (in a Nutshell). An engaging and fun performance for the whole family at Rocky Ridge YMCA on December 6 to 8 and Seton YMCA December 13 to 15. Learn more at ymcacalgary.org.

December 13 to 21; Pumphouse Theatre Presents: Puss in Boots: A Pantomime. Packed with music, dance, comedy and of course audience participation, Puss in Boots will be your purr-fect accompaniment to your Christmas celebrations. Learn more at morpheustheatre.ca.

Until December 14; Calgary Young People’s Theatre Presents: Dear Santa. It’s Christmas time at the North Pole, and nothing is going quite as planned. There’s supply issues on the toy line, an over-enthusiastic sleigh salesman hawking a new high-tech replacement for Santa’s ol’ reliable, a teenage intruder who seems to have lost her festive spirit, and a band of elves who seem more interested in making trouble than in making toys. Learn more about the show at West Village Theatre at cypt.ca.

Until December 14; Legacy Lights 2024. Walk through a stunning array of over one million lights and displays. Legacy will be one of the brightest places in Calgary for you and your family to enjoy this holiday season. Drive through the community, tour a decorated show home or bundle up and take a walk along the many lit-up streets, parks and through tunnels of lights. Learn more at legacylife.ca.

Until December 14; Coca-Cola Caravan Holiday Truck Tour. Santa is trading in his sleigh for a tour across Canada in an iconic red Coca-Cola Canada Holiday Truck, travelling from coast to coast and delivering seasonal joy and optimism! Guests can get a photo with Santa and receive a complimentary Coca-Cola beverage to enjoy. Find the location closest to you at coca-cola.com.

December 14, 8:30 and 10:30am; Home Depot Kids’ Workshop: Build a Holiday Snow Globe. If you are looking for a fun activity to do with the family, Home Depot has a great workshop for kids that will teach them about building. Kids can learn how to build their very own snow globe. Learn more at homedepot.com.

December 14, 9am to 6pm; 40^th Annual Rose Bowl Synchronized Skating Competition. The Calgary Synchronized Skating Club is proud to be hosting the 40^th Annual Rose Bowl Synchronized Skating Competition at Max Bell Centre. Twenty-five teams will compete in nine events, representing Alberta, British Columbia and Saskatchewan. Learn more at skateabnwtnun.ca.

December 14, 9:30 to 11am; Pineridge Community Association Santa Meet and Greet. This family-friendly celebration includes Christmas-themed activities, holiday treats, and time with Santa.

December 14; 11am to 1pm; Cineplex Family Favourites: The Polar Express. Visit participating Cineplex theatres near you and watch a favorite family film each week for only $3.99. Learn more at cineplex.com.

December 14, 6:30 to 7:15pm; CPKC Holiday Train. A chance to experience the decorated train, live holiday music, and community celebration, all while supporting the Calgary Food Bank. This is a festive way to celebrate the holidays while benefiting a local charity. Learn more at cpkcr.com.

December 14, 6:30 to 8:30pm; Movie Screening at The Confluence: National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation. The Burnswest Theatre at The Confluence is a cozy indie theatre perfect for a fun day out with the family or date night with a special someone. Learn more at theconfluence.ca.

December 14, 7 to 9pm; Blend Vocal: Making Christmas. The 12-voice female performance group is bringing their four-part “blend” to the River Park Church to get you deep into the Christmas spirit, so join them for the always uplifting and toe-tapping holiday performance. Learn more at blendvocal.com.

December 14, 7:30 to 9:30pm; Christmas With New West. Whether it’s through the timeless classics or new seasonal favorites, experience the magic of Christmas through beautiful and heartwarming music while enjoying the wonderful venue of the Jack Singer Concert Hall. Learn more at newwestsociety.com.

December 14, 7:30 to 10pm; MRU Sounds of the Season. Celebrating the festive season in song, Mount Royal Conservatory ensembles including the Calgary Youth Orchestra, Mount Royal Kantorei and Zhi-Yin choir take the Bella stage at the Taylor Centre for the Performing Arts. Learn more at events.mtroyal.ca.

December 14 to 15, 10 to 11am; IKEA Breakfast with Santa. IKEA VinterFest is nearly here, with Breakfast with Santa! Tickets required. Learn more at ikea.com.

December 14 to 15, 10am to 4pm; Cochrane Made Christmas Farmers’ Market. Two days on two floors makes for a great shopping experience at Spray Lakes Sawmills Family Sports Centre. You will find many of your favorite vendors from the summer market plus many more seasonal artisans selected to make this a “must-attend” event. Learn more at cochranefarmersmarket.ca.

Until December 15; Fire Exit Theatre Presents: The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe. In this intimate and imaginative adaptation, Peter and Lucy Pevensie return as adults to the country house where their childhood adventures began. Looking for a return to magic, they theatrically recreate and relive their fantastical journey through Narnia. Learn more about the show at Engineered Air Theatre at fireexit.ca.

Until December 15; Granary Road Christmas Market. Experience the magic of the holidays with the Christmas Market at Granary Road. Shop local vendors in the beautiful surroundings of the Foothills located between Okotoks and South Calgary. Learn more at granaryroad.com.

Weekends until December 15; Market Collective’s Holiday Series. Enjoy live music, interactive workshops, galleries, more than 150 local vendors and special surprises at the BMO Centre. Learn more at marketcollective.ca.

Select dates until December 15; Kirks Alpaca Farm Photos with Santa. Looking for unique Santa photos this year? Why not include an alpaca? Cost is $30/person and includes access to the farm, the opportunity to feed the animals, hot chocolate and one digital photo. Learn more at kirksalpacafarm.ca.

Until December 15; Countryside Holiday Market. Shop local vendors in a unique retail space throughout the holiday season at Countryside Tree Farms & Landscaping. Learn more at eventbrite.com.

Until December 15; Vertigo Theatre Presents: Murder on the Links. A cast of six actors play over 30 roles in the Canadian premiere of this exhilarating and spirited adaptation of Christie’s classic mystery with her greatest and most beloved detective Hercule Poirot! The perfect holiday treat. Learn more at tickets.vertigotheatre.com.

December 15, 10:30am to 12:30pm; Cocoa & Crafts at The Confluence. Warm up with hot chocolate and snacks and create four holiday-themed crafts perfect for little ones to give as gifts or to decorate with. Craft options will include two types of Christmas trees, an elf portrait and a reindeer gift bag. Learn more at theconfluence.ca.

December 15, 2 to 4pm; Movie Screening at The Confluence: A Christmas Carol. The Burnswest Theatre at The Confluence is a cozy indie theatre perfect for a fun day out with the family or date night with a special someone. Learn more at theconfluence.ca.

December 15, 2 to 4pm; Christmas at The Grand: The Nutcracker Presented by Cirque En L’air. Cirque En L’air presents its second rendition of the classic story The Nutcracker. We invite you to join our dancers and circus artists as they take you on a magical adventure through the lands of season and the land of sweets. Learn more at thegrandyyc.ca.

December 15, 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 for the rest of the holiday season at Bella Concert Hall. Learn more at calgaryfiddlers.com.

December 16, 4 to 7:30pm; Family Fun Holiday Night at Aussie Rules Piano Bar. Sing along to your favorite kids’ tunes played live on the piano, savour specialty kids’ drinks, and indulge in delicious family-friendly food everyone will love. Learn more at aussierules.ca.

December 16, 8pm; A Drag Queen Christmas. The all-star queens of Logo TV’s RuPaul’s Drag Race are coming to save your Christmas, and this year is even more special, marking the 10th anniversary. Featuring all your favorite stars singing seasonal classics, new and old, A Drag Queen Christmas is guaranteed to get you in the naughty holiday spirit at Jack Singer Concert Hall. Learn more at artscommons.ca.

December 16 to 17, 10:30 to 11:30am; Sylvia’s Holiday Hoopla. This holiday season, Sylvia is celebrating the magic of the season, and you are invited to Robert McClure United Church to join her. It will be a magical celebration filled with songs about reindeer, cookies, Santa, and holiday cheer. With interactive songs and lively performances, kids will be singing, dancing, and making memories to last a lifetime. Learn more at SingingwithSylvia.com.

December 17 and 18, 5:30 to 10:30pm; Heritage Park Dinner and a Movie: It’s a Wonderful Life. As the crisp fall air sets in, there’s no better way to spend an evening than with dinner and a movie at Heritage Park. Begin your night with a gourmet three-course meal in the iconic Gasoline Alley Museum, where you’ll dine amidst one of the world’s largest public collections of antique vehicles. Afterward, grab some popcorn and settle in for a classic film. Learn more at heritagepark.ca.

December 18, 5:30 to 7:30pm; Arts Commons Presents: A Charlie Brown Christmas. Enjoy the classic soundtrack of Charlie Brown’s Christmas performed live in the intimate setting of the Engineered Air Theatre. Learn more at artscommons.ca.

Until December 20; Festive Foothills Art Sale at Leighton Art Centre. Fine craft and artworks by local artists will be featured in the galleries of the historic Leighton home. Learn more at leightoncentre.org.

December 20, 12:45 to 8:30pm; Santa Swim at Trico Centre for Family Wellness. Take a dip with the Man in Red. All amenities are open (waves, rain curtain, hot tub and rope swing). Learn more at tricocentre.ca.

December 20, 5 to 9pm; 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 20 to 21, 7:30 to 9:30pm; Heebee-jeebees Christmas: Stage Presents. This funny acapella group is back with Stage Presents atBella Concert Hall. The Heebee-Jeebees will be the most fun you hear this holiday season. Learn more at tickets.mru.ca.

December 20 to 22; Bert Church Live Theatre Presents: The Christmas Skates with DIY Theatre. When a young boy’s wish comes true in an early Christmas gift, he heads to the ice rink only to find his skates are second best. With spirits dashed, he decides to get a job to get himself better skates. Along the way he finds lessons of gratitude when he meets a friend who must work to help his family survive. Unlace the true meaning of the holidays and create a seasonal theatre tradition with this family-friendly performance. Learn more at airdrie.ca.

December 20 to 22; Calgary Nativity Pageant Brings You a Holy Night. This traditional Christmas Nativity Pageant is planned and performed by dedicated volunteers at Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. It includes live actors and animals and choreographed performances. Families of all ages will enjoy this free inter-faith event as a way to experience the Christmas season. 

Until December 21; Lunchbox Theatre Presents: Twelve Days. A heartwarming new holiday musical co-produced with Forte Musical Theatre Guild. Learn more at lunchboxtheatre.com.

Saturdays until December 21, 2 to 4pm; Paws + Claus. Visit Pixel Park for a festive and furry-friendly event, Paws + Claus, this December. Capture a memorable holiday moment with free photos of your four-legged friends and Santa himself. Dive into Christmas crafts with a workshop hosted by Quickdraw Animation Society.

December 21, 3pm; Sing-Along Messiah. Join the annual Sing-Along Messiah concert at the beautiful Knox United Church, with Rosa Barocca and Debut Singers at Knox United Church. You get to sing the choruses, for an afternoon of beautiful music. Learn more at earlymusicvoices.ca.

December 21, 7:30pm; Cantaré Children’s Choir Presents: Home for the Holidays. Light the candles, dim the lights, and let the glow warm your heart with the angelic sound of children’s voices. Cantaré Children’s Choir presents its most cherished concert of the year, Home for the Holidays at Knox United Church. Learn more at cantarechildrenschoir.org.

Until December 22; Rosebud Dinner Theatre Presents: Christmas on the Air. A 1940s family-run radio station is moments from going live with their annual Christmas Eve broadcast full of familiar holiday carols and yuletide stories. Learn more at rosebudtheatre.com.

Weekends until December 22; Plaza Palooza. Get together outdoors with your friends, family and fellow Calgarians to check out four weekends of freefestival fun at Olympic Plaza. Learn more at calgary.ca.

Until December 22; 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.

Saturday and Sundays until December 22, 12 to 3pm; Christmas in Kensington. Enjoy festive fun in Kensington this holiday season. Learn more at kensingtonyyc.com.

December 22, 9am to 4pm; Festive Brunch at the Zoo. Delight in seasonal decor, delicious dishes, decadent desserts, and fun crafts for kids. With three seating times throughout the morning and afternoon, you can choose the perfect time to fuel up before or after your zoo adventure. Learn more at calgaryzoo.com.

December 22, 2 to 4pm; Movie Screening at The Confluence: White Christmas. The Burnswest Theatre at The Confluence is a cozy indie theatre perfect for a fun day out with the family or date night with a special someone. With film screenings of cult classics, family favorites and hidden gems happening every month, check back regularly to see what’s playing. Learn more at theconfluence.ca.

December 22, 3 to 5:30pm; Perfectly Frank Christmas with the Calgary Jazz Orchestra. Enjoy the music of holiday favorites and songs made popular by Frank Sinatra. Join the CJO for an exciting, entertaining, and warm holiday experience at Bella Concert Hall. Learn more at calgaryjazzorchestra.com.

Ongoing

Mondays all fall and winter, 6 to 8pm; Olympic Oval Monday Night Toonie Skates. Skate on the fastest ice in the world every Monday this season for only a toonie. Learn more at oval.ucalgary.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.

Opening in December; WinSport Tube Park. This tube park is one of the largest in Western Canada and is the perfect activity to spend some time outdoors with your family. Purchase advance tickets at winsport.ca.

Until December 23; Storybook Theatre Presents: One Christmas Carol. One actor. Thirty-five distinct characters. The timeless Dickens holiday classic is completely reimagined. Learn more at storybooktheatre.org.

Until December 24, 10am to 4pm; The Gift Wrap Factory at Southcentre Mall. Experience the magic of gift wrapping at Southcentre Mall while supporting a wonderful cause. Our skilled wrappers are ready to make your presents shine, all for a heartfelt donation in support of Cystic Fibrosis Canada. Wrap your gifts with love and make a meaningful difference this holiday season. Learn more at southcentremall.com.

Until December 24; Stagewest for Kids Presents: Have Your Elf A Merry Little Christmas. It’s Christmas at the North Pole once again and everything is going as planned. But when Mrs. Claus sends one of the elves on a special assignment to the human world, they find themselves unexpectedly cast as a contestant in a Christmas bake-off competition. Filled with festive holiday cheer and Christmas mayhem, this musical comedy for the whole family will remind us all of the true spirit of Christmas. Learn more at stagewestcalgary.com.

Until December 24; Cabela’s and Bass Pro Santa Claus. Enjoy a visit with Santa Claus at BassPro Shops or Cabela’s in a Christmas wonderland. Registration required. Learn more at cabelas.ca or basspro.com.

Until December 24; Santa’s Enchanted Forest at Southcentre Mall. Take part in one of the city’s favorite Santa experiences at the Enchanted Forest and explore the whimsical and thoughtful Santa-scape, that will take you on a journey through a magical, interactive forest to meet Mr. Claus. Registration required. Learn more at southcentremall.com.

Until December 24; Peace of Mind Santa Visits at Southcentre Mall. Peace of Mind visits with Santa give children and families living with sensory sensitivities, mobility issues, immune compromised and other disabilities an opportunity to participate in the holiday tradition. To schedule an appointment, email kidtasticphotos@gmail.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. The train ride is one-hour long and includes your golden train ticket, hot chocolate in a ceramic Polar Express collector’s mug, a delicious cookie, as well as your first gift of Christmas, a silver bell. Learn more at aspencrossing.com.

Until December 27; 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.

Until December 29; Storybook Theatre Presents: Beauty & the Beast. Step into the enchanted world of Broadway’s classic, Disney’s Beauty and the Beast, an international sensation that has been produced in 37 countries worldwide at Beddington Theatre Arts Centre. Based on the Academy Award-winning animated feature, the stage version includes all of the wonderful songs. Learn more at storybooktheatre.org.

Until December 29; 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. See why A Christmas Carol has become a holiday tradition for so many Calgarians. Learn more at theatrecalgary.com.

Until December 29; Alberta Theatre Projects Presents: Charlotte’s Web. One of the most popular productions in ATP’s history, E.B. White’s heartwarming classic about the unlikely friendship between a pig named Wilbur and a spider called Charlotte is returning to the Martha Cohen stage. Learn more at albertatheatreprojects.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; The Rotary Festival of Trees. A magical event happening throughout the month of December in the Malcolm Hotel in Canmore. Imagine an indoor forest of Christmas trees decorated and twinkling all in one place, all created and donated by local businesses. Learn more at rotaryclubofcanmore.ca.

Until December 31, 6 to 9pm; 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 December 31; Winter Wonderland at Calgary Public Library. The weather outside may be frightful, but the library is still delightful! The library’s annual Winter Wonderland will feature seasonal fun during the month of December at the Memorial Park and Central locations. Come check out movie screenings, sing-a-longs, time with special guests, and more. Learn more at calgarylibrary.ca.

Until January 1; Banff Gondola Mountaintop Christmas. The Banff Gondola transforms into a magical winter wonderland complete with opportunity to take a photo with Santa and other Christmas delights. Learn more at banffjaspercollection.com.

Until January 5; ZOOLIGHTS at the Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo. ZOOLIGHTS, presented by Olympia Trust Company, is bigger, brighter, and bolder with over one million lights and close to 250 light figures. Immerse yourself in an array of lights, including new light displays such as Lemur Tales and The Festive Forest, making for the perfect photo op, date night or night out with friends and family! Learn more at calgaryzoo.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. Located on the east side of the Confederation Golf Course, you’ll find thousands of glowing lights displayed in beautiful Christmas themes. Learn more at lionsfestivaloflights.ca.

Until January 11; Jubilations Junior Presents: Beauty and the Grinch. The town of Glooville is set for Christmas to ring, to light up the tree and to laugh, dance and sing. The mayor has come to do her mayoral duty and is joined by her dazzling daughter named Beauty.  Learn more at jubilations.ca.

Until January 11; Jubilations Dinner Theatre: All Those Rolling Stones. Step into the tumultuous world of All Those Rolling Stones, where the rhythms of an iconic rock band, the ink-stained pages of a revolutionary magazine, and the pulse of a generation converge.  Learn more at jubilations.ca.

Until February 2; Stage West Theatre Presents: Girls Just Want to Have Fun! Step aside, boy bands! The era of the girl groups has arrived! From the stylish swingin’ sounds of the Andrews Sisters in the 1940’s to the pop perfection of the Spice Girls in the 1990’s, female vocal groups have brought harmony, hip shaking, and hit after hit. Learn more at stagewestcalgary.com.

Until February 17; Journey Through the Stars. Delight in a wintertime journey that moves you through four locations in the heart of East Village. Woven into a four-part short story exhibit, this experience invites readers to discover new ways to take in the night sky, embrace the crisp winter air, and find words to express a newfound love for their surroundings. Written by four talented authors inspired by different folklore, history, and imagination, each story unfolds uniquely, shaped by the path you choose. Learn more at evexperience.eventcalendarapp.com.

Fridays until March, 2 to 6pm; Hygge Hut. Hygge Hut returns to RiverWalk for its fifth winter season, bringing you warmth, comfort, and all the cozy winter vibes. This contemporary, Scandinavian-style space is inspired by the Danish idea of Hygge, which means a special kind of well-being. Watch the lights twinkle across the river and warm your hands with crackling firepits ready to welcome you until March 2025. Learn more at evexperience.com.

Until March 31; Nightrise. Suphur Mountain’s summit is transformed 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.

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. Bring your child to spend a few hours digging and playing in the sand. They supply all the beach toys including shovels, buckets and more. 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 cavsfcregionalfieldhouse.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. Roll, jump, throw, and balance while being creative with various active play equipment. Kinder Room Drop-in allows you to play with your child on an incredible indoor play structure. Race through tunnels, over a suspension bridge and slide down slides. Learn more at liveandplay.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.