30 things to do in Calgary this week: December 18 to 24

Dec 16 2017, 10:00 am

‘Twas the week before Christmas!

Time to hang the stockings, wrap your gifts, prep your home for holiday gatherings and pick up any last minute items you may have on your list – or time to begin your Christmas shopping altogether… if you’re a last minute shopper.

Regardless, this week is meant to be spent prepping to enjoy the last bit of the holiday season with your friends and family before the New Year.

Be sure to check out the last of the many seasonal festivities happening in and around the city this week!

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Monday, December 18

The Bamboo Ballroom Advent Sale

  • What: Follow Bamboo Ballroom on Facebook to get the insider information on exciting promotions happening all week long!
  • When: December 12 to 23
  • Where: Bamboo Ballroom – 814 16th Avenue SW

Mountain Top Christmas

  • What: Nothing is more magical than celebrating Christmas in a wonderland of snow on the top of a mountain. Help out at Santa’s workshop, experience the Elf Interactive Centre, write Santa a letter, participate in a Christmas Treasure Hunt, stargaze with astronomers, watch Disney’s ‘Prep and Landing’ Christmas short film, and so much more. It’s truly a magical wonderland that the whole family can enjoy.
  • When: November 18 to January 7 (Varies per event)
  • Time: Varies per event
  • Where: 100 Mountain Avenue, Banff
  • Tickets: Online, Adult – $62, Child – $31

Step Inside a Life-Size Gingerbread House 

  • What: Bring a donation for the Calgary Food Bank and the Calgary Drop-In Centre as you experience the magic of this life-size gingerbread house at the Palliser Hotel. Yes, even the icing is real!
  • When: Until January 6
  • Where: Fairmont Palliser – 133 9th Avenue SW

Tuesday, December 19

Dreams Take Flight Workshop with artist Jill Paddock

  • What: Tap into your creative side with this new art series with Jill Paddock. She’ll teach you how to playfully apply paint and texture creating a beautiful depth to your canvas as you enjoy a complimentary wine tasting and local food samples.
  • When: Tuesday, December 19
  • Time: 7 to 10 pm
  • Where: Outside the Shape – 1222 10th Avenue SW
  • Tickets: Online, $100

Christmas Cheer Carollers

week

Calgary downtown (brandonf92/Instagram)

  • What: Hear all your favourite holiday tunes being sung by the Christmas Cheer Carollers along Stephen Avenue every Tuesday and Thursday throughout the Christmas season.
  • When: Every Tuesday and Thursday, November 23 to December 21
  • Time: 4:15 to 5:15 pm
  • Where: Stephen Avenue, Calgary

Charlotte’s Web

  • What: Have your heart warmed by this beautiful story about a cherished friendship between a pig named Wilbur and a Spider named Charlotte. This classic story will bring back feelings of childhood nostalgia as you show your children and grandchildren this magical story.
  • When: November 21 to December 31
  • Time: Varies per day
  • Where: Martha Cohen Theatre – 220 9th Avenue SW
  • Tickets: Online, $26 to $75

Wednesday, December 20

CTV Toy Mountain Campaign 2017 

  • What: Drop off toys at in the toy box at one of the specified locations and help support families who have been affected by domestic abuse at the Women’s Emergency Shelter.
  • When: November 20 to December 22
  • Where: Various locations

Visit with Santa

Dinner + A Movie at Heritage Park: White Christmas  

  • What: Go back in time and enjoy Christmas Eve circa 1944 as you sing along with Bing Crosby, Vera-Ellen, and Danny Kaye. This heartfelt classic is the perfect way to take a break from the holiday chaos and enjoy  a night out with your special someone.
  • When: Wednesday, December 20 – White Christmas
  • Time: 7:45 pm
  • Where: Gasoline Alley – 1900 Heritage Drive SW, Calgary
  • Tickets: Online, $44.95 + GST per person (includes dinner + film), $8 (Film only)

Watch the Calgary Flames Play St. Louis

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Calgary Flames/Twitter

  • What: Currently our boys are in 11th place in the Western Conference! Come cheer them on and get them into the top 10 before Christmas.
  • Where: Scotiabank Saddledome – 555 Saddledome Rise SE, Calgary
  • When: Wednesday, December 20
  • Time: 7:30 pm
  • Tickets: Ticketmaster, $25 to $169+

Thursday, December 21

See the holiday classic “A Christmas Carol”

  • What: Any excuse to dress up and hit the town during the holidays is always an exciting way to spend an evening. Plus, it’s just not the Christmas season without Scrooge and his spooky ghosts this heartfelt reproduction of Dickens’ classic tale.
  • When: Thursday, November 23 to December 24
  • Time: 7:30 pm or 2 pm
  • Where: Theatre Calgary – 220 9th Avenue SE
  • Tickets: Online, $71-$135

The Santaland Diaries 

  • What: Based on David Desaris’ book chronicling his hilarious experience working as an elf at Macy’s, this one-man show is a Christmas comedy that will speak to the humbug in all of us.
  • When: November 2 to December 23
  • Time:
    • Monday to Saturday, 12 pm
    • Thursday to Friday, 6 pm
  • Tickets: Online, $155

The Nutcracker

  • What: Add some glamour to the holiday season by getting all spiffed up and heading to this magical recreation of “The Nutcracker.” For many, Clara and her Nutcracker bring back a warm childhood nostalgia as they brave the evil army of mice and dance with the Sugar Plum Fairy. Set to the motion of Tchaikovsky’s timeless music in an authentic Russian setting, this classic will have the whole family following along in awe.
  • When: December 15 to 17 and 21 to 24
  • Where: Southern Alberta Jubilee Auditorium – 1415 14th Avenue NW
  • Tickets: Ticketmaster, $25 to $125

Friday, December 22

Holiday Movie Special at Buttermilk Fine Waffles

week

Love actually poster

  • What: It isn’t truly the Holidays without a dose of Buddy the Elf and the heart-warming Christmas romance of ‘Love Actually.’ Grab a waffle and a beer from Annex Ale Project beer and enjoy unlimited popcorn as you watch back-to-back viewings of these two holiday classics.
  • When: Friday, December 22
  • Time: 6 to 11 pm
  • Where: Buttermilk Fine Waffles – 330 17th Avenue SW
  • Admission: FREE

The Dudes Annual Christmas Special

  • What: Join local Calgary rock band, The Dudes, for a unique holiday celebration that will have you out of your seats, dancing, clapping, and laughing all night long! This is an 18+ event – a valid piece of government issued ID is required at the door.
  • When: Friday, December 22
  • Time: 9 pm
  • Where: The Palace Theatre – 219 8th Avenue SW
  • Tickets: Online, $20

Granary Road Christmas Market 

  • What: Calgary’s newest market has a whole lot of festive fun planned for this holiday season. Get your photo taken with an alpaca wearing a festive scarf, enjoy delish holiday treats, let Santa and Mrs. Claus know what is on your Christmas list, sit back and enjoy a sleigh ride, and so much more!
  • When: Every Friday to Sunday until December 23
  • Time: 9:30 am to 5:30 pm
  • Where: Granary Road – 226034 112nd Street W
  • Admission: FREE

Calgary Christmas Market – One the Table, Under the Tree

  • What: Indulge in local treats, shop for unique holiday gems, and enjoy the seasonal ambiance of the Calgary Farmers Market as they continue their annual holiday tradition.
  • When: November 16 to December 23
  • Time: Thursday to Sunday, 9 am to 5 pm
  • Where: The Calgary Farmers Market – 510 77th Avenue SW
  • Admission: Free

Experience Christmas from years gone by

  • What: Go back in time for a more traditional form of Christmas from years ago. Tap into your inner child and decorate gingerbread cookies, get vintage photos taken, visit the alpacas, paint snow, enjoy a wagon ride, and even sing along to some Christmas carols. You can also find some unique holiday treasures as you peruse The Corner Emporium, Plaza Mercantile, Antiques and Collectables, Switzer’s Grocery & Confectionery, and the Toy Shoppe.
  • When: November 25 to December 17, 22 and 23
  • Time: 9:30 am – 4 pm
  • Where: Heritage Park – 1900 Heritage Drive SW, Calgary
  • Admission:
    • General (16+) – $10.95
    • Senior (65+) – $8.75
    • Youth (7 – 15) – $6.95
    • Child (3 – 6) – $5.65
    • 2 & under – Free

Watch the Calgary Flames Play the Montreal Canadiens

  • What: Cheer on the Flames in a sea of red!
  • Where: Scotiabank Saddledome – 555 Saddledome Rise SE, Calgary
  • When: Friday, December 22 vs Montreal
  • Time: 7 pm
  • Tickets: Ticketmaster, $73  to $355

Saturday, December 23

Ski with Santa

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Skiing with Santa (Zandyz/Shutterstock)

  • What: Head down the mountain and try not to hit Santa or Mrs. Claus – that’s one way to stay off their naughty list.
  • When: Saturday, December 23
  • Time: All Day
  • Where: Lake Louise Ski Resort – 1 Whitehorn Road
  • Admission: RFUll day – $104, half day – $84

Greater Goods Month Long Pop-Ups

  • What: Come sip on a Lavender Earl Grey Tea Latte while shopping some of the beautiful concrete gems created by the husband and wife duo behind Co|Create Co. – only during the month of December.
  • Where: 606 Meredith Road NE, Calgary
  • When: December 2 and 3: Tribes + Society (11 am – 5 pm)
    ​December 9: Inspired Findings (11 am – 5 pm / 6 – 9 pm)
    ​December 16: Prairie Bazaar (11 am – 5 pm)
    ​December 23: Pretty Sweet (11 am – 5 pm)
  • Admission: Free

Happy Chicken Dinner at The Nash + Notable

  • What: Enjoy an impromptu Christmas Dinner, without having to go to the hassle of cooking it yourself. Both The Nash and Notable Restaurant are offering a Happy Chicken Dinner to-go, which includes a wood roasted whole chicken, veggies, and all the fixings!
  • Where: The Nash – 925 11 Street SE

Christmas in Kensington 

  • What: Every Saturday until Christmas, enjoy complimentary coffee and hot chocolate, selfies with Santa, horse and wagon rides, a petting zoo, and four of your favourite Christmas classics up on the silver screen. The best part – it’s FREE!
  • When: Saturday, December 23 – Die Hard
  • Time: 3:30 pm
  • Where: The Plaza Theatre – 1133 Kensington Road NW
  • Admission: By donation

Sunday, December 24

Winter ice skating at Olympic Plaza

  • What: Skate amidst the beauty of downtown Calgary at everyone’s favourite outdoor rink.
  • When: Monday, November 20 to mid-March
  • Time: Weather dependent, from 10 am to 9 pm
  • Where: Olympic Plaza – 228 8th Avenue SE
  • Cost: Free!

Anytime of the Week

Christmas Lights at Spruce Meadows

  • What: This two-kilometer drive through in Spruce Meadows is lit up so festively that it’s undeniably special for anybody to see. Also free, this Christmas lights event will leave you feeling as though Christmas day is just one sleep away.
  • When: Saturday, December 9 to Sunday, January 7
  • Time: 5 to 10 pm
  • Where: Spruce Meadows – 18011 Spruce Meadows Way SW
  • Admission: $10 per carload

Go Tubing at Canada Olympic Park

week

Snow tubing (Parilov / Shutterstock)

  • What: Calgary’s only tube park is the largest of its kind in Western Canada and now boasts 12 lanes, a four person tube option, and a dedicated magic carpet. A village including a food trailer, a deck with heaters, a fire pit, and washrooms have also been added for the 2017 season.
  • When: During the winter season
  • WhereWinSport’s Canada Olympic Park, The Acura Tube Park – 88 Canada Olympic Road SW
  • Admission: Tickets cost $28 for an adult to slide for two hours, and senior, youth, and family discounts are available.

Hit the Slopes

  • What: Take advantage of the fresh POW and get some great ski days in this upcoming season. Each hill also has a variety of Christmas themed activities happening throughout the holiday season, be sure to check the websites before heading up so you don’t miss the festivities.
  • Check the websites for Sunshine, Mount Norquay Naskiska Marmot Basin and Lake Louise to check hours of operation, hill conditions, snow reports and to see which trails are open!

Experience the new and improved Brewster Banff Gondola

  • What: Head to the summit for an unreal view above the treetops and a birds-eye view of 6 different mountain ranges, while sipping on a delicious Starbucks coffee or a refreshing glass of wine. Don’t forget to checkout the Mountaintop Christmas happening throughout the month of December which is essentially a magical winder wonderland set on the top of a mountain. View more information on the event here!
  • Where: 100 Mountian Avenue, Banff
  • Tickets: Adult – $62, Child – $31

Zoolights

  • What:  The Zoolights at the Calgary Zoo never fail to amaze. Each year, this unforgettable winter tradition of fun activities and stunning lights warms the hearts of many. See the Calgary Zoo light up for seven weeks straight and help celebrate the 20th anniversary of everyone’s favourite holiday experience.
  • When: Friday, November 24 to January 6
  • Time: 6 to 9 pm
  • Where: The Calgary Zoo – 210 ST. Georges Drive NE, Calgary
  • Tickets: General (16+) $14.95, Child (3-15) – $11.95

Experience a Dog Sledding Expedition

  • What: Cuddle up under a blanket enjoy the scenery as you glide through the trail or head up your own team of home-bred Canadian huskies – you choose!
  • Where: Snowy Owl Sled Dog Tours – 109, 829 Street Canmore, AB or Mad Dogs & Englishmen Expeditions in Canmore
See also
Kristy ArchibaldKristy Archibald

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