We’re already halfway through December! Make the spirits bright with these 25 Calgary events on Friday, December 13, Saturday, December 14, and Sunday, December 15. Snapshots with Santa, Winter Lights Festival, and more.
For more things happening around town, check out our events section.
Friday, December 13
Boney M featuring Liz Mitchell “The Original Lead Singer” – Holiday Favorites & Classic Hits
What: Boney M with “The Original Lead Singer,” Liz Mitchell, performs a mix of holiday favourites and classic hits at Grey Eagle Resort and Casino on December 13. Featuring special guest Morgan James.
When: December 13, 2019
Time: 8 pm
Where: Grey Eagle Resort and Casino — 3777 Grey Eagle Drive, Calgary
Tickets: Online
Curated. Last Minute Holiday Market
What: Shop 70 handmade makers at Curated. Holiday Market. Plus enjoy live entertainment, prizes, food trucks, and more.
When: December 13 and 14, 2019
Time: 5 to 9 pm (Friday), 10 am to 4 pm (Saturday)
Where: Bowness Community Association – 7904 43 Avenue NW, Calgary
Admission: $4 at the door and online
Altitude: Next Level Festive
Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise
What: Set amongst the idyllic winter scenery of Banff National Park, party-goers will get to experience the beautiful snowy mountains — set to world-renowned DJs and performers — in addition to dinner, cocktails, and breakfast. To top it all off, they’ll receive a night’s accommodation at none other than the majestic Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise, starting at $299.
When: December 13, 2019
Time: 7 pm
Where: The Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise, 111 Lake Louise Drive
Price: Event packages start at $299 (plus fees) per double occupancy. Book online, call 1-866-540-4413, or email [email protected].
What: Alberta Ballet presents the holiday tradition The Nutcracker with a live orchestra, a cast of more than 120 dancers, choreography by Edmund Stripe, and stunning sets and costumes designed by Emmy-award winning designer Zack Brown. Follow Clara and The Nutcracker as they encounter The Mouse King, The Sugar Plum Fairy, and more.
When: December 13 to 15, December 20 to 24, 2019
Time: Various times
Where: Southern Alberta Jubilee Auditorium – 1415 14th Avenue NW, Calgary
Tickets: Online
Cowboys Presents: The 8th Annual JINGLE BALLS Drag Show
What: Inspired by the gigantic holiday party featured in Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire, Cowboys is planning on hosting a Yule Ball of its own this December. For the third year in a row, Cowboys will deck out their dancehall in HP-themed decorations, music, and costumes, and all attendees are encouraged to dress as their favourite Harry Potter characters.
When: December 13, 2019
Time: Doors 8 pm
Where: Cowboys Dancehall — 421 12th Avenue SE
RSVP: Available online, $10 to $15
Saturday, December 14
Country Hills Village: Snapshots with Santa
Snapshots with Santa/Country Hills Village
What: The Snapshots with Santa event takes place from 11:30 am to 2 pm next to Famoso at Country Hills Village. Upon arrival, warm-up and indulge in a free cup of coffee or hot chocolate from Starbucks as you listen to Christmas carols sung by Calgary’s signature artistic company, Cowtown Opera.
There will be free face painting and balloon art by Terrrrrific Face Painting and a free photograph with Santa printed on the spot. Global Pet Foods will also be serving up “DogNog” treats for furry friends. Country Hills Village ambassadors will be circulating the event with gift card coupons. Retailers offering up special deals on the day include Diva Salon and Rumble Boxing. There will also be free pizza samples from Famoso (while quantities last)!
When: December 14, 2019
Time: 11:30 am to 2 pm
Where: Country Hills Village — 5149 Country Hills Boulevard NW, Calgary
Price: Free
Children’s Christmas Party at New Horizon Mall
What: New Horizon Mall and Occasional Notes Candy Cane Kids Performance Group invites everyone to an afternoon Christmas party full of holiday fun and entertainment. The whole family can enjoy singing, dancing, and Christmas games on December 14.
When: December 14, 2019
Time: 1:30 to 2:30 pm
Where: New Horizon Mall — 260300 Writing Creek Crescent, Rocky View County, Calgary
Admission: Free
The Funk Hunters
What: Canadian electronic duo The Funk Hunters are made up of Nick Middleton and Duncan Smith, and they will be performing at The Palace Theatre with Funk The Halls on December 14 with special guests.
When: December 14, 2019
Time: 9 pm
Where: The Palace Theatre – 219 8th Ave SW, Calgary
Tickets: Online
Calgary Flames vs Carolina Hurricanes
What: The Calgary Flames face off with Carolina Hurricanes at Scotiabank Saddledome.
When: December 14, 2019
Time: 2 pm
Where: Scotiabank Saddledome – 555 Saddledome Rise SE, Calgary
Tickets: Online
OOMOMO Grand Opening at Pacific Place Mall
What: Calgary’s first-ever OOMOMO store opens in the Pacific Place Mall. Find gifts for everyone left on your list, as well as some chic household items.
OOMOMO’s doors open at 10 am, and if you’re one of the first 200 people, you’ll get a free $10 gift voucher. Plus, you’ll be in with the chance to win a gift card worth up to $100. Not forgetting the photo contests that will also be taking place.
When: December 14, 2019
Time: Doors open at 10 am
Where: Unit 1075, Pacific Place Mall — 999, 36 Street NE, Calgary
Admission: Free
Miracle on 34th Street
What: Morpheus Theatre presents a holiday production of the Christmas classic Miracle on 34th Street.
When: December 14, 2019
Time: 7:30 pm (plus 2 pm on Saturday)
Where: Pumphouse Theatre – Victor Mitchell Theatre — 2140 Pumphouse Avenue SW, Calgary
Tickets: Online
Keep ’em Rolling Roller Nights
What: Keep ’em Rolling hosts roller skate nights at Hounsfield/Briar Hill Community Hall, featuring skate music provided by DJ Plasma. All skates must have toe stops or jam plugs to prevent damage to the floor.
When: December 14, January 4, January 18, February 1, February 29, March 14, March 28, 2020
Time: 7:30 to 10:30 pm
Where: Hounsfield/Briar Hill Community Hall – 1928 14 Avenue NW, Calgary
Admission: $10, $20 for a family (max of 4), additional family members $5. Skate rentals $2, email [email protected] for sizing and availability.
Sherlock Holmes and the Raven’s Curse
What: The world premiere of Sherlock Holmes and the Raven’s Curse by R. Hamilton Wright. The world’s most famous detective returns to his childhood home to uncover the circumstances behind the death of his favourite uncle. He discovers an ancient family curse along the way and meets many more mysterious figures.
When: Now until December 14, 2019
Time: Various times
Where: The Playhouse – 115 9th Avenue SE, Calgary
Tickets: Online
Nikka Yuko Winter Lights Festival
Nikka Yuko Winter Lights Festival (Travel Alberta / Matt Snell/Instagram)
What: Nikka Yuko Japanese Garden comes alight with intricately placed bulbs in the fourth annual Winter Lights Festival. Note that Nikka Yuko closes when the weather drops below -25ºC.
When: December 14, December 19 to December 23, December 26 to December 31, 2019, Every Friday and Saturday from January 3 until January 31, 2020
Time: 6 to 9 pm
Where: Nikka Yuko Japanese Garden — 9 Avenue S & Mayor Magrath Drive, Lethbridge
Tickets: Online
Indigenous Languages Day at Calgary Public Library
What: Calgary Public Library hosts a celebration to honour Treaty 7 Languages in recognition of 2019 as the United Nations International Year of Indigenous Languages. Guests can also meet the authors, illustrators, and translators of the Treaty 7 Book Collection, a group of 12 children’s books written in Indigenous languages. Attendees will also have a chance to try traditional foods.
When: December 14, 2019
Time: 10 am to 4 pm
Where: The Central Library — 800 3 Street SE, Calgary
Admission: Free
Sunday, December 15
WestHills Towne Centre: Snapshots with Santa
Snapshots with Santa/Westhills Towne Centre
What: Bring your favourite people along to WestHills Towne Centre for Snapshots with Santa. Warm up and enjoy the ambiance at the firepit area. Starbucks will be providing hot chocolate and coffee, and there will be treats from Safeway and popcorn courtesy of Cineplex.
Providing the Christmas soundtracks to your day at WestHills Towne Centre will be the fantastic and uber talented Cowtown Opera. The kids can get face painting done and have balloon art created by the Terrrrrific team, and of course, visit Mr. Claus. MasterMind Toys will also be handing out toys on the day.
Be sure to look out for WestHills Towne Centre ambassadors circulating the event with gift cards and coupons that you can use towards your holiday shopping. Special retailer promotions include Aldila Boutique, JoyDrop, Tommy Hilfiger, Urban Barn, Petland, and Skoah.
When: December 15, 2019
Time: 11:30 am to 2 pm
Where: WestHills Towne Centre — 250 Stewart Green SW
Price: FREE
Calgary Hitmen vs Lethbridge Hurricanes
What: Calgary Hitmen hit the ice versus Lethbridge Hurricanes at Scotiabank Saddledome.
When: December 15, 2019
Time: 2 pm
Where: Scotiabank Saddledome – 555 Saddledome Rise SE, Calgary
Tickets: Online
Junior Claus
What: StoryBook Theatre presents Junior Claus, an all-ages story of the only son of Santa and Mrs. Claus. Junior is hesitant to take over the family business and has more faith in his inventions than in Christmas magic. But when Christmas spirit levels drop, Junior must step up to grab the reins.
When: Wednesdays to Sundays until December 22, 2019
Time: 6:30 pm (Wednesday to Saturdays) 11 am and 3 pm (Saturdays and Sundays)
Where: Vertigo Studio Theatre — 115 9 Avenue SE, Calgary
Tickets: Online
Jewish Book Festival Book Sale
What: Calgary JCC and Shelf Life Books host the Jewish Book Festival book sale, a curated selection of contemporary books by Jewish and Israeli authors, titles on Jewish thought, politics, humour, travel, history, and more. Attendees are also welcome to take part in the Sifriya Library – Hebrew Book Exchange.
When: December 15, 2020
Time: 10 am to 1 pm
Where: Calgary JCC — 1607 90 Avenue SW, Calgary
Admission: Free
Once Upon a Christmas at Heritage Park
What: The event will feature wagon rides, Christmas carols, and a visit by Mr. Claus himself at the historic village. Attendees will be able to learn about what Christmas was like back in the day as many of the homes and buildings will open their doors to the public. Shopping will be available at the gift shops at the front gates, hot drinks and snacks can be found at the Railway Cafe, Wainwright Hotel Bar Room, and the Club Cafe, and a Christmas breakfast buffet will be served each morning — for an additional cost.
When: Saturdays and Sundays until December 22, 2019
Time: 9:30 am to 4 pm
Where: Heritage Park — 1900 Heritage Drive SW, Calgary
Tickets: Online
PetSmart Photos With Santa
@adventuresofbrowndog / Instagram
What: Canadian pet parents can bring their favourite four-legged friends to PetSmart locations for free Santa photos on December 14, 15, 21, and 22. The annual event will be taking place at all Canadian PetSmart stores.
Pet parents can get a digital photo from PetSmart taken or take photos on their own mobile devices. From dogs, cats, guinea pigs, bunnies, lizards and more, all pets are welcome to meet Santa and let him know what is on their holiday wish list.
When: December 14 and 15, December 21 and 22, 2019
Time: 12 to 4 pm
Where: At all Canadian PetSmart stores
Price: Free
The Nutcracker: A New Adventure
What: A new comedic adaptation of the holiday favourite by K.L. Eveleigh and J.L. Dunsdon, presented by Calgary’s Young People’s Theatre. Directed by Jamie Dunsdon.
When: December 15, December 17 to 21, 2019
Time: Various times
Where: West Village Theatre — 2007 10 Avenue Southwest, Calgary
Tickets: Online
Market Collective Holiday Markets
What: Market Collective Holiday Markets at BMO Centre features over 150 vendors, plus workshops, live music, food and beverages, and more to enjoy.
When: December 15, December 20 to 22, 2019
Time: 4 to 9 pm (Friday), 10 am to 6 pm (Saturday and Sunday)
Where: BMO Centre Hall C – 20 Roundup Way, Calgary
Admission: $6 for the weekend, children under 12 free
Banff Gondola Mountaintop Christmas 2019
What: The Banff Gondola will turn its sky-high destination into a Winter Wonderland, complete with visits from Santa, cookie decorating, star gazing, and a mulled wine bar. Kids get free admission (one per adult admission) if they take the gondola up before noon, and all the Christmassy goodness that awaits at the top is built into the price of the ticket.
When: Weekends until December 30, 2019 (Daily for various events starting December 23)
Time: 10 am to 5 pm
Where: 100 Mountain Ave, Banff
Tickets: Available online, $58 for adults, $29 for children
Workshop Theatre Presents: The Kids Cushion Cabaret – Stocking Stuffer Stories
What: Workshop Theatre’s first ever Kids Cushion Cabaret features three different short stories for the whole family to enjoy. Attendees can also purchase a snack to eat while the performance is happening.
When: December 15, December 21 and 22, 2019
Time: 11:30 am (Saturday), 2 pm (Sunday)
Where: Marda Loop Communities Hall (December 14 and 15), Haysboro Community Centre (December 21 and 22)
Tickets: Online
