Thanks for the memories, 2019! Still time to make some new ones with our checklist of 60 fun things to do in Calgary in December, including Make It!, CP Holiday Train, and more!
For more things happening around town, check out our events section.
Fun around the city
Make It! The Handmade Revolution Calgary
What: Vendors from all over the country are coming to Calgary this month to sell their handmade wares at Northland Village’s holiday-themed Make It! Show. Shop from more than 80 vendors selling beautiful items made by hand, with love. With handmade clothing, art, accessories, gourmet goodies, home decor, children items, and more — conscious consumers will be sure to find gifts for everyone on their list.
When: Friday, November 29 to Sunday December 1
Time: 11 am to 9 pm (Friday), 10 am to 6 pm (Saturday), 11 am to 5 pm (Sunday)
Where: Northland Village in the DO What U Love space — 5111 Northland Drive NW
Tickets: Available online at makeitshow.ca. Get 50% off early bird tickets until show day. Then it’s $6 at the door during the show. Kids 12 and under are free
Calgary Hitmen Teddy Bear Toss 2019
What: Attendees of the December 1 versus the Red Deer Rebels are encouraged to bring a new small- to medium-sized stuffed animal or toy to the game to throw onto the ice the first time the Calgary Hitmen goal horn sounds.
When: December 1, 2019
Time: 4 pm
Where: Scotiabank Saddledome — 555 Saddledome Rise SE, Calgary
Tickets: Press-level tickets available online starting at $20 for adults and $15 for students and children; limited number of first- and second-level tickets available as well
Holiday Skate Pop-Up Roller Rink at New Horizon Mall
What: New Horizon Mall, Calgary Roller Skate and Alien In-Line present an afternoon of skating on December 7. The whole family is invited to groove to some great tunes under a disco ball, and glide over 10,000 sq. feet of skating space. Admission is free, and guests can bring their own skates or rent a pair of quad or inline skates for $10. Bring donations for the Airdrie Food Bank and receive free stickers. Note that signed waivers will be required to skate
When: December 7, 2019
Time: 12 to 4 pm
Where: New Horizon Mall — 260300 Writing Creek Crescent, Rocky View County
Admission: Free. Skate Rentals are $10 (quad and inline skate rentals available) or guests can bring their own
Cineplex Community Day
What: Cineplex wants you to treat yourself to a free movie day on December 7. For the ninth consecutive year, Cineplex Community Day will treat guests to a selection of popular movies. All proceeds from donations and select concession sales will go toward supporting the Boys and Girls Club of Canada. Popcorn, drinks, and select candy will be available to purchase at $2.50, a reduced price. Film this year include: A Christmas Story, Elf, Gremlins, National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation, and The Polar Express.
When: December 7, 2019
Time: Doors open at 9 am
Where: Participating theatres across Canada
Price: Movies are free, concession snacks at $2.50
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 7, December 14, January 4, January 18, February 1, February 29, March 14, March 28, 2019
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.
Scotiabank Backbeat presents: New Year’s Eve Family Bash at Studio Bell
What: Ring in an early New Year with the family at a New Year’s Eve party at Studio Bell. There will be a games room, family sing-a-long, and crafts to enjoy, plus an 8 pm countdown for everyone to enjoy. Guests can also explore Studio Bell’s galleries, activities, and more throughout the event.
When: December 31, 2019
Time: 12 pm and 1:30 pm
Where: Studio Bell — 850 4th Street SE, Calgary
Tickets: Online
City of Calgary New Year’s Eve Fireworks
What: Enjoy a fireworks display from Calgary Tower to ring in the new year at midnight.
When: December 31, 2019
Time: Midnight
Where: Calgary Tower
Admission: Free
NYE 2020: Gatsby – The Roaring 20s
What: Cowboys Dance Hall hosts a glamorous New Year’s Eve party with a Gatsby and Roaring 20s theme.
When: December 31, 2019
Time: 8 pm to 2 am
Where: Cowboys Dancehall — 421 12th Avenue SE
RSVP: Online
Eat fresh at farmers’ markets
Farmers and Makers’ Market at cSPACE
What: Check out 60 local farms, food-makers, bakers, brewers, distillers, and artisan vendors, food trucks, live music, kids arts and cultural activities, and more every Saturday at the Farmers and Makers’ Market at cSPACE.
When: Every Saturday, year-round
Time: 10 am to 3 pm (June to October 12, 2019), 10 am to 1 pm (October 19, 2019, to May 2020)
Where: cSPACE King Edward – 1721 29th Avenue SW, Calgary
Admission: Free
Calgary Farmers’ Market
What: Explore over 80 vendors supplying customers with fresh local produce, meat, poultry, international food, organic goods, jewellery, art, and more. Whether it’s the arrival of fresh produce or fun events, there’s always something happening at the market.
When: Open year-round from Thursday to Sunday
Time: 9 am to 5 pm
Address: 510 77 Ave SE, Calgary
Admission: Free
Granary Road Public Market
What: Granary Road Public Market is open year-round and offers fresh produce, artisan cheeses, pizza, tacos, handcrafted home goods, and more.
When: Every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday
Time: 9:30 am to 5 pm
Where: Granary Road Market — 226066 112 Street West, Foothills No. 31
Admission: Free
Hillhurst Sunnyside Farmers’ Market
What: Grab your weekly haul of delicious produce, eggs, baked goods, meats, preserves, florals, and more, all grown and produced on farms right here in Alberta. You can enjoy live entertainment and other fun activities happening at this quaint community farmers’ market. The market will go on rain or shine, so come prepared.
When: Every Wednesday
Time: 3 to 7 pm
Where: 1320 5th Avenue NW, Calgary
Admission: Free
Crossroads Market
What: Enjoy farm-fresh produce and tasty treats plus lots of unique finds from the large variety of vendors.
When: Fridays to Sundays
Time: 9 am to 5 pm
Where: Crossroads Market – 1235 26 Avenue SE, Calgary
Admission: Free
The Mercantile at Symons Valley Ranch
What: The Mercantile at Symons Valley Ranch features over 35 vendors under one roof over one counter. Crafts, food vendors, and more.
When: Fridays to Sundays
Time: 10 am to 6 pm (Fridays), 10 am to 5 pm (Saturday to Sunday)
Where: Symons Valley Ranch – 14555 Symons Valley Road, Calgary
Admission: Free
Explore Arts and Culture
Making Treaty 7 Cultural Society’s 2nd Annual Indigenous Art Exhibition
What: Making Treaty 7 Cultural Society’s second annual Indigenous Art Exhibition is being showcased at a number of venues around Calgary this fall and winter. The exhibition features work from 17 artists.
When: December 2, 2019 until January 18, 2020
Time: Various times
Address: Calgary Central Library — 800 3 Street SE, Calgary
Admission: Free
Doc Soup: Picture Character
What: Doc Soup Calgary is a monthly feature-length documentary series presented in partnership with the Calgary International Film Festival and Hot Docs. December’s film is Picture Character, a documentary directed by Ian Cheney and Martha Shane all about the world of emojis.
When: December 4, 2019. Upcoming films on January 8, February 5, March 4 and April 1, 2020
Time: 7 pm
Where: Cineplex Odeon Eau Claire Market Cinemas — 200 Barclay Parade Southwest #200, Calgary
Tickets: Online
Handel’s Messiah
What: Grammy Award-winner Jeannette Sorrell, Artistic Director and harpsichordist of acclaimed ensemble Apollo’s Fire, conducts Handel’s Messiah alongside Calgary Philharmonic Orchestra and hand-picked soloists from her ensemble. Bring a non-perishable food donation for the Calgary Food Bank.
When: December 6 and December 7, 2019
Time: 7:30 pm
Where: Jack Singer Concert Hall — 225 8th Avenue SE, Calgary
Tickets: Online
Paul Brandt
What: Canadian Country Music Hall of Fame inductee Paul Brandt performs three shows alongside Calgary Philharmonic Orchestra this holiday season. Enjoy a mix of Brandt’s big hits with Christmas favourites.
When: December 10, 11, 12, 2019
Time: 7:30 pm
Where: Bella Concert Hall (December 10), Jack Singer Concert Hall (December 11 and 12)
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
Altitude: Next Level Festive
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].
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
The Lion, The Witch & The Wardrobe
What: Alberta Theatre Projects presents C.S. Lewis’ classic tale at the Martha Cohen Theatre from now until December 29. Watch as Peter, Susan, Edmund and Lucy team up with Mr. Tumnus to save Narnia from the White Witch and set the stage for the return of Aslan the Lion.
When: Now until December 29, 2019
Time: Various times
Where: Martha Cohen Theatre — 215-8th Avenue SE, Calgary
Tickets: Online
Bon appetit
Fort Calgary Murder Mystery Dinner: Cut-Throat Christmas
What: Fort Calgary’s Murder Mystery Dinners are interactive evenings with food, live entertainment, and guests trying to solve a “who done it” mystery. Interact with the actors and the other guests while enjoying a locally sourced buffet dinner. Shows are created and performed by Pegasus Performances.
When: December 4, December 11, December 18, 2019
Time: 6 to 10 pm
Where: Fort Calgary – 750 9 Avenue SE, Calgary
Tickets: Online
Miracle on 1st Street YYC
What: Proof, located at 1302 1 Street SW, will be offering its annual pop-up holiday cocktail bar, Miracle on 1st Street YYC, until Christmas Eve. The annual event will be serving up “merriment and Christmas themed cocktails and food in an over-the-top Christmas extravaganza.
When: Now until December 24, 2019
Time: 2 pm to 1 am
Where: Proof – 1302 1 Street SW, Calgary
More Info: Online
Dinner & A Movie at Heritage Park
What: Heritage Park presents Dinner & A Movie Nights at the Selkirk Grille and the Gasoline Alley Museum. Enjoy a three-course movie-themed dinner at Selkirk Grille, then head to Gasoline Alley Museum for a big screen classic. Attendees are also welcome to only watch the movie, and a cash bar and popcorn will be available for purchase during the screening.
When: December 10, December 17, 2019
Time: 5 to 10 pm
Where: Heritage Park Historical Village – 1900 Heritage Drive SW
Price: $44/person or $8 for movie only. Reserve dinner and a movie online, tickets for movie only are available at the door.
Craving Kensington
What: On this three-hour walking tour, you will eat your way through this inner-city village at some of the foodie hotspots while learning about the charming history and architecture of the area.
When: Every Thursday
Time: 6 to 9 pm
Where: Meet at Brasserie Kensington — 1131 Kensington Crescent NW, Calgary
Tickets: Online
Roasterie Tour – Phil & Sebastian Coffee Roasters
What: This 20-minute tour gives attendees a look at Phil & Sebastian’s vintage retro-fitted roaster and operations, plus learn about their green coffee sourcing strategies.
When: Every Wednesday
Time: 12:15 to 12:35 pm
Where: Phil & Sebastian Coffee Roasters – 618 Confluence Way Southeast, Calgary
Tickets: Online, Free
Sunday Brunch and Market Tour
What: Join the Calgary Farmers’ Market and Calgary Food Tours as they bring to you a very special Sunday brunch. Enjoy 16 bites and treats as various Alberta ranchers explain what it takes to bring their products to the market. Sample their produce and leave feeling inspired to fill your shopping bag with fresh goodies.
When: Every Sunday
Time: 10:30 am
Where: 510, 77 Street SE – off Blackfoot Trail and close to Heritage Drive SE
Tickets: Online, $55
Cheer on the home teams
Calgary Flames
What: The Calgary Flames continue their NHL season this December at Scotiabank Saddledome. Match-ups include LA Kings on December 7, Toronto Maple Leafs on December 12, and Montreal Canadians on December 19.
When: December 5, December 7, December 12, December 14, December 17, December 19, December 29 and December 31, 2019
Time: Various times
Where: Scotiabank Saddledome – 555 Saddledome Rise SE, Calgary
Tickets: Online
Calgary Hitmen
What: Calgary Hitmen bring WHL action to Scotiabank Saddledome this December. Match-ups include Red Deer Rebels on December 1, Lethbridge Hurricans on December 15, and Edmonton Oil Kings on December 30.
When: December 1, December 6, December 8, December 15, December 30, 2019
Time: Various times
Where: Scotiabank Saddledome – 555 Saddledome Rise SE, Calgary
Tickets: Online
Calgary Roughnecks vs Colorado Mammoth
What: Calgary Roughnecks take on the Colorado Mammoth in their National Lacrosse League home opener.
When: December 21, 2019
Time: 7:30 pm
Where: Scotiabank Saddledome – 555 Saddledome Rise SE, Calgary
Tickets: Online