It’s a brand new week full of Christmas cheer. Plan your festive time with our picks of 20 things to do in Calgary from Monday, December 24 to Thursday, December 27. Christmas Lights, Unboxed at TELUS Spark, and more.
Monday, December 24
Lion’s Festival of Lights 2018
What: The Lions Festival of Lights is back for their 32nd year to brighten up Calgary’s 14th Street NW with over 450,000 shining lights. The display is put together by volunteers who spend thousands of hours creating the shining assortment of Christmas figures and decked-out trees. This year’s festival is now 99% green as it is created using LED bulbs connected by nearly three kilometres of power cords.
When: Now to Tuesday, January 8, 2019
Time: 6 pm to midnight daily
Where: Confederation Park – 14th Street NW, north of 24th Avenue, Calgary
Admission: Free
Miracle on First Street YYC
What: Inspired by quirky office Christmas parties, the halls are decked with kitschy Christmas decor. Guests are encouraged to dress in their most festive gear as they sip on seasonal cocktails, so take this opportunity to dig out your most cringe-worthy Christmas sweater and reindeer head-gear. The over-the-top atmosphere, which will be hosted at Proof Cocktail Bar, will have even the biggest Grinch feeling goofy. Whether you choose the classy Christmaspolitan or the decadent Run Run Rudolf as your drink of choice, this bar is sure to bring the holiest and jolliest of times.
When: Now to Sunday, December 23, 2018
Time: 4 pm to 1 am daily
Where: Proof Cocktail Bar – 1302 1st Street SW
Admission: Free
Christmas Show at Stephen Lowe Art Gallery
What: In addition to showcasing new and unique artwork from all of their artists, Stephen Lowe Art Gallery are also introducing six new artists and their incredible work.
When: Monday, December 27, 2018
Time: 10 am to 5 pm
Where: Stephen Lowe Art Gallery – 255 5th Ave SW #251, Calgary
Admission: Free
The Nutcracker
Alberta Ballet Facebook
What: Acclaimed as one of Canada’s finest renderings and celebrated as a delightfully traditional depiction, Edmund Stripe’s The Nutcracker celebrates its 10th anniversary this season. The Nutcracker features a cast of more than 120 performers, with sets and costumes designed by Emmy Award winner Zack Brown.
When: Now to Monday, December 24, 2018
Time: 1 pm
Where: Southern Alberta Jubilee Auditorium – 1415 14th Avenue NW, Calgary
Tickets: Online
Christmas Lights at Spruce Meadows
What: This two-kilometre 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: Now to Sunday, January 6, 2018
Time: 5 to 10 pm
Where: 18011 Spruce Meadows Way SW, Calgary
Admission: Free
Tuesday, December 25
Lighten Up Calgary
Christmas lights in Calgary (Lighten Up Calgary)
What: Lighten Up Calgary provides Calgarians with a map showing the best and brightest residential light displays put up by their very own neighbours. Take a trip around the city and check out every one of these wonderful displays to truly make your spirits bright.
When: From now until Christmas Day (or whenever people take down their displays)
Time: After dark but not too late
Where: All over YYC! Check out the map here
Northern Reflections: A Winter Window Exhibition
What: Buds Collective has paired local businesses with YYC artists and animators to bring Calgarians a unique opportunity to participate in an immersive art experience unlike any other. Celebrate the magic of wintertime as you stroll the streets searching out painted windows with the help of the AUGLE app. Then use AUGLE to reveal the animation through Augmented Reality.
When: Now to December 31, 2018
Time: Various times
Where: Various locations in Calgary’s downtown core
Price: Free
Airdrie Festival of Lights
What: The annual Airdrie Festival of Lights is set to illuminate more than a million Christmas lights in Nose Creek Park again. There will be miniature train rides available for $2 and two handcrafted fire pits to gather around. Much needed cups of hot chocolate will also be $2. Santa will also pay a few visits to the park during the festival. The festival is run by volunteers, with entry by donation. All proceeds go to the Airdrie and District Hospice Society and their Tree Of Hope Campaign. At the festival, the Tree of Hope will be illuminated every night in memory of loved ones who have passed and greetings of hope will be left for those suffering.
When: Now to Monday, December 31, 2018
Time: 6 to 9 pm
Where: Nose Creek Park – 1701 Main Street S, Airdrie
Admission: By cash donation; parking is free
Roma
What: The Calgary premiere of the new film from director Alfonso Cuarón (Children of Men, Gravity). Roma is a story that chronicles a year in the life of a middle-class family in Mexico City in the early 1970s.
When: Opens Tuesday, December 25, 2018
Time: Various times
Where: Globe Cinema – 617 8 Ave SW, Calgary
Tickets: Online
Christmas Day Brunch at Fairmont Palliser
What: Turn moments into memories on Christmas Day with Fairmont Palliser. Join them for a timeless holiday-themed brunch with all the traditional fixings and more served in the iconic Crystal Ballroom. Reservations required.
When: Tuesday, December 25, 2018
Time: 10 am to 4 pm
Where: Fairmont Palliser – 133 9 Avenue Southwest, Calgary
Reservations: Call 403-260-1274.
Wednesday, December 26
The Holly Jolly Christmas Caper 2018
What: Calgary’s Lougheed House is being taken over by Escape Capers YYC from December 26 to 29, allowing Calgarians the chance to test their wits against the puzzles, brain-teasers, and riddles that bar their freedom. Taking a regular escape room up quite a few notches, the Holly Jolly Christmas Caper will include up to nine teams of six to nine people working their way through the house and solving clues as they go.
When: Wednesday, December 26 to Saturday, December 29, 2018
Time: Multiple times available for booking
Where: The Lougheed House — 707 13th Avenue SW, Calgary
Price: Online, $50 to $55, booking available
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
Zoolights
What: Experience how 2+ million lights, 200 displays, crackling fire pits, and fun-filled activity zones (with many new additions), transform the Calgary Zoo into a magical winter wonderland.
When: Now to Saturday, January 5, 2019
Time: 6 to 9 pm
Where: The Calgary Zoo – 210 ST. Georges Drive NE, Calgary
Tickets: Online, General (16+) $19.95, Child (3-15) – $14.95
Unboxed at TELUS Spark
What: Enjoy special activities at TELUS Spark that will have you seeing your holiday recyclables in a whole new light. Cardboard Playground, Giant Snowglobe, and more. Plus, ring in the New Year with their family-friendly Noon Year’s Eve bubble wrap dance party on December 31.
When: Wednesday, December 26 to Sunday, January 6, 2018
Time: 10 am to 5 pm
Where: TELUS Spark – 220 St. George’s Drive NE, Calgary
Tickets: Online
Sunalta Community Mobile Food Market
What: The Community Mobile Food Market is bringing budget-friendly fruits, vegetables, and other produce to Sunalta on a weekly basis. Come hang out, pick up some groceries, and talk with their team. Everyone welcome, and please bring your own reusable bags.
When: Every Wednesday
Time: 4 to 6 pm
Where: Sunalta Community Association – 1627 10 Ave SW, Calgary
Admission: Free
Thursday, December 27
Get Together Holiday Massive 2018
Get Together/Facebook
What: Headlining the festival will be Diplo and Illenium, while other performers set to take the stage on either December 27 or 28 include Alison Wonderland, Troyboi, Black Tiger Sex Machine, Loud Luxury, Ghastly, Crankdt, Svdden Death, and Phantoms. The festival will be held at Edmonton’s Shaw Conference Centre, a 23,000-sq-ft space with a capacity for 5,000 guests.
When: Thursday, December 27 to Friday, December 28, 2018
Time: Doors open at 8 pm
Where: Shaw Conference Centre — 9797 Jasper Avenue, Edmonton
Tickets: 18+ event. Tickets available online, $119.50+
Nikka Yuko Winter Lights Festival 2018/2019
What: Throughout the months of December, January, and February, Nikka Yuko Japanese Garden comes alight with intricately places bulbs, casting a new glow on the already-astounding sights. Over 115,000 lights have been set up in a display that is sure to delight.
When: Select nights from now to February 2, 2019
Time: 6 to 9 pm
Where: Nikka Yuko Japanese Garden — Mayor Magrath Dr S, Lethbridge
Tickets: Available online, $8
Holiday Skating Party at Glenbrook Community Association
What: Glenbrook’s annual holiday skating party features free popcorn and hot chocolate while you skate under the lights. The family-friendly event is free to attend and open to anyone.
When: Thursday, December 27, 2018
Time: 6:30 to 8 pm
Where: Glenbrook Community Association – 3524 45 St SW, Calgary
Admission: Free
Remember the Dawn Book Launch
What: Broken City welcomes local author, AM MacDonald as he launches and reads from his new novel, “Remember the Dawn: Book One of the Starsingers.” Copies of the book will be for sale at the event.
When: Thursday, December 27, 2018
Time: 6 to 8 pm
Where: Broken City – 613 11 Avenue SW, Calgary
Admission: Free
Social Circle Thursdays: Holiday Wrap Up
What: The Hifi Club & Social Circle Club Presents Holiday Wrap Up with Just John, Ting B2B Smol & Hontis. All proceeds from the door will be donated to the Calgary Food Bank.
When: Thursday, December 27, 2018
Time: 9:30 pm
Where: The Hifi Club – 219 10th Avenue SW Calgary
Tickets: Online, $10 cover. Bring a donation and save $5 at the door.
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