20 things to do in Calgary this week: December 30 to January 2
The last week of December is here! Make the most of it with these 20 events happening in Calgary from December 30 to January 2, including New Year’s Eve, Salute to Vienna New Year’s Concert, and more.
For more things happening around town, check out our events section.
Monday, December 30
Calgary Hitmen vs Edmonton Oil Kings
What: Calgary Hitmen take on Edmonton Oil Kings at Scotiabank Saddledome on December 30.
When: December 30, 2019
Time: 7 pm
Where: Scotiabank Saddledome – 555 Saddledome Rise SE, Calgary
Tickets: Online
The Holly Jolly Christmas Caper 2019
Lougheed House (@edwardross/Instagram)
What: Calgary’s Lougheed House will be taken over by Escape Capers YYC until December 30, 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 teams of two to nine people working their way through the house and solving clues as they go.
When: Now until December 30, 2019
Time: Multiple times available for booking
Where: The Lougheed House — 707 13th Avenue SW, Calgary
Tickets: $50 to $55, booking available online
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: Now until December 30, 2019
Time: 10 am to 5 pm
Where: 100 Mountain Avenue, Banff
Tickets: Available online, $58 for adults, $29 for children
Northern Reflections: A Winter Window Exhibition
What: Buds Collective has teamed local businesses with Calgary artists and animators for a unique and immersive art experience unlike any other. Find and enjoy six murals through the AUGLE app. Then use AUGLE to see the animation through Augmented Reality.
When: Now until December 31, 2019
Time: Various times
Where: Various locations in Calgary’s downtown core
Admission: Free
Nikka Yuko Winter Lights Festival
What: Nikka Yuko Japanese Garden comes alight with intricately places bulbs in the fourth annual Winter Lights Festival. Note that Nikka Yuko closes when the weather drops below -25°.
When: Now until 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
Tuesday, December 31
Scotiabank Backbeat presents: New Year’s Eve Family Bash at Studio Bell
Studio Bell (@chrissyjayvisuals_/Instagram)
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.
All activities within the first floor are free, and anyone hoping to check out all that Studio Bell has to offer — with interactive activities, Canadian Music Hall of Fame memorabilia, and new exhibits — will be able to do so for $10.
When: December 31, 2019
Time: 5 to 9 pm
Where: Studio Bell — 850 4th Street SE, Calgary
Admission: First floor is free, rest of the building is $10 admission
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
Calgary Flames vs Chicago Blackhawks
What: The Calgary Flames face off with the Chicago Blackhawks at Scotiabank Saddledome on December 31.
When: December 31, 2019
Time: 7 pm
Where: Scotiabank Saddledome – 555 Saddledome Rise SE, Calgary
Tickets: Online
New Year’s Eve Family Party at Central Library
What: Central Library New Year’s Eve party will include live performances, games, activities, games, and holiday dance party for the whole family
When: December 31, 2019
Time: 12 to 4 pm
Where: New Central Library — 802 3rd Street SE, Calgary
Admission: Free
Wednesday, January 1
Salute to Vienna New Year’s Concert
What: Start 2020 with a Salute to Vienna New Year’s Concert, a 23-year Calgary tradition with a European cast of singers, ballroom dancers, and ballet bringing to life Johann Strauss’ music. Backed by Strauss Symphony of Canada, featuring the Calgary Philharmonic.
When: January 1, 2020
Time: 2:30 pm
Where: Jack Singer Concert Hall – 205 8 Avenue SE, Calgary
Tickets: Online
3rd Annual New Years Day Family Skate
Skating (Vit Kovalcik/Shutterstock)
What: Brentwood Community Association’s third annual outdoor skating party. There will be free hot chocolate, plus the KidSport Mobile Shake Shack will be there to supply skates and helmet in various sizes.
When: January 1, 2020
Time: 1 to 3 pm
Where: Brentwood Community Association Outdoor Rink – 5107 33 Street NW, Calgary
Admission: Free
Calgary Hitmen vs Medicine Hat Tigers
What: Calgary Hitmen hit the ice against the Medicine Hat Tigers at Scotiabank Saddledome on January 1.
When: January 1, 2020
Time: 1 pm
Where: Scotiabank Saddledome – 555 Saddledome Rise SE, Calgary
Tickets: Online
Christmas Lights at Spruce Meadows
What: Drive or walk through Spruce Meadows this holiday season to enjoy over 90 kilometres of lights sparkling with over 305,000 individual light bulbs.
When: Now until January 5, 2020
Time: 5 to 10 pm
Where: Spruce Meadows – 18011 Spruce Meadows Way SW, Calgary
Admission: Free
Acoustic Night at The Kings Head with Gil Tougas
What: Gil Tougas plays acoustic versions of favourite songs every Wednesday night at the Kings Head.
When: Every Wednesday until March 25, 2010
Time: 9 pm
Where: Kings Head Pub YYC – #15 9116 Macleod Trail South, Calgary
Admission: Free
Thursday, January 2
Calgary Flames vs New York Rangers
What: The Calgary Flames take on the New York Rangers at Scotiabank Saddledome on January 2.
When: January 2, 2020
Time: 7 pm
Where: Scotiabank Saddledome – 555 Saddledome Rise SE, Calgary
Tickets: Online
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 Avenue SE, Calgary
Admission: Free
Free First Thursday at Glenbow Museum
Glenbow Museum (@elysebouvier/Instagram)
What: Explore the Glenbow Museum at your leisure for FREE on the first Thursday of every month.
When: The first Thursday of every month – January 2, February 6, March 5, 2020
Time: 5 pm to close
Where: Glenbow Museum – 130 9th Avenue SE
Admission: Free
Winter CARnival in Gasoline Alley Museum
What: The annual Winter CARnival in Gasoline Alley Museum at Heritage Park features a variety of family-friendly winter-themed games and activities. Take part in a hat trick hockey challenge, play pin the heart on the Grinch, explore the museum, and more.
When: Now until December 31, 2019, January 2 to 5, 2020
Time: 10 am to 4 pm
Where: Gasoline Alley Museum – Heritage Park – 1900 Heritage Dr SW, Calgary
Admission: Regular Gasoline Alley admission rates apply.
Winter ice skating at Olympic Plaza
What: Built in 1988 for the Olympic Winter Games, Olympic Plaza has the only refrigerated outdoor ice surface in the city. You can rent skates down at the plaza if you don’t have a pair of your own. Helmets are strongly encouraged.
When: Open daily until mid-March
Time: 6 am to 11 pm
Where: Olympic Plaza — 228 8th Avenue SE, Calgary
Admission: Free. Skates are also available to rent
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