20 things to do in Calgary this week: December 31 to January 3

Happy New Year’s Eve, Calgary. Say so long to 2018 and hello to 2019 with our picks of 20 things to do in Calgary from Monday, January 31 to Thursday, January 3. New Year’s Eve, Ice Breaker Polar Dip, and more.

Monday, December 31

City of Calgary and new Central Library’s 2019 New Year’s Eve Celebration

What: The New Central Library New Year’s Eve party will include dancing, a family-friendly theatre performance, video games, poetry readings, Indigenous beading and storytelling, and crafts for all ages. The entire event will come to a head at 9 pm when Mayor Naheed Nenshi will lead a kids’ countdown — though any adults not planning to stay up past midnight on a Monday will be able to celebrate before their bedtime as well.

The party continues at the Municipal Atrium Rumpus Room until 11 pm, where visitors will be able to partake in an indoor hockey rink, interactive games, a bouncy castle, an ENMAX photo booth, and even check out a “Fire Fountain” art installation. After 11, the party heads over to the Olympic Plaza Skating Party, which will have hot chocolate to warm you up and a perfect view of the Calgary Tower fireworks when the clock strikes 12.

When: Monday, December 31, 2018
Time: 6 to 9 pm at New Central Library, 7 to 11 pm at the Municipal Atrium Rumpus Room, and 7 pm to midnight at Olympic Plaza
Where: New Central Library — 802 3rd Street SE, Calgary
Municipal Atrium Rumpus Room — 800 Macleod Trail SE
Olympic Plaza — 228 8th Avenue SE, Calgary
Admission: Free

Olympic Plaza New Year’s Eve Skating Party 2018

What: The City of Calgary is hosting an outdoor celebration to ring in the New Year, though you may need to bundle up to attend. The party will run throughout the evening and into midnight (obviously) at Olympic Plaza, with roaming performers, a lineup of local artists, free skate rentals, fire pits, and more. Ice sculptures will line Stephen Avenue, and a firework display will end off the night as soon as the countdown hits zero. There will also be free hot chocolate provided by Tim Hortons to keep you warm late into the night, as well as food trucks so that you can head into 2019 on a full stomach.

When: Monday, December 31, 2018
Time: Throughout the day and ending at just after midnight.
Where: Olympic Plaza – 228 8th Avenue SE, Calgary
Admission: Free

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 illuminates more than a million Christmas lights in Nose Creek Park. There are miniature train rides available for $2 and two handcrafted fire pits to gather around.  Much needed cups of hot chocolate will also be $2. 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

NYE Afternoon at the Races

What: A glamorous New Year’s Eve afternoon at Century Downs. Dress it up derby style with hats and flared style while you enjoy global themed cocktails, appetizers, and photo opportunities as guests celebrate with a new country around the world every hour. This is the perfect opulent pre-party to your evening celebrations. Ticket includes appetizers, a champagne toast, and access to an indoor VIP viewing room to watch from and bet on the races.

When: Monday, January 31, 2018
Time: 12:30 to 4:30 pm
Where: Century Downs Racetrack and Casino – 260 Century Downs Drive Rocky View No. 44
Tickets: Online, $50

Tuesday, January 1

Calgary Ice Breaker Polar Dip

What: Help raise money for the SA (Servants Anonymous) Foundation and spread awareness for human trafficking, by taking a quick dive into the chilly waters of Mahogany Home Owner’s Beach Club.

When: Tuesday, January 1, 2019
Time: Dipping begins at 1 pm
Where: Mahogany Home Owner’s Beach Club – 29 Masters Park SE, Calgary
Register or Donate: Online

Calgary Hitmen vs Victoria Royals

What: Calgary Hitmen take on the Victoria Royals in New Year’s Day WHL action at Scotiabank Saddledome

When: Tuesday, January 1, 2019
Time: 1 pm
Where: Scotiabank Saddledome – 555 Saddledome Rise SE
Tickets: Online

The Schwarz’en’Egger Brunch & A Movie

What: Enjoy a hangover-busting Brunch at Original Joes Kensington anytime between 1 pm and 3 pm, then, get to tha choppa and enjoy Total Recall (1990) at The Plaza Theatre at 3 pm.

When: Tuesday, January 1, 2019
Time: 1 to 5 pm
Where: Original Joes Kensington, The Plaza Theatre
Tickets: Online, $20.19 for brunch and movie, $10 for just the movie

Salute to Vienna: New Year’s Concert

What: Usher in the New Year with a glittery celebration of singing and dancing that will delight the senses. Salute to Vienna New Year’s Concert recreates the beauty of Vienna’s golden era and its elegance charms audiences of every age. A 22-year Calgary tradition, this year’s concert will feature a brilliant new program of Strauss waltzes and sweeping melodies from beloved operettas performed by acclaimed European singers, champion ballroom dancers, ballet, and the Strauss Symphony of Canada featuring Calgary Philharmonic Orchestra.

When: Tuesday, January 1, 2019
Time: 2:30 pm
Where: Jack Singer Concert Hall – 205 8 Ave SE, Calgary
Tickets: Online

2nd Annual Outdoor Skating Party

What: Brentwood Community Association’s 2nd annual outdoor skating party features free hot chocolate and treats. Plus, the KidSport Mobile Shake Shack will be there to supply skates and helmet in various sizes.

When: Tuesday, January 1, 2019
Time: 1 to 3 pm
Where: Brentwood Community Association Outdoor Rink – 5107 33 Street NW, Calgary
Admission: Free

Wednesday, January 2

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: Wednesday, January 2, 2019
Time: 12:15 to 12:35 pm
Where: Phil & Sebastian Coffee Roasters – 618 Confluence Way Southeast, Calgary
Tickets: Online, Free

Community Pipe & Smudge Circle

What: Come sit, smudge, smoke and sing with Sunalta Community Association. A powerful evening of sharing and holding space for each other as well as loved ones. Indigenous stories and healing songs will be shared, and the community pipe will be passes as attendees sit in quiet meditation. Please bring a cushion to sit on. Donations Accepted.

When: January 2, January 16, January 30 and February 14, 2019
Time: 2 to 4 pm
Where: Sunalta Community Centre – 1627 10 Ave SW, Calgary
Admission: Free, donations accepted

Delicious Thai ~ A Vegan Cooking Class

What: Learn great Thai recipes, make them from scratch, and of course taste them. Menu includes curry paste from scratch, green papaya salad (Som Tum), creamy peanut Pad Thai, fresh salad rolls with peanut sauce, coconut lime rice, wholesome green curry, and Thai iced tea.

When: Wednesday, January 2, 2019
Time: 6 to 8:30 pm
Where: Roni’s Kitchen – 1502 27 Ave SW, Calgary
Tickets: Online, $66

The Hangover – HUMPDay HOUSE Party

What: A night of House music at Habitat Living Sound with OH FUNK and featuring Prairie Chola Ayatollah and Dj Dramatik. Hosted by J9Productions.

When: Every Wednesday night
Time: 9 pm to 2:15 am
Where: Habitat Living Sound – 1217 1st Street SW, Calgary
Admission: Free

Dreamcatcher Making

What: Join The Mustard Seed Neighbour Centre’s Indigenous Counselor for a free session of creating dreamcatchers.

When: Wednesday, January 2 and Wednesday, February 6, 2019
Time: 1 to 4 pm
Where: Sunalta Community Association – 1627 10 Ave SW, Calgary
Register: In person or by emailing [email protected]

Thursday, January 3

Race Issues: A Comic Series Art Exhibit

What: Over the past year, artist Eman Elkadri has been working on a comic series about the experiences of racialized youth living in Canada. See 40 unique comics about microaggressions, hear from Eman about her inspiration, as well as hear from some of the youth she worked with, plus learn more about what attendees can do. Canadian Cultural Mosaic Foundation will also be launching the Race Issues publication (thanks to a partnership with ActionDignity Youth PLACE Program).

When: Thursday, January 3, 2019
Time: 6:30 to 8:30 pm
Where: The New Gallery – 208 Centre St. SE, Calgary
Tickets: Online, Free

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.

When: Now to Sunday, January 6, 2018
Time: 10 am to 5 pm
Where: TELUS Spark – 220 St. George’s Drive NE, Calgary
Tickets: Online

Beers & Cameras

What: Join The Camera Store for the first Beers and Cameras meet-up of 2019. The event starts at Merchants at 6 pm, followed by a short photo walk to Marda Loop Brewing at 8 pm. Everyone is welcome.

When: Thursday, January 3, 2019
Time: 6 to 9 pm
Where: Merchant’s Restaurant – 2118 33 Avenue Southwest, Calgary; Marda Loop Brewing – 3523 18 St SW, Calgary
Tickets: Online, Free

Women Talk Calgary South

What: Women Talk is an evening gathering where women present and share their inspiring stories, thoughts, ideas and experiences. You’ll laugh, learn and be entertained; the evening will be fast-paced with each presenter speaking for 20 minutes on the theme of Holiday Stories.

When: Thursday, January 3, 2019
Time: 7 to 9 pm
Where: PZA Parlour – 9737 Macleod Trail SW, Calgary
Tickets: Online, $20

Free First Thursday

What: Explore the Glenbow at your leisure for FREE on the first Thursday of every month. They are launching some neat new exhibitions this month that you won’t want to miss out on.

When: Thursday, January 3, 2019
Time: 5 pm to close
Where: Glenbow Museum – 130 9th Avenue SE
Admission: Free