13 things to do in Calgary today: Saturday, December 22

We’ve got one last weekend to live it up before the big day is finally here, so you’d be doing yourself a disserve by not getting out there and checking out these amazing event!

See also

• Today is the busiest shopping day of the year in Canada
• This polar bear is all of us on the last day before the holiday break (VIDEO)
• This Rocky Mountain lake makes for a gorgeous ice skate (PHOTOS)

Christmas in Kensington

What: Santa Clause and sleigh rides — that’s what you can expect at Christmas in Kensington. Grab the family and head down to spread Christmas cheer. Stay and catch a holiday movie at 3:30 pm as well.

When: Every Saturday to December 22, 2018
Time: 12 to 4 pm
Where: Kensington Calgary — Kensington Rd and 10th Street NW, Calgary
Tickets: By donation

Calgary Flames vs St. Louis Blues

What: The Flames take on the Blues at Scotiabank Saddledome.

When: Saturday, December 22, 2018
Time: 2 pm
Where: Scotiabank Saddledome – 555 Saddledome Rise SE
Tickets: Online

Twisted Sisters: 1 Year Anniversary

What: Calgary’s only LGBTQ+ comedy show featuring standup, music and drag. Hosted by Channing Taintum, with special guest Visa De’Klein, plus Brittany Lyseng, Linnea Ward, Mark Hallworth, Mason Jenkins, Amy Bugg, and Emily Shem.

When: Saturday, December 22, 2018
Time: 7:30 to 9:30 pm.
Where: Twisted Element – 1006 11th Avenue SW, Calgary
Tickets: Online, $15

National Music Centre AiR Workshop: Reuben and the Dark

What: The National Music Centre closes out its 2018 artist residency season with Calgary’s own, Reuben and the Dark. Reuben and the Dark is a collection of five multi-instrumentalists and vocalists led by Reuben Bullock. See the band share its creative process and provide a taste of new music at this public workshop at Studio Bell, home of the National Music Centre.

When: Saturday, December 22, 2018
Time: 12:30 to 1:30 pm
Where: National Music Centre – 850 – 4 Street SE, Calgary
Price: Event is included with admission to Studio Bell.

Beatroute’s Annual Holiday Party

What: Beatroute’s Annual Holiday Party features performances by Port Juvee, Allovers, Le Plaisir, Body lens, Old Apartments, Window Lamp, Teenage Bed (France), Witch Victim, Foldhed and Smokes Let Go.

When: Saturday, December 22, 2018
Time: Doors 7 pm
Where: Palomino Smokehouse and Social Club – 109 7 Avenue S.W, Calgary
Tickets: Online, $20-$25

Early Music Voices: Handel’s Messiah

What: A full performance of Handel’s beloved “Messiah” with guest soloists and an elite 16-voice choir made up of VoiceScapes and other professional singers. These will be joined by Rosa Barocca on period instruments, all led by Claude Lapalme.

When: Saturday, December 22, 2018
Time: Pre-concert talk 7 pm, concert at 7:30 pm
Where: Christ Church Elbow Park – 3602 8th Street SW, Calgary
Tickets: Online, $50-$60

Ray Volpe – Calgary Boodang Christmas Party

What: Boodang’s Christmas Party features headliner Ray Volpe along with Titus1 and more.

When: Saturday, December 22, 2018
Time: Doors at 9 pm
Where: The Palace Theatre – 213 10 Ave SW, Calgary
Tickets: Online, Free before 10:30 pm

The Nutcracker

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: Various times
Where: Southern Alberta Jubilee Auditorium – 1415 14th Avenue NW, Calgary
Tickets: Online

Music with Mandy Holiday Sing-A-Long

What: A live, interactive concert for kids featuring Mandy Morris, Matt Morris, Kodi Hutchinson, Ian Yule and Music with Mandy Singers. Featuring lots of fun activities like games, silent auction, dance party and video shoot. A fundraiser for the Legacy Children’s Foundation Gift of Music Program.

When: Saturday, December 22, 2018
Time: 2 pm
Where: Doherty Hall – 623 13 AV SE, Calgary
Tickets: Online, $25-$40

Jingle & Mingle – Alberta Animal Rescue Crew Society Holiday Open House

What: Swing by AARCS Safe Haven for shelter tours, wishlist donation drive, hot cocoa, raffle askets, shopping, stocking stuffers and unique gifts.  Santa Paws and his sidekick Turtle will be there, and there will also be a room dedicated to puppy cuddles.

When: Saturday, December 22, 2018
Time: 11 am to 3 pm
Where: Alberta Animal Rescue Crew Society – 5060 – 74 Ave SE, Calgary
Entry: By donation

Banff Gondola Mountaintop Christmas 2018

What: Christmas has truly come alive at the top of Sulphur Mountain, all thanks to Banff Gondola’s stunning Mountaintop Christmas event. From now until the end of December, the Banff Gondola has turned its sky-high destination into a Winter Wonderland, complete with visits from Santa, cookie decorating, star gazing, and a mulled wine bar.

When: Now until December 30, 2018
Time: 10 am to 8:30 pm from Wednesday to Sunday, and any day after December 20; 10 am to 4:30 pm on Mondays and Tuesdays.
Where: 100 Mountain Ave, Banff
Tickets: Available online, $58, or $64 at the gate. $49 admission after 5 pm

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

Calgary Christmas Market

What: Dine with friends as live holiday entertainment fills the market and indulge in treats while you find the perfect gift. Featuring favourite market and seasonal vendors, Yuletide gifts, food, jewelry, décor and more. There will also be visits with Santa, cookie decorating, roaming Grinch, live ice carving, viewing Santa’s Reindeer, and more.

When: Now to Sunday, December 23, 2018
Time: 9 am to 5 pm
Where: Calgary Farmers’ Market – 510 77 Ave SE, Calgary
Admission: Free

See also

• Today is the busiest shopping day of the year in Canada
• This polar bear is all of us on the last day before the holiday break (VIDEO)
• This Rocky Mountain lake makes for a gorgeous ice skate (PHOTOS)