18 things to do in Calgary today: Sunday, December 2

There are plently of magical events planned for this Sunday now that we’re officially into December, and a number of other great things to check out in YYC.

Here’s a few suggestions to make this weekend even merrier!

See also

• Bucket List: 30 things you need to experience in Calgary before you die
• New Horizon Mall still largely empty heading into the holidays
• You can fly from Calgary to Honolulu for just $479 this January

Spruce Meadows International Christmas Market

What: Promoted by Telus, the market comes with both indoor and outdoor attractions. Enjoy over 300 vendors showcasing world-imported items and hand-crafted gifts, as well as great food and live entertainment, such as shows and choir presentations.

When: Friday, November 30 to Sunday, December 2, 2018.
Time: Friday: 10 am to 8 pm; Saturday: 10 am to 7 pm; Sunday: 10 am to 5 pm
Where: 18011 Spruce Meadows Way SW
Admission: $10 online, $12 at the gate, $72 multi-entry pass. Seniors (+65) and child (-12) are admitted free

CUFF.Docs

What: The sixth annual CUFF.Docs showcases the best in non-fiction films during the Calgary Underground Film Festival’s five-day documentary festival. The festival screens 12 full-length features, as well as shorts, varying in subject, style and genres within the art form.

When: Now to Sunday, December 2, 2018
Time: Various times
Where: Various locations
Tickets: Online

Aspen Crossing Polar Express 2018

Aspen Crossing Polar Express (Aspen Crossing / Facebook)

What: All aboard the Polar Express! The magical train from the book and movie will be rolling into town this holiday season. Hop on the train and journey to the North Pole, complete with hot cocoa, cookies, and dancing waiters. As the journey begins, passengers will be entertained by a reading of the Polar Express.

When: Now to Thursday, December 20, 2018. Select dates and times, check website for details.
Where: Box 30, Mossleigh (1 km west of Mossleigh, AB on Highway #24)
Tickets: Available online, $72 per guest (sold in sets of two or four)

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 77th Avenue SE, Calgary
Admission: Free

A Nat King Cole Christmas 2018

Nat King Cole (Calgary Philharmonic Orchestra)

What: The music of the legendary Nat King Cole will be brought to life by the Calgary Philharmonic Orchestra, with Canadian crooner Denzal Sinclaire taking on Cole’s unforgettable songs. Being a National Jazz Award recipient and a nominee for multiple JUNO awards, Sinclaire is more than up to the task of reviving Cole’s Christmas classics at the Jack Singer Concert Hall.

When: Saturday, December 1 and Sunday, December 2, 2018
Time: 7:30 pm
Where: Jack Singer Concert Hall — 225 8th Avenue SE, Calgary
Tickets: Available online, $30 to $90

Calgary Expo Holiday Market

What: This market might be just perfect for you if you’re dreaming of a nerdy Christmas. Join the Expo Holiday Market and celebrate the most wonderful time of the year in true geek-style, with comic books, artisan crafters, collectables, statues, and more. Costumes are definitely encouraged.

Century Downs Christmas Market

What: Make your way to the new tent barns at Century Downs for a traditional Weihnachtsmarkt, some mulled wine, and traditional German street food! You can also shop a variety of local artisan products and fun craft vendors.

When: Saturday, December 1 and Sunday, December 2, 2018
Time: 11 am to 3 pm
Where: Century Downs Racetrack and Casino – 260 Century Downs Drive, Rocky View Country
Tickets: Online, Free

Find Christmas Downtown 2018

What: The third-annual Find Christmas Downtown at the CORE Shopping Centre decorates and provides Christmas trees to local families who wouldn’t otherwise be able to afford it. Corporations, non-profit organizations, and media partners will come together to decorate 150 trees throughout the space, and the trees will remain at the mall for the holiday season until December 19. After that, they will be delivered to local families in need across the city. The CORE is also hosting a free Santa photo session from now until Christmas. Monetary donations, toys, and gifts are appreciated and will go towards The Magic of Christmas charity.

When: Now to Wednesday, December 19, 2018
Time: 4 pm to 7 pm
Where: 324 8th Avenue SW, Calgary
Admission: Free

Lion’s Festival of Lights 2018

Lions Festival of Lights/Facebook

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: Saturday, December 1, 2018, to Tuesday, January 8, 2019
Time: Opening day 5 pm, then 6 pm to midnight daily
Where: Confederation Park – 14th Street NW, north of 24th Avenue, Calgary
Admission: 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, starting December 1. 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: Saturday, December 1 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

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

Art Acoustic Sunday Series

What: Hang out with a few of Art on 9th’s favourite art instructors for an informal discussion and hands-on activity that explores the basic elements of art and design.

When: Every Sunday to December 23, 2018
Time: 10 am to 12 pm
Where: Art On 9th – 1211 9 Ave SE, Calgary
Admission: Free

Winter ice skating at Olympic Plaza

Olympic Plaza skating / Shutterstock

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: Now to mid-March
Time: 10 am to 9 pm, Weather dependent
Where: Olympic Plaza – 228 8th Avenue SE
Admission: Free. Skates are also available for rent – $12 for adults

Christmas Tree Lighting Event

What: Bring the entire family and Genesis Centre as a special guest lights the Christmas tree in the commons area. There will be treats to eat, crafts for the kids, music, snowball fight, and more.

When: Sunday, December 2, 2018
Time: 1 to 3 pm
Where: Genesis Centre – 7555 Falconridge Blvd Northeast, Calgary
Admission: Free

Sunday Brunch at Fort Calgary

What: Enjoy a scrumptious brunch featuring fresh brunch classics like eggs benny, farm fresh sausage and bacon, house-made scones and more. Brunch includes admission to the museum.

When: Every Sunday to December 30, 2018
Time: 10 am
Where: Knox United Church – 506, 4th St. SW, Calgary
Price: Adults $30, children (5-12) $17, children under five free. Call 403-290-1875 to book.

Winter Magic at Eau Claire Market

What: Celebrate the holiday season during a full day of fun at Eau Claire Market. This free, family event includes horse and wagon rides, ice sculpting, carolers, crafts, and more. Plus bring unwrapped toys for The Mustard Seed Toy Drive.

When: Sunday, December 2, 2018
Time: 11 am to 4 pm
Where: Eau Claire Market – 200 Barclay Parade SW, Calgary
Admission: Free

See also

• Bucket List: 30 things you need to experience in Calgary before you die
• New Horizon Mall still largely empty heading into the holidays
• You can fly from Calgary to Honolulu for just $479 this January