35 things to do in Calgary this week: December 11 to 17

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We’re one week closer to Christmas! Are you ready?

Get those Christmas lists fulfilled, add the finishing touches to your tree, and begin to enjoy the magic of the holiday season!

Here’s our list of the most exciting events happening in and around Calgary this week.

Monday, December 11

Check out Once Upon a Christmas at Heritage Park

What: Decorate gingerbread cookies, get vintage photos taken, visit the alpacas, paint snow, enjoy a wagon ride, and sing Christmas carols as you experience Christmas from years gone by. You can also find some unique Holiday treasures as you peruse The Corner Emporium, Plaza Mercantile, Antiques and Collectables, Switzer’s Grocery & Confectionery, and the Toy Shoppe.
When: November 25 to December 17, 22 and 23
Time: 9:30 am – 4 pm
Where: Heritage Park – 1900 Heritage Drive SW, Calgary
Admission:
- General (16+) – $10.95
- Senior (65+) – $8.75
- Youth (7 – 15) – $6.95
- Child (3 – 6) – $5.65
- 2 & under – Free

Brunch harder at Buttermilk Fine Waffles

What: Breakfast has just been taken to a whole other level! Enjoy a delicious waffle paired with Spiked Eggnog, a Mimosa (or two) and/or an Irish coffee.
When: Friday, December 1
Where: Buttermilk Fine Waffles – 330 17th Avenue SW

The Santaland Diaries

What: Based on David Desaris’ book chronicling his hilarious experience working as an elf at Macy’s, this one-man show is a Christmas comedy that will speak to the humbug in all of us.
When: November 2 to December 23
Time:
- Monday to Saturday, 12 pm
- Thursday to Friday, 6 pm
Tickets: Online, $155

Tuesday, December 12

A Christmas Carol

What: It’s not the Christmas season without Scrooge and this annual production of Dickens’ classic tale.
When: Thursday, November 23 to December 24
Time: 7:30 pm or 2 pm
Where: Theatre Calgary – 220 9 Avenue SE
Tickets: Online, $71-$135

Christmas Cheer Carollers

What: Hear all your favourite Holiday tunes being sung by the Christmas Cheer carollers along Stephen Avenue every Tuesday and Thursday throughout the Christmas season.
When: Every Tuesday and Thursday, November 23 to December 21
Time: 4:15 to 5:15 pm
Where: Stephen Avenue

Charlotte’s Web

What: Have your heart warmed by this beautiful story about a cherished friendship between a pig named Wilbur and a Spider named Charlotte. This classic story will bring back feelings of childhood nostalgia as you show your children and grandchildren this magical story.
When: November 21 to December 31
Time: Varies per day
Where: Martha Cohen Theatre – 220 9 Avenue SW
Tickets: Online, $26 – $75

Wednesday, December 13

The Nutcracker

What: For many, Clara and her Nutcracker bring back a warm childhood nostalgia as they brave the evil army of mice and dance with the Sugar Plum Fairy. Set to the motion of Tchaikovsky’s timeless music in an authentic Russian setting, this classic will have the whole family following along in awe.
When: December 15 to 17 and 21 to 24
Where: Southern Alberta Jubilee Auditorium – 1415 14 Avenue NW
Tickets: Ticketmaster, $25-$125

Toonie Day

Lukas Gojda / Shutterstock

What: Ski Mt. Norquay for only $2 on December 13 – yes that is less than a cup of coffee! If you thought this deal couldn’t get any better, then think again. Not only do you ski for $2, but your money is also donated to a local charity at the end of the season. Help them beat their $20,000 total from last year!
When: Wednesday, December 13
Time: All day long
Where: Mt. Norquay – 1520 Banff, AB
Admission: $2

Dinner + A Movie at Heritage Park

What: Holiday date night just got turned up a notch! Come see a true Christmas classic, the original version of A Christmas Carol, whilst enjoying a gourmet meal and all of the magical Christmas decor at Heritage park
Where: Gasoline Alley – 1900 Heritage Drive SW, Calgary
When: Wednesday, December 13
Time: 7:45 pm
Tickets: Online, $44.95 + GST per person (includes dinner + film), $8 (Film only)

Watch the Calgary Hitmen play Edmonton

What: The Hitmen are having a great season so far. Cheer them on and help keep up the rising momentum!
Where: Scotiabank Saddledome – 555 Saddledome Rise SE, Calgary
When: Wednesday, December 13
Time: 7 pm
Tickets: Ticketmaster, $13+

Thursday, December 14

A Charlie Brown Christmas

What: Learn the meaning of Christmas with Charlie Brown and the gang!
When: November 17 to December 17
Where: Vertigo Theatre – 115 9 Avenue SE
Tickets: Online, $28.35

Calgary Christmas Market – On the Table, Under the Tree

What: Indulge in local treats, shop for unique holiday gems, and enjoy the seasonal ambiance of the Calgary Farmers’ Market as they continue their annual holiday tradition.
When: November 16 to December 23
Time: Thursday to Sunday, 9 am to 5 pm
Where: The Calgary Farmers’ Market – 510 77th Avenue SW
Admission: FREE

Adults Online Night: The Greatest Hits

Photo: Telus Spark / Facebook

What: Enjoy the best and most popular Adult’s Only Nights for a second time around!
When: Thursday, December 14
Time: 6 to 10 pm
Where: Telus Spark – 220 St. George’s Drive NE
Tickets: Online, $20

Cheer on the Calgary Flames as they play San Jose

What: The heat will be filling up the dome tonight! Come cheer on our Flames as they take on the Sharks.
Where: Scotiabank Saddledome – 555 Saddledome Rise SE, Calgary
When: Thursday, December 14 vs San Jose
Time: 7 pm
Tickets: Ticketmaster, $23+

Friday, December 15

Embroidery Workshop by Bella Love Designs

What: Learn how to create beautiful embroidered deigns, mingle with new friends and take home a handmade gift made by you!
When: Friday, December 15
Time: 6:30 to 9:30 pm
Where: Outside the Shape – 1222 10 Avenue SE
Tickets: Online, $60

Curated. Holiday Market

What: Shop over 85 different vendors for four weekends leading up to the Christmas season. Come get your photo with Santa, while enjoying live entertainment, childrens workshops and more!
When: December 15 to 17
Time: Hours vary, check the schedule
Where: Deerfoot City – 901 64 Avenue NE
Tickets:$5

Watch the Calgary Roughnecks play Vancouver

What: Come see the Calgary roughnecks kill it on the field this year.
Where: Scotiabank Saddledome – 555 Saddledome Rise SE, Calgary
When: Friday, December 15
Time: 7 pm
Tickets: Ticketmaster, $40+

Saturday, December 16

Greater Goods Pop-Ups

What: Come sip on a Lavender Earl Grey Tea Latte while shopping for some great local goodies, for everyone on your Christmas list! This week, find yourself a beautiful vintage treasure from Prairie Bazaar during their 1-day pop up.
Where: 606 Meredith Road NE
When: Saturday, December 16
Time: 11 am to 5 pm
Admission: Free

Holiday Wishes

What: Celebrate the holidays with 17th Avenue with cheerful holiday tunes, hot cocoa, sweet candy cane give-aways and photos with the Gingerbread Man and Rudolph. You will also have the opportunity to score some FREE Downtown parking from the Calgary Parking Authority’s Parking Elves when you bring a non-parishible food donation to the event. Win win!
When: Saturday, December 16
Time: 11 am to 4 pm
Where: Tompkins Park on 17 Avenue
Admission: FREE

Canadian Maple Shack: Make your own Maple Taffy

What: Eating maple taffy on snow is a Canadian culinary tradition and you can pour your own tire sur la neige at the Calgary Christmas Market!
When: Thursday to Sunday from November 16 to December 23 with the exception of November 23 to 26.
Time: 10 am to 3 pm
Where: Calgary Farmers Market – 510 77 Avenue SE, Calgary
Admission: Free

Christmas in Kensington

What: Every Saturday until Christmas, enjoy complimentary coffee and hot chocolate, selfies with Santa, horse and wagon rides, a petting zoo, and four of your favourite Christmas classics up on the silver screen. The best part – it’s FREE!
Where: The Plaza Theatre – 1133 Kensington Road NW
When: Saturday, December 16 – Bad Santa
Time: 3:30 pm
Admission: By donation

What the Calgary Flames play Nashville

Image: Calgary Flames / Twitter

What: Playing the Predators always means there will be at least one heated shoot out that you won’t want to miss. Who knows, perhaps Carrie Underwood might make an appearance to cheer her husband on (we wish!).
Where: Scotiabank Saddledome – 555 Saddledome Rise SE, Calgary
When: Saturday, December 16
Time: 8 pm
Tickets: Ticketmaster, $36+

Sunday, December 17

Granary Road Christmas Market

What: Calgary’s newest market has a whole lot of festive fun planned for this holiday season. Get your photo taken with an alpaca wearing a festive scarf, enjoy delish holiday treats, let Santa and Mrs. Claus know what is on your Christmas list, sit back and enjoy a sleigh ride, and so much more!
When: Every Friday to Sunday until December 23
Time: 9:30 am to 5:30 pm
Where: Granary Road – 226034 112nd Street W
Admission: FREE

Christmas crafting and chocolate tasting workshop with McGruire Chocolate

What: Taste some chocolate, learn about chocolate and take home a gift box that probably includes chocolate – sounds like a pretty good deal to us!
When: Sunday, December 17
Time: 2 to 5 pm
Where: Outside the Shape – 1222 10 Avenue SE
Tickets: Online, $25

What the Calgary Hitmen Play Kootenay Ice

What: They’re killing it this season! Be sure to come cheer them on to bring them to the end of a good year an a great season.
Where: Scotiabank Saddledome – 555 Saddledome Rise SE, Calgary
When: December 17
Time: 7 pm
Tickets: Ticketmaster, $9+

Festive Wagon Rides

What: Spend the afternoon sipping on a mug of hot cocoa as you tour around Banff in a snowy wagon ride with Banff Trail Riders. Be sure to dress accordingly.
When: Every Sunday between November 19 to December 17
Time: Noon to 4 pm
Where: The wagon leaves from the parking lot of the Whyte Museum – 111 Bear St, Banff
Admission: Free!

Tom Jackson: Christmas 150

What: Join master storyteller and musician Tom Jackson for an evening of captivating stories and songs that represent his half-century journey throughout Canada, with some holiday magic weaved in.
When: Sunday, December 17
Where: Banff Centre, Eric Harvie Theatre – 107 Tunnel Mountain Drive
Time: 2 pm
Tickets: Online
- Adult $30
- Senior/Student $25
- Child $15

Anytime of the Week

Winter ice skating at Olympic Plaza

What: Skate amidst the beauty of downtown Calgary at everyone’s favourite outdoor rink.
When: Monday, November 20 to mid-March
Time: weather dependent from 10 am to 9 pm
Where: Olympic Plaza – 228 8th Avenue SE
Cost: Free

Hit the Slopes

What: Getting snow early this year means that our mountainous backyard is waiting for us with a fluffy layer of the white stuff, perfect for winter sports and activities. Take advantage and get some shredding in during this great pre-season, or take your snowshoes for an adventure around one of the many picturesque lakes that the Rockies have to offer. Each hill also has a variety of Christmas themed activities happening throughout the holiday season, be sure to check the websites before heading up so you don’t miss the festivities.
Check the websites for Sunshine, Mount Norquay and Lake Louise to check hours of operation and see which trails are open!

Go Tubing at Canada Olympic Park

Snow tubing (Parilov / Shutterstock)

What: Calgary’s only tube park is the largest of its kind in Western Canada and now boasts 12 lanes, a four person tube option, and a dedicated magic carpet. A village including a food trailer, a deck with heaters, a fire pit, and washrooms have also been added for the 2017 season. Here you get the perks of a fun winter getaway without having to even leave the city – win win!
When: During the winter season
Where: WinSport’s Canada Olympic Park, The Acura Tube Park – 88 Canada Olympic Road SW, Calgary
Tickets: $28 for an adult to slide for two hours, and senior, youth, and family discounts are available.

Northern Lights Window Exhibition

What: Downtown Calgary shop windows will be getting a makeover this December, and it’ll be more than just a bit of paint. Using an Augmented Reality enabled app on your phone, you’ll be able to interact and experience each painted window destination, that will reflect various Christmas stories and memories of local artists. Don’t forget to vote for your favourite window through the app!
When: Friday, December 1 to Sunday, December 31
Where: In and around Calgary’s downtown core
Admission: Free!

Christmas Lights at Spruce Meadows

What: This two-kilometer 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: Saturday, December 9 to Sunday, January 7
Time: 5 to 10 pm
Where: Spruce Meadows – 18011 Spruce Meadows Way SW
Admission: $10 per carload

Experience a Dog Sledding Exhibition

Dog Sledding/ Au Chalet en Bois Rond

What: Cuddle up under a blanket enjoy the scenery as you glide through the trail or head up your own team of home-bred Canadian huskies – you choose!
Where: Snowy Owl Sled Dog Tours – 109, 829 Street Canmore, AB or Mad Dogs & Englishmen Expeditions in Canmore

Mountain Top Christmas

What: Nothing is more magical than celebrating Christmas in a wonderland of snow on the top of a mountain. Help out at Santa’s workshop, experience the Elf Interactive Centre, write Santa a letter, participate in a Christmas Treasure Hunt, stargaze with astronomers, watch Disney’s ‘Prep and Landing’ Christmas short film, and so much more. It’s truly a magical wonderland that the whole family can enjoy.
When: November 18 to January 7 (Varies per event)
Time: Varies per event
Where: 100 Mountian Avenue, Banff
Tickets: Online, Adult – $62, Child – $31

Zoolights

What: The Zoolights at the Calgary Zoo never fail to amaze. Each year, this unforgettable winter tradition of fun activities and stunning lights warms the hearts of many. See the Calgary Zoo light up for seven weeks straight and help celebrate the 20th anniversary of everyone’s favourite holiday experience.
When: Friday, November 24 to January 6
Time: 6 to 9 pm
Where: The Calgary Zoo – 210 ST. Georges Drive NE, Calgary
Tickets: General (16+) $14.95, Child (3-15) – $11.95

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