13 excellent things to do in Calgary this week: Dec. 8 to 12
It’s the second week of December, and Calgary is buzzing with things to do. From electric hockey games to festive outings and live music, there is no shortage of fun to be had.
Whether you’re on the hunt for an amazing night out or you’re just looking for an activity to pass some time, here are 13 excellent things to do in Calgary this week.
Ms. Lauryn Hill
Harvey Aspell/Shutterstock
What: American rapper and singer-songwriter, Ms. Lauryn Hill, has been recognized as one of the most influential musical artists of her generation, and she’s bringing her show right to Calgary.
When: Monday, Dec. 8, 2025; 6 and 9 p.m.
Where: Southern Alberta Jubilee Auditorium — 1415 14th Ave. NW
Cost: Prices vary on seat
Skate and shop at The Loft at Calgary Farmers’ Market
What: This Holiday Night Market will feature around 20 vendors, offering a variety of locally made holiday goods. Guests can enjoy Calgary’s only portable roller rink, Biggies Roller Rink, decked out in disco-inspired holiday décor. DJ Joash Charles will be on hand, spinning upbeat remixes of holiday favourites to keep the festive energy going. Seasonal beverages will be available for purchase, alongside delicious offerings from Calgary Farmers’ Market food vendors.
When: Dec. 10 to 11, 2025; 4 to 9 p.m.
Where: The Loft at Calgary Farmer’s Market West – 25 Greenbriar Dr. NW
Cost: Admission by donation
Catch a Calgary Flames game
Stephen Brashear/Imagn Images
What: Head on over to the Scotiabank Saddledome this week to watch the Calgary Flames in two exciting home games. Watch as they take on the Buffalo Sabres this Monday and the Detroit Red Wings on Wednesday.
When: Dec. 8 and 10, 2025
Where: Scotiabank Saddledome – 555 Saddledome Rise SE
Cost: Ticket prices vary on date and seat
Zoolights
The Calgary Zoo/Facebook
What: Zoolights is back this year, bigger, brighter, and wilder than ever. Watch as the Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo turns into a winter wonderland filled with twinkling lights and dazzling displays. Guests can enjoy axe throwing, interactive activities, treats, and much more.
When: Nov. 14, 2025, to Jan. 4, 2026
Where: Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo — 210 St. George’s Dr. NE
Cost: Ticket prices vary on date
Cheer on the Calgary Wranglers
Wranglers/Facebook
What: The Calgary Wranglers are facing off against the Coachella Valley Firebirds in two home games this week. Grab your tickets and don’t miss them battling it out on the ice.
When: Dec. 9 and 11, 2025
Where: Scotiabank Saddledome – 555 Saddledome Rise SE
Cost: Ticket prices vary depending on date and seat
Cult Classics and Crafts at The Confluence
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What: Grab your crafting supplies and head over to The Confluence for a night of movies and crafts. The 1989 classic National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation will be playing on Dec. 10.
When: Wednesday, Dec. 10, 2025; 6:30 p.m.
Where:
A Charlie Brown Christmas
What: Listen to the soundtrack of A Charlie Brown Christmas performed by musicians and a children’s choir. The show will include holiday classics like “Christmas Time Is Here” and “The Little Drummer Boy.”
When: Dec. 10 and 11, 2025
Where: Engineered Air Theatre – 234 9th Ave. SE
Cost: $25 – $35
Calgary Hitmen at the ‘Dome
Official Calgary Hitmen Hockey Club/Facebook
What: The Calgary Hitmen are taking on the Red Deer Rebels this Friday. Catch the hitmen on their home ice as they try to take home the win!
When: Friday, Dec. 12, 2025
Where: Scotiabank Saddledome – 555 Saddledome Rise SE
Cost: Ticket prices vary depending on date and seat
Polar Express Train Ride at Aspen Crossing
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What: Hop aboard the Polar Express at Aspen Crossing to celebrate the holidays this year. The train ride, inspired by the popular movie, takes you around the tracks for an hour while you enjoy hot chocolate in a Polar Express collector’s mug, a cookie, and a silver bell.
When: Select dates between Nov. 21 and Dec. 23, 2025
Where: Aspen Crossing — 203079 Range Rd. 251
Cost: Ticket prices vary on date
Dillon Francis
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What: DJ Dillon Francis is bringing his electric set right to the city. Get ready for a night of bumping EDM tunes right on Stephen Avenue.
When: Friday, Dec. 12, 2025; 9 p.m.
Where: The Palace Theatre — 219 8th Ave. SW
Cost: Starting at $65.75
Holiday Wonder
Kendall Collins/Daily Hive
What: Calgary is getting a brand-new holiday festival this year. Holiday Wonder will feature over one million lights, a life-sized gingerbread house that’s made with real gingerbread, Frosty’s indoor snowball fight zone, Santa’s sleigh simulator, a twinkling snowflake forest, and more.
When: Nov. 27, 2025, to Jan. 3, 2026
Where: BMO Centre — 1912 Flores Ladue Parade SE
Cost: Prices vary
Spark after Dark: Greatest Hits
TELUS Spark Science Centre/Facebook
What: Telus Spark is celebrating its greatest hits at this exciting event! Dive into a mix of its previous events like February’s Guilty Pleasures, April’s Foodology, June’s Beyond the Rainbow, and August’s Your Brain On Music and October’s Gore all in one wild night.
When: Friday, Dec. 12, 2025; 6 p.m.
Where: Telus Spark Science Centre – 220 St. George’s Dr. NE
Cost: $32.95
The Nutcracker by Alberta Ballet
What: The Alberta Ballet is putting on the classic Christmas ballet show, The Nutcracker. This year, the show has been reinvented by Artistic Director Francesco Ventriglia. You’ll find fresh choreography, new sets, and stunning costumes.
When: Dec. 12 to 24, 2025
Where: Southern Alberta Jubilee Auditorium – 1415 14th Ave. NW
Cost: Prices vary; tickets can be found online