11 awesome things to do in Calgary this weekend: Dec. 12 to 14
Another weekend in December means another weekend full of things to do in Calgary. With Christmas just around the corner, there are tons of events bursting with holiday cheer.
From festive outings to ballet shows and hockey games, there is something for everyone to check out this weekend. Here are 11 awesome things to do in Calgary this weekend.
The Nutcracker by Alberta Ballet
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What: The Alberta Ballet is kicking off the classic Christmas ballet show, The Nutcracker, this weekend. 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 on date and seat
Dillon Francis
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What: DJ Dillon Francis is bringing his electric set right to downtown Calgary this weekend. 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: Holiday Wonder features 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 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
Calgary Hitmen at the ‘Dome
Official Calgary Hitmen Hockey Club/Facebook
What: The Calgary Hitmen are taking on the Red Deer Rebels at the Saddledome this weekend. Grab your tickets and get ready for an exciting night of hockey.
When: Friday, Dec. 12, 2025; 7 p.m.
Where: Scotiabank Saddledome — 555 Saddledome Rise SE
Cost: Ticket prices vary depending on seat
Once Upon A Christmas at Heritage Park
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What: Heritage Park is turning into a winter wonderland this weekend, featuring wagon rides, carolers, visits with Santa Claus, and holiday cheer. This year, you can hop on their new diesel-electric locomotive, which has onboard entertainment.
When: Weekends through Dec. 6 to Dec. 23, 2025
Where: Heritage Park – 1900 Heritage Dr. SW
Cost: Prices vary; tickets can be found online
Stampede Christmas
What: The Calgary Stampede is launching a brand-new holiday event this year called Stampede Christmas! The event is free to attend and features tons of activities, treats, and even a classic Stampede brunch on Sunday.
When: Dec. 13 to 14, 2025
Where: BMO Centre Great Lawn and Outdoor Plaza — 1410 Olympic Way SE
Cost: Free
Granary Road Christmas Market
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What: Granary Road is hosting its annual Christmas market this weekend. You can find Christmas carolers, decorated trees, lights, festive photos with Santa, and much more.
When: Dec. 13 to 14, 2025
Where: Granary Road — 226066 112th St. W.
Cost: Prices vary
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
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
Cheer on the Calgary Wranglers
Wranglers/Facebook
What: The Calgary Wranglers have two exciting home games this weekend against the Abbotsford Canucks. You can watch the Flames’ top prospects battle it out on the ice right at the Saddledome.
When: Dec. 13 and 14, 2025
Where: Scotiabank Saddledome – 555 Saddledome Rise SE
Cost: Ticket prices vary depending on date and seat