Inside Calgary's vibrant arts and culture scene this winter | Daily Hive

Calgary has a vibrant arts and culture scene and here’s how you can get in on the action

Snow is falling, lights are glistening, and the holidays are fast approaching. With the weather low and spirits up, there’s no better time to take in an arts and culture experience right here in Calgary.

With so many different events happening throughout the city, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Even if you’ve never attended a play or a gallery, why not start now? Art is for people of all interests, backgrounds, and walks of life.

Here are a few places to begin.

Calgary Philharmonic Orchestra

Tourism Calgary

The Calgary Philharmonic Orchestra is your home base for all sorts of orchestral music. This season, you can enjoy brilliant guest artists, classical giants, new discoveries, pop favourites, family fun, and more.

Can’t-miss events happening in December include Handel’s Messiah, Steven Page + The Calgary Phil, and Traditional Christmas.

Werklund Centre

Someone performs on a stage, and their frame is illuminated by lights in the crowd.

Tourism Calgary

The Werklund Centre (formerly Arts Commons) is the steward of Western Canada’s largest art centre and comprises six world-class resident companies. This means a breadth of creative experiences is available in the heart of downtown Calgary.

This winter, check out Claire Butler Trio’s A Charlie Brown Christmas, Calgary Civic Symphony’s Baroque & Beyond, New West Music & Arts Society’s Christmas with New West, and Soweto Gospel Choir.

Theatre Calgary

A group of performers during a musical number on stage.

Tourism Calgary

Established in 1968, Theatre Calgary is known for putting on top-notch, professional shows, plays, musicals, and more.

This December, Theatre Calgary presents the Charles Dickens classic A Christmas Carol, while shows including The Tale of the Gifted Prince, A Doll’s House, and Come From Away will take place throughout the first half of the new year.

Alberta Ballet

Tourism Calgary

Ballet is having a major moment, and this is especially true in Calgary. Alberta Ballet has a vision to implement a community ecosystem of dance in the province by reflecting the stories, spaces, and talent found in the communities that call Alberta home.

Naturally, The Nutcracker will be showing from Dec. 12 to Dec. 24 in Calgary, while classics like The Winter Gala, Romeo & Juliet, and Swan Lake take place throughout 2026.

Contemporary Calgary

Two people look at a contemporary art exhibit.

Tourism Calgary

Contemporary Calgary is a non-collecting public art gallery that presents local, national, and international contemporary art in all forms and mediums. Along with exhibitions and multi-disciplinary collaborations, the gallery also offers public programs and educational activities that deepen the exploration of art.

There are currently four unique multimedia art exhibits, along with public programs like a film series, a 55+ open studio, and free first Thursday. And with patrons 24 and under admitted by donation and 25 and over paying $12 for single admission or $24 for an annual membership, experiencing art is incredibly accessible.

And of course, this is just a drop in the bucket of everything Calgary has to offer for arts and culture. For a full list of activities, check out the Tourism Calgary website, and start planning your itinerary today.

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