Calgary Events: Dec. 18-24

Jann Arden Christmas, The Nutcracker, and last minute shopping

Author

Krista Sylvester
December 18, 2024

Dear readers, it’s that time of year when we say both MERRY CHRISTMAS and HAPPY NEW YEAR! We are taking a holiday break and will be back with an events newsletter in your inbox for Jan. 8. We hope you enjoy your last minute holiday events this week!

Editor’s note: We do our best to provide the most updated information but we encourage you to check ahead of time in case there have been changes to the event details.

A peek at January

🎶 The BAT is BACK: Die Fledermaus in Concert: Back by popular demand after last year’s success, this concert version of Johann Strauss' iconic operetta combines singable melodies, comedic twists, and fantastic singing by some of Canada’s top mid-level opera singers. Jan 10 and 11 at The Village: Brentwood’s Event Centre.

🥃 The 2025 MS Calgary Whisky Festival: The 12th annual Calgary Whisky Festival features an evening of fun, including whisky tasting, silent auctions, vendor booths, and snacks. Jan 16 at Hotel Arts.

🪲 Beetlejuice: Based on Tim Burton’s dearly beloved film, this musical tells the story of Lydia Deetz, a strange and unusual teenager whose whole life changes when she meets a recently deceased couple and a demon with a thing for stripes. Jan 7-12 at the Jubilee.

👨‍🎤 High Performance Rodeo: Once a punk rebel upstart troupe of creatives, ticket sales for this staple January theatre renaissance event are officially available. It’s never too early to start planning. Jan 14-Feb 2 at various locations.

❄️ Chinook Blast 2025: This year’s festival promises to dazzle with a lineup of events that highlight the best of Calgary’s creativity and community spirit. Featuring a dynamic mix of live music, outdoor sports, captivating art installations, and unique cultural experiences. Jan 31-Feb 17 at various downtown locations.

Christmas lights

🎄 Christmas lights: Don’t forget to check out the holiday light displays at Spruce Meadows until Dec 29, In Search of Christmas Spirit in Banff until Dec 31, the Zoolights display until Jan 5, the Lions Festival of Lights until Jan 8, and the Legacy Lights until Jan 14.

New Year’s Eve events

🎆 We wanted to give you a head start on NYE celebrations so you can ring in 2025 just the way you want to. Here is a list of City of Calgary NYE events, which appear to be family-friendly, free, and include the city’s annual fireworks display. Eventbrite also has a list of ticketed events you can choose from.

Happening this week and weekend

Wednesday | Saddledome | 7pm

If you’re looking for a non-Christmas event to bring the family to, catch the WHL’s Calgary Hitmen tonight as they host the Prince Albert Raiders at the Dome.

Thursday, Friday | Jack Singer | 7:30pm

The smash-hit event of the holiday season returns as Calgary’s Jann Arden puts her unique spin on the classics you know and love. Paired with funny and heartwarming stories of Christmases past, this is an evening you won’t want to miss.

Until Tuesday | Jubilee | Various times

Celebrate the holidays with the timeless charm of Alberta Ballet's enchanting tradition. Join Klara and her Nutcracker in their valiant battle against the cunning Rat King and travel with them to the Sugar Plum Fairy's palace.

A Charlie Brown Christmas | Wednesday | 5:30-7:30pm

Enjoy the classic soundtrack of A Charlie Brown Christmas performed live in the intimate setting of the Engineered Air Theatre at Arts Commons.

Christmas Food Show at Avenida | Thursday-Sunday | Check times

Enjoy a weekend of sampling all the best holiday foods and pick up those last minute gifts.

Plaza Palooza | Friday-Sunday | 4-9pm

It’s the last weekend to get together outdoors with your friends, family and fellow Calgarians to check out free festival fun at Olympic Plaza. Activities include live entertainment on stage every night, buskers, DJs, performers, and more.

Enjoy a movie with friends and family at the site formerly known as Fort Calgary. Tickets include: after-hours admission to The Confluence Cultural Centre and a small popcorn. Additional snacks, soft drinks and alcohol available for purchase.

Pull out those ugly sweaters for the Ranchman’s Ugly Sweater Party on Saturday. Wear your ugly Christmas sweater to get free entry and your chance to win cash prizes!

Once Upon a Christmas | Saturday and Sunday| 10am-4pm

Step into a winter wonderland and experience the enchanting magic of Christmas at Heritage Park for this wholesome, family-friendly event. Enjoy indoor and outdoor Christmas activities like cozy wagon rides, merry carollers, visits with Santa, and a festive Christmas market.

Christmas in Kensington | Saturday and Sunday | 12-3pm

Get into the holiday spirit with festive fun in Kensington. On Saturday, snap a photo with Santa, cozy up by the fire, and play games. On Sunday, visit the petting zoo, meet the Grinch, and enjoy live music.

This antique and flea market is all festive on Sunday just in time for last minute holiday shopping. Free admission, concession on sight, and something for everyone.

Festive Brunch at the Safari Lodge | Sunday | Various times

Head to the Calgary Zoo Wilder Institute to enjoy a holiday-themed brunch with all the trimmings, including special seasonal décor, festive dishes, delicious desserts, and fun crafts for kids.

Celebrate the holidays in style at Lougheed House with high tea and holiday treats enjoyed in the historic Lougheed House conservatory, which will be decorated in all its Christmas splendour.

SPONSORED BY BRAD’S DEALS

From paper lists to Amazon Prime, times have changed.

While fast shipping and exclusive shows are well-known, these 10 hidden perks can take your membership to the next level.

Ongoing

A cast of six actors play over 30 roles in the Canadian premiere of this exhilarating and spirited adaptation of Christie’s classic mystery with her greatest and most beloved detective Hercule Poirot.

StoryBook Theatre’s One Christmas Carol | Until Dec 23 | Various times

This family-friendly holiday classic is back and screen performer Natascha Girgis returns as the show’s narrator at the Beddington Theatre Arts Centre.

Polar Express Holiday Train at Aspen Crossing | Until Dec 24 | Aspen Crossing | Check daily hours  

Step into the magic of the holiday season aboard the Polar Express, which is a fun-filled adventure, directly inspired by the hit movie. Grab your loved ones and throw on your favourite pajamas and embark on a journey to the North Pole.

A Christmas Carol | Until Dec 29 | Theatre Calgary | Various times

The classic tale of Ebenezer Scrooge who is visited by three spirits who take him on a journey into his past, present, and future to show him the errors of his ways. Dickens’ classic holiday tale comes alive on the Theatre Calgary stage.

StoryBook Theatre’s Disney’s Beauty and the Beast | Until Dec 29 | Beddington Theatre Arts Centre | Various times

This presentation of Beauty and the Beast promises to sweep families into a world of magic, romance, and heart. Behind the scenes, a dedicated production team of talented individuals has collaborated to bring this epic production to life.

Charlotte’s Web | Until Dec 29 | Various times

One of Alberta Theatre Projects’ most beloved productions returns to the stage this holiday season as audiences watch the heartwarming friendship between a pig named Wilbur and a spider named Charlotte.

Horizon of Khufu at Chinook Centre | Until Jan 31 | Check times

A unique expedition to discover the wonder of Egypt. Explore the Giza Plateau and the Great Pyramid of Giza as if you were really there.

Sippin’ Santa pop-up | Until Dec 31 | Check daily hours

This festive pop-up offers extravagant Christmas-themed cocktails in an elaborately-decorated, tropical setting at this 17th Ave bar that is known for its rum. Try cocktails such as the Jingle Bird, Merry Spritzmas, Sugar Plum Mai Tai, and A Snowball's Chance in Hilo, which is definitely made to share.

In Search of Christmas Spirit in Banff | Until Dec 31 | Various times

Is there anything more magical than Christmas in Banff National Park? Bundle up and walk through the Cascade of Time Garden where you’ll witness a live Christmas story told by the animals of Banff National Park.

Calgary Zoolights | Until Jan 5 | Calgary Zoo/Wilder Institute

Experience the magic of twinkling lights and dazzling displays after hours and enjoy family-friendly ice skating, axe throwing, delicious treats, animal facts, and more at this annual holiday classic.

From Me to You: The Beatles in Canada 1964-1966 | Until Jan 5 | National Music Centre

A nostalgic tribute to the band's transformative years upon arriving in Canada for the first time, this display captures the cultural landscape of Canada in the 1960s, and the frenzied excitement of Beatlemania that swept across the country.

All Those Rolling Stones | Until Jan 11 | Jubilations

Step into the tumultuous world of All Those Rolling Stones, where the rhythms of an iconic rock band, the ink-stained pages of a revolutionary magazine, and the pulse of a generation converge. Brace yourself for a rollercoaster ride through the ’60s and ’70s while you enjoy a three-course dinner.

Girls Just Wanna Have Fun | Until Feb 2 | Various times

The girls are all here; the Andrews Sisters in the ’40s, the Spice Girls, The Supremes, The Pointer Sisters and more, Stage West’s latest puts the spotlight on the women who changed music. Nov 15 to Feb 2 at Stage West.

That’s it!

Thanks for checking in this week. Hope you found something good to add to your calendar. Thanks for letting us be your tour guide! See you next week? Same time, same place.

✌️ TWIC (from the Calgary Citizen team)

What did you think of today's newsletter?

Login or Subscribe to participate in polls.

❤️ Review of the week