Calgary Events: Dec. 4-10

A Santa convention, local markets, an art show, and the Grinch

Author

Krista Sylvester
December 04, 2024

Dear readers, happy first week of December! There’s no shortage of things to enjoy this week, so scroll down for our list of this week’s events.

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 the month ahead

🎅 Studio Bell After Hours: Sleigh the Night Away with drag superstar Tynomi Banks, Joanna Magik, and DJ Pump in this yuletide celebration with lights dimmed, beats turned up, and a ho-ho-whole lot of holiday cheer. Dec 14 at Studio Bell.

🎸 Dallas Smith: This country star has 13 No. 1 singles at Country Radio, 18 gold-certified singles, seven platinum-certified singles, and four gold-certified albums, with more than 520 million global streams and over two million album equivalents to date. Dec 30 at the Grey Eagle Event Centre.

🎼 Salute to Vienna New Year’s Concert: Timeless music, dazzling costumes, and breathtaking dancing! European singers, dancers, and the Strauss Symphony of Canada entertain audiences. Jan 1 at Jack Singer Concert Hall.

Buy your tickets before it’s too late

🪲 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.

Just announced

🎸 Big Valley Jamboree 2025: The lineup for this popular country music festival was announced with headlining performances by Blake Shelton, Bailey Zimmerman, and Jason Aldean. Tickets are now on sale. July 31 to August 3 in Camrose.

Happening this week and weekend

Thursday-Sunday (and Dec 12-15) | 315 Manitou Rd SE | Various times

Back for its 17th year, the Under $100 Art Show is introducing a brand new concept with 50 of the top selling artists to showcase their work in 20,000 square feet of space. Bigger pieces, all originals.

Friday-Sunday (and Dec 13-15) | The BMO Centre | Various times

With more than 155 artisans, including 35% new and budding artists, there’s something for everyone at this seasonal local market. One of our favourites of the season!

Sunday-Dec 23 | Beddington Theatre Arts Centre | Various times

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

Head to Calgary Co-op Oakridge for a tasting that is not to be missed with vintage wines aged 10 years and older.

Enjoy local vendors, free hot chocolate, and a craft workshop inside a 50-foot heated inflatable igloo. There’s also a Grinch roaming character, a DJ, and choreographed skating performances on the Central Commons Park outdoor skating rink.

Elton Rohn | Friday | 8pm

Head to the Grey Eagle Event Centre for this Elton John tribute show that has a tremendous following after headlining more than 400 theatre and festival shows.

Saskatoon Farm Christmas Market | Friday-Sunday | 12-8pm

The farm transforms into a winter wonderland filled with the warmth of community and the joy of the season.

Spruce Meadows International Christmas Market | Friday to Sunday | Check daily times

Shop 'til you drop at The Mom Market this Black Friday Weekend for amazing and talented local businesses in a curated market with no entry fee.

Granary Road Christmas Market | Friday to Sunday | 10am-4pm

Enjoy local vendors, wagon rides, hot chocolate and s’mores, Santa’s Holiday Brunch, Santa and alpaca photos, and festive indoor yoga.

Santa Con Pub Crawl | Saturday | 12-9pm

Calling all Santas, Mrs. Clauses, Elves, Snowomen/men, reindeer, and other Xmas beings to downtown Calgary for this popular annual holiday pub crawl. Free to attend but for adults only.

Once Upon a Christmas at Heritage Park | 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 every Saturday and Sunday until Dec 22. On Saturdays, snap a photo with Santa, cozy up by the fire, and play games. On Sundays, visit the petting zoo, meet the Grinch, and enjoy live music.

In support of Habitat for Humanity Southern Alberta, join us and our sister companies ATCOenergy and Blue Flame Kitchen for a family-friendly holiday event at ATCO Park. $10 admission for a good cause.

Enjoy an amazing night of John Denver’s hits along with Christmas music, perfect for the holiday season.

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.

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.

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.

CALGARY TECH JOURNAL

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)

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