Things to Do in Calgary this December
December has come to Calgary which means that the snowman-building, ice-skating, and holiday-shopping events are beginning! It is in this chilly month that the city of Calgary truly comes alive with its beautiful displays of Christmas lights, cozy fire-side events, and crafty workshops that allow you to create and imagine. Of course, just because Christmas is coming does not mean that all events are holiday-themed. There is plenty to do this winter including musical performances, fundraising galas, and other exciting happenings in every quadrant of the city!
Take in every part of YYC. Now is the time to start booking up your calendar before it gets too busy!
Kids & Family Events in Calgary
Winter Magic at Eau Claire Market – Dec 2nd
Despite the cold weather, there is plenty of action and fun to partake in this December! Grab the whole family and head over to the Winter Magic at Eau Claire Market event for exciting winter-themed activities. This free event will feature ice sculpting, crafts, cookie decorating, caroling and much more for the kids to enjoy! The event will also be collecting unwrapped toys that will later be donated to the Mustard Seed for the holiday season.
Mahogany Parade of Lights – Dec 8th
Looking for something to do with the whole family? Be sure to check out the Mahogany Parade of Lights on December 8th for an astonishing sight of all things Christmas! Beginning at 5pm, the parade will lead with Santa and Mrs. Clause to be followed by other wonderful parade floats. The entire community of Mahogany is encouraged to participate by transforming the exterior of their homes with holiday displays to create an even more magical parade for all. More information regarding home displays can be found online.
Specialized Festivals and Events in Calgary
A Christmas Carol – Dec 1-23rd
Celebrating their 32nd year of shows, Theatre Calgary is proud to once again present A Christmas Carol. This traditional Christmas story of Scrooge will be played by the talented Stephen Hair once more for the 25th season in a row. Book your seats to enjoy a wonderfully magical evening! Tickets are available on the Theater Calgary website – shows take place most days in December, some exclusions may apply.
Calgary Expo Holiday Market - Dec 1-2nd
Have a nerd, fan, or geek in your life? Then you want to be sure to check out the Calgary Expo Holiday Market this year at the Stampede grounds! This unique Christmas market is filled with fan-based gifts from local retailers and artists that will be sure to have something for every Star Wars, Walking Dead, Marvel, and any other fan in your life! Visit the market while wearing your cosplay and be sure to check out the many activities taking place on the grounds.
Spruce Meadows International Christmas Market – Dec 1-2nd
If you haven’t had a chance to check out the International Christmas Market at Spruce Meadows yet, be sure to head down on December 1st or 2nd for the final market days! This yearly market hosted by Telus features hundreds of local vendors selling goods from all around the world. Dive into tasty food and drinks and stroll the grounds of Spruce Meadows that will be lit up with Christmas lights.
Ugly Xmas Sweater Workshop - Dec 4th
Need something to wear to the next ugly Christmas sweater party? Head over to the Ugly Xmas Sweater Workshop at Wurst for a chance to make your own ugly sweater! Supplies and inspiration will be provided to help you make a creation truly worth cringing at. The event will take place from 7:00-9:30pm – tickets are available for $50 each or $45 with groups of 4 or more.
Make It Calgary – Dec 6-9th
The travelling expo of Make It Calgary will be held this year at Deerfoot City! Featuring over 130 different vendors the event will showcase “countless artists, makers, and designers” selling their creations. Here you will find everything including jewelry, ceramics, fashion items, home decor, candles, body care and so much more! Tickets are available for $3 on Eventbrite.com.
Music and Entertainment Events in Calgary
Winter Fantasia – Dec 9th
On December 9th the Mount Royal Conservatory’s Music and Speech Art Performers will be performing Winter Fantasia. The young performers of the Mount Royal Arietta, Aria and Arioso will also sing with the Conservatory Sinfonia throughout the evening. Among the many numbers these groups will perform, one of them will include “How the Grinch Stole Christmas” by Dr. Seuss. Tickets are available on the Mount Royal website for $10-$30 dependent upon seating.
The Nutcracker – Dec 14-16th & 20-24th
Celebrating the 10th anniversary of the Nutcracker, the Alberta Ballet is proud to be returning once more to Calgary for this classic holiday event. With a cast of over 120 performers, beautifully designed costumes, and the amazing music by Pytor Ilyich Tchaikovsky, it will be an evening to enjoy with the whole family! Limited tickets are available on Ticketmaster.com.
Charity Events in Calgary
NYE Masquerade Charity Gala – Dec 31st
In support of the Alzheimer Society Calgary, the NYE Masqueade Charity Gala is one of the highly anticipated charity events of the month! The event will feature global entertainment, silent auction (all proceeds going to the Alzheimer Society), and dancing! Located at the Sheraton Cavalier Hotel, the night will begin at 5:30pm with the bar, doors opening at 6pm, with the night continuing from there. Come and count down the clock while in your cocktail attire complete with masquerade!
Heroes Hockey Challenge 2018 – Dec 8-9th
Join the Calgary Flames alumni and the Canadian Armed Forces for the not-to-be-missed Heroes Hockey Challenge 2018 game! The two teams will be facing off at the Max Bell Arena in support of the Canadian Military, raising funds for the military history programs for students at the Military Museums. A cocktail gala will take place prior the game where guests will have a chance to take a picture with the Stanley Cup! The gala part of the event is open to those 18 years or older only, but the game is for all ages.
Make December a month to remember and enjoy this time with family and friends at the many events taking place around Calgary!
For a more detailed and fully comprehensive list, visit the City of Calgary’s event page, the Calgary Tourism page, or Eventbrite, and search for local events on Facebook to find more December events and activities.
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