December in Calgary
Exciting events during December 2024 in Calgary.
Photo credit: Arielle Rylands
Get warm, get cozy, and fall into the holiday spirit with a festive collection of things to see and do in Calgary this December. From events like ZOOLIGHTS at the Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo to Once Upon a Christmas at Heritage Park, December is full of seasonal fun in Calgary.
Note: These events and activities are no longer up-to-date. Check out What to Do in Calgary This Week for more great things to see and do in Calgary.
Plaza Palooza: Olympic Plaza’s Final Bash
Say farewell to Olympic Plaza in style over 4 weekends at Plaza Palooza. Enjoy FREE wintertime fun, live entertainment, and family-friendly activities. Don’t miss your last chance to create memories at the iconic Calgary landmark before it transforms.
Where: Olympic Plaza
When: Nov. 29 - Dec. 1, December 6-8, 13-15, 20-22, 2024
2024 CanAm International Long Track Competition
The fastest skaters in the world return to Calgary to compete in the 2024 CanAm International! Get a front row seat to all the action at the University of Calgary's Olympic Oval!
Where: Calgary Olympic Oval
When: November 29 - December 1, 2024
Spruce Meadows International Christmas Market
The Spruce Meadows International Christmas Market is a local favourite and a holiday tradition everyone in the family can enjoy with unique vendors, shopping, food, and entertainment.
Where: Spruce Meadows
When: November 29 - December 1, 2024
Calgary Hitmen Home Games
Get into the action of the WHL with Calgary Hitmen Home Games at the Scotiabank Saddledome as the Hitmen take on five rivals this December.
Where: Scotiabank Saddledome
When: December 1, 13, 15, 18, 29
Calgary Flames Home Games
Experience the thrill of NHL action with Calgary Flames Home Games at the Scotiabank Saddledome as the Flames take on eight teams on home ice this month.
Where: Scotiabank Saddledome
When: December 3, 5, 12, 14, 17, 19, 21, 31
Granary Road’s Christmas Market
Celebrate the holidays with Christmas carols, decorated trees, lights, and festive photos with Santa and the alpacas at Granary Road’s Christmas Market. Check out Santa’s Workshop for gingerbread cookies, ornaments, hot chocolate, tractor rides, and more.
Where: Granary Road
When: December 1, 7, 8, 14, 15
Once Upon A Christmas
Once Upon A Christmas at Heritage Park is one of Calgary’s most iconic holiday events, with activities, entertainment, and treats that will get you and your family into the holiday cheer.
Where: Heritage Park
When: December 7, 8, 14, 15, 21, 22
Macaron 101 Baking Class at Ollia Macarons & Tea
Discover the art of crafting elusive macarons at Ollia Macarons & Tea's ‘Macaron 101’ Baking Class. Guided by expert pastry chefs, you'll have the opportunity to try the techniques behind creating these delicate French treats. Weekly classes are available with private sessions offered as well.
Where: Ollia Macarons & Tea
When: December 2, 3, 9, 10, 16, 17
Calgary Philharmonic Orchestra: A Choral Christmas
Former Associate Conductor Adam Johnson returns to kickstart the festive season with a potpourri of Christmas classics and traditional carols with the Calgary Philharmonic Orchestra.
Where: Jack Singer Concert Hall
When: December 6, 2024
Market Collective Holiday Markets
The Market Collective Holiday MC is a family friendly event that includes live music, interactive workshops, galleries, drinks, food, and over 150 local vendors, with special surprises too.
Where: BMO Centre Hall B + C
When: December 6-8, 13-15, 2024
In the Christmas Mood by D.D.A. Inc.
The Glenn Miller Orchestra brings the Christmas mood to the Jack Singer! Featuring over 18 musicians and singers performing unforgettable Christmas classics.
Where: Jack Singer Concert Hall
When: December 7, 2024
Calgary Civic Symphony: Christmas and Neujahrskonzert
Join the orchestra and Calgary’s favourite Divas for a festive concert of Christmas treasures, combined with champagne, sparkle, and inevitable hijinks.
Where: Jack Singer Concert Hall
When: December 8, 2024
A Rocky Mountain High Christmas by Info Geek SOS Productions
Enjoy an amazing night of John Denver’s hits along with Christmas music, perfect for the holiday season!
Where: Jack Singer Concert Hall
When: December 10, 2024
Spark After Dark: Greatest Hits
TELUS Spark Science Centre invites you to Spark After Dark: Greatest Hits, a collection of throwbacks from all the Spark After Dark events in 2024. This is an adults only (18+) event.
Where: TELUS Spark Science Centre
When: December 13, 2024
Studio Bell After Hours: Holiday Edition
Sleigh the night away at this unique after hours holiday bash at Studio Bell. Expect live drag performances, DJs, immersive holiday décor, and more across all five floors.
Where: Studio Bell, East Village
When: December 14, 2024
Vertigo Theatre Presents: Murder on the Links
Adapted from Agatha Christie's classic novel, Murder on the Links in Calgary features the brilliant detective Hercule Poirot unravelling a complex murder mystery on a French golf course. This Canadian premiere of the stage adaptation promises an exhilarating experience with a cast of six actors playing over 30 roles.
Where: Vertigo Theatre
When: Until December 15, 2024
A Drag Queen Christmas by Murray & Peter
For the 10th consecutive year, enjoy a holiday tradition with contestants from the Emmy-Award-winning show in this fabulous event.
Where: Jack Singer Concert Hall
When: December 16, 2024
A Charlie Brown’s Christmas
Enjoy the classic soundtrack of Charlie Brown’s Christmas performed live in the intimate setting of the Engineered Air Theatre.
Where: Engineered Air Theatre, Arts Commons
When: December 18, 2024
Jann Arden Christmas Tour
Calgary’s own Jann Arden returns with an intimate evening of holiday hits in the majestic Jack Singer Concert Hall.
Where: Jack Singer Concert Hall
When: December 19-20, 2024
Best Christmas Markets Around Calgary 2024
Dive into your holiday shopping and discover great local gift ideas with festive food trucks, music, entertainment, and the holiday classic, photos with Santa!
Rosebud Theatre Presents: Christmas on the Air
Experience a 1949 live “on-air” Christmas comedy, including a buffet and live music before the show.
Where: Rosebud Theatre
When: Until December 22, 2024
Servus Tube Park at WinSport
Take a ride down one of the fastest tube parks in Western Canada with the Servus Tube Park at WinSport. The tube park is located on the main hill with eight lanes and a magic carpet to bring you to the top.
Where: WinSport
When: Opens December 2024
The Polar Express™ at Aspen Crossing
Relive the magic of The Polar Express™ at Aspen Crossing with a family train ride featuring a golden ticket, hot chocolate, cookies, and a silver bell.
Where: Aspen Crossing
When: Until December 24, 2024
StoryBook Theatre Presents: Beauty and the Beast the Musical
Experience Disney's Beauty and the Beast live on stage at StoryBook Theatre. This timeless Broadway classic features beloved songs like “Be Our Guest” and “Beauty and the Beast,” alongside enchanting new ones. Perfect for families and fans of all ages.
Where: Beddington Theatre Arts Centre
When: Until December 30, 2024
ZOOLIGHTS
Take part in a Calgary tradition with ZOOLIGHTS at the Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo. Over 2 million lights and 200 displays light up the night with fire pits and activity zones in this winter wonderland.
Where: Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo
When: Until January 5, 2025
Jubilations Dinner Theatre Presents: All Those Rolling Stones
This Jubilations dinner theatre show takes you through the iconic music, culture, and stories of the 60s and 70s, celebrating the legendary Rolling Stones and the cultural shifts of the time.
Where: Jubilations Dinner Theatre
When: Until January 11, 2025
Jubilations Dinner Theatre Presents: Beauty and the Grinch
Join Jubilations Junior for a fun-filled morning as they present Beauty and the Grinch, a family-friendly production with laughter, music, and a meal designed for kids.
Where: Jubilations Dinner Theatre
When: Until January 11, 2025
Stage West Presents: Girls Just Wanna Have Fun – Rise of the Greatest Girl Groups
Relive the harmonies and hits of female vocal groups from the 1940s to the 1990s in this musical journey.
Where: Stage West
When: Until February 2, 2025
Paola Pivi: Come Check it Out at Contemporary Calgary
Italian artist Paola Pivi’s first major Canadian solo exhibition, Come Check it Out, showcases whimsical and theatrical sculptural installations that challenge perceptions of iconic symbols like the Statue of Liberty and the polar bear. Pivi’s works explore themes of freedom, climate change, and the human-made world with irony and playfulness.
Where: Contemporary Calgary
When: Until March 2, 2025