December in Calgary

three friends lacing up skates beside a outdoor firepit at the Bowness lagoon skating rink
three friends lacing up skates beside a outdoor firepit at the Bowness lagoon skating rink
Things to Do

December in Calgary

Things to do in Calgary this December 2023

Please 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.

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.



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Skating at Olympic Plaza 

Put on your skates and enjoy one of the most iconic skating rinks in Calgary at Olympic Plaza. Skating is free with skate rentals available on site. 

Where: Olympic Plaza 

When: Open daily 

 

Jeff Dunham Still Not Cancelled 

Jeff Dunham, one of the Top Touring Artists of the Pollstar Era, known for consistently delivering laughs and shattering ratings with his broadcast specials, global tours, and a best-selling autobiography, hits the stage at the Scotiabank Saddledome for the Jeff Dunham Still Not Cancelled tour. 

Where: Scotiabank Saddledome 

When: December 1 

 

Inglewood Holiday Night Market 

Prepare for the holiday season at the Inglewood Holiday Night Market! Visit this modern market for locally sourced and handmade goods such as handmade crafts, vintage clothing, antiques and collectibles, artisan eats, and more! 

Where: Crossroads Farmers Market 

When: December 1-2 

 

CanAm International 

The fastest skaters in the world return to Calgary this December to compete in the 2023 CanAm International! Get a front row seat to all the action at the University of Calgary's Olympic Oval! 

Where: Calgary Olympic Oval 

When: December 1-3 

 

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: December 1-3 

 

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 1, 2, 5, 8, 9, & 12

 

Stage West Theatre Restaurants presents Step by Step

See the evolution of the greatest boy bands unfold from the Beatles to The Bee Gees, to the New Kids on the Block, and finally on to *NSYNC and the Backstreet Boys.

Where: Stage West Calgary

When: December 1 – February 4, 2024

 

Films at the Fort: Holiday Favourites series 

Films at the Fort is back this holiday season at Fort Calgary's Burnswest Theatre! Each event features classic holiday films like Home Alone, Die Hard, and White Christmas. Tickets include popcorn and admission to the interpretive centre. 

Where: Fort Calgary 

When: December 2, 3, 9, 10, & 16 

 

Boney M. Featuring Liz Mitchell

Don’t miss Boney M. Featuring Liz Mitchell live in concert! Liz Mitchell is the Jamaican-born British singer who is most famous for being the voice behind Boney M., and their international hits including “Daddy Cool,” “Sunny,” “Rasputin,” and “Rivers of Babylon.”  

Where: Grey Eagle Resort & Casino 

When: December 2 

 

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. Complete with a charming children’s choir from Montessori School of Calgary, classic Christmas songs and original compositions by Vince Guaraldi will lift your spirits for the holiday season. 

Where: Engineered Air Theatre, Arts Commons 

When: December 2 

 

Top Gunn: A Maverick Musical  

Jubilations Dinner Theatre takes a ride on the Highway to the Danger Zone with their parody spin on the fighter jet franchise. Two classic movies made 30 years apart featuring a movie star that somehow looks like he hasn’t aged a single day… it’s just a musical theatre spoof waiting to happen!  

Where: Jubilations Dinner Theatre 

When: December 1 - January 13, 2024 

 

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.  Read the Guide for more details!

Where: Heritage Park 

When: December 2, 3, 9, 10, 16, 17 

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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 2-3, 9-10, 16-17 

 

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 this month. 

Where: Scotiabank Saddledome 

When: December 2, 5, 7, 9, 16, 18, 27, 31 

 

Calgary Hitmen Home Games  

Get into the fun and excitement 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 3, 6, 13, 15, 17 

 

Wordfest Presents Peter Mansbridge 

Join Wordfest in welcoming legendary broadcast journalist Peter Mansbridge back to Calgary, in celebration of his newest book (written with Mark Bulgutch): How Canada Works. The conversation starts at 7 p.m. and will be followed by an audience Q & A and book signing. 

Where: Patricia A. Whelan Performance Hall, Central Library 

When: December 6 

 

GLOW Calgary Presents: Christmas Around The World 

Help Santa Claus find his beloved reindeer in this mesmerising maze of magical lights at Santa's Sleigh Adventure! Step into a world of wonder and entertainment suitable for everyone in the family at this brand new, all-indoors holiday wonderland. 

Where: Nutrien Western Event Centre 

When: December 7-31 

 

Market Collective Holiday Markets 

The Market Collective Holiday MC is back for 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 8-10 & 15-17

 

Candy Cane Kids Holiday Shows

Cookie, Stripe, and Pep are the Quality Control Inspectors for McJingles Incorporated. Their job? To monitor, measure, and analyze the Christmas spirit worldwide! Join them as they sing, dance, bake, laugh, and cheer on Canada in this 75-minute extravaganza!

Where: Shane Homes Rocky Ridge YMCA, Brookfield Residential YMCA Seton 

When: December 8, 9, 10, 16, 17

 

Saskatoon Farm Christmas Market

Explore over 400 local vendors over three festive weekends with the 7th annual at the Saskatoon Farm Christmas Market.

Where: Saskatoon Farm

When: December 8-10

 

Christmas in Kensington

Christmas in Kensington is back! This holiday season, enjoy live music, Santa and sleigh rides, and local shopping!

Where: Kensington Rd and 10th Street NW

When: December 9, 16, 23

 

Macaron Pairing Event at Ollia Macarons & Tea

Immerse yourself in a tasting experience with Ollia, where you'll have the opportunity to indulge in four signature macarons paired with your choice of tea or French wines. You'll learn about the region of production and uncover the distinctive qualities that make each pairing truly exceptional!

Where: Ollia Macarons & Tea

When: December 13

 

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 2023. This is an adults only (18+) event. 

Where: TELUS Spark Science Centre 

When: December 15

 

Alberta Ballet's The Nutcracker

Celebrate the holidays with Alberta Ballet's beloved production of The Nutcracker, where Klara and her Nutcracker go on a magical journey, battle the Rat Tsar's dark magic, and dance with the courtiers in the palace of the Sugar Plum Fairy. Don't miss this dazzling performance with music by the Calgary Philharmonic Orchestra.

Where: Southern Alberta Jubilee Auditorium

When: December 15-24

 

Christmas at the Nation

Visit and celebrate Indigenous artisans and performers at the annual market Christmas at the Nation! Enjoy a festive holiday atmosphere and free parking. Tickets available at the door. $8/person, 12 and under are free.

Where: Seven Chiefs Sportsplex & Chief Jim Starlight Centre

When: December 15-17

 

A Jann Arden Christmas 

Celebrate the holidays with Calgary’s own Jann Arden as she puts her unique spin on the classics you know and love, plus her own tried and true hits. Mark the season like never before with a beloved artist, beautiful music, and heartwarming stories. 

Where: Jack Singer Concert Hall 

When: December 19-20 

 

Making Treaty 7: Bear Grease Christmas Special

Do you think Grease is the word? Then get ready for BEAR GREASE! MT7 and The GRAND proudly welcome Treaty 6 Hip Hop duo, LightningCloud, back to Mohkinstsis with their Indigenous take on the classic 1978 musical, "Grease" - this time with a Christmas twist!

Where: The GRAND

When: December 21, 22, 23

 

All is Calm: The Christmas Truce of 1914 

Rosebud Theatre presents All is Calm: The Christmas Truce of 1914. The remarkable true story of the Christmas truce of 1914, an extraordinary night of camaraderie, music, and above all peace, told in the words and songs of the men who lived it. 

Where: Rosebud Theatre 

When: Until December 23 

 

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 23, 2023

 

Storybook Theatre Presents: Chitty Chitty Bang Bang  

Take a fantastic musical adventure with an out-of-this-world car that flies through the air and sails the seas. Featuring an unforgettable score by the Sherman Brothers (Mary Poppins), Chitty Chitty Bang Bang is one family-friendly blockbuster that audiences will find "Truly Scrumptious."  

Where: Beddington Theatre Arts Centre  

When: Until December 30 

 

Goodnight Moon 

Back for the holiday season! Get immersed in the classic bedtime story Goodnight Moon at TELUS Spark Science Centre, as it comes to life in the newest digital immersion gallery experience. 

Where: TELUS Spark Science Centre 

When: Until December 30 

 

Calgary Roughnecks Home Opener

Lacrosse is back in action at the Scotiabank Saddledome! Watch as the Calgary Roughnecks take on the Las Vegas Desert Dogs.

Where: Scotiabank Saddledome

When: December 30

 

Sippin’ Santa at Ricardo’s Hideaway 

The pop-up bar Sippin’ Santa is back! Check out the transformed island bar as it turns into a winter wonderland with limited edition, over-the-top Christmas tiki cocktails. 

Where: Ricardo’s Hideaway  

When: Until December 31 

 

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. This year, experience the best of the Zoo with the Sunlight to ZOOLIGHTS package. 

Where: Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo 

When: Until January 7, 2024 

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