Get warm, get cozy, and into the holiday spirit with a festive collection of things to see and do in Calgary this December. From family favourites like ZOOLIGHTS at the Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo and the Spruce Meadows International Christmas Market to Once Upon a Christmas at Heritage Park and Sparkle Sparkle at TELUS Spark Science Centre, December is full of festive fun in Calgary.
December in Calgary
Things to Do
December in Calgary
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Enchanted Winterland at CrossIron Mills
‘Tis the season for wintery fun and surprises for the whole family at the Enchanted Winterland at CrossIron Mills, a unique holiday experience in augmented reality that invites shoppers to search the stars and the Northern Lights this festive season. Download the Enchanted Winterland Quest App on iOS or Android today and visit CrossIron Mills from November 19th - December 24th to complete the Quest for a chance to win shopping spree prizes!
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ZOOLIGHTS
ZOOLIGHTS, presented by Olympia Trust Company, is back for its 26th year! Calgary's award winning, magical holiday tradition, at the Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo, will be merry and bright from November 18, 2022, to January 8, 2023. Enjoy all the magic of ZOOLIGHTS with friends and family while supporting wildlife conservation this holiday season.
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Holiday Concerts with the Calgary Philharmonic Orchestra
The holidays are a magical time that brings friends and family together, and they’re always better with music and the Calgary Philharmonic Orchestra. The best gifts are the memories we share together, and there’s something for everyone this festive season at the Calgary Phil, with beloved classic carols, contemporary festive hits, and holiday film favourites. Get your tickets at calgaryphil.com/holidays
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
East Village Hygge Hut
The East Village Hygge Hut is a Scandinavian-style space inspired by the tradition of Hygge, with a firepit, games, ice sculptures, live music, food trucks, and more. Enjoy this cozy gathering place Fridays - Sunday in East Village.
Where: Along the RiverWalk, East of the Simmons Building
When: November 12, 2022 - March 2023
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: November 18, 2022 – January 8, 2023
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 18-20, 25-27, December 2-4, 2022
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: November 26, 27, December 3, 4, 10, 11, 17, 18
Top Things to Do for Christmas in Calgary 2022
Get in the holiday spirit with Calgary classics and new ways to celebrate the season. From holiday music with the Calgary Philharmonic Orchestra to ZOOLIGHTS at the Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo and Once Upon a Christmas with Heritage Park, there is so much to do in Calgary this holiday season.
The Jungle Book
Escape into the jungles of India this holiday season with the world premiere of this new Canadian adaptation of The Jungle Book by Alberta Theatre Projects. Experience The Jungle Book like you’ve never seen it before with the popular Thrust Stage configuration.
Where: Martha Cohen Theatre
When: November 29 – December 31
The Office: A Pop Rock Comedy
Jubilations Dinner Theatre presents The Office: A Pop Rock Comedy a hilarious take on the goings on at a small paper company office with Jim, Pam, Michael, and Dwight.
Where: Jubilations Dinner Theatre
When: Until January 14, 2023
A Night In Piedmont
Vendome presents A Night In Piedmont, the second largest region in Italy, for a 5 course dinner featuring fresh alba truffle with a menu by Chef David Leeder.
Where: Vendome
When: December 1
Sparkle Sparkle
Sparkle Sparkle will transform the TELUS Spark Science Centre into a spectacular indoor holiday light experience, with thousands of LED lights, a dome holiday show, Santa’s workshop, sweet and savoury food and drinks, late night shopping, and Instagram worthy photo ops.
Where: TELUS Spark Science Centre
When: Opens December 1
Bear Grease
Making Treaty 7 hosts Bear Grease, an Indigenous twist on the classic musical Grease, featuring Crystle Lightning and MC RedCloud.
Where: The GRAND
When: December 1-4
The Immersive Nutcracker: A Winter Miracle
The Immersive Nutcracker: A Winter Miracle is the ultimate holiday experience for the entire family. This festive season treat will bring the timeless holiday tale to life like you’ve never seen before.
Where: BMO Centre
When: December 1-28
Calgary Flames Home Games
Experience the thrill of NHL action with Calgary Flames Home Games at the Scotiabank Saddledome as the Flames take on the Canadians, Capitals, Coyotes, Wild, Canucks, Blues, Oilers, and Canucks.
Where: Scotiabank Saddledome
When: December 1, 3, 5, 7, 14, 16, 27, and 31
The Calgary Flames
See a Calgary Flames home game at the Scotiabank Saddledome
Goodnight Moon
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: Now open until February 2023
Blue Rodeo: Many A Mile Tour
Canadian bluegrass legends Blue Rodeo bring their Many A Mile Tour to the Southern Alberta Jubilee Auditorium for two nights of live music with special guest Jenn Grant.
Where: Southern Alberta Jubilee Auditorium
When: December 3-4
Little Women
Theatre Calgary presents Little Women, the coming of age war-time story about a family during the holidays that has been cherished for generations. Share the delight, love, and spirit of this popular family favourite.
Where: Max Bell Theatre
When: December 7-31
Kevin Hart: Reality Check
Stand-up comedian and Hollywood actor Kevin Hart brings the laughs to Calgary with his Reality Check Tour at the Scotiabank Saddledome.
Where: Scotiabank Saddledome
When: December 8
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 2022. This is an adults only (18+) event.
Where: TELUS Spark Science Centre
When: December 9
ISU Speed Skating World Cup
The fastest skaters in the world return to Calgary this December to compete in the 2022 ISU Speed Skating World Cup! Get a front row seat to all the action at the University of Calgary's Olympic Oval with single day tickets starting at $15.00 and 4-day all-access passes for both weekends starting at $40.00.
Where: Calgary Olympic Oval
When: December 9-11 & 16-18
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 2022
Kane Brown: Drunk or Dreaming Tour
Multiplatinum country music superstar Kane Brown comes to Calgary for the Drunk or Dreaming Tour, with special guests Jessie James Decker and Restless Road.
Where: Scotiabank Saddledome
When: December 17
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