December Events & City Updates
As the holiday season draws near, Calgary comes alive with festive cheer and exciting activities. It’s the perfect time to explore the city's vibrant atmosphere and share the magic with your loved ones. Below, we’ve curated a list of essential city updates and notable events happening throughout December.
City Updates
Olympic Plaza Ice Skating Rink: Unfortunately, the rink will not open this year as it undergoes preparations for its closure.
Barb Scott Park Ice Skating: The skating rink and Christmas tree have moved to Barb Scott Park (12th Ave & 9th St SW), just a 20-minute walk from the hotel.
Hours: 5:00 AM – 11:00 PM daily.
Note: rentals not available; visit Bowness Park for rentals
Pineapple Hall Food Market: Recently opened at Stephen Avenue Place, just 6-minutes from Fairmont Palliser. This casual food hall features Concorde Group favorites such as Pigeonhole Lonely Mouth, Double Zero Pizza, and Clive Burger.
Location: 7th Avenue and 2nd Street SW.
Learn More
Winsport: The slopes are now open for skiing and snowboarding at Winsport.
New CPS Community Counter: The downtown safety hub is now open at 119 6th Avenue SW. Visitors can report non-emergency police matters and receive general guidance.
Hours: Monday to Friday, 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM.
Ski Resorts Open: Sunshine Village, Lake Louise, and Norquay Resort are now open for the winter season.
December Events
Sports & Entertainment
Calgary Flames Home Games
December 3, 5, 12, 14, 17, 19, 21, and 31.
December 1–29
Theatre Calgary’s: A Christmas Carol
Charles Dickens' classic comes to life on stage with stunning sets and costumes.
Showtimes and tickets
December 1, 7, 8, 13, 15
Heritage Park’s Once Upon a Christmas
Visit Heritage Park as it transforms into an enchanting holiday spectacle, with festive activities for the whole family. Featuring wagon rides, carolers, visits with Santa, a Christmas market and more.
Visit Website
December 1, 7–8, 13–15, 20–22
Plaza Palooza at Olympic Plaza
Experience live entertainment, ice carving demonstrations, and festive performances.
Learn More
December 6
Calgary Philharmonic Orchestra – A Choral Christmas
A concert of Christmas classics and traditional carols.
7:30 PM at Jack Singer Concert Hall.
Tickets available
December 7
Chantal Kreviazuk: A Holiday Special
Southern Alberta Jubilee Auditorium.
Tickets available
December 13–24
Alberta Ballet’s The Nutcracker
A magical holiday tradition, featuring 120 performers, dazzling costumes, and live orchestra.
Showtimes and tickets
December 19–20
Jann Arden Christmas Tour
Jack Singer Concert Hall.
Tickets available
December 25
Christmas Day Brunch at Fairmont Palliser
Enjoy a festive holiday brunch.
Tickets still available
Christmas Markets
Granary Road Christmas Market
December 1, 7, 8, 14, and 15.
Market Collective Holiday Edition
BMO Centre, December 6–8.
Saskatoon Farm Holiday Market
December 6–8.
Festive Pop-Up Bars
Proof Cocktail Bar: Miracle on 1st Street (1302 1st St SW, until December 31).
Ricardo’s Hideaway: Sippin’ Santa (1530 5th St SW, until December 31).
Frenchie Wine Bar: Red Nose (616 17th Ave SW, until December 23).
Eighty-Eight Brewing Co.: Home Alone (2600 Portland St SE, until December 31).
New Year’s Eve Celebrations
Hawthorn Dining Room & Lounge: Five-course prix-fixe menu with live music
Bella Concert Hall: A Luminous New Year’s Eve
Rouge Restaurant: Roaring in the 20’s with Murder
Home and Away YYC: NYE 2025 Club Crawl
The Attic Bar & Stage: Midnight Soiree, A Jazz & Burlesque New Year’s Eve
Charbar: Año Nuevo, NYE 2025
The Palace Theatre: The Malt Ball 2025: A Cold Garden New Year’s Eve
Make the most of this holiday season in Calgary, with something for everyone to enjoy, from family-friendly events to festive dinners and thrilling performances!