CALGARY’S CHILD CALENDAR - What’s Happening?

guide to the holidays Our Guide to the Holidays

Take the brr out of winter - cure your family's cabin fever with events, activities, and holiday fun!

FAMILY FUN

November 26, 9am to 3:30pm; Little Modern Market Find a modern and local pop-up market this holiday season, with free face paint and glitter tattoos for the kids. There is free entry with a donation to the Calgary Food Bank (or $5 entry without donation), a free Market Tote for the first 100 shoppers, and ticketed workshops. Find everything from home decor to clothing to treats. Learn more at littlemodernmarket.com.

November 26, 9:30am to 3:30pm. Marlborough Christmas Market The Marlborough Community Association invites you to the annual Christmas Market which features 65 tables of handcrafted items showcased by local artists and crafters. Learn more at calgarymarlborough.com.

November 26, 10am to 2pm; Rocky Ridge Ranch HOA Holiday Market If you are looking for unique gifts to give away during the holiday season, be sure to check out the Rocky Ridge Ranch Homeowner’s Association’s Holiday Market. They will have a variety of local vendors selling a wide array of handmade treasures like crafts, baked goods, greeting cards, stained glass sun catchers, knit and crochet items, jewelry, and more. Learn more at rrrha.ca.

November 26 to 27, 10am to 3pm; Lake Bonavista Christmas Craft Fair The Christmas Craft Fair at the community association is the perfect opportunity to discover wonderful gift-giving ideas. You’ll find unique handcrafted items and home-based businesses. Learn more at lakebonavistacommunity.com.

November 26 to December 18; Granary Road’s Christmas Market Granary Road’s Christmas Market is an enchanting celebration of the holidays that starts with the stunning Market with 40-foot vaulted ceilings, exposed trusses and lighting reminiscent of days gone by. Learn more at granaryroad.com.

December 3, 10am to 4pm; Haysboro Winter Market Shop the Haysboro Winter Market for home businesses and artisan vendors. With free entry and parking, you can make your Christmas shopping a little easier at Haysboro Community Hall. Learn more at haysboro.org.

December 3, 10am to 3pm; Hidden Valley Community Association Craft Fair Bake Sale Check out this Craft Fair and Volunteer Bake Sale Fundraiser in Hidden Valley at the Holy Trinity Anglican Church. Learn more at hiddenhut.org.

December 3, 10am to 4pm; Merry and Bright Christmas Market Christian Life Assembly Church is hosting its Christmas market for the community. This market has 50 local vendors and free family activities to enjoy, like face painting, Santa photos with a printable photo booth, and s’mores. out this holiday craft market featuring 50 local vendors selling handmade items. There is free parking and complimentary coffee. Learn more at ngpca.ca.

December 3, 10am to 3pm; Ranchlands Community Association Christmas Market The RCA is presenting the Christmas Market, so make sure to shop local this holiday season. This event is limited to vendors selling handmade items only so there will be tons of unique and one-of-akind items, perfect for that “hard to shop for” person on your gift list. Learn more at ranchlandscommunity.com.

December 3, 10am to 4pm; SCA Community Association Christmas Craft Fair There will be 50 vendors offering unique, handmade gifts and much more. Learn more at scacalgary.ca.

December 3, 10am to 2pm; Tuscany Resident’s Association Holiday Extravaganza Over 40 craft and baker vendors under one roof with free admission to the public. Come and find some unique holiday gifts and yummy baking at Tuscany Club. Learn more at tuscanyconnect.com.

December 3, 11am to 4pm; New Horizon Christmas Craft Market New Horizon Mall in partnership with Kay’s Hairstyling & Consulting are excited to be hosting the Annual Christmas Craft Fair. With over 50 vendors on site, entertainment, door prizes and more you will want to save the date to get a head start on your holiday shopping. Learn more at newhorizonmall.com.

December 3 to 4, 10am to 4pm; AZURIDGE Magic + Merry Christmas Market AZURIDGE is excited to announce its annual Christmas Market. With a theme of Magic and Merry, this event will bring the joy of Christmas back to our city. There will be something for everyone at this festive market, including Santa and his reindeer, sleigh rides, Kristen Scott and the Harmonic Gems, and plenty of shopping opportunities. Learn more at azuridgehotel.com.

December 4, 11am to 4pm; Whole Earth Market The Whole Earth Market is a monthly market that operates within the historic Shawnessy Barn in the community of Shawnessy in southwest Calgary. The December Market features two floors of vendors selling unique, hand-crafted items. They support local artisans, crafters, makers, and creators. Learn more at wholeearthmarket.ca.

December 4, 10am to 4pm; Wildflower Art Salon & Sale At the Wildflower Art Salon & Sale you will be immersed with art in every direction. Experience a oneof-a-kind shopping experience. At the Salon you will find paintings, fibre art, hand pulled prints, ceramics, sculpture, jewelry, drawing, glass work and more. Learn more at wildflowersalon.ca.

Sunday, Friday, Saturday, Until December 4; Banff Christmas Market With more than 80 artisanal vendors, live music, an outdoor fire lounge, Santa’s House and Reindeer Stables, Christmas treats and warm drinks, there is something for the whole family at Warner Stables. Learn more at banffchristmasmarket.com.

December 9 to 11, 16 to 18; Market Collective’s Holiday Series Enjoy live music, interactive workshops, galleries, more than 150 local vendors and special surprises. Learn more at marketcollective.ca.

December 10, 10am to 4pm; North Haven Christmas Makers Market Shop until you drop for handcrafted items at this holiday market. Learn more at northhavenyyc.ca.

December 10 to 11, 10am to 5pm; Authentically Indigenous Holiday Craft Market Come to visit this annual holiday craft show with a unique twist at the Kerby Centre. The Authentically Indigenous Craft Show ‘Holiday Edition’ features unique Indigenous artist vendors from the Calgary and Treaty 7 area of Southern Alberta. Here you’ll find handmade crafts, art, jewelry, food, and more. Tickets are $5 for one day and kids 12 and under are free. Learn more at authenticallyindig.com.

December 10 to 11, 10am to 4pm; Cochrane Made Christmas Farmers’ Market Two days on two floors makes for a great shopping experience at Spray Lakes Saw Mills Family Sports Centre. You will find many of your favorite vendors from the summer market plus many more seasonal artisans selected to make this a “must attend” event. Learn more at cochranefarmersmarket.ca.

December 11, 9:30am to 4pm; Peak to Prairie Holiday Market The Peak to Prairie Holiday Market is back at Winsport, with free parking, large aisles for strollers, and a variety of vendors. Get unique gifts for the special people on your list from the Calgary small business community. Tickets are usually $8 and kids 12 and under are free. Learn more at peaktoprairiemarket.com.

December 16 to 17; The Pop-Up Holiday Market in Cochrane Support local this holiday season by buying unique handmade gifts at Frank Wills Memorial Hall.

Until December 21, 10am to 4pm; Christmas in the Country The Leighton Art Centre is featuring fine crafts and artwork by local artists in the galleries of the historic Leighton home. This annual community-favorite sale comes at the perfect time for getting a head start on purchasing seasonal gifts and getting into the Christmas spirit with beautiful decorations, gorgeous art, and the home’s historic ambiance. Learn more at leightoncentre.org.

HOLIDAY PERFORMANCES

November 26 to December 24; Stage West for Kids Presents The Elves and the Shoemaker Twinkle and Cookie the elves want desperately to earn their top elf shoes. A family friendly musical adventure with a modern twist, this festival tale reminds us all that the true magic of Christmas is found through acts of kindness and the spirit of giving. Learn more at stagewestcalgary.com.

the Calgary Philharmonic Chorus, and Cantaré Children’s Choir for a joyous concert of curated holiday music. From beloved classic carols to contemporary festive hits, there’s something for everyone in this heartwarming Christmas musical buffet. Learn more at calgaryphil.com.

December 5 to 16, 10am; Storybook Theatre’s Candy Cane Kids The Musical Cookie, Stripe and Pep are the Quality Control Inspectors for McJingles Incorporated. Their job? To monitor, measure and analyze Christmas spirit worldwide. This year, however, the cheery trio discover Canadian spirit is dangerously low, and pull out all the stops to raise it. Using their social media platform Jinglegram, they decide to broadcast live. They sing, dance, bake and cheer-on Canada in this 75-minute-long extravaganza. Learn more at storybooktheatre.org.

December 11, 6pm; ATCO Presents ‘Twas the Night Before Curtain ‘Twas the night before curtain and here at the hall, the Stage Manager is stressing, eight hours ‘til call. The Lead and Director just can’t get along, the show is unfinished, still missing a song! The crew and ensemble are ready to quit; the Host is dramatic and pitching a fit. But there’s love in the air and it’s sometimes the case, we might find romance in an unlikely place. Learn more at youthsingers.org.

December 16 to 24; Alberta Ballet Presents The Nutcracker It’s Christmas Eve and Klara has received a magical gift from her eccentric Uncle Drosselmeyer: a handsome nutcracker doll. Little does she know as she falls asleep that her new toy is about to spark her imagination and take her on a dreamy adventure to the Land of Sweets. Learn more at albertaballet.com.

Until December 31; Storybook Theatre's Elf The Musical A title known the world over, Elf The Musical is a must-produce holiday musical that can easily become an annual tradition for any theatre. This modern-day holiday classic is sure to make everyone embrace their inner elf. After all, the best way to spread Christmas Cheer is singing loud for all to hear. Learn more at storybooktheatre.org.

Until January 15; A Mighty Shrek Christmas Jubilations Junior presents A Mighty Shrek Christmas – a production written for kids, and a meal designed with kids in mind. Learn more at jubilations.ca.

NEW YEAR’S EVE FAMILY FUN

December 31; Zoo Year’s Eve You'll be able to enjoy all the fun of ZOOLIGHTS with extra special entertainment. It's a festive way to help you and your loved one’s ring in the new year in a safe (and zoonique way!) while supporting the zoo’s wildlife conservation initiatives. There is a family friendly version that ends at 9pm and a late-night adults only event. Learn more at calgaryzoo.com.

December 31; Livestream Fireworks Show Ring in the New Year with a livestream fireworks show atop the Calgary Tower set to a musical soundtrack of Canadian artists curated by CJSW 90.0 FM. Be sure to tune in live from calgary.ca/NYE at 11:55pm or listen to the broadcast on CJSW 90.9 FM. NEW YEAR FAMILY FUN

Until January 14; Jubilations Theatre Presents The Office: A Pop Rock Parody Who would have ever guessed that the TV world would be so enthralled and entertained with the goings on at small paper company office. A simple ordinary office with average people like Jim and Pam with their little flirtations… and Michael with his terrible staff meetings… and Dwight with his, ah… crossbow? Okay so maybe not ordinary! Learn more at jubilations.ca.

January 15, 3pm to 4:30pm; The Calgary Philharmonic Presents Charlotte and the Music Maker Charlotte plays the trumpet on a cardboard tube, the xylophone with two knitting needles, and the drums on anything that bangs. Families will enjoy this magical journey with Platypus Theatre exploring the sounds and colors of the instruments and the exciting possibilities that music has to offer. Come early for the Instrument Discovery Zoo at 2pm. Learn more at calgaryphil.com.

Until February 5; Stage West Presents One Hit Wonders It is said that everyone has a chance for 15 minutes of fame, and so it is with One Hit Wonders. For every great band or artist, there are about 20 more groups or artists who have had one big break – one great song to their credit. Learn more at stagewestcalgary.com.

PARTY VENUES & ENTERTAINMENT

CALGARY REPTILE PARTIES Phone: 403-457-2202 Email: reptile.party@hotmail.com Website: calgaryreptileparties.com Add fun and education to your birthday party event! Kids meet and interact with iguanas, monitor lizards, dragons, boa constrictors, pythons, skinks, salamanders, and much more!

RICHARD RONDEAU MAGICIAN Phone: 403-254-8718 Website: rrmagician.com Make your child’s birthday party extra special. Richard can present a 30- to 45-minute show with comedy, audience participation, and jaw-dropping magic.

MAD SCIENCE OF SOUTHERN ALBERTA Phone: 403-263-4140 Email: madscsab@telusplanet.net Website: calgary.madscience.org Our parties entertain children aged four to 12 with high energy, interactive shows full of “edu-tainment” which come to you and have everything you need to make your child's party a total success.

REAL CANADIAN SUPERSTORE Various Locations Website: realcanadiansuperstore.ca At the Real Canadian Superstore, you can pick up the cake, the cake platter, the party platter, the party decorations, the party favors and more!

SPRAY LAKE SAWMILLS FAMILY SPORTS CENTRE (SLSFSC) 800 Griffin Road E, Cochrane, AB Phone: 403-932-1635 Website: slsfamilysportscentre.com Fabulous birthday party packages and fitness and recreation programs are offered daily. All ages welcome!

VIN GOGH PAINT SIP STUDIO 7160 Fisher Street SE Phone: 403-475-4644 Email: info@vingogh.ca Website: vingogh.ca Vin Gogh Paint Sip Studio is the place for painting

Our Guide to the Holidays – Continued from previous page

parties! We host parties for both kids and adults. You will get a step-by-step painting session with an experienced artist. You can choose your favorite painting from our painting gallery.

GIFT IDEAS & SERVICES

ARTS COMMONS PERFORMANCE TICKETS 205 8 Avenue SE Phone: Call Centre/Box Office 403-294-9494 Email: boxoffice@artscommons.ca Give the gift of a live experience! As the largest performing arts centre in Western Canada, we offer endless ways to experience the transformative power of the arts.

AMARANTH STORES Four Locations in Calgary Website: amaranthfoods.ca Since 1994, Amaranth has provided the best in healthy groceries and supplements. We have everything you need from allergen-friendly choices to hard-to-find bulk herbs and spices. As always, if you have any questions, feel free to ask one of our friendly staff.

THE ART OF PORTRAITURE BY SVP PHOTOGRAPHY Phone: 403-281-8429 Email: shelley@svpphotography.com Website: theartofachild.com Your children grow up so fast. Don’t say, “I wish I would have!” We create Wall Art and Storybooks that allow you to savor this moment in time for generations. We offer different themes throughout the year. Perfect gifts for Christmas, Mother’s Day, Father’s Day, and birthdays. Gift certificates available.

BEANERS FUN CUTS FOR KIDS Website: beanersfuncuts.com At Beaners Fun Cuts For Kids, our experienced stylists give the whole family great hair in a fun-filled atmosphere. Maybe it’s the themed chairs, movie screens, or the video games, but we love kids, and they love us. We also offer clipper art, ear piercing, up-dos, braiding, baby’s first haircut, and professional hair care products. Book online. Experience our haircuts!

CALAWAY PARK Phone: 403-240-3822 Email: info@calawaypark.com Website: calawaypark.com Give the gift of family fun this holiday season! Calaway Park invites your family to enjoy endless fun at Western Canada’s Largest Outdoor Family Amusement Park!

CALGARY PHILHARMONIC ORCHESTRA Phone: 403-571-0849 Email: info@calgaryphil.com Website: calgaryphil.com We have something for the whole family – from blockbuster movies to favorite classics and concerts just for kids.

CHUNK'D BAKERY #101 - 330 10 ST NW Phone: 403-764-7558 Website: chunkd.ca The best gourmet cookies in Calgary, fully loaded with flavor and creativity! We deliver everywhere in Calgary. Enjoy one of our super decadent rotating weekly flavors or take home a Pienormous cookie to share with family and friends! CITY OF CALGARY REC PASS Website: calgary.ca/dropin Don’t let the family get bored this winter. Drop in to one of our recreation facilities and enjoy affordable family fun!

HERITAGE PARK HISTORICAL VILLAGE Phone: 403-268-8500 Email: info@heritagepark.ca Website: heritagepark.ca Create lasting memories with a Heritage Park Annual Pass! Valid all year long, a Family Annual Pass provides endless entertainment for your family of up to six at one low price.

JUBILATIONS JUNIOR Phone: 587-603-5635 Email: infocalgary@jubilations.ca Website: jubilations.ca/calgary-junior An amazing interactive live theatre experience with a two-act musical comedy, and a family-friendly threecourse meal.

MNP COMMUNITY & SPORT CENTRE (FORMERLY REPSOL SPORTS CENTRE) Phone: 403-233-8393 Email: info@mnpcentre.com Website: mnpcentre.com Make this an active and unforgettable year at MNP Community & Sport Centre. There is no shortage of fun and sport discovery on land and in the water for the whole family.

PAISLEY & PAIGE Phone: 1-800-858-9837 Email: info@paisleyandpaige.ca Website: paisleyandpaige.ca What’s the secret to a healthy complexion and extending the life of your beauty products? It’s our washable beauty bag! Organizing and keeping your lashes, palettes, makeup, and skincare free of residue and beauty bag grime has never been so easy or so beautiful! Holding up to 26 beauty products, it’s easily packable in a diaper bag, carry on, gym tote or backpack. Earth friendly and reusable; no more throwaway plastic makeup cases.

SPRAY LAKE SAWMILLS FAMILY SPORTS CENTRE 800 Griffin Road E, Cochrane Phone: 403-932-1635 Website: slsfamilysportscentre.com With 350,000 square feet of space and over 15,000 weekly users, the Spray Lake Sawmills Family Sports Centre (SLSFSC) is a tremendous facility for all members of the community and surrounding area.

TRICO CENTRE FOR FAMILY WELLNESS 11150 Bonaventure Drive SE Phone: 403-278-7542 Email: guestservices@tricocentre.ca Website: tricocentre.ca Trico Centre for Family Wellness wants your family to be #tricotough and active! Come swim with us in our wave pool with waterslide, water features, hot tub, and steam rooms. Huge, clean fitness centre, bright pool, hockey arenas. We offer activities for all ages!

VIVO FOR HEALTHIER GENERATIONS 1950 Country Village Link NE Phone: 403-532-1013 Email: guestservices@vivo.ca Website: vivo.ca Skate, swim, dance, climb, create, connect, and explore. Come in from the cold for family fun at Vivo with a wide variety of unique and innovative programs and activities for parents and children alike. Get active, get healthy, and do it together! Visit vivo.ca and discover your passion today!

YMCA CALGARY Locations throughout Calgary and two locations west of Calgary Website: ymcacalgary.org From swim lessons, day or overnight camps to triathlon swim and boot camps, we have the programs and facilities to keep your whole family active. Join us and our active community at one of our health and wellness locations or outdoor camp locations.

WINTER FUN

BANFF NORQUAY Website: banffnorquay.com School’s in for winter! Bunny slopes to the big mountain! Ski and snowboard lessons, and programs for three to 16-year-olds including early season and holiday camps. Programs fill up fast, so book now!

CITY OF CALGARY RECREATION Website: calgary.ca/dropin Don’t let the family get bored this winter. Drop in to one of our recreation facilities and enjoy affordable family fun! Splash in a wave pool, take turns on a waterslide, swim some laps, or work out in a weight room. With many locations to choose from, there’s always something fun to do!

WINSPORT Phone: 403-247-5452 Email: info@winsport.ca Website: winsport.ca WinSport’s purpose is to inspire human potential through the spirit of sport and it’s something that is woven into all of our year-round, award-winning programming. Our passionate, expert instructors will help your child learn a sport, get better at it, and develop a lifelong love for being active. We have summer camps and programs in mountain biking, hockey, ringette, figure skating, and in specialized sport training. Come out and play with us!

all is merry and bright

Enjoy the holiday season with light displays in and around Calgary

TIS THE SEASON TO SPARKLE AND SHINE!

Many families find great joy in hopping in the car and checking out the twinkling Christmas lights in their neighborhoods. In Calgary, there are many other places you can go to see the magical splendor of holiday lights as well.

There are the classic choices like ZOOLIGHTS and Airdrie Festival of Lights, but there are also a few glowing hidden gems out there. Check out our list of some of the city’s most popular light displays this Christmas season.

Ongoing; Lighten UP Calgary The best residential Christmas light displays in and around Calgary. Take your kids out to see bright, sparkling lights, listen to holiday music, and donate to worthy causes while enjoying family time. Share your holiday cheer and show Lighten UP Calgary your lit-up home or check out the best places to go near you at lightenupcalgary.ca.

November 23 to December 31; In Search of Christmas Spirit in Banff Discover the wonder of Christmas in Banff National Park this holiday season. Bundle up for a walk through the Cascade of Time Garden, where you’ll witness a live Christmas story told by the animals of Banff National Park. Learn more at banfflakelouise.com.

November 25 to December 31; Glow Calgary YYC Presents: Christmas Around The World Santa crosses the globe to bring gifts to the children of the world. Can you help him? Celebrate Christmas magic in China, India, The Netherlands, Mexico, France, and England all in one night, and all under the glow of a million twinkle lights at Nutrien Western Events Centre in Stampede Park. The breathtaking space is over 70,000 square feet and brings a majestic winter wonderland completely indoors. Complete your travels with a visit to the North Pole! Learn more at glowyyc.ca.

December 1 to 31; Airdrie Festival of Lights Located in Airdrie’s Nose Creek Park, the Airdrie Festival of Lights is a beautiful, outdoor walk-through lights experience, with about a million dollars’ worth of displays and other special features. Learn more at airdrielights.com.

December 1 to January 25, Christmas Lights in Legacy 2022 What was once a one-off way to dazzle local residents has now turned into an annual familyfriendly event that brings everyone from Calgary and area together. Drive through the Legacy community in southeast Calgary to enjoy a wondrous Christmas light display of more than one million lights.

December 2 to 31; The Rotary Festival of Trees A magical event happening throughout the month of December in Canmore for the whole family. Imagine an indoor forest of Christmas trees decorated and twinkling all in one place, all created and donated by local businesses. Learn more at rotaryfestivaloftrees.ca.

Fridays to Sundays December 10 to January 2, 5pm 10pm; Christmas Lights at Spruce Meadows Enjoy a huge display of giant lit Christmas trees from the comfort of your car. The grounds are beautifully decked out with over a quarter of a million sparkling holiday lights. It’s truly magical and completely free. Learn more at sprucemeadows.com.

Until January 8; ZOOLIGHTS The Calgary Zoo is full of twinkling lights and the classic holiday activities you’ve come to love. This year’s ZOOLIGHTS will feature activities such as ice skating, fire pits, and much more. Learn more at calgaryzoo.com.

Until January 8; 34th Annual Lions Festival of Lights This year’s display will feature Merry Christmas greetings in 15 languages together with the Candy Canes and Shooting Stars along 14 Street. Learn more at lionsfestivaloflights.ca. CCM

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