10 things to do this week in Calgary (Dec. 8-12)

Another weekend for the books. It’s shaping up to be a balmy couple of days before things shift toward a deep freeze after this Wednesday. From holiday markets to live music, there’s still plenty to do, and only five days to do it. Jump on it!

Here’s everything you should get up to this Dec. 8 to 12 in Calgary.

One Christmas Carol

One actor. Thirty-five distinct characters. The timeless Dickens holiday classic is completely reimagined in one play.

When: Monday, Dec. 8 to Dec. 23, 2025
Time: 7:30 p.m.
Where: Beddington Theatre Arts Centre — 375 Bermuda Dr. NW, Calgary
Tickets: $29+

Canadian Pacific Kansas City Holiday Train – Calgary & Southern Alberta

The Canadian Pacific Kansas City (CPKC) Holiday Train program is returning to the rails to raise money, food, and awareness for food banks and hunger issues across Canada and the United States. The train will roll through Calgary and southern Alberta from Dec. 9 to Dec. 21.

When: Tuesday, Dec. 9 to Sunday, Dec. 21, 2025
Where: Varies by date
Tickets: Free with food bank donation

Ms. Lauryn Hill: Artist in Residence

Ms. Lauryn Hill continues to push the boundaries of live performance, and she’s bringing her distinctive sound and uncompromising artistry to the stage in Calgary with renewed force.

When: Monday, Dec. 8, 2025
Time: 6 p.m.
Where: Southern Alberta Jubilee Auditorium — 1415 14th Ave. NW, Calgary
Tickets: $181+

FONTINE & Zoon at Modern Love

Shoegaze meets country at this one-two punch lineup featuring Canadian Indigenous talent in an intimate local venue.

When: Monday, Dec. 8, 2025
Time: 7 p.m.
Where: Modern Love — 613 11th Ave. SW, Calgary
Tickets: $25

Cult Classics & Crafts: National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation (1989)

Join the Confluence for a nostalgic trip down memory lane as they screen some of the most iconic holiday films that have stood the test of time.

When: Wednesday, Dec. 10, 2025
Time: 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.
Where: The Confluence Historic Site and Parkland — 750 9th Ave. SE
Tickets: $12

A Charlie Brown Christmas

Enjoy the classic soundtrack of A Charlie Brown Christmas performed live in the intimate setting of the Engineered Air Theatre. Complete with a charming children’s choir, these classic Christmas songs and original compositions by Vince Guaraldi will lift your spirits for the holiday season.

When: Wednesday, Dec. 10 to Thursday, Dec. 11, 2025
Time: 5:30 and 7:30 p.m.
Where: Engineered Air Theatre — 234 9th Ave. SE
Tickets: $25+

Christmas at the Nation

Support Indigenous local artists and businesses at the fifth annual Christmas on the Nation holiday market. Proudly presented in partnership with the Seven Chiefs Sportsplex & Chief Jim Starlight Centre and Taza. This unique holiday market will feature over 200 Indigenous and local artists.

When: Friday, Dec. 12 to Sunday, Dec. 14, 2025
Time: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Where: Seven Chiefs Sportsplex and Chief Jim Starlight Centre — 19 Bullhead Rd., Tsuut’ina Nation
Tickets: $10

Market Collective Holiday Markets

Market Collective exists to showcase the works of artists, artisans, designers, and musicians and to strengthen the community of Calgary.

When: Friday, Dec. 12 to Sunday, Dec. 14, 2025
Time: Varies by date
Where: BMO Centre, Hall D — 20 Roundup Way SE
Tickets: $10

Alberta Ballet presents The Nutcracker

Alberta Ballet unveils an all-new Nutcracker, reinvented by Artistic Director Francesco Ventriglia. This December, rediscover the magic of this beloved ballet with fresh choreography, stunning new sets and costumes, and a renewed sense of enchantment.

When: Friday, Dec. 12 to Wednesday, Dec. 24, 2026
Time: Varies by date
Where: Southern Alberta Jubilee Auditorium — 1415 14th Ave. NW
Cost: $84+

Spark After Dark: Greatest Hits

This is the ultimate 2025 Spark After Dark, where all your favourites from the year collide into one epic party. Whether you loved February’s Guilty Pleasures, April’s Foodology, June’s Beyond the Rainbow or October’s Gore, it’s all coming back to Spark for one wild night!

When: Friday, Dec. 12, 2025
Time: 6 p.m. to midnight
Where: TELUS Spark Science Centre — 220 St. Georges Dr. NE, Calgary
Cost: $32.95

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Em Medland-Marchen

Em is a Staff Writer for Curiocity Calgary. They are passionate about live music, rose gardens, iced coffee, and walks along the Bow River.

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