Christmas Events, Parades & Holiday Theatre in Calgary 2019

Credit: Mahogany Parade of Lights

Things to do this Christmas in Calgary 2019
Events, Festivals & Holiday Theatre

A list of Santa Claus Parades, Ballets, Theatre & other christmas related events happening in & around Calgary. Christmas/Holiday lights and Concerts are not included in this article.

For Christmas Lights, see Christmas Light Displays in Calgary

For Christmas Carols and Concerts, see Christmas Carols in Calgary

I. Santa Claus Parades in Calgary Area

Santa Claus Parade of Lights

Festive Fun with Santa is a bustling event whose name says it all. Christmas craft making, face painting, balloon twisting, carnival games and photos with Santa himself provide hours of entertainment and memories that last a lifetime. Finally, enjoy the sweet songs of roaming carolers and watch the magic and glow of the Santa Claus Parade of Lights. Details.

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Auburn Bay Parade of Lights

The Auburn Bay Community Association presents the Fifth-annual Parade of Lights. Twenty floats will be participating and local businesses/organizations will be serving delicious complimentary hot chocolate to spectators along the parade route! Details.

Mahogany Parade Of Lights

Come on out December 9th to celebrate the holiday season alongside your neighbours with Mahogany’s community parade. The Parade will be approximately 1.3 km long (30-40 mins). Santa Claus and Mrs. Claus will lead the Parade, which will also include local groups and businesses as well as some other special surprise guests. Details.

Airdrie Santa Claus Parade

Take family and friends to the Santa Claus Parade where Santa and numerous floats roll down on Main Street and light up the downtown. This is a festive, fun way to set the mood for your holiday. Details.

High River Santa Claus Parade

Annual Santa Claus Parade. Enjoy ‘Light Up George Lane Park’ along with Elsa and Anna from Frozen and meet Santa Claus after the parade at the Museum of the Highwood! Details.

Cochrane Santa Claus Parade

Cochrane’s annual Santa Claus Parade.

II. Christmas Plays, Holiday Theatre and Events

Old Time Rock & Roll

Just take those old records off the shelf. That’s what Kevin Stevens is doing. You see, Mr. and Mrs. Stevens are finally selling the family home. When their son Kevin comes to help them clean out the clutter in the basement, he stumbles upon their stash of old records that have been collecting dust for decades. Let the nostalgia trip begin! Details.

A Christmas Story

Christmas is coming and little Ralphie really wants a BB gun. His “Old Man” wins a tacky leg lamp that his Mom is none too happy about. The furnace explodes. And the neighbourhood dogs steal the turkey right out of the oven. It’s a crazy family Christmas where everything that could possibly go wrong, does. Details.

Disney On Ice

Celebrate what’s possible as the adventures of five daring Disney heroines spark the courage inside us all at Disney On Ice presents Dare To Dream! Hosted by Mickey and Minnie, discover why no dream is too big when we find the strength to shape our own destiny at Disney On Ice presents Dare To Dream! Details.

Moscow Ballet’s Great Russian Nutcracker

Celebrate the beloved Christmas tradition with the whole family as forty world-class Russian artists bring this charming classic to life. The New York Times raves “Knock Out!” Experience Tchaikovsky’s master score this Christmas with the magic of larger than-life-puppets, growing Christmas tree and life-sized Matrushka Dolls! Details.

Derek Selinger’s “The Gift”

“The Gift” is the essence of the art of magic and illusion played out on stage in a 90-minute theatrical performance through the talents of award-winning illusionist and master magician Derek Selinger! Experiencing the art of altered perception through the lens of Derek’s unique talent will not only leave you mystified and entertained, but also inspired and uplifted by the magic of life itself. Details.

Lougheed House Christmas

Enjoy 14,000 square feet of 20 rooms and nooks, 11 fireplaces, 30 stained glass windows, turrets, bannisters, stair cases, hardwood floors and decorative high ceilings, vintage pianos and an organ, all aglow with Christmas trees, lights, wreaths, nutcrackers and decorations. Plus, fun activities for kids, included with admission, and free parking! Details.

The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe

The thrilling, well-known tale takes four children from a dusty English mansion to a mythical, far-away world gripped in an epic battle between the forces of good and evil. Helped along by the fawn, Mr. Tumnus, the friendly Beaver family and a forest of talking animals, Peter, Susan, Edmund and Lucy take centre stage in the struggle to free Narnia from the forces of the White Witch as they await the triumphant return of Aslan the Lion. Details.

A Christmas Carol

Theatre Calgary’s annual production of Dickens’ classic tale has become a favourite holiday tradition. Let Tiny Tim, and the Spirits of Christmas Past, Present, and Future melt your heart with kindness and rejoice in the music of the season. Details.

Roald Dahl’s MATILDA the Musical

Inspired by the twisted genius of Roald Dahl, the Tony Award-winning Roald Dahl’s Matilda The Musical is the captivating masterpiece from the Royal Shakespeare Company that revels in the anarchy of childhood, the power of imagination and the inspiring story of a girl who dreams of a better life. With book by Dennis Kelly and original songs by Tim Minchin, Matilda has won 47 international awards and continues to thrill sold-out audiences of all ages around the world.. Details.

The Polar Express™ Train Ride

Set to the sounds of the motion picture soundtrack, passengers will relive the magic of the story as they are whisked away on THE POLAR EXPRESS™. Once onboard, hot chocolate and treats are served as passengers read along with the classic children’s book, The Polar Express, by Chris Van Allsburg. Santa and his helpers greet passengers at the North Pole and then board the train, where each child is given the first gift of Christmas – a silver sleigh bell. Chefs aboard each car lead passengers in singing Christmas carols on the ride back to Aspen Crossing. Details.

I Want a Hippopotamus For Christmas

Join Stage West for the children’s version of dinner theatre.

Sarah loves Christmas it’s her favourite holiday of the year when her parents decide to take a vacation for Christmas instead of staying at home, Sarah asks for most outrageous thing she can think of: a hippopotamus. Filled with holiday music, this family-friendly show will have you dancing laughing and remembering that magic of Christmas found anywhere open your heart. Details.

Once Upon a Christmas

Once Upon A Christmas is the perfect way to get into the true spirit of the holidays! Enjoy a scenic horse-drawn wagon ride around the Park, take in live historical theatre, sing carols in the church and don’t forget to visit jolly old Saint Nick and his reindeer! Details.

Last Christmas

Last Christmas, Jake’s wife Marge was still alive and every ritual was observed. This year, between two feuding daughters and a delinquent grandson, Jake’s holidays will be anything but traditional. This heartwarming comedy offers a contemporary look at the joys and challenges of the season, and reminds us that family just might be the greatest gift of all. Details.

Christmas / Holiday Themed Murder Mysteries

Murder Under the Mistletoe
Busy time of year for florist Holly – especially when an escaped elf takes refuge in her shop. It’s a cut-throat business.

Cut-Throat Christmas
North Pole HQ says: Give the season a fresh look! As workers scramble for ideas, suspicions grow. Is Santa behind this, or his trophy bride? The ex- Mrs. Claus is called in to help, but feels no Xmas cheer. Details.

Junior Claus

Junior Claus is the only son of Santa and Mrs. Claus. Like many teenagers, Junior is reluctant to take over the family business. Unsure of himself, Junior puts more faith in his technological inventions than in good old-fashioned Christmas magic, much to the chagrin of his father. But, when a sudden drop in Christmas spirit renders Santa incapable of making the great ride, Junior must take the reins. Details.

The Fellowship of the Swing: A Fairytale Panto!

With Rumplestiltskin attempting to rid the kingdom of fun, four brave young adventurers set out on a quest to find the great playground with the One Swing to Fit Them All! Armed with their magical artifacts, Hansel, Gretel, Pinocchio and Red Riding Hood band together to seek out love, friendships and fun while trying to avoid the obstacles Rumplestiltskin has laid before them. Details.

Santa Shuffle 5km Fun Run and 1km Elf Walk

This merry event helps The Salvation Army to assist families and individuals in need during the Christmas season and throughout the year. Details.

Christmas at the Hive

Christmas in Kensington

Join Kensington in celebrating this magical time of year for a variety of free, family-fun activities in the neighbourhood. There will be horse and wagon rides, Santa roaming the streets for an opportunity to take #SelfiesWithSanta, petting zoo, hot chocolate and more! Details.

Christmas at the Opera

Celebrate Christmas at the Opera with a heartwarming one-act family opera about a young boy who meets three kings on their way to bring presents to the baby Jesus and learns that the act of giving is sometimes its own gift. Details.

Naughty….But Nice!

Five Fabulous Years of saucy holiday tunes calls for a Roman numeral, so Forte is proud to present Naughty… but Nice: The Big V! Come join us for everyone’s favourite sweet but risqué holiday celebration. A hit parade of favourites from the past and a smattering of new tunes will remind you why, every year, Naughty… but Nice is on your must-see list. Details.

Canadian Pacific Holiday Train

The Canadian Pacific (CP) Holiday Train program is returning to the rails for the 20th year to raise money, food, and awareness for food banks and hunger issues across Canada and the United States. Details.

Suessical

Seussical is a fantastical, magical, musical extravaganza with our favorite Dr. Seuss characters, including Horton the Elephant, The Cat in the Hat, Gertrude McFuzz, lazy Mayzie and a little boy with a big imagination – Jojo. The colorful characters transport us from the Jungle of Nool to the Circus McGurkus to the invisible world of the Whos. Details.

Chrismoose Carol

Our irreverent version of Charles Dickens’ seasonal classic comes wrapped a little differently each year, and this year is no exception. In previous years we have presented Chrismoose Carol as a western, as a play within a play, and as a three person show where each evening the audience chose who would play Scrooge. As is traditional we are keeping this years style of presentation a secret, but we can say it will be just as humorous and heartwarming as previous versions.. Details.

The Nutcracker (in a Nutshell)

Nutcracker (in a Nutshell) takes children through the classic ballet The Nutcracker in just 30 minutes. Set to Tchaikovsky’s music, The Nutcracker Prince, Rat King, Snow Queen, Sugar Plum and all her friends make an appearance. Make Christmas crafts before the show. Waltz of the flowers interactive character dance and creativity workshop follow the performance. Nutcracker in a Nutshell is part of Soulocentric’s Bach Tots program which choreographs performances specifically for children ages 0-6 and introduces them to classical and contemporary dance, visual storytelling, music and the performing arts through short live performances. Details.

Miracle on 34th Street

When Kris Kringle, a nice old man from a retirement home gets a job working as a Christmas Santa at Macy’s, his honest and generous spirit unleashes waves of good will throughout New York City, and a hint of magic in the heart of a very practical little girl. Seen as deluded and dangerous by Macy’s vocational counselor, who plots to have Kris shanghaied to Bellevue Psychiatric Hospital, Kris ends up in a court competency hearing where his freedom and the joys of childhood fantasy are at stake. This holiday tale is one we want to believe in, where love, decency, and generosity of spirit are their own rewards. Share this perennial holiday favorite with the entire family this season! Details.

Cirque du Flip Holiday Performance

This unique performance incorporates circus aerials, trampoline, acrobatics, prop manipulation, and gymnastics. Details.

Christmas at the Track

Come out and enjoy some Christmas cheer while watching the world’s best including the infamous Canada Olympic hopefuls race. Activities include Viewing access to the Viessmann Luge World Cup races, Airbrush tattoos, Face painting, Horse drawn rides inside the track (Husky Gardens to Kreisel)
Petting zoo, Bouncy castles and more! Details.

The Nutcracker – Alberta Ballet

Feel the energy of the live orchestra as dancers take the stage, the house lights glow and a magical fairy tale begins. With this unforgettable ballet, Edmund Stripe reveals an elegant and seamless marriage between dancer and orchestration. Young and old will delight in the beauty and power of The Nutcracker, set to Tchaikovsky’s immortal score and performed live by the enormously talented Calgary Philharmonic Orchestra… Details.

Calgary Nativity Pageant

A traditional Christmas Nativity pageant with live actors, live animals, outdoor lighting and sound. It is accompanied by a musical background by the Mormon Tabernacle Choir. Details.

Christmas Skate

Come on down to the Christmas Skate at the Olympic Oval and enjoy a fun-filled afternoon. Enjoy Christmas Music throughout the day while you, your family and your friends enjoy a skate together! Details.

Santa Shreds for Free

Join us for the annual Santa Shreds for Free! On Christmas Day (December 25th) anyone dressed up as the Jolly St. Nick (or Mrs. Claus, or a Reindeer or an Elf) will receive a free full day pass! Details

Christmas Eve/Day Brunch/Lunch/Dinner

• Places to Dine Out or Order in for Christmas in Calgary

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