Free This Week
The holiday season is in full swing — and what better way to enjoy this festive time of year than with a multitude of events? From Calgary Poetry Slam open mics, to a staged reading with Verb Theatre, a musical performance courtesy of the National Music Centre’s after-school program, a Winter Wonderland concert, and let’s not forget the CPKG Holiday Train passing through with the Barenaked Ladies, there is much to see and do this week.
Looking for holiday markets and art sales? Read our 2025 Holiday Market Roundup.
Lions Festival of Lights
Runs until January 3, 2026
Confederation Park (24 Ave. & 14 St. NW)
Free to attend
The Lions Festival of Lights Society lights up Confederation Park Golf Course along 14 St. NW north of 24 Ave. Swing by to check out the fantastic light displays this holiday season!
lionsfestivaloflights.com
Behind the Scenes Exhibition Tour
December 11, 2025, 6 – 7pm
Esker Foundation (1011 9 Ave. SE)
Free to attend, registration required
Interested in learning how Bread Bed was made or how we safely installed a work of art that shocks visitors? Join director/curator Naomi Potter and head preparator Doug Haslam for a behind-the-scenes tour to better understand what went into the complex and unique installation of the exhibition Dimensions of Intimacy.
eskerfoundation.com
The Grand Opening
December 11, 2025, 3 – 10pm
Alcove Beltline (1040 8 St. SW)
Free to explore
Check out a one-day-only collaborative art exhibition between artists Chish and Jogger — the merging of two very distinct painting styles.
alcoveartscentre.ca
When the World Slows Down — Opening Reception
December 12, 2025, 6:30pm
Level 3, cSPACE Marda Loop (1721 29 Ave. SW)
Free to explore
When the World Slows Down is a collaborative photography exhibition showcasing a selection of talented photographers. The exhibition invites visitors to pause and reflect through a series of powerful, contemplative images.
afcalgary.ca
Winter Wonderland Concert
December 12, 2025, 7pm
Christ Church (3602 8 St. SW)
Free to attend, tickets required
The Creative Aging Calgary Society invites you for a night of festive music and holiday cheer. Talented performers will delight you with classic Christmas carols and modern holiday hits. Don’t miss out on this fourth annual special event that brings the community together.
eventbrite.ca
CPKC Holiday Train
December 12, 2025, 7pm
Anderson LRT (11015 Anderson Station Way SW)
Free to attend
The CPKC Holiday Train returns in 2025 with a festive stop featuring a live performance by Barenaked Ladies, bringing holiday cheer to the community. Enjoy an evening of music, lights and giving as the iconic train rolls in to support local food banks and celebrate the season.
cpkcr.com
Frostpop (Kids Party)
December 13, 2025, 11am – 2pm
Historic Firehall No. 1 (104 6 Ave. SE)
Free to attend
Make a Christmas nutcracker puppet with puppeteer, actor and Fraggle Rock alum Ali DeRegt. This activity is designed for any age and skill level, with all materials provided.
birdcreatives.com
Stampede Christmas
December 13 & 14, 2025, 4 – 8pm (Sat) & 11am – 3pm (Sun)
BMO Centre Great Lawn and Outdoor Plaza, Stampede Park (650 25 Ave. SE)
Free to attend
Trade in your cowboy boots for snow boots and saddle up for a merry Western Christmas filled with dazzling lights, hot cocoa, live entertainment and plenty of free festive fun. Join the community or a brand-new holiday celebration where Stampede Spirit meets seasonal cheer.
calgarystampede.com
A Festival of Nine Lessons & Carols
December 14, 2025, 7:30pm
St. Mary’s Cathedral (219 18 Ave. SW)
Free to attend
Mark your calendars! Join St. John Choir Schola for a candlelit, reverent evening of scripture, choral music and hymns with A Festival of Nine Lessons & Carols.
sjcschola.ca
Mural Launch Event
December 14, 2025, 11am – 3pm
Alcove Beltline (1040 8 St. SW)
Free to attend
Celebrate Alcove Centre for the Arts’ new Beltline space and the unveiling of a new mural by Ahliyah St. Denis, bringing the community together for an inspiring moment of art, space and connection.
alcoveartscentre.ca
Jam Club Gig Day
December 14, 2025, 3pm
King Eddy (438 9 Ave. SE)
Free to attend
Celebrate young talent at the NMC Jam Club Showcase at the King Eddy, featuring participants from the National Music Centre’s after-school program. Enjoy an evening of live music as these teen musicians share the results of their hard work before the holiday break.
studiobell.ca
Phantom Time
December 14, 2025, 5pm
Contemporary Calgary (701 11 St. SW)
Free to attend
Check out a special screening showcasing hybrid analogue film works by acclaimed Peruvian Canadian artist and filmmaker Madi Piller, who will be in attendance.
contemporarycalgary.com
The Brightest Most Shiniest Star You Ever Did See
December 15, 2025, 7:30pm
Theatre 1308 (1308 Edmonton Tr. NE)
Free to attend
Join Verb Theatre for a staged reading of Conrad Belau’s new piece The Brightest Most Shiniest Star You Ever Did See — or, maybe it’s Salem Lutheran Church’s Christmas Program? Er, no that seems to be canceled? Well, maybe come and see what happens!
verbtheatre.com
Cinema Club — Cowboys and Samurais: I’ve Seen This Before
December 15, 2025, 6 – 9:30pm
Calgary Society of Independent Filmmakers (100, 1725 10 Ave. SW)
Free to attend, registration required
A part of CSIF’s Cowboys and Samurais film series investigating how the western informed the samurai film and vice versa. Watch this esteemed western from the 1960s, subtitled I’ve Seen This Before, which was directly adapted from a samurai film.
csif.org
Live Art featuring Kelly Choo & Farina
December 17, 2025, 11:30am – 1:30pm
Alcove Centre for the Arts (244 7 Ave. SW)
Free to attend
Head down to Alcove for another installment of their monthly live art series! Watch sand artist Kelly Choo work on a project while you listen to vocals from Farina during your lunchtime!
alcoveartscentre.ca
All The Way Up, Open Mic
December 17, 2025, 7pm
Loophole Coffee Bar (1040 8 Ave. SW)
Free to attend
The Calgary Poetry Slam presents All The Way Up, an open mic night featuring hosts Josie Veness and Cobra Collins. Shake off the winter blues with an evening of spoken word, community and creative expression.
facebook.com
ProArts@Noon: Mountaintop Gospel Choir
Wednesday, December 10, 2025, 12:10pm
Cathedral Church of the Redeemer (604 1 St. SE)
Free to attend
Head down to the Cathedral Church of the Redeemer for some gospel on Wednesday! Join the Mountaintop Gospel Choir as they celebrate the season with ProArts.
instagram.com
Have a free event that’s not listed? Email us at events@calgaryartsdevelopment.com or fill out this form.
