13 Holiday Shows To Enjoy In Calgary In 2019
There’s nothing like taking in a live holiday show to get in the spirit of the season. Whether your family enjoys singing along to Christmas carols or prefers watching a holiday classic or new favourite performed live on-stage, there are tons of incredible shows to enjoy in Calgary from now until Christmas. We’ve got a list of 13 fun and festive shows in YYC that you’ll definitely want to check out this holiday season.
A Christmas Story
November 1 – December 22
Performed Wednesday to Saturday at 1:00 & 8:00 pm (depending on performance day)
Rosebud Theatre – 106 Martin Avenue, Rosebud AB
Ticket Price: With buffet: $84 (Adult), $62 (4-20 years); Theatre only: $54
rosebudtheatre.com
Rosebud Theatre presents a fun-filled evening complete with a buffet meal before the show (with buffet-inclusive ticket purchase), followed by their rendition of the hilarious Christmas classic, A Christmas Story. Will Ralphie get the Red Ryder BB Gun he’s been dreaming of? To find out, make your way to Rosebud (it’s about 120 km outside of Calgary) on your own, or purchase a ticket for the Rosebud Red Arrow Shuttle Service on November 29 or December 5. Tickets for the shuttle are $29 per passenger.
Once Upon a Christmas at Heritage Park
Saturdays & Sundays from November 23 – December 22
Showtimes are between 9:30 am and 4 pm
Ticket Price: $11 (16-64 years), $8.85 (65+ years) $5.70 (3-6 years), $7 (7-15 years)
heritagepark.ca
If you’re looking for a different kind of show experience, you won’t want to miss Once Upon a Christmas at Heritage Park. In addition to hands-on activities throughout the park, there will be a variety of performances including the Vintage Bronze Handbell Choir, stories in the Gasoline Alley Museum featuring the Grinch, Frosty, Rudolph and Mrs. Claus, and a holiday play in the Canmore Opera House, called The Secret of Santa’s Workshop running three times daily. You’ll also want to sing along with carolers, visit the petting zoo, hop on a wagon ride, visit with Santa, try out some crafts, and enjoy a cup of hot chocolate while taking in this old-fashioned Christmas experience.
Last Christmas
November 23 – December 21
Showtimes at 12 & 6 pm
Lunchbox Theatre- 160 115 9 Avenue SE
Ticket Price: $25
lunchboxtheatre.com
Join Jake as he navigates his first Christmas without his wife and instead alongside two feuding daughters and his delinquent grandson. This heartfelt comedy takes a look at the joys and challenges that can come along with the Christmas season and serves as a reminder of the importance of family.
A Christmas Carol
November 28 at 7:30
Max Bell Centre – 1001 Barlow Trail SE
Ticket price: $67 – $106
theatrecalgary.com
Travel through Christmas Past, Present and Yet to Come with Ebeneezer Scrooge in Theatre: Calgary’s presentation of A Christmas Carol. This beloved Christmas favourite stars Stephen Hair, who has played the role of Scrooge for the past 25 years!
Junior Claus
November 29 – December 22
Showtimes at 11 am, 3 pm and 6 pm (dependent on performance day)
Vertigo Studio Theatre – 115 9 Avenue SE
Ticket price: $23.10 (Child), $28.35 (Adult)
storybooktheatre.org
What happens when Santa’s only son is required to take over the family business and a scheming elf has his heart set on turning Santa’s workshop into a for-profit enterprise? Storybook Theatre’s presentation of Junior Claus takes audience members on this comedic family-friendly adventure to find out!
Charlie Brown’s Christmas With Jerry Granelli
November 30 at 4 pm
Bella Concert Hall – 18 Mount Royal Circle SW
Ticket price: $18-$36
eventbrite.ca
The annual seasonal performance of the score of A Charlie Brown Christmas is back for another year. Jerry Granelli, the drummer and only surviving member of the Vince Guaraldi Trio who wrote and performed the soundtrack of A Charlie Brown Christmas will share stories about the history of the show as Peanuts characters make screen appearances. Simon Fisk, Christ Gestrin and Jerry Granelli will perform together alongside a local children’s choir for some very special songs.
The Tenors Wonder of Christmas
December 5 at 8:00 pm
Southern Jubilee Auditorium – 1415 14 Ave NW
Ticket Price: $75.5 – $325
tenorsmusic.com
The Tenors will be bringing Christmas favourites to the Jubilee on December 5. You won’t want to miss their incredible renditions of all kinds of classics (feel free to sing along!)
Miracle on 34 Street
December 6-14 at 2 & 7:30 pm
The Pumphouse Theatre-2140 Pumphouse Avenue SW
Ticket Price: $18 (Students and Seniors), $23 (Regular)
morpheustheatre.ca
This beautiful and magical story about a department store Santa who’s kindness captures the heart of one particular little girl and creates ripples throughout the people New York City is sure to captivate family members of all ages. This Christmas favourite reminds of os the importance of love, decency and generosity of spirit.
Christmas At The Opera
December 6 – 8 with shows at 2 & 7:30 pm
Calgary Opera – 1315 7 Street SW
Ticket Price: $45
calgaryopera.com
Performed in English, this one-act family opera follows the story of a young boy who meets three kings on their way to bring presents to the baby Jesus. In addition, there will be performances of seasonal favourites to enjoy!
A Cowtown Christmas
December 8 at 2:30 pm
cSPACE King Edward – 1721 29 Avenue SW
Ticket price: $20 (Students), $30 (Adults) Free for Children 5 and Under
showpass.com
Cowtown Opera brings a new storyline filled with sing-along songs, holiday drinks, a visit from Santa and more in their annual fun-filled Christmas presentation.
Paul Brandt’s Country Christmas
December 11 -12 at 7:30 pm
Jack Singer Concert Hall – 225 8 Avenue SE
Ticket Price: $50-$100
calgaryphil.com
Did you know that Paul Brandt is the most awarded male Canadian country artist in history? Paul will be presenting a mix of Christmas classics and original songs alongside the Calgary Philharmonic Orchestra. $10 from each ticket goes towards Not in My City – an organization with a goal to bring awareness and take action to prevent sexual exploitation and trafficking. Tickets for a photo opportunity with Paul can also be purchased for $50.
A Christmas Carol
December 8 – 21
Show at 7:30 pm, Doors at 7 pm
Lougheed House – 707 13 Avenue SW
Ticket Price: $25
eventbrite.ca
An audience of just 60 people is invited to join in as Steven Méthot performs the Charles Dickens’ Christmas favourite at the beautiful and historic Lougheed House. This performance is one-of-a-kind as Steven performs the story in the voices of each of the 30 characters. Live music on harps, flute, concertina, and fiddle accompany his storytelling. This experience is recommended for audience members aged ten and up. There is also an option to enjoy a three-course gourmet dinner before the performance for an extra charge of $49.50 plus GST and gratuity.
Alberta Ballet Presents The Nutcracker
December 13-24
Showtimes at 1 pm, 6 pm & 7:00 pm (Dependant on the day of performance)
Southern Alberta Jubilee Auditorium – 1415 14 Avenue NW
Ticket Price: $74 – $150.60
albertaballet.com
This magical holiday classic is filled with beautiful costumes, amazing choreography, fun activities in the lobby, and of course, a story that family members of all ages will be mesmerized by. Watch as dancers from Calgary’s own Alberta Ballet School join in the cast and keep your eyes peeled for a familiar face!
Does your family have a favourite holiday show? Do you plan to see one on our list? Let us know in the comments!
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Photo credit: Alberta Ballet
