Calgary’s best holiday events

December is fast approaching, and even the most Scrooge-like people have to acknowledge that the winter holidays are right around the corner.

For most of us, our celebrations are going to be intimate settings with our loved ones, but that doesn’t mean Calgary is lacking group holiday spirit.

To kick off the month, independent weekend festival Market Collective is hosting their holiday-themed shindig on Dec. 1 and 2. However, their gift to Calgary is that they are hosting not just one, not two, but three Market Collectives over the course of December.

There was some speculation this wouldn’t fly due to complaints from Kensington merchants, but they are committed to bring three events to Calgary. If you miss them on the first weekend, make sure you check out the festival on either the weekend of Dec. 8 and 9 or Dec. 15 and 16.

If you’re looking to watch a little yuletide joy that isn’t on your television, make sure you check out Theatre Calgary and Alberta Theatre Projects this holiday season.

Theatre Calgary brings their annual production of A Christmas Carol back on stage, which runs from Nov. 29 to Dec. 23. ATP is very pleased to be having You’re A Good Man, Charlie Brown grace their stage for their holiday show, taking place from Nov. 22 to Dec. 30.

If you haven’t recently been to the Zoo Lights, discover or re-discover the magic that once made it Calgary’s Child Magazine’s Best Christmas Event. Photo courtesy: flickr.com/clonedmilkmen

There is plenty more theatre to take in around Calgary, so you should by no means just limit yourself to what goes on within the halls of the Epcor Centre.

Perhaps the most-anticipated winter event in Calgary is the Zoo Lights, which has been voted Calgary’s best holiday tradition. While you may be familiar with it, don’t take for granted what is the largest light show in all of Western Canada.

There are over three million lights that go into making this event so successful, not to mention the ice sculptures and other art instillations that make it breathtaking.

If, however, you are not interested in holiday fun because you believe the world is ending on Dec. 21, there is even something for you!

If you don’t want to live in a world where you will depend on canned food and the comfort of a bunker, then make sure you are at the #1 Legion on “Doomsday.”

They have been planning their best lineup for their “End of the World Music Festival,” happening on the 21st. This is guaranteed to be the place in Calgary if you are planning on going out with a bang.

Of course, there will be free skating at Olympic Plaza, caroling in your community and the chance to learn about what other cultures are celebrating all month long, so don’t be a Scrooge this winter break!