Good morning, Calgary.
We are in a limbo state today—so much so that we scheduled this email two hours later than usual. It’s that weird, quiet stretch between Christmas and New Year that feels like standing in a hallway between rooms. I hope you had a wonderful Christmas and are ready for the turn of the calendar.
As you might expect, the news is a bit thin and the calendar is quiet, but it’s the perfect time to reset. I spent the weekend planning and I highly recommend using the YearCompass. It is a free, famous planner that helps you close out one year and map out the next. I used it to close 2025 and it felt great to realize how much actually happened, even when I felt like I was falling behind. You don't even have to provide an email to download it.
Today we are covering the massive weather shift, our Dog of the Week, and a slate of events. Since we want you to rest on January 1st, we’ve covered the entire week ahead.
One quick correction: In our last email, we said we would be back on January 5th. In reality, we are taking next week off to recharge. We will be back to our regular schedule on January 12.
We have so much planned for the year and we are excited to see you. Happy upcoming 2026!
Let’s get to it.
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The chinook is doing its thing After a weekend that felt like living in a freezer, the city is seeing a massive temperature swing. We are looking at a high of 5°C today, which is nearly a 40-degree jump from the weekend lows. Check the forecast
Northland Village gets a $154M new owner Primaris REIT officially closed the sale of the Northland site on December 19. A Canadian institutional investor picked up the 32-acre property, which includes the open-air mall and the professional centre. If you shop at the Walmart or the Spinelli Italian Centre, don't worry—the tenants are staying put. The new owners are reportedly looking at the site’s potential for more residential units down the road. Read the details
ERs hit "extreme overcapacity" A memo sent to Calgary doctors late last week confirms what many in the waiting rooms already knew: local ERs are in a state of crisis. Officials are asking physicians to speed up decisions on admitting or discharging patients to clear the massive backlog. With the H3N2 flu strain peaking and wait times hitting the 8-hour mark, health officials are urging people to use community clinics or 811 for non-emergencies. Read the report
This is Joaquin. He is a two-year-old Labrador Retriever mix who weighs in at a sturdy 97 pounds. Joaquin is a big, goofy boy who loves the snow, which makes him a perfect match for a Calgary winter.
He is currently a "Patient Paw," which means he comes with a reduced adoption fee and the option for a trial sleepover to see if he fits your couch. He is known for bouncing around like a puppy and has a serious appreciation for hypoallergenic treats.
Because he is a big guy with plenty of energy, he is looking for a family that can help him with his "exuberant" manners and keep him on a specific diet for his sensitive skin. If you want a 97-pound lap dog to help you navigate the snowdrifts, Joaquin is your guy.
How to adopt: Visit the Calgary Humane Society or book an appointment online. See his profile
Monday, Dec 29
Calgary Flames vs. Boston Bruins | The Flames host the Bruins at the Scotiabank Saddledome. Puck drop is at 7:00 p.m. Check tickets
ZOOLIGHTS | Over two million lights are glowing at the Calgary Zoo. Book your time
Tuesday, Dec 30
Calgary Wranglers vs. Colorado Eagles | Afternoon hockey at the Dome. The puck drops at 6:00 p.m. Find seats
Let’s Glow on 17th | Tomkins Park is lit up with festive displays and light tunnels. It’s free and perfect for a quick winter photo op. See the lights
Wednesday, Dec 31 (New Year’s Eve)
The Big Show at Prince’s Island Park | This is the city's official celebration. Activities begin at 8:00 p.m. at Eau Claire Plaza, featuring fire pits and live performances. The Fire Dragon parade starts at 10:30 p.m., with fireworks at midnight. Plan your night
Thursday, Jan 1 (New Year's Day)
Salute to Vienna | The annual New Year’s Day tradition returns to the Jack Singer Concert Hall at 2:30 p.m. with a full orchestra and dancers. Check availability
Polar Bear Dip | If you're feeling brave, the Oldstoberfest Polar Bear Dip usually takes place north of the city, or you can join the unofficial local plungers. Information here
Friday, Jan 2
Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring In Concert | Watch the film on a giant screen while the FILMharmonique Orchestra and Choir perform the score live at the Jubilee Auditorium. Get tickets
Calgary Wranglers vs. Tucson Roadrunners | Back-to-back hockey weekend starts tonight at the Saddledome. Puck drops at 7:00 p.m. Find seats
Saturday, Jan 3
Snow Rodeo at WinSport | Catch some of the world's best snowboarders competing at Canada Olympic Park. The Halfpipe finals are the main draw. Event info
Final Weekend of ZOOLIGHTS | This is the second-to-last night to catch the display before it shuts down for the season. Book tickets
Sunday, Jan 4
Twilight In Concert | A different kind of cinema experience. Watch the romance with a live orchestral score at the Jubilee Auditorium (1:00 p.m.). Get tickets
Want your event to be featured? Hit reply and send us the details. If it's cool, we'll share it with Calgary.
Shaye Zadravec and Tim Leacock | The Blues Can | Mon, 7:30 PM Info
Tom Phillips & The DT | The Blues Can | Tue, 8:00 PM Info
The Mocking Shadows (Pre-NYE Bash) | Ironwood Stage | Tue, 8:00 PM Info
British New Year | Ship & Anchor | Wed, 5:00 PM Info
NYE with Thomas Thomas & Friends | Palomino Smokehouse | Wed, 7:00 PM Info
NYE with Mike Watson and the 6L6s | The Blues Can | Wed, 9:00 PM Info
NYE with Redline Trio | Betty Lou's Library | Wed, 9:00 PM Info
NYE 80's Dance Party (Silly Wrabbit) | Deerfoot Inn & Casino | Wed, 9:00 PM Tickets
The Mocking Shadows (NYE Bash) | Ironwood Stage | Wed, 9:00 PM Info
Tonie Vere and Mike Hell | The Blues Can | Thu, 4:00 PM Info
19th Annual Hankover | Ironwood Stage | Thu, 8:00 PM Info
The New Cinematic | Palomino Smokehouse | Fri, 8:00 PM Info
Charlie Jacobson | The Blues Can | Fri, 9:00 PM Info
Acoustic Afternoons with Dempsey Bolton | King Eddy | Sat, 11:30 AM Info
Bluegrass Sessions | Ironwood Stage | Sat, 2:00 PM Info
Jon McCaslin (Kawa Jam) | Kawa Espresso Bar | Sat, 3:00 PM Info
Rattle n' Strum | Ironwood Stage | Sun, 2:00 PM Info
Have a great week.
P.S. Forward this to that friend who is always the first to jump out of their car to help a stranger push their truck out of a snowbank. We see you, and you make this city great.