Good morning, Calgary.
It is frozen cold out there. I know I previously joked about the "native Calgarian" toughness versus the Vancouver transplants, but the joke is on me. I am not feeling tough. It is simply too cold to joke about the weather. (Okay, we couldn't resist one more at the bottom).
Christmas is exactly one week away, and this edition fully embraces that. We have a calendar loaded with holiday events, essential City updates, live music, and your favourite “Dog of the Week”.
However, I’m already keeping one editorial eye on January. We know the long stretch of winter can be tough, so we are already building new columns to make the start of the year more productive and enjoyable in our beautiful city.
Thank you for reading. Let’s get to it.
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If you want to book a consultation or procedure, head over to her website. And definitely follow her on Instagram; she shares a lot of value and it is actually fun to watch.
UCalgary docs just changed the world. A massive study led by the University of Calgary has officially changed global guidelines for treating acute ischemic stroke. The AcT Trial proved that Tenecteplase (TNK)—a drug usually used for heart attacks—is just as effective for strokes but much faster and easier to administer than the old standard. The FDA and Health Canada have both approved it. In short, Calgary research is saving brains everywhere. Read the full breakdown
Check your bin schedule (seriously). The City has released the holiday cart collection changes, and you need to pay attention. If your pickup is usually Thursday (Christmas Day), it moves to Monday, Dec. 22. If it’s usually Thursday (New Year’s Day), it moves to Monday, Dec. 29. Everything else stays the same, but double-check so you aren't that neighbour with overflowing garbage. See the full schedule
Big Tech is dropping $1.2B in Alberta. Technologies New Energy (TNE) and Data District Inc. just signed a massive deal to build AI-optimized data centres across Alberta. Phase one involves four projects with a combined capacity of 240MW. Beyond the construction jobs, TNE is launching a dedicated training program to build a skilled local workforce capable of managing high-density "NVIDIA-class" AI workloads. The deal leverages Alberta’s energy grid (using modular gas and batteries) to power the massive computing needs of the AI sector. Read the announcement
You can buy this Beltline heritage building. If you have $4.3 million lying around, the historic Findlay Apartments at 1324 1st Street SW are up for grabs. Built in 1909, this 22-unit gem has a unique history: from the 1950s to the 1970s, it operated as an exclusive women-only residence, offering a safe haven for single working women in the city. Today, it’s fully restored and property tax-exempt. It’s a rare chance to own a chunk of Calgary history. See more
Be a Toy Angel this weekend.
It’s crunch time for the city’s largest toy drive. The Salvation Army is running the Toy Angels campaign to ensure every kid in Calgary wakes up to something special. They need new, unwrapped toys (or monetary donations) to meet the demand, which is higher than ever this year. How to participate: You have until December 21st to drop off donations. Look for the bins at any Calgary Police Service district office, CIR Realty locations, Marlborough Mall, or Westbrook Mall. If you hate shopping, you can donate cash online. Get the details
This is Cece. She’s a two-year-old Pit Bull mix who proves that trust is something you earn. Cece had a tough start—she’s wary of hands near her head and likely missed out on some basic puppy milestones—but beneath that shy exterior is a total goofball waiting to explode.
Once she feels safe, the fear melts away and you get "prance-y paws," deep snow zoomies, and a very willing student (especially if you have treats). She needs a calm, quiet home with no young kids (15+ only) where she can set the pace. She’s 64lbs of potential joy, just waiting for someone to tell her it’s okay to relax.
How to adopt: Visit the Calgary Humane Society or book an appointment online. See her profile
THURSDAY, Dec 18
Calgary Flames vs. Seattle Kraken | The Flames are back at home hosting Seattle. It’s a 7 p.m. puck drop at the Saddledome. Get tickets
Nuncrackers: The Nunsense Christmas Musical | Swamp Donkey Theatre in Bragg Creek is putting on this wacky TV-special-style musical. It’s a bit of a drive, but usually hilarious. Starts at 7 p.m. Get tickets
FRIDAY, Dec 19
Calgary Hitmen vs. Brandon Wheat Kings | A rare afternoon game (1 p.m. start). Perfect if you’re playing hooky from work or need to get the kids out of the house. Get tickets
Candlelight: A Charlie Brown Christmas | The Central Library hosts a live string quartet playing the classic Vince Guaraldi soundtrack by candlelight. 6:30 p.m. Get tickets
The Heebee-jeebees Christmas | The legendary local a cappella group brings their "Notwithstanding Claus" show to the Bella Concert Hall. 7:30 p.m. Get tickets
Calgary Night Live (Comedy) | Calgary Heritage Roasting Co. hosts a night of stand-up featuring Erin Wood and Bobby Warrener. Good coffee, better jokes. Doors at 8 p.m. Get tickets
SATURDAY, Dec 20
Santa at Crossroads Market | Kill two birds with one stone: grab your holiday turkey and veggies, then snap a photo with Santa. He’s roaming the market from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. See details
Calgary Flames vs. Vegas Golden Knights | Saturday night hockey at the Dome. Puck drop at 8 p.m. Get tickets
One Christmas Carol | StoryBook Theatre continues its run of this one-person show where one actor plays 35 characters. It runs all weekend. Get tickets
SUNDAY, Dec 21
Christmas Carolers at Crossroads | Get your Sunday shopping done with a soundtrack. Live carolers will be wandering the market halls from 10:45 a.m. to 12:45 p.m. creating the perfect holiday atmosphere. See details
The Grinch at Crossroads Market | If the carolers are too cheerful for you, the Grinch takes over immediately after. Catch the green guy roaming the market from 12 p.m. to 2 p.m. See details
Perfectly Frank Christmas | The Calgary Jazz Orchestra takes over the Bella Concert Hall for a Sinatra-style holiday show. 7 p.m. Get tickets
Lougheed House Christmas Tea | It’s the final day for the Christmas Afternoon Tea at the historic Lougheed House. Reserve a spot
Goodnight Moon at Telus Spark | Step inside the book. The Digital Immersion Gallery has transformed into the "Great Green Room" from the classic bedtime story. It’s interactive, nostalgic, and running daily. 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.
Charlie Brown Christmas | Ironwood Stage & Grill | Thu, 8:00 PM Info
Kyle Watson | Commonwealth Bar | Thu, 9:00 PM Info
Shatter the Halls | Commonwealth Underground | Thu, 9:00 PM Tickets
Amy Nelson | King Eddy | Thu, 7:30 PM Info
Amy Bishop | The Blues Can | Thu, 7:00 PM Info
Tom Phillips | The Blues Can | Fri, 12:00 PM Info
Deck the Stage | Ranchman's | Fri, 9:00 PM Info
Du-Rite Aces | The Blues Can | Fri, 9:00 PM Info
The Tenors | Grey Eagle Resort | Sat, 8:00 PM Tickets
Marie Vaunt | Commonwealth Bar | Sat, 10:00 PM Tickets
Ugly Sweater Party | Ranchman's | Sat, 8:00 PM Info
Sin & Snowflakes | National on 10th | Sat, 8:00 PM Tickets
Michela Sheedy | King Eddy | Sat, 11:30 AM Info
Vincellis Christmas | Ironwood Stage & Grill | Sun, 7:00 PM Info
SubZero 2025 | Commonwealth Bar | Sun, 9:00 PM Tickets
Carter Felker | King Eddy | Sun, 11:30 AM Info
Have a great rest of the week.
P.S. Forward this to the person who makes -20°C feel a little warmer just by being around.