Hello, Calgary. Happy Monday!
I am in a wildly appreciative mood today. Thousands of you have joined this newsletter, and honestly, I couldn’t be happier. I read every single email you send. I might take a few days to reply, but I see them all.
I made a conscious decision to keep this strictly an email thing. Social media has become a lot of noise. It is easy to lose track of reality when you are scrolling a feed. I don’t want you hunting for updates. I want this to be the one organized, curated place where you get the insight on this beautiful city twice a week.
I truly think Calgary is the best city to live in. I love everything about it, and I want to put some input into making Calgary an even more fun, happy place to be.
A few updates this week:
New Section: We are launching "Dog of the Week" (meet Snickers down below).
Gift Guide: Unfortunately, the guide got postponed to Thursday. It turns out it takes way longer to put together a good list of unusual, made-in-Calgary items.
Sponsorships: We have started getting inquiries about sponsoring the newsletter. That is great because it will help us sustain this financially in the long term. We want to shout out local businesses anyway, so you will soon see some local partners here. We promise to be very precise about the companies we work with.
Let’s get to it.
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The Scenic Acres legend with a million lights
For a decade, Bev Cuckow (aka "Santa Bevy") has been turning his home at 7 Scandia Point NW into the brightest spot on the map. It started as a way to bring the holiday magic to his wife, Tanya, who has mobility issues, but it has turned into a massive community hug. He now displays over one million lights, hands out colouring books with "Mrs. Claus," and hosts therapy dogs. It is free to visit and chaotic in the best way. For December, his front lawn is basically the neighbourhood’s living room. Read the full story
Photo by Amir Said, CBC
Farming got a high-tech upgrade
The Opportunity Calgary Investment Fund just invested $2.75 million to launch AgSphere, a new hub at Stampede Park. The goal is to connect old-school agriculture with new tech (think: drones and AI for crops). It is currently open for partners—so if you are a startup, investor, or producer, you can apply to join the network and access their "Smart Farm" resources. See how to join
The pylons are finally disappearing (Marda Loop is done)
After two years of dust and detours, Marda Loop is officially construction-free. The "Main Streets" project is complete, meaning 33rd and 34th Avenues are clear just in time for holiday shopping. It is not the only big finish this week: The Airport’s West Runway officially reopened on Dec 2 after a $200M rebuild, and the massive Cochrane Interchange (Hwy 1A/22) is finally flowing freely. See the Marda Loop updates
The Banff Train dream isn’t dead yet
A hydrogen-powered passenger rail proposal connecting the airport to Banff just hit the federal Major Projects Office. Liricon Capital submitted the paperwork on Tuesday to get the regulatory green light. They are fronting $1.5 billion of the cost, with the aim to have it running by 2030. It’s being fast-tracked, so we might actually get a train before we get flying cars. Read the proposal details
Snickers might be named after a candy bar, but he is officially classified as a "Hidden Gem." That is the City’s title for special dogs who have been waiting a little longer for a home (he has been there since September).
He is a 1-year-old Australian Kelpie mix with a brown and tan coat and a gentle, if slightly nervous, soul. Snickers is looking for a patient, adult-only home where he can learn that the world isn't so scary. He needs a confidence boost, but the reward will be a fiercely loyal companion.
Because he is a Hidden Gem, his adoption fee is just $100. How to adopt: Call 3-1-1 to book a meet-and-greet at Animal Services. See his profile
ARTS, STAGE & SCREEN
Ms. Lauryn Hill @ The Jubilee If you are reading this on Monday morning, you still have time. The legend herself is at the Jubilee tonight (Dec 8) for the Miseducation anniversary tour. It starts at 6:00 p.m., so leave work early. Check for tickets
A Christmas Carol (The Big One) Theatre Calgary’s annual production runs all week (Tue–Sun) at the Max Bell Theatre. Doug McKeag is Scrooge this year. If you haven't booked yet, weeknights are your best bet for decent seats. Get tickets
One Christmas Carol (The Indie One) For a different vibe, check out this solo show at Beddington Theatre Arts Centre (runs Dec 8–23). A single actor plays 35 different characters using only vocal changes and physical acting. It’s Dickens stripped down to the essentials. Check tickets
Traditional Christmas with the CPO The Calgary Phil is bringing the classics to the Jack Singer starting Tuesday (Dec 9). It’s the "dress up and listen to a massive choir" kind of night. Book seats
A Charlie Brown Christmas Live Good grief, it’s a classic. The stage version hits the Engineered Air Theatre starting Wednesday (Dec 10–11). It’s jazz and nostalgia centred around a tiny tree that needs love. Check tickets
Cult Classics: National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation The Confluence is showing the Griswold masterpiece this Wednesday (Dec 10). It’s a movie night plus crafts. Watching Clark lose his mind is a holiday tradition. See details
Lunchbox Theatre: Holiday Edition Catch How Patty and Joanne Won High Gold this Tuesday (Dec 9) at noon. It’s a comedy about two dance moms. Perfect for a lunch break that beats eating at your desk. See details
The Nutcracker (Opening Night) Alberta Ballet’s annual holiday masterpiece opens this Friday (Dec 12) at the Jubilee. It runs through Dec 24, but if you want to be there for the premiere, grab seats now. Get tickets
Swingin' Sundays @ Central Library If you have ever wanted to learn swing dancing, this is your chance. It’s happening this Sunday (Dec 14) at the Central Library. Lessons start at 1:00 p.m. with social dancing afterwards. No partner required, and it’s free. See details
FAMILY & KIDS
Zoo Lights (Member Monday) It runs nightly from 5:00 p.m., but Monday is the smart move to avoid the crowds. Get tickets
Once Upon a Christmas Heritage Park is open this weekend (Dec 13–14). The bakery is pumping out cheese buns and the antique midway is running. The vibe is very "Dickens novel but with better heating." Check hours
ADULTS ONLY
The Elf Bar Pop-Up Limericks on Macleod is currently an explosion of tinsel and themed cocktails. It’s open all week. Go for the "Naughty List" drinks, stay for the aggressive amount of holiday decor. Check the venue
Spark After Dark: Greatest Hits (18+) Telus Spark is throwing a "Greatest Hits" party this Friday (Dec 12). It’s an adults-only night recapping the best science (and parties) of 2025. Expect DJs, drinks, and zero kids hogging the exhibits. Grab tickets
MARKETS & SHOPPING
Market Collective Holiday Series The big one returns to the BMO Centre (Hall D) this weekend (Dec 12–14). It’s the best place to find gifts that aren’t from Amazon—think ceramics, local art, and handmade goods. Plan your visit
SPORTS
Flames vs. Sabres Monday night hockey at the Dome (Dec 8, 7:00 p.m.). Game info
Wranglers vs. Coachella Valley Tuesday night (Dec 9, 7:00 p.m.). Same arena, cheaper beer. Game info
Flames vs. Red Wings They are back on the ice Wednesday (Dec 10) at 6:30 p.m. Note the early start time. Game info
Want your event to be featured? Hit reply and send us the details. If it's cool, we'll share it with Calgary.
MONDAY (Dec 8)
Virago | The Blues Can | 8:00 PM | Info
TUESDAY (Dec 9)
Tom Phillips & The DTs | The Blues Can | 8:00 PM | Info
Punk Rock Bingo | Ship & Anchor | 7:00 PM | Info
WEDNESDAY (Dec 10)
Rob & Eric’s Holiday Punk Rock Sing-A-Long | Ship & Anchor | 8:00 PM | Info
Open Mic Night | Ironwood Stage | 7:00 PM | Info
THE WEEKEND LOOKAHEAD (Thu–Sun)
Steve Pineo’s Christmas Extravaganza | Ironwood Stage | Thu, 8:00 PM | Info
In Parallel | Commonwealth Bar | Thu, 9:00 PM | Tickets
World Famous Fridays (Rap) | Commonwealth Bar | Fri, 10:00 PM | Info
James Buddy Rogers | The Blues Can | Fri, 9:00 PM | Info
Sun Kil Moon | Commonwealth Bar | Sat, 7:00 PM | Tickets
Songsmith Sundays with Carter Felker | King Eddy | Sun, 11:30 AM | Info
Getting dressed for a 5-minute walk to the convenience store.
Have a great week.
P.S. Forward this to someone who has three half-finished coffees on their desk by 10 a.m.