Good morning, Calgary.
I can’t believe there are only 10 days left until Christmas. This is my favorite season—the lights, the energy, even the cold. However, part of me is already looking forward to the calm of January. The freshness. The luxury of not having 10 things to do in a single day.
For now, we keep enjoying the chaos and moving forward. We have a solid lineup this week: the story behind the "Godfather of Padel," an update on childcare, and a music schedule that covers everything from jazz to punk.
A quick note: We had a technical glitch with the last edition, so some of you might have missed it. If you were looking for the Gift Guide, you can find the full list right here.
Let’s get to it.
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Childcare deal gets a 12-month lifeline. The Province and Ottawa just signed a one-year extension on the childcare funding agreement, keeping fees capped at an average of $15/day through March 2027. It’s a short-term fix, but for parents dreading a price hike, it’s 12 months of breathing room. Read the report
The "Godfather of Padel" is a Calgarian. If you’ve noticed those mini-tennis courts popping up everywhere, you can credit Bill Stamile. He built Canada's first Padel court in a Calgary warehouse back in 1992 and spent 30 years pushing the sport while everyone else was playing squash. Now that Padel is the fastest-growing sport in the world, he’s finally seeing the payoff. Read the story
Winter is wonderful. There is no excuse to stay inside. Prairie Winds Park just tripled its holiday lights, Bowness has the ice trail ready, and North Glenmore is running Crokicurl rinks. Plus, fire pits across the city are open for booking. Go outside, it’s good for you. See the winter guide
The birds are being watched. The 2025 Christmas Bird Count is officially on. It’s North America’s longest-running citizen science project, where volunteers freeze their toes to count every bird they see. Counts in Cochrane, Fish Creek, and surrounding areas run until January 5. Get details
Double your donation. If you were planning to donate to the Calgary Public Library, do it now. A donor is matching all gifts up to $100,000 until December 31. Donate here
This is Eggnog. She’s a one-year-old Great Pyrenees mix. Eggnog had a rough start and arrived at the shelter feeling pretty shut down, but with a little patience, she is finally starting to blossom.
She is looking for an adult-only home with experienced owners—someone who can help her realize the world isn't actually scary. She’s 50 lbs of potential "gentle giant," and she is ready to be a loyal shadow for anyone willing to give her a chance to catch up.
How to adopt: Call 3-1-1 to book a meet-and-greet with Animal Services. See her profile
MONDAY, Dec 15
ZooLights (Merry Mondays) | It’s the last "Member Monday" of the year. If you have a membership, you get exclusive access to the Asia Tent and a Santa meet-and-greet (5–6 p.m.). For everyone else, tickets are 20% off. Check details
Paul Farahvar at Comedy Cave | Start the week with a laugh (and a buffet). Paul Farahvar (Chicago-based comic) kicks off his week-long residency tonight. Book a table
TUESDAY, Dec 16
A Kinda Dukish Evening | The Calgary Jazz Academy is taking over Foothills United Church (3803 69 St NW) for a night of Duke Ellington classics. Starts at 7 p.m. Get tickets
A Christmas Carol | If you haven't seen it yet, Tuesday is the night to go. 7:30 p.m. curtain. Get tickets
WEDNESDAY, Dec 17
Rozsa Arts: Anna Lewis | Catch a free, early show at the Memorial Park Library (5:30 p.m.). Details here
Calgary Hitmen vs. Swift Current Broncos | The Hitmen are at the Dome for a mid-week tilt. Puck drop is at 7 p.m. Get tickets
Andrew Grose at The Laugh Shop | The veteran comic starts his run tonight at Hotel Blackfoot. Show at 7 p.m. Get tickets
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
Celebrating by Candlelight | Take a guided tour through Lougheed House while it’s decked out in full Victorian holiday splendour. Starts at 7 p.m. Reserve a spot
The Weekend Lookahead
Friday:
The Calgary Hitmen host the Brandon Wheat Kings (1 p.m. start) and The Heebee-jeebees bring their legendary a cappella Christmas show to the Bella Concert Hall (7:30 p.m.). Hitmen Tickets | Heebee-jeebees Tickets
Saturday/Sunday:
The Nutcracker takes over the Jubilee Auditorium all weekend, and Once Upon a Christmas at Heritage Park is running daily. Nutcracker Tickets | Heritage Park Info
Perfectly Frank Christmas (Calgary Jazz Orchestra) takes over the Bella Concert Hall, and One Christmas Carol (the one-person show) continues its run at StoryBook Theatre. One Christmas Carol Info | Perfectly Frank Tickets
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MONDAY, Dec 15
Saint Francais Alumni Jazz Band | Ironwood Stage & Grill | 7:00 PM Info
VIRAGO | The Blues Can | 8:00 PM Roots and blues at Inglewood’s most reliable music joint. Info
TUESDAY, Dec 16
Bill Scherban & Aaron Young | Ironwood Stage & Grill | 7:00 PM Info
Tom Phillips & The DTs | The Blues Can | 8:00 PM Info
Calgary Songsmiths | Cafe Gravity (Inglewood) | 7:00 PM Info
David Morris Music | Angel's Cafe | 6:00 PM Info
Punk Rock Bingo | The Ship & Anchor | 7:00 PM Check the Ship
WEDNESDAY, Dec 17
The Wine Soaked Preachers | The Blues Can | 8:00 PM Info
Rick Climans Trio | Alvin's Jazz Club | 7:00 PM Get tickets
Ironwood Open Mic | Ironwood Stage & Grill | 8:00 PM Info
THURSDAY, Dec 18
A Charlie Brown Christmas | Ironwood Stage & Grill | 8:00 PM Info
Christmas with Johnny Reid | Grey Eagle Resort & Casino | 8:00 PM Tickets
Kyle Watson | Commonwealth Bar | 9:00 PM Tickets
THE WEEKEND (Fri–Sun)
Ranchman's Ugly Sweater Party | Ranchman's | Sat, 8:00 PM Info
Marie Vaunt | Commonwealth Bar | Sat, 10:00 PM Tickets
How to spot a native Calgarian vs. someone who just moved here from Vancouver.
Have a great week.
P.S. Forward this to someone who genuinely believes they can "just quickly" pop into Chinook Mall this week.