Each winter, Calgary’s arts scene is full of heartwarming Christmas stories, soaring holiday music and wintry settings. After two years of cancelled or virtual productions, several performing arts companies are back with in-person performances. Here are some of the local theatre and music productions that will get you in the holiday spirit this year.
Candy Cane Kids Holiday Show
When: November 26 to 27 and December 2 to 4, 2022
This 90-minute holiday show by Occasional Notes Productions runs for two weekends, each one at a different YMCA theatre. The family-friendly Christmas musical follows three quality control inspectors at McJingles Incorporated who are trying to elevate Christmas spirit with the help of singing, dancing and more.
Brookfield Residential YMCA at Seton, 4995 Market St. S.E. and Shane Homes YMCA at Rocky Ridge, 11300 Rocky Ridge Rd. N.W., occasionalnotes.net
Home for the Holidays by Lunchbox Theatre
When: November 29 to December 18, 2022
Don’t miss the world premiere of this holiday musical with Lunchbox Theatre. Home for the Holidays follows four strangers who find themselves stuck at the Orlando airport on Christmas Eve when their flight to Calgary is grounded.
The Studio, 161, 115 9 Ave. S.E., lunchboxtheatre.com
Holiday Concerts by the Calgary Philharmonic Orchestra
When: Various dates from December 2 to 10, 2022
With three different types of holiday concerts, the Calgary Philharmonic Orchestra is offering plenty of ways to get in the holiday spirit. You can listen to a holiday concert with music director Rune Bergmann, catch a Sounds of the Season concert at three different locations from December 6 to 7 or watch Home Alone in Concert.
Multiple locations, calgaryphil.com
Naughty… But Nice!: Nine Live by Forte Musical Theatre Guild
When: December 7 to 23, 2022
Looking for a holiday show that’s geared toward a more mature audience? The holiday musical Naughty… But Nice! (Nine Live), intended for viewers ages 15 and up, may be just the thing for you. The self-proclaimed “sweet but risqué holiday celebration” returns with a new production that promises to be cheeky, fun and anything but boring.
Studio Theatre, cSpace, 1721 29 Ave. S.W., fortemusical.ca
Little Women by Theatre Calgary
When: December 7 to 31, 2022
After 35 years of staging A Christmas Carol, Theatre Calgary is changing things up. This holiday season, the theatre company will be doing a production of the beloved classic Little Women, which is set during the Civil War era and follows the story of four sisters and their friends and family over the holidays.
Arts Commons, Max Bell Theatre, theatrecalgary.com
Tiny Tim’s Christmas Carol by Workshop Theatre
When: December 9, 10 and 13 to 17, 2022
This theatre production by Workshop Theatre Society offers a fresh take on Ebenezer Scrooge’s Christmas journey and features festive Christmas carols to boot. Catch the adaptation on one of the seven days it’s playing at Pumphouse Theatre.
2140 Pumphouse Ave. S.W., workshoptheatre.ca
Stone Soup and Festive Favourites by Calgary Opera
When: December 10 and 11, 2022
This 90-minute show features both a new family opera and musical entertainment. The Canadian premiere of Stone Soup follows the story of a character named Sally while touching on themes of sharing, collaboration and kindness. Afterwards, guests can enjoy a mix of holiday and winter-themed songs and opera classics. There will be performances at 10:30 a.m. and 4 p.m. on both days.
Mamdani Opera Centre, 1315 7 St. S.W., calgaryopera.com
The Nutcracker by Alberta Ballet
When: December 16 to 24, 2022
An Alberta Ballet tradition, The Nutcracker is a classic tale that has enraptured audiences for years. Featuring live music by the Calgary Philharmonic Orchestra, choreography by Edmund Stripe and 120 performers, this ballet about a young girl named Clara and her Christmas Eve adventures with a nutcracker, a mouse king and a sugar plum fairy promises to enchant the entire family.
Southern Alberta Jubilee Auditorium, 1415 14 Ave. N.W., albertaballet.com
Christmas with New West
When: December 17, 2022
For one night only, the New West Student Ensemble and the New West Symphony & Chorus will be filling the Jack Singer Concert Hall with all kinds of Christmas music, from classic carols to contemporary hits.
Jack Singer Concert Hall, artscommons.ca