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📰 In this edition of From Calgary

• The 1,000 Burger Giveaway: How a Kensington staple turned Christmas Eve into a massive community feast for those in need.

• Eighty Years of Magic: Calgary firefighters celebrate a historic milestone, bringing holiday joy to over 2,000 local families.

• Active Hibernation: Our "gray-sky" forecast is in—here’s how to beat the winter blues with outdoor movement and local ice trails.

• Hockey with Heart: Why the Circle K Classic is about more than just elite goals, featuring a look at their inspiring youth mentorship.

• New Year’s Guide: From fireworks at Prince’s Island to a "Noon Year’s" for the kids, we’ve got your transition into 2026 covered.

• And more!

Top 3 Stories

🍔 Flipp’n Burgers Serves 1,000+ Burgers

This Christmas Eve marked Flipp’n Burgers’ seventh year of what has become a beloved neighborhood tradition. The team fired up the grills at 6:00 a.m. to prepare over 1,000 free burgers. They donated 400 burgers each to the Calgary Drop-In Centre and The Mustard Seed, while keeping several hundred more ready for any walk-in guests or neighbors passing by who needed a warm meal and a friendly greeting. It’s a true family-run effort inspired by Qiro’s father and uncle, aimed at making sure no one in Calgary feels forgotten during the holidays. Flipp’n Burgers is located in the heart of Kensington at 102 10 St NW.

🎁 The 80th Annual Firefighter Toy Association Party

In a heartwarming milestone, the Calgary Firefighter Toy Association celebrated its 80th anniversary this past week at the Telus Convention Centre. This massive volunteer-led effort brought "Christmas magic" to over 2,000 local families in need, providing children with toys, festive treats, and a full day of holiday entertainment. The event remains one of the city's most enduring examples of community spirit, powered by off-duty firefighters and their families who spend months preparing to ensure no child in the city goes without a gift.

🏒 The Circle K Classic Mentorship and Local Spirit

Calgary is currently hosting the Circle K Classic (formerly the Mac’s Tournament), one of the most prestigious U18 hockey tournaments in the world. Beyond the high-level competition at the Max Bell Centre, the event is being praised this week for its community mentorship program, where elite young athletes visit local outdoor rinks to engage with younger minor hockey players. This "hockey-at-the-roots" approach has turned the international tournament into a massive neighborhood celebration, reinforcing Calgary’s reputation as a city that fosters the next generation of both athletes and community leaders. Schedule & tickets.

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🏔️ TAKE A TRIP

🎄The Winter Village at Sylvan Lake

If you’re looking for a fresh destination about 90 minutes north of Calgary, set your GPS for Sylvan Lake. While the summer crowds are gone, the lakefront has been transformed into a Winter Village featuring over 300,000 twinkling lights along the pier. It is a peaceful, scenic spot for a walk with a thermos of hot cocoa, and the town’s outdoor rinks and lake skating are now in full swing. For a bit of local flavor, you can visit the many "Light Up the Lake" participating businesses downtown for a cozy meal before the easy drive back to Calgary. Details.

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🍽 Feature Restaurant: Flipp’n Burgers

Location: 102 10 St NW
Vibe: A Retro-Diner with a Heart of Gold

If you’re looking for a spot that serves up serious nostalgia alongside some of the city’s best comfort food, Flipp’n Burgers in Kensington is a must-visit. This family-run gem has built a cult following not just for its food, but for being a pillar of the community. Stepping inside feels like a trip back in time, thanks to its upbeat, retro-style diner atmosphere and a team that treats every customer like an old friend.

The menu is a love letter to the classic burger, using fresh, flame-broiled Alberta beef. If you’re feeling bold, go for their namesake "The Flipp’n Burger"—a towering masterpiece with double beef patties, melted cheddar and Swiss, beefy bacon, sautéed mushrooms, and their signature "flipp’n sauce." Whatever you choose, do not skip the hand-cut fries or an old-fashioned Creamsicle milkshake to round out the experience. It’s local, and most importantly, it’s a place where the spirit of giving is always on the menu. Website.

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REPORT

🌤️ 7-Day Weather Forecast

🌤️ Pro Tip: After the unseasonably warm sun we’ve enjoyed lately, Calgary is settling into a classic "cloudy-all-week" stretch. While the temperatures are still quite mild for late December, the lack of Vitamin D can definitely lead to a bit of a slump. To keep the winter blues at bay, this is the perfect week to lean into some outdoor movement—think of it as "active hibernation." Whether it’s a crisp walk through Fish Creek or a quick skate, getting your heart rate up with the men of F3 Calgary (FREE Men’s Workouts) is the best way to combat the gray.

PROPERTY: This bright and stylish two-storey, two-bedroom home with an open-concept main floor.

PETS: Time to meet some new friends. Thornton the dog, Bob the cat, and Axel the Guinea Pig.

🚛 Garbage Piling Up? If your bins are overflowwing from the holiday season, and you’re missing the old weekly garabge pickup schedule, check out Extra Garbage Day. It’s a private garage pick up service that comes every other week when the city doesn’t come. I’ve personally had this service at my house for a couple-few years, and it’s great! I’m not affiliated or being paid for this recommendation. I’m simply a happy customer and wanted to share. Website.

CALGARY FLAMES

The Calgary Flames emerged from the holiday break with a split result in a high-octane home-and-home Battle of Alberta. After a tough 5-1 loss in Edmonton on December 23rd, the Flames returned to the Scotiabank Saddledome on Saturday night and delivered a gritty 3-2 revenge victory to the delight of the C-of-Red. The win was a milestone night for Dustin Wolf, who stood tall with 29 saves in his 100th career NHL game. The victory keeps the Flames' impressive home record intact—improving to 8-1-1 in their last ten at the Dome—and pulls them within striking distance of a Western Conference wild-card spot.

The Flames look to carry that "Dome Sweet Dome" energy into a busy New Year’s week with a three-game homestand. They kick things off tonight, Monday, December 29th, against the Boston Bruins, followed by a New Year’s Eve showdown against the Philadelphia Flyers. They’ll then ring in 2026 by hosting the Nashville Predators on Saturday, January 3rd. With the team finding their rhythm in front of the home crowd, this week offers a massive opportunity to climb the standings before hitting the road in the new year.

Upcoming Calgary Flames Games - Call / text 403-975-5515

Dec 29 vs Boston Bruins at 7:00 PM - SOLD OUT
Dec 31 vs Philadelphia Flyers at 7:30 PM - SOLD OUT
Jan 3 vs Nashville Predators at 5:00 PM - SOLD OUT
Jan 5 vs Seattle Kraken at 7:30 PM - SOLD OUT
Let me know how many you need, and I can source them for you! 

Jan 17 vs New York Islanders at 1:00 PM - Early Game
Sec 206, Row 18 (2 or 4 tickets) – SOLD
Sec 206, Row 19 (2 or 4 tickets) – $138/pair

Jan 19 vs New Jersey Devils at 7:00 PM
Sec 206, Row 18 (2 or 4 tickets) – SOLD
Sec 206, Row 19 (2 or 4 tickets) – $98/pair

Jan 21 vs Pittsburgh Penguins at 7:30 PM - SOLD OUT
Jan 23 vs Washington Capitals at 7:00 PM - SOLD OUT
Jan 25 vs Anaheim Ducks at 6:00 PM - SOLD OUT
Jan 31 vs San Jose Sharks at 2:00 PM - SOLD OUT
Let me know how many you need, and I can source them for you! 

Feb 2 vs Toronto Maple Leafs at 8:00 PM
Sec 206, Row 18 (2 or 4 tickets) – SOLD
Sec 206, Row 19 (2 or 4 tickets) – SOLD
Sec 217, Row 18 (2 or 4 tickets) – Text 403-975-5515 for price

Feb 4 vs Edmonton Oilers at 8:00 PM
Sec 206, Row 18 (2 or 4 tickets) – SOLD
Sec 206, Row 19 (2 or 4 tickets) – $349/pair

Mar 3 vs Dallas Stars at 7:00 PM
Sec 206, Row 18 (2 or 4 tickets) – SOLD
Sec 206, Row 19 (2 or 4 tickets) – $116/pair

Mar 5 vs Ottawa Senators at 7:00 PM
Sec 206, Row 18 (2 or 4 tickets) – $114/pair
Sec 206, Row 19 (2 or 4 tickets) – $114/pair

Mar 7 vs Carolina Hurricanes at 8:00 PM
Sec 206, Row 18 (2 or 4 tickets) – SOLD
Sec 206, Row 19 (2 or 4 tickets) – $149/pair

Mar 18 vs St. Louis Blues at 7:30 PM
Sec 206, Row 18 (2 or 4 tickets) – $104/pair
Sec 206, Row 19 (2 tickets) – $98/pair
Sec 206, Row 19 (2 tickets) – SOLD

Please call / text 403-975-5515

Click here to see the rest of the Calgary Flames season… 

[BUSINESS OWNERS: Want to advertise to smart Calgary locals? Reply to [email protected] and let me know!]

HAPPENINGS

FEATURED EVENT

MONDAY, Dec 29

• Name That Tune @ Cabin (7:00 PM). Test your musical knowledge at this popular local trivia night. It’s a great way to shake off the "Monday grays" with some friendly competition.

• Calgary Flames vs. Boston Bruins @ Scotiabank Saddledome (7:00 PM). The Flames kick off a big homestand against the Bruins. Expect a high-energy "C of Red" as the team looks to build on their Battle of Alberta momentum. Text 403-975-5515 for tickets.

• ZOOLIGHTS @ Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo (5:00 PM – 9:00 PM). Monday is a special night where kids can meet Santa at the Polar Palace before he heads back to the North Pole for the season.

TUESDAY, Dec 30

• F3 FREE Men’s Workout @ 5:30 AM. 2019 Chicoutimi Drive. (Details about F3 Calgary Men’s Workouts)

• Calgary Wranglers vs. Colorado Eagles @ Scotiabank Saddledome (6:00 PM). Catch the Flames’ top prospects in AHL action. It’s a great family-friendly alternative to NHL prices while still getting that big-game atmosphere.

• Circle K Classic Quarterfinals @ Max Bell Centre (Multiple Times). The playoffs begin for this world-class U18 tournament. Check the morning brackets to see if our local Calgary Buffaloes or Northstars have punched their ticket.

WEDNESDAY, Dec 31

• Noon Year’s Eve @ TELUS Spark (9:00 AM – 4:00 PM). Perfect for the little ones who can’t make it to midnight. Science experiments, a dance party, and a massive hydrogen balloon drop at 12:00 PM sharp.

• New Year’s Eve Fireworks @ Prince’s Island Park (8:00 PM – Midnight). The city’s official celebration features food trucks, fire pits, and stilt walkers. The fireworks show at midnight is synchronized to a special soundtrack on CJSW 90.9 FM.

• Calgary Flames vs. Philadelphia Flyers @ Scotiabank Saddledome (7:30 PM). Ring in 2026 with the Flames! The game wraps up just in time to catch the midnight countdown downtown. Text 403-975-5515 for tickets.

THURSDAY, Jan 1

• F3 FREE Men’s Workout @ 5:30 AM. 2019 Chicoutimi Drive. (Details about F3 Calgary Men’s Workouts)

• Salute to Vienna New Year’s Concert @ Jack Singer Concert Hall (2:30 PM). A 30-year Calgary tradition. Experience the elegance of waltzes and operetta to start your year on a high, sophisticated note.

• Calgary Wranglers vs. Colorado Eagles @ Scotiabank Saddledome (1:00 PM). A New Year’s Day matinee. If you’re not feeling up for a big hike, this is a fun way to get out of the house and support local hockey.

• Resolution Run @ Various Locations. Many Calgarians start the year at the various 5K runs held at Running Room locations across the city—a great way to beat those gray-sky blues.

FRIDAY, Jan 2

• The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring in Concert @ Southern Alberta Jubilee Auditorium (7:30 PM). Watch the masterpiece on a giant screen while the FILMharmonique Orchestra and Choir perform the score live.

• Calgary Wranglers vs. Tucson Roadrunners @ Scotiabank Saddledome (7:00 PM). The hockey continues as the Wranglers host Tucson. A great night for a more affordable "Friday night out" in the Beltline.

SATURDAY, Jan 3

• F3 FREE Men’s Workout @ 6:30 AM. 2019 Chicoutimi Drive. (Details about F3 Calgary Men’s Workouts)

• Calgary Flames vs. Nashville Predators @ Scotiabank Saddledome (5:00 PM). An early puck drop for a Saturday night, making it easy to hit a local restaurant in Victoria Park or the Red Mile afterward. Text 403-975-5515 for tickets.

• Snow Rodeo @ WinSport Canada Olympic Park. Catch world-class snowboarders competing in the Halfpipe and Slopestyle events. It’s free to watch from the base area and offers a true "Olympic city" vibe.

SUNDAY, Jan 4

• F3 FREE Men’s Workout @ 6:30 AM. 2019 Chicoutimi Drive. (Details about F3 Calgary Men’s Workouts)

• Twilight in Concert @ Southern Alberta Jubilee Auditorium (1:00 PM). A special screening of the original Twilight movie with a live orchestra performing the iconic score.

• ZOOLIGHTS Finale @ Calgary Zoo (5:00 PM – 9:00 PM). Tonight is the very last night of the season to catch the 2 million lights before they go dark until next winter.

THANK YOU!

Thank you for reading From Calgary today. If you enjoyed this edition, found something useful, or learned something new, please share it with someone who lives in Calgary.

Chat soon,

Brent
Publisher - From Calgary

P.s. BUSINESS OWNERS: Want to advertise to smart Calgary locals? Email [email protected] (or reply to this email) and let me know!

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