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🐅 Inside Calgary’s coolest dining room, Battle of Alberta, and a "Perfect" White Christmas

Here's what's going on this week in Calgary, Alberta.

Author

From Calgary
December 22, 2025

In partnership with

📰 In this edition of From Calgary

  • White Christmas (Pretty Much) Confirmed: The forecast is in, and we’re on track for a "perfect" snowy holiday (defined below).

  • Architecture Gold: Our skyline’s newest crown jewel just swept three major global awards.

  • Mountain Magic: Why Canmore’s "hidden forest" is the best low-stress holiday escape.

  • A Night in Bengal: Step inside the award-winning 1960s social club vibe of Calcutta Cricket Club.

  • Battle of Alberta: Everything you need to know about the Flames’ holiday showdown against the Oilers.

  • And more!

Top 3 Stories

🏆 BMO Centre Garners Global Architectural Acclaim

Calgary’s skyline has a new award-winning crown jewel following the $500-million expansion of the BMO Centre. The facility recently secured three major honors, including the American and International Architecture Awards, for its stunning "western-modern" design. Jurors were particularly impressed by how the building integrates local culture—featuring elements like a copper canopy and a massive water-vapor fireplace—while doubling its capacity to become the largest convention hub in Western Canada. This global recognition cements Calgary's status as a premier destination for international events and world-class design.

🎁 A Legacy of Giving: Annual Firefighters Toy Party

The spirit of the holidays was in full force this week as the Calgary Firefighters Toy Association hosted its 58th annual children’s Christmas party. Continuing a tradition that began in the 1940s, local firefighters provided a magical day for roughly 2,000 children and 1,600 families, distributing over 4,000 gifts. The event has evolved to be highly inclusive, offering sensory-friendly environments for children with accessibility needs, proving once again that Calgary’s community spirit remains one of its greatest strengths.

Looking ahead to the new year, the Calgary Renovation Show is preparing to take over the BMO Centre from January 9–11 with a focus on "maximalist" style. This year’s event promises a departure from neutral palettes, encouraging homeowners to embrace big personalities, vibrant colors, and unique DIY projects. Featuring a lineup of expert speakers like TV contractor Kenny Brain and color theorist Leigh-Ann Allaire Perrault, the show serves as a creative launchpad for anyone looking to inject fresh energy and character into their living spaces for 2026.

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🏔️ TAKE A TRIP

🎄 The Festival of Trees in Canmore

If you want to experience the mountains without the Banff crowds, set your GPS for Canmore. The Rotary Festival of Trees has transformed the Malcolm Hotel into a breathtaking indoor forest of uniquely decorated trees and wreaths, and it’s free to stroll through every day this week. While you’re there, grab a "Festive High Tea" at the Stirling Grill or head up to the Canmore Nordic Centre for some world-class cross-country skiing. It’s a perfect, low-stress escape to soak in the "Main Street" holiday glow and mountain air just an hour west of the city.

Unique accommodations in Canmore:

🍽 Feature Restaurant: Calcutta Cricket Club

Location: 1213 1st Street SW
Vibe: Where Wes Anderson Meets West Bengal

If you’re looking for a dining experience that feels like a vacation from the Calgary winter, Calcutta Cricket Club is the place to be. Recently relocated to a stunning new space on 1st Street SW, this local powerhouse continues to rack up accolades, including a top spot on Avenue Magazine’s Best Restaurants list for 2025.

The menu is a vibrant, modern love letter to Bengali cuisine. While it’s hard to go wrong, the Chili Chicken (a salty-sweet Hakka-style classic) and the Kati Rolls remain absolute non-negotiables for any first-timer. For something more adventurous, don’t sleep on Zarrein’s Prawns, a rich family recipe featuring a delicate malai curry and fresh coriander. Pair your meal with a "crushable" mango lassi or a Black Cardamom Old Fashioned, and you’ll quickly see why this isn't just a meal—it’s an adda (the Bengali tradition of free-flowing, soulful conversation).

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REPORT

🌤️ 7-Day Weather Forecast

MON

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FRI

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-22° / -17°

-19° / -4°

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-19° / -11°

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-24° / -14°

-14° / 0°

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🌤️ Pro Tip: All signs are pointing toward s a White Christmas in Calgary this year. In fact, we might even get a "Perfect Christmas" which officially means having at least 2 cm of snow on the ground and fresh flakes falling on the big day. With a cold snap lingering through mid-week, the snow from the Wednesday/Thursday system is likely to stick around. Make sure to dig out the heavy parkas and hand warmers for those Christmas Eve walks, as wind chills will be biting before a massive warm-up arrives just in time for Sunday!

PETS: Time to meet some new friends. Max the dog, Charlotte the cat, and Fin Diesel the fish.

🚛 Holiday Scheduling: Keeping Your Bin Pickups on Track: With the holiday season in full swing, the City of Calgary is reminding residents of a few key changes to waste and recycling schedules to ensure the streets stay tidy. Because there is no collection on Christmas Day or New Year's Day, households that usually have a Thursday pickup will see their service moved up to the preceding Monday. Regular Thursday service will resume in early January.

CALGARY FLAMES

The Calgary Flames are heading into the Christmas break with a massive surge of momentum following a dominant 6-3 victory over the Vegas Golden Knights on Saturday. Captain Mikael Backlund led the charge with a two-goal performance, while Ryan Lomberg electrified the Scotiabank Saddledome crowd by scoring a goal and winning a fight in a single five-second span. Defenseman MacKenzie Weegar also hit a major career milestone during the win, recording three assists to reach 200 career helpers. With the team finding their stride at home, all eyes now turn to a high-stakes, home-and-home Battle of Alberta against the Edmonton Oilers to close out the December schedule.

View From Your Seats!

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

Dec 27 vs Edmonton Oilers at 7:00 PM - Battle of Alberta
Sec 206, Row 18 (2 or 4 tickets) – SOLD
Sec 206, Row 19 (2 or 4 tickets) – SOLD
Sec 219, Row 20 (2 or 4 tickets) – Text 403-975-5515 for price

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

Jan 3 vs Nashville Predators at 5:00 PM - Early Game
Sec 206, Row 18 (2 or 4 tickets) – SOLD
Sec 206, Row 19 (2 or 4 tickets) – $169/pair

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 tickets) – $98/pair
Sec 206, Row 18 (2 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) – $116/pair
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

Mar 20 vs Florida Panthers at 7:00 PM - Matthew Tkachuk + Stanley Cup Champs
Sec 206, Row 18 (2 or 4 tickets) – SOLD
Sec 206, Row 19 (2 or 4 tickets) – $178/pair

Mar 22 vs Tampa Bay Lightning at 6:00 PM
Sec 206, Row 18 (2 or 4 tickets) – $148/pair
Sec 206, Row 19 (2 or 4 tickets) – $148/pair

Mar 24 vs Los Angeles Kings at 7:00 PM
Sec 206, Row 18 (2 tickets) – $108/pair
Sec 206, Row 18 (2 tickets) – SOLD
Sec 206, Row 19 (2 or 4 tickets) – $108/pair

Mar 26 vs Anaheim Ducks at 7:00 PM
Sec 206, Row 18 (2 or 4 tickets) – $119/pair
Sec 206, Row 19 (2 or 4 tickets) – $119/pair

Mar 28 vs Vancouver Canucks at 8:00 PM
Sec 206, Row 18 (2 or 4 tickets) – SOLD
Sec 206, Row 19 (2 or 4 tickets) – SOLD
Sec 216, Row 19 (2 tickets) – Text 403-975-5515 for price

Apr 12 vs Utah Mammoth at 7:00 PM
Sec 206, Row 18 (2 or 4 tickets) – $128/pair
Sec 206, Row 19 (2 or 4 tickets) – $128/pair

Apr 14 vs Colorado Avalanche at 7:00 PM
Sec 206, Row 18 (2 tickets) – $138/pair
Sec 206, Row 18 (2 tickets) – SOLD
Sec 206, Row 19 (2 or 4 tickets) – $138/pair

Apr 16 vs Los Angeles Kings at 7:00 PM
Sec 206, Row 18 (2 tickets) – $134/pair
Sec 206, Row 19 (2 or 4 tickets) – $134/pair

Please call / text 403-975-5515

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

HAPPENINGS

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Unlock your potential at a FREE Men’s Workout on Tuesday from 5:30-6:15 AM at 2019 Chicoutimi Drive NW (just off 19th Street in West Confederation Park - MAP).

MONDAY, Dec 22

  • ZOOLIGHTS @ Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo (5:00 PM – 9:00 PM). Explore the "bigger and brighter" displays and catch a ride on the Wildlife Carousel.

  • A Christmas Carol @ Max Bell Theatre (7:00 PM). Theatre Calgary’s seasonal staple continues its run—perfect for a pre-holiday family outing.

TUESDAY, Dec 23

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

  • East Coast Celtic Rock @ Trolley 5 (7:00 PM). Catch Fraid Knot live for a high-energy holiday show. Tickets are $12.

  • The Nutcracker @ Southern Alberta Jubilee Auditorium (1:00 PM & 6:00 PM). Alberta Ballet’s stunning production hits its peak with two performances today.

  • Battle of Alberta: Flames @ Oilers (7:00 PM). The Flames travel north to Edmonton for the first half of this week’s massive rivalry double-header.

WEDNESDAY, Dec 24

  • The Enchanted Festival @ Spruce Meadows (5:00 PM – 9:00 PM). The final night for the Christmas Lights Maze and indoor movies at the Equi-Plex.

  • Lions Festival of Lights @ Confederation Park (5:30 PM – Midnight). Enjoy this massive, volunteer-run display—free to walk or drive through on Christmas Eve.

  • Christmas Eve Service/ZOOLIGHTS (5:00 PM – 9:00 PM). The Zoo stays open for a final night of magic before their one-day closure tomorrow.

THURSDAY, Dec 25

  • Grand Holiday Buffet @ Thomsons Kitchen & Bar. A decadent feast in the heart of downtown for those looking to skip the cooking.

  • Winter Walk @ North Glenmore Park. While most businesses are closed, the skating trails and paths remain open for a fresh-air Christmas morning.

  • Merry Christmas, Calgary! Enjoy the quiet day with friends and family.

FRIDAY, Dec 26

  • Boxing Day Jazz @ Gulbar (6:00 PM – 9:00 PM). Escape the shopping malls for live jazz by the JT Band. Free entry and first-come, first-served.

  • Let's Glow on 17th @ Tomkins Park. Take a post-dinner stroll through 17th Avenue’s dazzling holiday light installation.

  • Boxing Day Sale: Learn how to SELL on Amazon rather than only BUY stuff. My personal friend Tim has sold over $100 million USD of products on Amazon and will teach you everything he’s learned in his course, Private Label Masters. $5,800.00 ONLY $250/m on this page.

SATURDAY, Dec 27

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

  • Battle of Alberta: Oilers @ Flames (8:00 PM). The rivalry returns to the Scotiabank Saddledome. Get ready for the loudest "C of Red" of the year. Text 403-975-5515 for tickets.

  • A Christmas Carol @ Max Bell Theatre (2:00 PM & 7:00 PM). The redemption of Ebenezer Scrooge continues with two Saturday shows.

  • Cross-Country Skiing @ Canmore Nordic Centre. Burn off those holiday chocolates with a day trip to the world-class trails just west of the city.

SUNDAY, Dec 28

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

  • Calgary Roughnecks Home Opener @ Scotiabank Saddledome (6:00 PM). The "Rough House" returns! Catch fast-paced NLL lacrosse action as the season kicks off.

  • Heritage Holiday Train (10:00 AM – 5:00 PM). A final chance to ride the restored vintage railcars through the snow-covered park.

  • ZOOLIGHTS Happy Hour (5:00 PM – 6:30 PM). Head to the Zoo for discounted festive drinks and smaller crowds as the holiday week winds down.

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

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