If you’ve been looking for some fun and festive ways to celebrate the holiday season in Alberta, you’re in luck. Whether it be a classic Christmas concert, a funky holiday dance party, or an intimate songwriters session with festive fare, there is something out there for everyone.
From a creative adaptation of Hawksley Workman’s beloved Christmas album to the Calgary Girls Choir showcasing a selection of traditional holiday songs, to a special holiday-themed drag dinner with Blue Jay Sessions featuring a collection of Canada’s top musicians, here are some of the best ways to celebrate the season with live music in Alberta.
Calgary
Ivy, Mistletoe and Music: A Blue Jay Sessions Holiday Dinner (December 16)
Presented by Rise Up Weekends and Ironworks Distillery, Ivy, Mistletoe and Music: A Blue Jay Sessions Holiday Dinner offers up two nights of amazing food, drag and live music that you won't want to miss. With artists like Hailey Benedict, Yolanada Sargeant of Sargeant x Comrade and Amy Hef and hosted by country singer Mariya Stokes and drag queen Ivy League, there promises to be captivating performances as well as plenty of laughs and heartfelt moments.
Calgary Girls Choir presents: Angels! Ever Bright and Fair (December 12)
Knox United Church will host Angels! Ever Bright and Fair with the Calgary Girls Choir along with other youth choir groups and the newly-formed Women’s Choir for a night of festive holiday music. Check it out!
Calgary Jazz Orchestra “A Perfectly Frank Christmas” (December 19)
The Calgary Jazz Orchestra presents A Perfectly Frank Christmas on December 19 at River Park Church. This all ages event shares holiday classics that are sure to get you in a festive vibe.
Winter Lights at The Dark Arts YYC (December 19)
The Dark Arts YYC hosts Winter Lights, a night of delicious food and holiday music by Stringendo. Grab tickets!
Starry Nights at Theatre 1308 (December 10 - 11)
Theatre 1308 will host Starry Nights on December 10 and 11. This festive night will feature a mixture of classic holiday songs, current favourites, uplifting folk and much more. Grab your tickets!
Edmonton
Almost a Full Moon at the Citadel Theatre (December 10)
Beloved Christmas album by singer-songwriter Hawksley Workman inspires Almost a Full Moon. Adapted by Charlotte Corbeil-Coleman and directed by Daryl Cloran at the Shoctor Theatre, this special staged reading concert event will see Workman’s songs come to life on December 10.
The Funk Hunters: Funk the Halls at Union Hall (December 11)
The Funk Hunters will host a festive holiday show, Funk The Halls at Union Hall on December 11. Check it out!
Ceremony of Carols at The Winspear Centre (December 12)
Cantilon Choirs is celebrating the season with a long-awaited in-person concert, Ceremony of Carols, at the Winspear Centre on December 12. Grab your tickets!
A Cozy Cafe Christmas at The Naked Cafe (December 17)
A Cozy Cafe Christmas at The Naked Cafe on December 17 will feature Sticks and Stones percussion trio, festive snacks and hot chocolate. For a warm evening of holiday vibes, check it out!
