In December, Calgary transforms into a city of lights, music, and warm gatherings. This year, there are many events related to Ukrainian culture and winter holidays: from movies and theater to fairs, family events, and lively parties. This article has everything you need to plan your December.
December 12: Movies and a festive train
Screening of the film “You Are the Universe”
On December 12, Globe Cinema will host a screening of the contemporary Ukrainian science fiction film “You Are the Universe” (U Are The Universe). The film was made during the full-scale war, but the action takes place in the near future: Ukrainian space trucker Andriy is transporting nuclear waste to Jupiter's moon when suddenly the Earth explodes, and he seems to be the last person left in the universe.
Despite his loneliness, the hero receives a signal from Catherine, a French woman at a remote station, and his mission turns into a journey for hope, closeness, and humanity. This is a film about long-distance love, inner strength, and how important it is to know that somewhere out there, someone hears you. The screening is scheduled for the evening of December 12, from 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
CPKC Holiday Train Stop
On the same day, December 12, another event will add to the Christmas spirit — the CPKC Holiday Train will arrive in Calgary. Illuminated by hundreds of lights, the train will stop at Anderson C-Train station, and the legendary Canadian band Barenaked Ladies will perform on a retractable stage. Guests can enjoy a 30-minute live concert featuring hits and Christmas songs, hot drinks, and an open-air singing atmosphere from 7:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
Admission is free, but visitors are asked to bring non-perishable food items or make donations to support local food banks. This is a family-friendly event that combines celebration and charity.
December 13: Fair, Coca-Cola truck, and Christmas spirit
Ukrainian Christmas Market at St. Vladimir's Cultural Center
On Saturday, December 13, from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., the Ukrainian Cultural Centre of St. Vladimir (404 Meredith Rd NE, Suite 1) will host the Ukrainian Christmas Market in collaboration with the Ukrainian Association of Calgary. It is a space that combines tradition, crafts, cuisine, and charity.
At the fair, you can:
- taste varenyky, holubtsi, borscht, and desserts, as well as purchase frozen homemade meals;
- listen to Ukrainian carols and live music;
- visit photo zones, master classes, and simply spend time in a friendly atmosphere.
Admission: $3 for adults, free for children under 18. All proceeds will go to the Calgary Ukrainian Association's humanitarian program, which funds the purchase and delivery of medical supplies and medicines to Ukraine.
Festive truck tour Coca-Cola
On the same day, the well-known Coca-Cola Holiday Truck will be traveling around the city. The festively decorated truck will make stops at various locations, including the Calgary Zoo, SAIT, the University of Calgary, Magic of Christmas, Heritage Park, and other popular places.
At each stop:
- Fully lit truck;
- Free Coca-Cola;
- Opportunity to take a photo with Santa.
This is a casual, family-friendly event with no tickets required — just check the schedule and arrive a little early, as the truck will only be at each location for a few hours.
December 20: a big Ukrainian holiday, movies, and a night of trance music
Screening of the film “The Christmas Train”
At Christmas, you always wait for miracles — and that's exactly the atmosphere created by the film “The Christmas Train.” It is a warm Ukrainian holiday story about people who accidentally find themselves in the same car of a Christmas train rushing through snow-covered Canada. Each of the passengers has their own story, pain, dreams, or unspoken desires, but one night on the road changes their lives, restoring their faith in goodness, people, and small miracles.
The film resonates particularly with Ukrainians in Canada: it is about the feeling of home, community, and support, even when celebrating far from home. During the screening, funds will also be collected for gifts for an orphanage in Ukraine, so each ticket is also a real help to children.
Location: Globus Cinema
Date: December 20
Time: 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. (MST)
Winter Wanderings – A Joyful Journey Through the Holidays by the Oberig Theater
On December 20, the Obereg Theater invites you to a warm, family-friendly holiday celebration, “Winter Wanderings – A Joyful Journey Through the Holidays,” at the St. Vladimir's Cathedral Cultural Center (404 Meredith Rd NE, Suite 1). Doors open at 4:00 p.m., the program begins at 5:00 p.m., and the event lasts until 8:00 p.m. Admission is free.
The program combines theater, music, humor, and folk traditions. Guests will be able to:
- meet Pronya Prokopivna and Sverid Golokhvastov in funny skits;
- visit the residence of St. Nicholas;
- watch stories about two godparents preparing for Christmas;
- sing carols with the band “GUP”;
- see a modern interpretation of the fairy tale “The Turnip”;
- take part in contests, quizzes, and a New Year's auction.
Before the start of the holiday, there will be souvenirs and treats (cash payment) and an opportunity to support the theater with donations. This is a great option for a family outing and immersion in Ukrainian winter traditions — from St. Andrew's Day to Christmas and New Year's.
Markus Schulz in Calgary
And on the evening of December 20, the city will shift into club mode: Markus Schulz, one of the most influential producers of trance and progressive house, will perform at The Back Alley / The Arrowhead (4630 Macleod Trail S). The event is scheduled for 10 p.m., with massive club production and dancing until morning.
Admission is free until 10:30 p.m. with a downloaded Showpass ticket (the number of free RSVPs is limited), so this is a chance for electronic music lovers to see a world-class DJ in their hometown.
Late December and early January: concert and Ukrainian “The Nutcracker”
Gerdan & Shockolad – Christmas Ukrainian folk jazz concert
At the end of December, another special musical event awaits us — the Christmas concert by Gerdan & Shockolad. This is a unique Ukrainian folk jazz collaboration that combines folk motifs with contemporary jazz sounds. The members of Gerdan will be accompanied by Shockolad, so familiar melodies will sound new — with improvisations, fresh arrangements, and a festive mood.
The program includes original compositions, Ukrainian jazz, and favorite Christmas melodies that will create a warm, truly family-friendly Christmas atmosphere.
Location: Cultural Center of the Ukrainian Orthodox Cathedral of St. Vladimir (404 Meredith Rd NE)
Date: Saturday, December 27
Time: 7:00–9:00 p.m.
Ukrainian The Nutcracker
Starting December 26, a series of performances of the fairy tale “The Nutcracker” in Ukrainian will be held at Parkdale United Church in Calgary. The production is based on Hoffmann's classic story and is complemented by light projections, music, and surprises for the audience.
Performances will take place on:
- December 26, 27, and 28;
- January 3, 4, 10, and 11.
The show always starts at 6:30 p.m. and lasts about 1 hour and 10 minutes without an intermission. The language of the performance is Ukrainian.
This is a family fairy tale that is interesting for both children and adults: meeting the Nutcracker, Maria, the Mouse King, and other characters will help prolong the Christmas spirit even after the holidays. Seating in the hall is open, so it is recommended to arrive 15–20 minutes before the start. Ticket prices for children vary depending on age, and children under 4 can enter for free if they sit on an adult's lap.
What is special about this December?
All these events are not just “things to do on the weekend.” They show how the Ukrainian community in Calgary combines culture, charity, and recreation:
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movies and theater help to comprehend the experience of war and preserve the language;
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fairs, the Coca-Cola truck, and the holiday train create a winter atmosphere while raising funds or collecting food for those in need;
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Club events provide an opportunity to clear your head and simply have a good time with friends.
If you are planning to spend December in Calgary, these dates are definitely worth saving in your calendar — for family weekends, for meeting friends, and for moments when you want to feel part of the large Ukrainian community even far from home.