Alberta is set to ring in the New Year, and with the start of a new era comes a fresh set of activities for you to check out in the province. Whether you’re looking to take in some music, theatre, or just enjoy the magic of the season, there’s a little something for everyone this January.
These Shows Are So Fetch
January will be a great month for fans of the 2004 cult classic Mean Girls, because Albertans will have the opportunity to check out the musical adaptation of the film on both stage and screen. The Mean Girls musical is coming to Edmonton and Calgary this January through the Broadway Across Canada program. In Edmonton, check it out at the Northern Alberta Jubilee Auditorium from Jan. 9 to Jan. 14, or in Calgary at the Southern Alberta Jubilee Auditorium from Jan. 16 to Jan. 21. Plus, AMA members save up to 20% on Broadway Across Canada tickets purchased online, and will receive a free beverage voucher valued at $10.50.
If movies are more your style, you’re in luck. Hollywood has also produced an adaptation of the musical, set to hit the big screen on Jan. 12. Tina Fey, who starred in and wrote the original movie, returns for both on-screen and writer roles (she also wrote the book for the Broadway musical).
Remember that on Wednesdays we wear pink, and that your AMA membership can score you savings on movie tickets. Grab movie passes at your local AMA centre, where you can save ahead of time at both Landmark and Cineplex.
Embrace Winter
To live in a winter province is to know that one of the best ways to get through the snowy season is to celebrate it. And that’s exactly what Edmonton’s Deep Freeze: A Byzantine Winter Festival is all about: getting out to enjoy ice sculptures, art displays, snow shoeing and fire-roasted Bannock. Plus, a highlight each year is the famous Deep Freezer race, which sees competitors load into deep freezers and be pushed over an icy path to the finish line. The 2023 Deep Freeze festival takes place Jan. 20 and 21.
In Alberta’s mountains, the winter fun keeps rolling as the Banff and Lake Louise SnowDays Festival takes over the region with multiple events from Jan. 19 to Feb. 4. Some highlights include ice and snow sculptures taking over downtown Banff and Lake Louise, live entertainment rocking out the main street of Banff, and a Skijoring exhibition that will see Alberta athletes and horses showing off their tricks on Jan. 20.
Up in Grande Prairie, the city’s downtown core will be transformed into a winter wonderland during the Grande North Winter Festival from Jan. 12 to 14. The festivities will see ice carving, skate parties, live bands and horse-drawn wagon rides take over the city’s core to get people out and enjoying the season.
These are just a few winter festivals happening this January in Alberta. Check in with your local community organizations to see if there’s a way to get out and celebrate the snow in your area!
Revamp Your Home
January can be a month for renewal and reset; it’s a great time to get planning for some new décor or projects in your home. Take in some inspiration and ideas at renovation shows being held in Calgary and Edmonton. The Calgary Renovation Show takes place Jan. 12 to 14 at the BMO Centre, and the Edmonton Renovation Show will take over the Edmonton Expo Centre from Jan. 26 to 28. At the shows, expect a full day of exploring hundreds of exhibitors showing off the latest in home décor, renovation trends, and even some fashion and food. AMA members save 55% on adult admission tickets.
And remember, when you’re ready to make some upgrades to your home, you can use your AMA membership to keep on budget. Save a minimum of 25% and earn 3% in reward dollars at Dulux Paints, or save 5% online and in-store when you get some new kitchenware from Stokes. Or, save while you get some new statement furniture at our partners F2 Furnishings and Bouclair. You can find all of AMA’s partner offers here.
Rock Out!
Spend your January jamming to some great tunes at a music festival—dancing is a great way to keep warm! Alberta is a place known for its happening festivals, and there are two big music events happening this January in both Calgary and Edmonton.
Calgary’s Big Winter Classic will rock the city from Jan. 24-28, and will see local and travelling musicians take over the stage, as well as featured comedy and interactive workshops. In Edmonton, the Winterruption YEG festival takes place over the same weekend (Jan. 24-28) and will bring a similar rockin’ vibe to the city, with many of the bands travelling between cities to perform at both shows.
Workout For Your Brain
Looking to get challenged alongside the whole family in the new year? The Telus World of Science in Edmonton has a feature exhibit that will nurture your creative genius and get those neurons firing: Mazes & Brain Games features interactive puzzles, illusions, full-body games, and of course interactive mazes. AMA members save 10% on admission to the centre at the box office or by booking ahead by phone.
For those in Alberta’s south looking to get their science on, remember that you can also save 10% on entrance to Calgary’s Telus Spark Science Centre.