There are so many great ways to warm up and have a blast this winter in Alberta!
SEE ST. NICK ON STAGE
Rosebud, Alberta is home to fewer than 100 residents, but its reputation as an arts incubator attracts many thousands more guests. The hamlet’s chief attraction is its Rosebud Theatre, which this season presents the Christmas classic, Miracle on 34th Street. Performed at Rosebud’s intimate Opera House, the “Do you believe in Santa?” show is preceded by a buffet or plated dinner with live music at a converted historic general store. Nov. 11-Dec. 23
RIDE IN A WINTER WONDERLAND
The cowboys and cowgirls at Red Deer’s Heritage Ranch harness the rugged romance of traditional Western living. In winter, that means cradling a mug of hot cocoa and snuggling under a blanket on a Winter Night Lights sleigh ride. Led by a pair of sturdy horses, the half-hour trip wends its way through a trail system illuminated by a display of more than 20,000 twinkling lights. Starting late November
HONE YOUR SKETCHING SKILLS
Making art is a social affair at the Drawing Bar, the University of Lethbridge Art Gallery’s monthly meet-up of enthusiast pencil pushers. The event welcomes drawers of all abilities; hone your sketching skills while viewing the current exhibition and downing drinks from the cash bar. The school’s 50th anniversary—upcoming in 2017—is the focus of this season’s sessions, though artists are encouraged to colour outside the lines. Basic materials are provided, but choosier guests can bring their own media. Nov. 24, Dec. 8, Jan. 26 & Feb. 27
PARTAKE IN A SEASONAL ASSEMBLY
The arrival of winter draws Albertans of all stripes to the provincial legislature in Edmonton, which hosts myriad holiday activities. As ever, the festive fun includes daily outdoor skating, carol singing and other musical performances on the beautifully adorned grounds. This year you can also escape the cold at the new Visitor Centre. Part of the renovated Edmonton Federal Building, the centre boasts an art gallery, theatre and the Alberta Branded retail store with gifts made by local artists and craftspeople. Performances Dec. 1-23
BOARD A CHEERY CHOO-CHOO
A Christmas excursion aboard the Alberta Prairie Railway is sure to get everyone into the seasonal spirit. Families can climb aboard the hour-long Polar Express journey for storytelling and a visit with Santa. For more mature holiday revelry, three evening trips see a heritage train chug across the snowy plain between Stettler and Big Valley, where a buffet-style turkey dinner, caroling and a barn dance await. Polar Express Dec. 1-21; Christmas special to Big Valley Nov. 26, Dec. 3 & 10
HAVE TEA WITH A HEAD OF STATE
Derived from French and British courtly traditions, New Year’s Day levees allow us to get reacquainted with government—and celebrate the new year—in a casual setting. Alberta’s Lieutenant-Governor, Lois Mitchell, receives guests at Government House in Edmonton, while Medicine Hat residents can visit their City Hall for tea and snacks with mayor Ted Clugston. Jan. 1
HEAR HOT TUNES
Bands and beer provide a break from the January blahs during the Big Winter Classic. The second annual festival hosts dozens of indie acts at downtown Calgary venues. Don’t forget to raise a glass while you rock out: Local craft brewers will be tapping their best casks, and some have even partnered with headlining musicians on special collaborative beers. Jan. 19-21
PLAY LASER TAG ON ICE
Add a tactical element to your ice time by booking a hockey-based laser tag session with Adventure Tag. The Calgary company brings its arsenal to your rink of choice, sets up a variety of obstacles and splits your squad for team-oriented challenges—from Capture the Flag to sniper-style games—that put your skating and shooting the test. Hockey gear is required, but no previous laser-tag experience is necessary.
SIP A WARM WELCOME
Medicine Hat residents are definitely a well-caffeinated bunch. Locals boast that the city of 63,000 has the most coffee shops per capita in Alberta. Among the many notable java-sipping joints are Madhatter Coffee Roastery, which micro-roasts its own internationally sourced beans, and airy Inspire Café, where lattes are served alongside local art. Or book a four-stop Progressive Café Tour for an in-depth look at The Hat’s vibrant coffee culture.