Every family has seasonal traditions, no matter where you come from or how far you travel. When we move, we take those traditions with us, adjust and adapt them to new times and places, and then watch as the next generation takes what we hold dear and adapts all over again. 

In the dead of winter, there’s nothing quite as lovely to behold as the twinkling lights that suddenly appear twining in and around bare tree branches or indoors, draped on the Christmas tree where they light up the tinsel and reflect in shiny ornaments. 

Feasting, family, and friends are what make the holiday season so special. Looking for some special treats and activities to brighten those long winter nights? Here are a few suggestions for activities to share with family and friends during the holiday season.

Bohemian Solstice Party
December 21 - 5-7 pm in the Tap Room
Grizzly Paw Brewing Company

The Grizzly Paw Brewing Company takes the holiday season pretty seriously - there’s tons going on there, something special every day between now and Christmas Day, in fact (see the next listing - the 12 Days of Christmas at the Grizzly Paw). 

The shortest day of the year falls on December 21 and is cause for celebration. Yes, the night is long, dark and cold, but from now on, the tide has turned and every day will be a little longer, the sun a little stronger. Celebrate the Solstice by dressing up in your best Hawaiian/Bohemian/Beach outfits and showing up for a summery-themed party in the Tap Room. 

Enjoy samplers of latest Grizzly Paw releases, delicious appies from Tank310, swag and, yes prizes for best dressed celebrants.  Chase away those winter blues and kick back for a party!! 

12 Days of Christmas
Grizzly Paw Brewing Company
Daily, until Dec 23

Here’s a tradition you really need to add into your holiday planning. For 12 days until December 23rd, the Grizzly Paw Brewing Company is running all kinds of promotions to get you in a festive mood. The best way to figure out what’s happening is to stay tuned to Grizzly Paw social media channels where you’ll find out about promotions, special events and great daily deals on beer, soda, merch and more. 

If you make it to one of the events, let us know by tagging us @tastecanmore on Instagram and Facebook. BTW, tagging us is a super-easy way to take part in our Menu Hunter program - qualify for awesome prizes just by doing what you’d be doing anyway - snapping selfies with your favourite brew (or, bro) and posting on IG. 

Christmas Run and Brunch
December 22, 9 am
Ski Uphill-Run Uphill

Ok, to be honest, running uphill doesn’t sound like the best way to celebrate the holidays to someone like me who doesn’t run, but for those of you who love lung-busting fun times, here’s an event just for you! Join the RunUphill Trail Crew for a run (they estimate 1.5-2 hours and promise the pace will be ‘social’) followed by brunch at the Blake Canmore. While I don’t know much (ok - anything) about running, I can guarantee that the brunch part will be social (and delicious)! 

Here’s how it works: meet at 9 am at the Ski Uphill/Run Uphill Store (906 Bow Valley Trail - 4C) and then head for the Blake Canmore where you’ll be able to indulge in something hearty to refuel - steak and eggs, maybe - or what about eggs benny with salmon? And coffee - lots of coffee.

Deck the Halls at the Rotary Festival of Trees
Malcolm Hotel, 321 Spring Creek Drive
December 6 - 31 - FREE

In my mind, the holiday season doesn’t feel like it’s really started until the tree goes up, the first batch of cookies is pulled out of the oven and the gingerbread house decorating frenzy begins. If you love decorated trees as much as I do, then you need to head straight for the Malcolm Hotel and the Rotary Festival of Trees. 

This community-based celebration features glittering trees, gingerbread houses (which one is your favourite?), wreaths, and an ever-changing lineup of special events and activities for everyone in the family to enjoy. 

One of those special events you won’t want to miss is the Kids Holiday Extravaganza on December 22nd from 10 am - 3 pm. Crafts, goodies, games, and more - the event is free, but please pre-register. 

Bonus: Funds raised from the Rotary Festival of Trees will go to Rotary Club of Canmore’s numerous programs and services both in our community and internationally.

JOY TO THE WORLD CHRISTMAS CABAREt
Carter-Ryan Gallery and Live Art Venue
705 8 Street, Canmor
Dec 10-22 2019 at 07:30 pM

I love all the cool stuff that happens at the Carter-Ryan Gallery and Live Art Venue in Canmore. Like, say, Bridget Ryan's JOY TO THE WORLD Christmas Cabaret. This 90-minute show runs from December 10-22 at 7:30 pm. Don’t miss this funny, playful, entertaining evening of music, laughter and unforgettable stories about Christmas.

Sing-alongs and song-a-logues, surprise guests, and gifts - this is a show for the whole family (ages 6+) delivered by an award-winning cabaret performer who has been delighting audiences across North America for years. And you can see her here in Canmore! 

And, yes, this is happening in an art gallery because art does not have to be static, boring, or quiet (but, you didn’t think that, did you? Of course not.) 

Dinner and a Show!

Best of all, if you’re going to make a night of it, check out this Dinner and a Show package that starts with a marvellous meal at Murrieta’s on Main followed by a stroll down the block come to the gallery to take in the show. 

For more info and tickets click here.

If you take in any of these events (or any others that bring a little joy to your heart), please share - we love to know what’s going on (as in, I have a pretty serious case of FOMO!). Tag us @tastecanmore on Instagram or on Facebook.