December Events – feel the magic in Cochrane this Christmas

From markets to music, festive workshops to winter wine tastings, here’s your guide to what’s happening in Cochrane this December.

Strings and Frets: Open Mic & Jam Session

Whether you’re a seasoned musician, aspiring performer, or simply a lover of live music, this event is for you.

Where: Found Books & Cafe

When: Dec 1, 7:00 pm – 10:00 pm

More Info: Here

Holiday Wreath & Porch Pot Workshop

Unleash your creativity and kick off the holiday season at our Holiday Wreath/Porch Pot Workshop! Choose from multiple dates.

Where: Found Books & Cafe

When: Dec 2, 3, or 5, 7:00 pm – 10:00 pm

More Info: Here

Local Holiday Socials at The Stirrup Lounge

Join us for two festive evenings filled with warmth, connection, and holiday cheer.

Where: The Crossing at Ghost River

When: Dec 3, & 7, 5:00 pm – 10:00 pm

More Info: Here

Late-Night Shopping in Cochrane

On December 4, more than 20 Cochrane shops are staying open late so you can wander, browse, and find the perfect gifts for everyone on your list. 

Enjoy FREE photos with Santa, meet a mystery Christmas character, and listen as music drifts through downtown.

Where: Historic Downtown Cochrane

When: Dec 4, 5:00 pm – 9:00 pm

More Info: Here

BIPOC Evening Christmas Market

For the first time ever, the library is thrilled to host the BIPOC Evening Christmas Market! This is a brand new event, and we are so excited to showcase and celebrate local artisans from our community.

Where: Cochrane Public Library

When: Dec 5, 6:00 pm – 9:30 pm

More Info: Here

Snap Dance Studios Presents – The Nutcracker

Don’t miss this treasured, holiday classic! Come see our full scale production of the Nutcracker… Snap Dance Studios style.

Where: RockPointe Church, Bearspaw

When: Dec 5 & 6, multiple shows

More Info: Here

Cannex Cochrane Generals Games

Catch the Cannex Cochrane Generals in action at the SLS Centre Totem 1, as they continue their historic junior hockey legacy in Cochrane since 1984.

Where: SLS Centre

When: 

• Dec 5, 7:30 pm – 10:30 pm Vs Strathmore Wheatland Kings
• Dec 19, 7:30 pm – 10:30 pm Vs Carstar Okotoks Bisons
• Dec 21, 3:00 pm – 5:00 pm Vs Ponoka Stampeders

More Info: Here

Wild Enrichment Saturdays – Frosty the Snowman

Our Wild Enrichment Saturdays will happen on the first Saturday of the month at 1 pm. In December, our theme is Frosty the Snowman!

Where: Yamnuska Wolfdog Sanctuary 

When: Dec 6, 1:00 pm – 2:00 pm

More Info: Here

CAES – Stuff a bus

Annual Toy Drive in support of Cochrane Activettes’ Share your Christmas Hamper Program. We will also be accepting food and money.  Free photo with Santa with donation.

Where: Canadian Tire

When: Dec 6, 10:00 am – 3:00 pm

More Info: Here

Dartique’s Holly Jolly Christmas Party

’Tis the season for holiday cheer! Come jingle all the way to Dartique Hall for an afternoon filled with fun, laughter and festive delights. Christmas outfits and ugly sweaters encouraged!

Where: Dartique Community Hall

When: Dec 6, 11:00 am – 4:00 pm

More Info: Here

Paint Expression for Kids | Ages 9-12

Unleash creativity and spark imagination with our monthly acrylic painting classes designed especially for children! Ages 9-12

Where: Route 22 Art Gallery

When: Dec 6, 1:00 pm – 2:30 pm

More Info: Here

Northern Italy Wine Tasting

The northern part of this big boot shaped country is home to some of Italy’s most unique and delicious varietals. Tonight we will taste wines made from a few of them. With Adam at Vinestone Wine Co.

Where: Vinestone Wine Co.

When: Dec 6, 7:00 pm – 9:00 pm

More Info: Here 

Christmas Tree Sale & Market

Each year, CEI hosts a Christmas Tree Sale to raise funds for the orphaned and injured wildlife in our care, and to bring our community together in the festive spirit!

Where: Cochrane Ecological Institute

When: Dec 6 and 7, 10:00 am – 4:00 pm

More Info: Here

The Cochrane Christmas Market

Get into the holiday spirit with cozy gifts, local treats, and seasonal charm.

Where: Cochrane Lions Event Centre

When: Dec 6, 10:00 am – 6:00 pm and Dec 7, 10:00 am – 4:00 pm

More Info: Here

Horse Drawn Winter Sleigh Ride

Enjoy an old fashioned horse drawn sleigh ride in Kananaskis, gliding through snow covered trails and the breathtaking winter landscape of the Canadian Rockies.

Where: Boundary Ranch

When: Daily, Dec 6-15, 9:00 am – 5:00 pm

More Info: Here

Grinch Tree Workshop

Join us for a fun and festive Grinch Tree Making Workshop, where kids (ages 6+) team up with an adult to create their very own whimsical, Dr. Seuss-inspired Grinchmas tree!

Where: Found Books & Cafe

When: Dec 7, 9:30 am – 11:00 am

More Info: Here

Christmas at the Farm

Get ready for our Christmas event featuring photos with Santa and Amos, our miniature donkey. Warm up with a hot drink and a treat. Then, take a stroll through our magically decorated barn and meet our rare breed animals.

Where: Cheshire Farm

When: Dec 7, 10:00 am – 3:00 pm

More Info: Here

Seal Skin Brooch Workshop

Enter into Route 22 Gallery’s festive makerspace and join local Inuit artisan Denise Bryan for this relaxed social holiday workshop and learn more about Inuit culture while making a beautiful authentic seal fur brooch!

Where: Route 22 Artist Collective Gallery

When: Dec 7, 1:00 pm – 3:00 pm

More Info: Here

Holiday Dried Flower Wreath Workshop

Join us for this fun workshop where we will create these magical festive wreaths using various dried florals, moss and other adornments!

Where: The Creative Haven Art & Wellness Studio

When: Dec 7, 2:00 pm – 4:00 pm

More Info: Here

Tea & Chocolate Pairing

Discover the unexpected harmony between handcrafted teas and artisan chocolates in a guided tasting designed to delight the senses.

Where: Still Water Tea

When: Dec 10, 7:00 pm – 9:00 pm

More Info: Here

Kids Paint Night at The Messy Moose Studio

Get ready for a fun-filled Kids’ Night Out at Messy Moose Studio! This special paint night is perfect for young artists eager to unleash their creativity.

Where: The Messy Moose Studio

When: Dec 12, 5:30 pm – 7:30 pm

More Info: Here

A Stoney Christmas in Cochrane

Join the multi-generational Smalleyes Family of Stoney Nakoda as they bring their reimagined Christmas tale featuring traditional Indigenous dance, song and storytelling to Cochrane for the first time. A perfect holiday event for the whole family!

Where: Cochrane Lions Event Centre

When: Dec 12, 7:00 pm – 9:00 pm

More Info: Here

Winter Wonderland

The Cochrane Public Library is thrilled to invite you to our Winter Wonderland, the grand finale of our 75th Anniversary celebration. You’ll have the chance to meet Santa Claus himself, enjoy wonderful live music, and get creative at our holiday and Christmas-themed activity stations.

Where: Cochrane Public Library

When: Dec 13, 1:00 pm – 4:00 pm

More Info: Here

Famous Blends Wine Tasting

Many of the world’s most famous wines are blends, some of them you may not even realize. This tasting will highlight some of these blends, like Bordeaux, Valpolicella, and many more.

Where: Vinestone Wine Co.

When: Dec 13, 7:00 pm – 9:00 pm

More Info: Here

Dolce Christmas Concert

Dolce is a professional group of musicians consisting of 2 violins, 2 cellos and a pianist. They are joined by a men’s singing group, a Celtic drum, and a harpist. It will be a beautiful evening of festive music.

Where: 1100 Glen Eagles Drive

When: Dec 13 and 14, 7:00 pm – 8:30 pm

More Info: Here

National Ringette League Hub weekend

The Rocky Mountain Rage will host their first ever National Ringette League Hub (tournament) weekend at Spray Lake Sawmills Centre. Come watch the top teams from across western Canada play the fastest game on ice!

Where: SLS Centre

When: 

• Dec 13, 10:15 am – 12:15 pm | Rocky Mountain Rage vs Edmonton Rush
• Dec 13, 4:15 pm – 6:15 pm | Rocky Mountain Rage vs Manitoba Herd
• Dec 14, 2:00 pm – 4:00 pm | Rocky Mountain Rage vs BC Thunder

More Info: Here

Cochrane Christmas Farmer’s Market

This is our largest market of the season – FOUR zones, TWO days on TWO floors makes for a great shopping experience. You will find many of your favourite vendors from the summer market plus many more seasonal artisans selected to make this a “must attend” event.

Where: SLS Centre

When: Dec 13 and 14, 10:00 am – 4:00 pm

More Info: Here

Sunday Brunch & Christmas Cocktails

Treat yourself to a delightful seasonal brunch paired with festive holiday cocktails—the perfect way to enjoy the spirit of the season with friends or family.

Where: The Crossing at Ghost River

When: Dec 14, 9:00 am – 1:00 pm

More Info: Here

Holiday Pop-Up Market 2025

More than just shopping, it’s an evening out to enjoy the season and support local. Sip on a festive cocktail, enjoy live music, and discover one-of-a-kind, locally made, gifts while supporting makers & small businesses in our own community.

Where: Cochrane Lions Event Centre

When: Dec 19, 5:00 pm – 9:00 pm

More Info: Here

New Year’s Eve Four-Course Table d’Hôte Dinner

Ring in the New Year with an elegant dining experience featuring a beautifully curated four-course menu. A warm and memorable evening awaits as we celebrate the arrival of 2026 together.

Where: The Crossing at Ghost River

When: Dec 31, 7:00 pm – 10:30 pm

More Info: Here

New Year’s Eve Family Celebration

Join the Cochrane and Area Events Society for NYE at SLS Centre for a FREE family event from 4-7pm – finishing the evening off with a bang! Fireworks at 7pm so the whole family can enjoy them.

Where: SLS Centre

When: Dec 31, 4:00 pm – 7:00 pm

More Info: Here

Weekly

After School Club at The Messy Moose Studio

Let’s ignite their creativity and unwind after school with some relaxing activities like crafting, creating, or simply chilling out with our sensory bins.​ This is a registered, drop-off event. Ages 5-12

Where: The Messy Moose Studio

When: Dec 2, 9, 16, 5:00 pm – 6:30 pm

More Info: Here

Tween Craft Night at The Messy Moose Studio

Calling all creative tweens! Join us for a fun-filled Wednesday night, full of hands-on, messy, and magical art at The Messy Moose. Each week brings a new chance to explore, experiment, and express yourself through exciting process-based projects. No pressure, no perfection — just creativity and fun!

Where: The Messy Moose Studio

When: Dec 3, 10, 17, 5:00 pm – 7:00 pm

More Info: Here

Live Music at Rockyview Brewing

Join us for live music every Saturday. Free entry. 

Where: Rockyview Brewing Taproom

When: Every Saturday, 6:00 pm – 9:00 pm

See Who’s Playing: Here

Wild Rose Squares, Square Dance

Square dancing drop in at Spray Lakes Sports Centre 2nd floor in auditorium behind Seniors on the Bow. Monday evenings. $8/person. Wear comfy shoes. 12+ yrs.

Where: Spray Lakes Sports Centre

When: Every Monday, 7:00 – 9:00

More Info: Here

Line Dance Lessons at The Texas Gate

Join us for line dance lessons every Tuesday. Free entry, drop in. 

Where: The Texas Gate Bar & Grill

When: Every Tuesday, starting at 7:00 pm

Ongoing ~ Book A Winter Experience

Hide Tanning Classes with Alberta Land Based Education

Ice Climbing & Skiing with Alpine Air Adventures

Trail Rides with Bar JO Ranch

Dogsledding and Sleigh Rides at Boundary Ranch

Airsoft and Paintball at Capture the Flag

Farm Tours and Dome Dates at Cheshire Farm

Hiking at Glenbow Ranch Provincial Park

Heli Tours with LR Helicopters

Kids Drop-In at the Messy Moose Art Studio

Pottery Classes at Saffron Pottery Studios

Drop-In Activities at SLS Centre

Sound Journeys and Readings at StarLight Portal

Branding Experience with Stockmen’s Memorial Foundation

Gallery Tours at Studio West Bronze Art Foundry & Gallery

Spa Bookings at The Cave Sauna and Day Spa

Treatments at The Haven Day Spa

Tours at Yamnuksa Wolfdog Sanctuary

See more events on our Event Calendar