Calgary Citizen Newsletter Thursday Dec. 21

Plus, top weather stories, big crowds at the airport, and 200+ charges in a sting operation

Good morning, there!

It’s the last (regular) newsletter of 2023 and it’s been a year of trials and tribulations but there are a lot of wins from the past year as well and plenty to look forward to in 2024. Since it’s just little ol’ me over here, we are taking a small holiday break and will be back in your inbox with the regular newsletter on Jan. 9. Our Insiders will still get their Saturday newsletters on Dec. 23, Dec. 30, and Jan. 6 and we are still sending out events newsletters on Dec. 26 and Jan. 2.

If you simply can’t live without us, then we encourage you to sign up to be an Insider for just $49 a year right now.

On Saturday, our insiders will get a sneak peek at our year-end interview with Mayor Jyoti Gondek, so stay tuned for that.

MERRY CHRISTMAS AND HAPPY NEW YEAR!

Krista

👀 In today's edition:

  • Our favourite stories from 2023

  • Disturbing child abuse case charges

  • 5 spots to get your Christmas dinner

Today’s read time: Approx. 4 minutes

Advertise your business, event, or restaurant in front of 34,000+ engaged locals! Contact our team today.

QUICK POLL

What is your New Year's resolution related to?

Login or Subscribe to participate in polls.

WORTH KNOWING

⛅ Today: High 6C, Low -1C. See the 7-day forecast.

🚗 Driving today? Check the current traffic situation, and find the city’s traffic report and road closures.

A look back at our favourite stories from the first six months of 2023

After almost 24 years, a Hungarian couple who had been operating the Jonas Hungarian Restaurant retired. // Calgary Citizen

We wanted to share our favourite stories of 2023 and why stop at just five; we are bringing you one from each of the first six months of the year and we will do the last six months on our first day back in the New Year!

January: A bittersweet ending to a 23-year legacy: Rózsa and János Jonas prepare to hang up their aprons

February: Lifelong Calgarian quits his job to sail around the world

March: Calgary mascot creator reminisces about his time as Harvey the Hound

April: No Fixed Address pays it forward with Huggabowls of soup

May: Calgary chihuahuas assemble for Cinco de Mayo Chihuahua Races

June: Calgarians saddened by the demolition of the unique ‘cow house’

Related Story

Need to know

🔥 Wildfires, smoky skies, and a record hot summer: Canada's top 10 weather stories of 2023 have been unveiled.

💔 'Disturbing' investigation into an Edmonton child and animal abuse case leads to more than 100 charges in what officials say is one of the worst cases they’ve ever handled.

❤️ An annual tradition in a northwest community is bringing joy to a 10-year-old undergoing chemotherapy.

👩‍✈️ A woman found dead in a SW home has been identified as a WestJet pilot.

🗡️ An axe, bear spray, and knives were seized during a two-week undercover CTrain sting operation that resulted in more than 200 charges.

👎 The approval rating for Mayor Jyoti Gondek has dropped to 30%, down six points from June: poll.

🌡️ An unusually warm Wednesday started with temperatures 23 degrees above average.

✈️ A Calgary couple is calling out Air Canada after discovering their flight to Hawaii no longer exists.

🧳 Travellers should prepare for big crowds at the Calgary airport over the holidays.

THE CALGARY GUIDE

Save yourself the trouble and check out these holiday meals to take home

Pre-order your holiday dinner to-go at Lina’s for just $40 per person. // Lina’s Instagram

Whether you find yourself alone for the holidays or just don’t feel like cooking a big meal for the family, there’s a variety of Calgary spots that will do it for you either in person or to take away. From salads and sides to turkey and desserts, there’s something for everyone.  Here are a few options:

Deane House: Deane House is offering a holiday dinner for two, with three different options to choose from, including a beef wellington dinner, with marinated kale, crushed potatoes, maple-glazed carrots, and more. Pre-order and pick up on Dec. 24 between 9-10am.

Hawthorn: This delicious restaurant is open for Christmas Dinner on Christmas Eve and Day and is also offering a festive turkey to go that includes their specialty baked loaf of bread and more holiday must-haves.

Hotel Arts: Bring the whole family together and take the hassle out with a ready-made and carved Christmas turkey dinner and all the trimmings courtesy of Yellow Door Bistro. Pick up on Dec. 24 from 11am-6pm and Dec. 25 from 11am-4pm.

Sunterra Market: Sunterra has a variety of holiday feasts available to choose from including turkey, prime rib, ham or a mushroom, kale and sweet potato casserole, with mashed potatoes and roasted vegetables as sides.

Lina’s Market: This three-course meal needs to be pre-ordered and includes roasted butternut squash soup, roasted turkey or honey-glazed ham with traditional sides and a chocolate yule log for dessert.

Ship and Anchor Pub: The Ship and Anchor’s popular Shipnog is available to take home until Dec. 31 with $10 from every bottle going directly to local charities. You can also stop for a glass while you’re picking it up.

Where to eat and drink

🍴 YYC Pasta Bar: Check out the new Douglasdale location down south for a wide selection of pasta dishes and wine pairings to choose from and rich and decadent desserts to finish off with. 

🍴 Proof: You have a few days left to check out the Christmas Pop-Up at this classic lounge-style bar with an extensive selection of festive cocktails.

🍴 Golden Kway Teow Palace: Cambodian and Vietnamese cuisines such as crispy buttered chicken wings, beef lok lak with rice, and more await you.

Have a food or drink suggestion? Message us and we might share it!

Local specials

💸 Blanco Cantina: Enjoy the lunch special every weekday from open to 2pm with $15 classic burritos or two classic tacos served with chips, guac and a soft drink.

💸 Pho Kingdom: Indulge in happy hour pricing Monday to Friday between 2:30-5:30pm with $6 spring rolls, $2 off all bubble tea drinks, and more.

💸 Goodwill: Pay for your products by the pound for a rate of $1.35/lb at this Goodwill outlet located at 2731 57 Ave. SE.

Have a promo suggestion? Message us and we might share it!

Things to do

🎟️ Topp Gunn: A Maverick Musical: Jubilations’ latest takes audiences on the Highway to the Danger Zone with its parody spin on the fighter jet franchise.

🎟️ Zoolights: Take advantage of the warm weather and check out the popular annual tradition at the Calgary Zoo with more than a million lights shining bright until Jan. 7.

🎟️ Peace of Mind Santa Visits at Southcentre Mall: Create heartwarming moments at Southcentre Mall with a warm and inclusive experience for children and families with unique needs until Sunday.

Have an event suggestion? Message us and we might share it!

READER PIC

One of our readers shared this pic of the river. // Submitted

That’s it! Thanks for reading. If you have a hot story tip you want to share, feel free to reply back anytime. We’ll see you back here on Tuesday, same time, same place!

What did you think of today's newsletter?

Login or Subscribe to participate in polls.

Subscribe to Insider to read the rest.

Become a paying subscriber of Insider to get access to this post and other subscriber-only content.

Already a paying subscriber? Sign In

A subscription gets you:
Support local journalism
Local events, restaurants, discounts and perks
Weekend roundup newsletter
Exclusive content and member-only events

Join the conversation

or to participate.