Eye on the Esplanade: Celebrating Midnight Madness

By Candace Lundrigan on November 13, 2025.

Like many children, I remember counting down the days until Christmas, decorating, baking, crafting gifts, and earmarking favourite pages of the Sears Catalogue. Those simple joys marked the arrival of the holiday season.

As an adult, one quiet tradition stands out among the rest: Old Christmas Day. In my family, it marked the very last day of Christmas. My mother and grandmother would gather to give my brother and me one final gift, but it could never be new. Each item had to be passed down, carrying with it a story and a memory. An old necklace, a well-loved doll, a watch that had ticked through generations, these gifts connected us to those who came before.

I still remember my mother’s ballerina music box, given to her by her brother after months of saving. Inside were her favourite tokens, photos, notes, and stones from special places. The ballerina’s gilding has long since worn away, but she still twirls proudly to Swan Lake when wound.

How do you mark the holidays? Whether through quiet moments of reflection or the bustle of celebration, connection lies at the heart of what makes this season so meaningful. We invite you to explore our offerings this Midnight Madness and find inspiration for your own moments of connection.

Inspired by the upcoming performance of Shumka’s The Nutcracker on December 5 and 6 at the Esplanade, this year’s Midnight Madness celebration on Friday November 21 from 5 to 9:30 embraces the timeless story of The Nutcracker. Experience the magic through a live ice carving demonstration and a whimsical gallery scavenger hunt.

Pass along the wonder of this holiday classic to the next generation, or rediscover it yourself. Watch as local favourite Marina Cole and Calgary artist Andrew Zoller transform 2,000 pounds of ice into a dazzling Nutcracker scene, then search the galleries for hidden, mouse-sized clues. Complete your hunt and enter to win two tickets to Shumka’s The Nutcracker to see the story come alive on stage.

Continue your evening by visiting the Ewart-Duggan House, the oldest brick home still on its original foundations in Alberta, beautifully decorated for the season. Enjoy the musical stylings of Christie Kurpjuweit and sing along to beloved holiday tunes.

Feeling creative? Slow down and connect with loved ones as you craft handmade ornaments, no prep required, and all materials are provided.

Out on the lawn, three wood-burning fires will glow through the night, perfect for roasting marshmallows and sharing warm memories. Stop by our glowing Igloo Café for a hot chocolate or s’mores kit and choose your own tasty toppings before cozying up by the fire.

The holiday spirit doesn’t end with Midnight Madness. Explore one of our many festive performances, or warm up in the galleries where admission is Pay What You Will. You can even visit our Archives, open for drop-in Tuesday through Friday, 1-5 p.m., or by appointment, and discover stories from your own family’s past.

However you choose to celebrate, we wish you joy, connection, and moments of wonder this holiday season. We can’t wait to welcome you to the Esplanade.

Candace Lundrigan is cultural program co-ordinator with the Esplanade Art & Heritage Centre

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