The Rocky Kinsmen Club and the West Country Kinettes have organized a full slate of fun, holiday themed events as part of the annual Christmas With Kin.

Members have been planning for the event most of the year, says Jana Thompson, co-chair of the Christmas With Kin Committee.

“We have a big group of volunteer who have been meeting monthly since March and weekly since September,” says Thompson. “Planning is ongoing.”

Cory Leonhardt, co-chair of the Christmas With Kin Committee says organizers have planned a brand new family event this year — A Merry Grinchmas.

The Nov. 27 A Merry Grinchmas features Grinch-themed decorations, pasta dinner and desserts and the $5 Children’s Store. Leonhardt adds, everyone’s encouraged to arrive in their best Grinchy regalia, with prizes for best-dressed.

Tickets are $10 for adults and $5 for kids and can be purchased at The Brick and Rocky Mountain Dodge.

Daily events have been planned around Rocky Mountain House from Nov. 24 to Nov 30:

Nov. 24: Father & Daughter Dinner at Pine Hills Golf Club from 5-9 p.m.

• A evening out for dads and daughters. A fancy, three-course meal will be served. There will be a dance, photo booth and special gifts for attendees. The event also features the $5 Children’s Store.

Nov. 25: Mother & Son Dinner at Pine Hills Golf Club from 5-9 p.m.

• An evening out for mothers and sons. A fancy dinner will be served with a dance to follow. The $5 Children’s Store will also be on site for sons to shop for the holidays.

Nov. 26 and Nov. 27: Seniors’ Luncheon at Rocky Curling Club from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

• Once again a beautiful space will be set up for the event to honour local seniors. Tickets are $5 each, and includes a soup, sandwich and dessert lunch. 

Nov. 27: A Merry Grinchmas at The Lou Soppit Community Centre from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.

• A brand new event for 2025, this family friendly event features a pasta dinner and dessert. Fun, Ginchy activities are also planned. Everyone is invited to dress as their favorite Who character or the Grinch for a chance to win a prize. 

Nov. 28: Community Day all day throughout the community.

• Families can enjoy free bowling at Krazy Lanes in Rocky from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. They’re asked to call ahead and book their lane. There will also be free swimming at the aquatic centre from 1-3 p.m.

Nov. 28: Christmas Cabaret at the Lou Soppit Community Centre from 5:30 p.m. to 1 a.m.

• Formerly the Small Business Christmas Mixer, the event is now open to everyone 18+. A meal will be served, with a dance and other fun activities to follow. Organizers say the event can double as a company Christmas party, or just a fun night out among friends and family.
• Safe rides will also be offered.

Nov. 29: PJs and Pancakes with Santa at the Lou Soppit Community Centre from 8:00 a.m. to 1 p.m.

• • Sponsored by A&W, this family event will feature a pancakes and sausages breakfast, pictures with Santa, and the $5 Children’s Store.
  • Tickets are available at the door or at A&W.

Nov. 29: Parade of Lights at the from 7:00- 9:00 p.m.

• • A local favorite, the parade is back again this year, with many residents lining Main St. to get a glimpse of the parade. During the parade, the West Country Kinettes will be hosting a ‘Stuff-A-Truck’ event. Donations for the Lord’s Food Bank and Mountain Rose Women’s Shelter, as well as toy donations for Santa’s Anonymous will be accepted.
  • Anyone who wants to register their float can contact the Rocky Chamber at 403-845-5450.

Nov. 30: Christmas Movie Marathon

• • A movie marathon will wrap up the week at Rocky Cinemas. The marathon will include How The Grinch Stole Christmas! (1966), followed by The Grinch (2018), and Jim Carrey’s live-action version of How The Grinch Stole Christmas (2000). Following the Grinch films, the marathon will also include National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation (1989), and Elf (2003)

Thompson adds, efforts were made once again this year to plan a week of events that are both fun and low-price for the entire community.

“We think it’s great for the community, and we always get a great reception,” says Leonhardt. “We invite everyone of all ages to come out and enjoy the festivities.”