What Calgary’s Rodeo is the largest and craziest arts festival in town, attracting the best local and international talent. The only problem is trying to fit everything into your schedule. Why This year’s edition includes dance performances, music shows from local musicians, and exhibition of contemporary artists. You should definitely check out the adaptation of Jean-Paul Sartre’s existentialist nightmare, No Exit, performed live onstage in a closed room and broadcast on screens in the theatre.

January 7 to 31, hprodeo.ca

What Renowned clothing designer Betsey Johnson’s new Calgary location offers her well-known, quirky, punk-meets-prom clothes and accessories in a splash of colours. Why It’s like walking into an updated ’80s design store featuring everything from tongue-in-cheek embossed ladies underwear to frilly and fun dresses in colours of pink, blue and black.

3M-203 8 Ave. S.W., 403-261-8803, betseyjohson.com

What Centrally located less than a block away from the Palliser, Rise is a weekday-only bakery serving fresh baked breads and treats, sandwiches and coffee. Why The perfect place to start a day of exploring the centre city with a bacon and cheese brioche and hot cup of espresso. And consider picking up a loaf of apple, rosemary and flax sourdough for later.

120-207 9 Ave. S.W., 403-262-7474, risebakery.com

What The Calgary Zoo, a favourite family destination in the summer, doesn’t close up shop in winter. Far form it: for the holiday season, they’re dazzling the kids with their annual display of lights and entertainment. Why Featuring the recently opened Enmax Conservatory, the Zoo, on an island in the Bow River, offers tourists and locals alike a full day of fun. Zoolights, one of the standouts, gives visitors a different glimpse of the grounds, decorated with 1.5 million twinkling lights. Runs until January 3, 2010.

1300 Zoo Road N.E., 1-800-588-9993, calgaryzoo.com

What Calgary’s award-winning Sage Theatre brings presents Wajdi Mouawad’s acclaimed play Scorched. Why Scorched, recently hailed as one of the decade’s most significant moments in performing arts by the CBC, follows twins Janine and Simone as they delve into their late mother’s hidden past and peer into their own mysterious origins.

Pumphouse Theatre, 2140 Pumphouse Ave. S.W. 403-263-0079

What Murale is a crisp white cosmetic store offering something for everyone. It is also the first business to open in the long-anticipated Fashion Central building on Stephen Avenue. Why Offering a staggering array of cosmetics, selected perfumes and with services including facials and eyebrow sculpting, Murale is leaves no excuse for getting your beauty products Shoppers Drug Mart. Bulgari and Prada perfumes share counter space with cosmetics from Gosh and Cargo. The selection is daunting.

205 8th Avenue S.W. 403-261-3703, murale.ca

What A local favourite for Southern barbeque and New Orleans style seafood. Why A new menu and newly renovated space doesn’t mean that Booker’s has lost any of its charm. Featuring Jambalaya’s, Snow Crab, blackened Catfish and smokehouse barbeque ribs and chicken, with live jazz and blues on weekends, Booker’s is a hidden gem on the outskirts of downtown.

316 3rd St. S.E., 403-264-6419, bookersbbq.com

What Catch playful perspectives on the human condition at Glenbow, Calgary’s premier museum. Why Ron Mueck creates hyper-real sculptures with staggering dimensions: a giant baby head, a newborn girl the size of a truck and a tiny little old woman lying in bed. Video artist Guy Ben-Ner’s fun videos featuring his family are intelligent and amusing. Then there’s the large tree made of furniture parts occupying a prominent space in the gallery. Running until January 24, 2010.

Glenbow Museum, 130 9th Ave. S.E., 403-268-4100, glenbow.org

What An impressive burger selection in a restaurant that doesn’t look like it would have an impressive burger selection? Genius. Why In post-boom Calgary’s ongoing negotiation between frugality and decadence, Loungeburger is a perfect balance. Burgers range from make-your-own creations for around $10 to $40 for a Kobe beef burger topped with prosciutto-wrapped lobster and truffle hollandaise. Patties include elk, lamb and bison. Other entrees, salads and starters are also on the list.

270 14th Ave. S.E., 403-250-2747, loungeburger.com

What The descriptively-named new objects of desire (nood) supplies elegant modern décor for design lovers. Why Taking over the former soho + nada space in the heart of Calgary’s design district, nood fits the ‘hood. We were particularly impressed with the collections of classic modern pieces like the Eames Lounge and chaise lounges inspired by Le Corbusier’s LC4 design.

820 11th Ave. S.W., 403-233-9022, nood.ca