As December arrives, bringing snow-covered streets and festive lights, the Mount Royal Community Association turns its focus to the activities, traditions, and programs that bring warmth and connection to our neighbourhood. From seasonal events to year-round programming, this is the month we celebrate the people and moments that define community spirit in Mount Royal.
Our hallmark winter event is the beloved Skate with Santa, held annually at the Mount Royal outdoor rink. Families bundle up and gather for hot chocolate, music, and a visit from Santa himself. It is a joyful celebration that reflects what makes our community so special: neighbours coming together to create memories. The rink itself, maintained each winter by dedicated volunteers, is one of our most cherished amenities. It is open to all residents and provides a safe, welcoming space for skating and socializing.
In addition to the rink, MRCA offers a wide variety of seasonal and ongoing programs. These include yoga and fitness classes, parent-and-tot sessions, gardening workshops, and neighbourhood cleanup initiatives. The community hall, Mount Royal Station, hosts rental groups, educational seminars, and club gatherings. Our outdoor spaces support informal meetups, while our terrace and gardens provide a peaceful retreat in every season.
Much of what happens in December is possible thanks to our volunteers. Whether they are decorating the hall, setting up lights, clearing snow from walkways, or delivering newsletters, volunteers are the foundation of everything we do. Their work often goes unseen, but its impact is everywhere. MRCA’s board of directors, composed entirely of volunteers, also works behind the scenes to coordinate programming, manage finances, liaise with the City of Calgary, and oversee hall operations.
We also encourage residents to consider hosting their own events at Mount Royal Station. The hall is available for private rentals and is a beautiful venue for holiday parties, fundraisers, and family celebrations. Members of the MRCA receive preferred rates on bookings, and our staff and volunteers can help facilitate access, setup, and support. For details on availability, amenities, and booking guidelines, please visit www.mrca.ca.
If you appreciate the programs and events that bring our neighbourhood to life, we ask you to support them by becoming a member. Your annual membership fee supports rink maintenance, community decorations, volunteer appreciation, event supplies, and seasonal programming. It also allows us to secure matching grants and demonstrate to the City that we are an active and engaged neighbourhood.
December is not only a time of celebration, but also a time for giving. As you consider your end-of-year charitable contributions or volunteer hours, we invite you to include MRCA in your plans. Whether you can give a few hours or a full season, your participation is valued. We are currently seeking volunteers to help with the skating rink, special events, and seasonal programming.
We close the year with gratitude. Thank you to every neighbour who showed up, helped out, joined in, or quietly supported our work. You make this community stronger. We wish you a warm and joyful holiday season.
Join or renew your membership today at www.mrca.ca. Your community thanks you.
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