Last updated: November 11, 2024
Explore the festive highlights of Calgary with our guide. We’ve compiled all the key events and activities for you. For Calgary devotees and casual admirers, this guide is your ticket to seasonal splendor.
Popular Events: This holiday season, experience the enchanting ZOOLIGHTS, where the Calgary Zoo transforms into a shimmering wonderland of lights and displays. The distinctive atmosphere of Once Upon A Christmas at Heritage Park immerses visitors in nostalgic holiday traditions and engaging activities. And the Signature Festival of Crafts is something you definitely don't want to miss, featuring unique handmade items from local artisans. See more details on these and other fun events and activities below!
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Calgary Holiday Light Displays
ZOOLIGHTS
- What to Expect
- Holiday celebration in a zoo setting with extensive light displays.
- Description
- ZOOLIGHTS at the Calgary Zoo features over one million lights, interactive displays, and themed areas celebrating conservation and biodiversity. Visitors can explore Polar Nights in Prehistoric Park, the ENMAX Conservatory, and the Boreal Forest Trek, among other attractions.
- Where
- Calgary | More Info : ZOOLIGHTS
Lions Festival of Lights
- What to Expect
- Community-driven holiday light display.
- Description
- The Lions Festival of Lights is a large-scale Christmas light display located at Confederation Park Golf Course, viewable along 14 Street NW, north of 24 Avenue. The festival is organized by the Lions Festival of Lights Society, with contributions from Lions, IBEW members, and the community. It features vibrant holiday displays and is a way for Calgarians to give back to their city.
- Where
- Calgary | More Info : Lions Festival of Lights
Winter Light Festival
- What to Expect
- Holiday celebration in a zoo setting with synchronized light displays.
- Description
- The Winter Light Festival at the Calgary Zoo features over one million lights, 250 light figures, and four themed zones celebrating conservation and biodiversity. Visitors can journey through Polar Nights in Prehistoric Park, explore the ENMAX Conservatory for an arctic twilight experience, and take part in festive feasts and special events.
- Where
- Calgary | More Info : Winter Light Festival
Cochrane Light Up
- What to Expect
- Community-driven holiday celebration with a light show and festive activities.
- Description
- Cochrane Light Up is a community event in Historic Downtown Cochrane featuring a light show, hot chocolate, hot dogs, toasty fire-pits, and bright Christmas lights.
- Where
- Cochrane | More Info : Cochrane Light Up
Light Up Okotoks
- What to Expect
- Community celebration with festive activities and tree lighting.
- Description
- Light Up Okotoks is a community event in downtown Okotoks featuring the annual lighting of the community Christmas tree, wagon rides, warm fire pits, choir performances, late-night shopping, and a fireworks display.
- Where
- Okotoks | More Info : Light Up Okotoks
GLOW Calgary Presents: Santa’s Sleigh Adventure
- What to Expect
- Interactive light garden with a festive theme.
- Description
- GLOW Calgary Presents: Santa’s Sleigh Adventure is a festive journey where families help Santa find his missing reindeer and save Christmas. The event features millions of twinkling lights in an enchanting maze of color and fun.
- Where
- Calgary | More Info : GLOW Calgary Presents: Santa’s Sleigh Adventure
Calgary Holiday Markets and Shopping
Signature Festival of Crafts
- What to Expect
- Showcase of 100% Canadian handmade crafts.
- Description
- Signature Festival of Crafts is a premier event showcasing Canadian artisans and their handmade crafts, featuring a diverse range of products from body care to woodcrafts.
- Where
- Calgary | More Info : Signature Festival of Crafts
Granary Road Christmas Market
- What to Expect
- Family-friendly holiday shopping with unique local vendors.
- Description
- Granary Road's Christmas Market offers a delightful holiday experience with local vendors, a Christmas petting zoo, Santa photos, Alpaca Holiday Photos, and Christmas workshops in the beautiful Foothills between Okotoks and South Calgary.
- Where
- Calgary | More Info : Granary Road Christmas Market
Inglewood Holiday Night Market
- What to Expect
- Rotating local artisans and makers selling unique handmade goods.
- Description
- The Inglewood Holiday Night Market is a modern market featuring locally sourced and handmade vendors selling diverse goods, including handmade crafts, vintage clothing, antiques, collectibles, and artisan eats. The event offers live music and adult beverages, welcoming kids and adults alike.
- Where
- Calgary | More Info : Inglewood Holiday Night Market
Art Market & Craft Sale
- What to Expect
- Unique blend of handmade crafts and live entertainment.
- Description
- The Art Market & Craft Sale features over 200 Canadian artisans showcasing jewelry, pottery, soap makers, paintings, and designer fashion. Enjoy live bands, round-the-clock demonstrations, and hourly gift certificate draws.
- Where
- Calgary | More Info : Art Market & Craft Sale
Spruce Meadows International Christmas Market
- What to Expect
- Unique, handcrafted goods from over 300 local vendors.
- Description
- The Spruce Meadows International Christmas Market offers a diverse array of local vendors selling unique, handcrafted goods and festive treasures. The event features beautifully themed dining experiences, including Long Table Dinners and High Tea, as well as special appearances by Santa's reindeer on Sundays. Visitors can explore both cozy indoor settings and charming outdoor spaces.
- Where
- Spruce Meadows | More Info : Spruce Meadows International Christmas Market
Calgary Holiday Geeks Gift Market
- What to Expect
- Diverse selection of geeky and alternative gifts.
- Description
- The Calgary Holiday Geeks Gift Market is a vibrant event featuring over 200 local vendors selling unique, geeky, and alternative gifts. It includes an artist alley, community corner, and welcomes cosplay enthusiasts. The market offers a diverse selection of items catering to various interests.
- Where
- Calgary | More Info : Calgary Holiday Geeks Gift Market
The Holly Jolly Mall Market
- What to Expect
- Immersive holiday shopping with unique gifts and seasonal items.
- Description
- The Holly Jolly Mall Market is a holiday shopping experience featuring unique gifts and seasonal items in a festive atmosphere.
- Where
- Calgary | More Info : The Holly Jolly Mall Market
Weihnachtsmarkt German Christmas Market
- What to Expect
- Unique local vendors and festive entertainment.
- Description
- The Spruce Meadows International Christmas Market offers a diverse array of local vendors, festive entertainment, and seasonal treats. Over 300 unique vendors showcase handcrafted goods and festive treasures, while Santa's Reindeer make special appearances every Sunday. The market features cozy indoor settings and charming outdoor spaces, including Long Table Dinners, Après Market food stations, and High Tea.
- Where
- Calgary | More Info : Weihnachtsmarkt German Christmas Market
The Grand South Christmas Market
- What to Expect
- Multi-community holiday market with local vendors and interactive activities.
- Description
- The Grand South Christmas Market is a vibrant holiday event showcasing over 75 local vendors in Mahogany, Mackenzie Towne, Cranston, New Brighton, and Auburn Bay. It features handcrafted treasures, gourmet delights, and unique festive finds. Visitors can collect stamps on a Market Passport to win a grand Christmas prize.
- Where
- Calgary | More Info : The Grand South Christmas Market
Calgary Holiday Shows and Entertainment
Traditional Christmas Concert
- What to Expect
- Classical music performance with a choral ensemble.
- Description
- The Calgary Philharmonic Orchestra presents Traditional Christmas 2024, a concert featuring holiday favorites performed by the Orchestra, Calgary Men’s Chorus, and soloists from Calgary Opera's McPhee Artist Development Program. The event takes place at the beautiful Grace Presbyterian Church.
- Where
- Calgary | More Info : Traditional Christmas Concert
A Christmas Carol
- What to Expect
- Classic holiday tale with elaborate production values.
- Description
- A timeless tale of redemption, told with stunning sets, lavish costumes, and a huge cast. Ebenezer Scrooge is visited by three ghosts who confront him with the consequences of his actions, leading him to recognize there is more to life than money.
- Where
- Calgary | More Info : A Christmas Carol
A Choral Christmas
- What to Expect
- Choral holiday music performance by the Calgary Philharmonic Orchestra.
- Description
- A Choral Christmas features a harmonious blend of traditional and contemporary holiday music, performed by the Calgary Philharmonic Orchestra.
- Where
- Calgary | More Info : A Choral Christmas
Calgary Other Holiday Activities
Once Upon A Christmas at Heritage Park
- What to Expect
- Family-friendly holiday celebration with historical village activities.
- Description
- Once Upon A Christmas at Heritage Park offers a variety of classic indoor and outdoor Christmas activities for the whole family, including horse-drawn wagon rides, visits with Santa, crafts, music, and entertainment.
- Where
- Calgary | More Info : Once Upon A Christmas at Heritage Park
Beary Merry Holiday Party
- What to Expect
- Holiday celebration with live music and dancing.
- Description
- The Beary Merry Holiday Party is a holiday celebration designed for small groups, featuring live music and dancing, with an evening stroll among the zoo's twinkling lights.
- Where
- Calgary | More Info : Beary Merry Holiday Party