Experience the festive cheer in Calgary! Our guide has all the exciting holiday events and activities. Whether you're intimately familiar with Calgary or just getting to know it, this guide maximizes your seasonal joy.
Zoolights at the Calgary Zoo illuminates the winter nights with dazzling light displays and enchanting activities for all ages. The magical Airdrie Festival of Lights draws visitors with its impressive light shows and festive atmosphere. And the Lions Festival of Lights is something you definitely don't want to miss with its splendid display of Christmas spirit. See more details on these and other fun events and activities below!
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The Top Christmas Events in Calgary
- Zoolights at the Calgary Zoo
- Lions Festival of Lights
- Spruce Meadows Christmas Market
- Heritage Park Once Upon A Christmas
- Rotary Festival of Trees
- Christmas in Kensington
- Christmas Glow
- Market Collective Holiday Edition
- A Charlie Brown Christmas Live on Stage
- Inglewood Night Market Holiday Edition
Calgary Holiday Light Displays
Zoolights at the Calgary Zoo
What to Expect:
Interactive light displays integrated with animal habitats
Description:
Zoolights transforms the Calgary Zoo into a luminous spectacle, blending wildlife conservation with holiday cheer. Visitors can stroll through 2 million twinkling lights artfully arranged around animal enclosures. The event showcases the zoo's commitment to endangered species, with light sculptures depicting rare animals. Warm up with a cup of hot cocoa as you explore the illuminated pathways. The Calgary Zoo, founded in 1929, has long been a leader in wildlife conservation efforts in Western Canada.
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Lions Festival of Lights
What to Expect:
One of the largest drive-by light displays in Calgary
Description:
The Lions Festival of Lights brightens Calgary's winter nights with a spectacular drive-by light show. Spanning 14th Street NW, this volunteer-run event features intricate light sculptures and animated displays. Visitors can tune their car radios to a special station for synchronized holiday music. The festival, initiated by the Lions Club in 1987, has become a cherished Calgary tradition. Cruise through the illuminated wonderland and marvel at the creativity of the light installations.
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Christmas Glow
What to Expect:
Indoor Christmas light garden and market
Description:
Christmas Glow brings the magic of holiday lights indoors, creating a cozy and immersive experience. This event features themed light gardens, interactive light displays, and a bustling Christmas market. Visitors can decorate cookies in Santa's bakery or navigate through a light maze. The concept of Christmas Glow originated in Langley, BC, in 2017 and has since spread across Canada. Escape the winter chill and bask in the warm glow of thousands of lights as you explore this indoor holiday spectacle.
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Calgary Holiday Markets and Shopping
Spruce Meadows Christmas Market
What to Expect:
Equestrian-themed Christmas market in an international show jumping venue
Description:
Spruce Meadows Christmas Market combines holiday shopping with the charm of a world-renowned equestrian facility. Visitors can browse unique gifts from local artisans while surrounded by the elegance of this prestigious show jumping venue. The market features live music performances and the opportunity to meet the Spruce Meadows Clydesdales. Founded in 1975, Spruce Meadows has hosted numerous international equestrian events. Explore the festively decorated barns and enjoy the rustic ambiance of this one-of-a-kind Christmas market.
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Spruce Meadows Christmas Market
Market Collective Holiday Edition
What to Expect:
Curated market showcasing local artists, makers, and musicians
Description:
Market Collective's Holiday Edition brings together Calgary's creative community for a vibrant shopping experience. This curated event features handmade goods from local artisans, live music performances, and interactive art installations. Visitors can participate in DIY workshops to create their own holiday gifts. Market Collective, founded in 2008, has been instrumental in supporting Calgary's independent arts scene. Immerse yourself in the city's creative energy as you browse unique gifts and enjoy live entertainment in this dynamic holiday market.
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Market Collective Holiday Edition
Inglewood Night Market Holiday Edition
What to Expect:
Night market in Calgary's oldest neighborhood
Description:
Inglewood Night Market's Holiday Edition transforms Calgary's oldest neighborhood into a festive after-dark shopping destination. This event features local vendors, food trucks, and live entertainment spread throughout the historic streets. Visitors can sample seasonal treats while browsing unique gifts under the glow of string lights. Inglewood, established in 1875, was Calgary's original downtown core. Explore this vibrant community after dark and discover the charm of its independent shops and eateries during this special holiday market.
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Inglewood Night Market Holiday Edition
Bearspaw Christmas Market
What to Expect:
Upscale Christmas market in a rural setting just outside Calgary
Description:
Bearspaw Christmas Market offers a refined holiday shopping experience in a picturesque rural setting. This curated event features high-quality artisanal products, gourmet foods, and unique gift items from local and regional vendors. Visitors can enjoy live music and seasonal refreshments while browsing the elegantly decorated market. Bearspaw, once a separate community, is now a sought-after rural residential area of Calgary. Escape the city bustle and indulge in a sophisticated holiday shopping experience surrounded by the beauty of the Alberta countryside.
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Calgary Holiday Giving Opportunities
Rotary Festival of Trees
What to Expect:
Professionally decorated Christmas trees auctioned for charity
Description:
The Rotary Festival of Trees showcases an array of exquisitely decorated Christmas trees, each a unique work of art. This fundraising event features trees adorned by professional designers and local organizations, all available for auction. Visitors can vote for their favorite tree and participate in silent auctions for holiday-themed prizes. The Rotary Club, founded in 1905, has a long history of community service in Calgary. Marvel at the creativity on display and contribute to local charities by bidding on these one-of-a-kind holiday masterpieces.
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Calgary Holiday Shows and Entertainment
A Charlie Brown Christmas Live on Stage
What to Expect:
Live stage adaptation of the beloved Peanuts holiday special
Description:
A Charlie Brown Christmas Live on Stage brings the classic animated special to life with a faithful adaptation featuring the Peanuts gang. This heartwarming production includes all the iconic scenes and Vince Guaraldi's jazz score performed live. Audience members can sing along to favorite carols during the show. The original Charlie Brown Christmas special first aired in 1965 and has been a holiday staple ever since. Relive your childhood memories or introduce a new generation to this timeless story of the true meaning of Christmas.
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A Charlie Brown Christmas Live on Stage
The Polar Express Train Ride
What to Expect:
Interactive train ride experience based on the popular children's book
Description:
The Polar Express Train Ride brings the beloved children's book to life with an immersive journey to the "North Pole." Passengers board a real train, enjoying hot chocolate and cookies while listening to the story. Children can meet Santa and receive a special gift during the ride. The Polar Express book, written by Chris Van Allsburg, was first published in 1985. Don your pajamas and embark on this magical train ride that captures the wonder and excitement of the classic holiday tale.
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Calgary Other Holiday Activities
Heritage Park Once Upon A Christmas
What to Expect:
Historical reenactment of Christmas traditions from the early 1900s
Description:
Heritage Park's Once Upon A Christmas transports visitors to a turn-of-the-century holiday celebration. This living history event recreates Christmas traditions from the early 1900s, complete with costumed interpreters and period-accurate decorations. Visitors can participate in old-fashioned activities like candle dipping and gingerbread decorating. Heritage Park, established in 1964, is Canada's largest living history museum. Step back in time and experience the warmth of a traditional prairie Christmas in this meticulously recreated historical setting.
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Heritage Park Once Upon A Christmas
Christmas in Kensington
What to Expect:
Neighborhood-wide celebration in one of Calgary's most historic districts
Description:
Christmas in Kensington transforms this historic Calgary neighborhood into a bustling holiday hub. The event features horse-drawn carriage rides, street performers, and special promotions from local shops and restaurants. Visitors can enjoy carolers serenading shoppers along the festively decorated streets. Kensington, one of Calgary's oldest communities, has been a vibrant cultural center since the early 1900s. Stroll through this charming district and experience the warmth of a community coming together to celebrate the season.
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Nearby Events
Airdrie Festival of Lights (Airdrie)
What to Expect:
Canada's largest free outdoor walk-through Christmas light display
Description:
Airdrie's Festival of Lights illuminates Nose Creek Park with a dazzling array of holiday displays. This volunteer-driven event boasts over 850 light installations, creating a vibrant winter landscape. Visitors can hop aboard the miniature train for a guided tour through the glowing scenes. The festival, which began in 1996, has grown from a small community gathering to a beloved regional tradition. Bundle up and immerse yourself in the glow of thousands of lights reflecting off the snow-covered ground.
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Banff Christmas Market (Banff)
What to Expect:
Christmas market set against the backdrop of the Rocky Mountains
Description:
Banff Christmas Market offers a picturesque holiday shopping experience nestled in the heart of the Canadian Rockies. This alpine-inspired market features local artisans and craftspeople selling unique mountain-themed gifts and treats. Visitors can warm up by outdoor fire pits while sipping on mulled wine. Banff, established as Canada's first national park in 1885, provides a stunning natural backdrop for this charming market. Breathe in the crisp mountain air as you browse the festive stalls and enjoy live entertainment.
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Light Up Okotoks (Okotoks)
What to Expect:
Community-wide light-up event with a focus on local businesses
Description:
Light Up Okotoks ignites the holiday spirit with a town-wide celebration of lights and community. This event features the simultaneous illumination of businesses and homes throughout Okotoks, creating a unified display of holiday cheer. Visitors can enjoy horse-drawn wagon rides through the glowing streets. Okotoks, named after the "Big Rock" glacial erratic, has a rich history dating back to the 1800s. Wander through the illuminated downtown core and discover the charm of this close-knit community during the holiday season.
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Nanton Lights the Way (Nanton)
What to Expect:
Small-town celebration with a focus on local history and community
Description:
Nanton Lights the Way illuminates this charming Alberta town with a celebration of lights and local heritage. The event features a parade of lights, ice sculptures, and special displays in the town's antique shops. Visitors can tour the historic downtown area in horse-drawn wagons. Nanton, known for its collection of Lancaster bomber planes, has a rich aviation history dating back to World War II. Experience the warmth of small-town hospitality as you explore this festively lit community and its unique historical attractions.
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Christmas in the Country Art Sale (Priddis)
What to Expect:
Rural art sale featuring works inspired by Alberta's landscapes
Description:
Christmas in the Country Art Sale showcases the talents of local artists in the picturesque setting of Priddis, Alberta. This event features paintings, sculptures, and crafts inspired by the region's stunning landscapes and rural lifestyle. Visitors can meet the artists and learn about their creative processes. Priddis, located in the foothills of the Rocky Mountains, has a rich history of ranching and agriculture. Discover unique, locally-created artworks that capture the essence of Alberta's natural beauty in this charming country setting.
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Christmas in the Country Art Sale
Light Up George Lane Park (High River)
What to Expect:
Community light-up event in a historic riverside park
Description:
Light Up George Lane Park illuminates High River's central park with a dazzling display of holiday lights. This community event features the ceremonial lighting of a giant Christmas tree, live music, and family-friendly activities. Visitors can enjoy free hot chocolate while strolling through the illuminated pathways. George Lane Park, named after a prominent local rancher, has been a focal point of High River since the early 1900s. Experience the warmth of community spirit as this charming town comes together to celebrate the start of the holiday season.
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Christmas Spirit (Okotoks) (Okotoks)
What to Expect:
Month-long celebration of holiday events throughout Okotoks
Description:
Christmas Spirit in Okotoks encompasses a series of festive events throughout December, uniting the community in holiday cheer. This celebration includes a Santa Claus parade, outdoor skating parties, and special promotions at local businesses. Visitors can participate in a town-wide scavenger hunt for hidden candy canes. Okotoks, named after the Blackfoot word for "rock," has a rich Indigenous history. Immerse yourself in the spirit of the season as you explore this charming town and its diverse holiday offerings.
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Strathmore's Christmas Light Up (Strathmore)
What to Expect:
Small-town light-up celebration with a focus on local businesses
Description:
Strathmore's Christmas Light Up kicks off the holiday season with a community-wide illumination of downtown businesses and homes. This event features a festive parade, live entertainment, and special promotions from local shops. Visitors can warm up with complimentary hot chocolate while enjoying the newly lit displays. Strathmore, originally a hamlet serving the Canadian Pacific Railway, has grown into a thriving community east of Calgary. Experience the charm of small-town hospitality as Strathmore's residents come together to celebrate the start of the holiday season.
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Strathmore's Christmas Light Up
Carstairs Artisan Christmas Market (Carstairs)
What to Expect:
Artisan market showcasing handmade goods from central Alberta
Description:
Carstairs Artisan Christmas Market highlights the talents of local craftspeople and artists from central Alberta. This event features a wide array of handcrafted items, from pottery and jewelry to woodworking and textiles. Visitors can watch live demonstrations of traditional crafting techniques. Carstairs, founded in the late 1800s, has a rich agricultural heritage. Discover unique, locally-made gifts while supporting the vibrant artisan community of this charming prairie town.
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Carstairs Artisan Christmas Market
Millarville Christmas Market (Millarville)
What to Expect:
Large-scale rural Christmas market in a historic racetrack setting
Description:
Millarville Christmas Market transforms the historic Millarville Racetrack into a bustling holiday shopping destination. This expansive market features over 160 vendors selling handmade crafts, local foods, and unique gifts. Visitors can enjoy hay rides, carolers, and visits with Santa in this picturesque rural setting. The Millarville Racetrack, established in 1905, is one of the oldest continuously operating racetracks in Western Canada. Embrace the festive atmosphere as you browse a vast array of holiday offerings in this charming countryside locale.