How to Spend Christmas in Calgary (2024)
Celebrating Christmas in Calgary is magical. Every year, the Christmas lights brighten up the dark winter skies, people wander through Christmas markets buying gifts for loved ones, and visits to Santa Claus are on the horizon.
There are plenty of things to do in Calgary for Christmas, from shopping at Christmas Markets and watching a Christmas play to spending time at one of the several Christmas events. There is enough to fill the festive season with holiday joy.
How to Spend Christmas in Calgary
There are loads of Christmas events in Calgary that will get you in the holiday spirit. Whether you are shopping for Christmas gifts or want to enjoy a festive evening with your friends or family – there is something for everyone to do this holiday season.
From Christmas-themed events at Calgary’s most popular attractions to Christmas concerts to meeting Santa or riding a Christmas train – find out the best things to do for Christmas in Calgary this year.
Christmas Events in Calgary
Heritage Park Once Upon a Christmas
Wander down to Heritage Park for this year’s Once Upon a Christmas. Heritage Park gets fully decked out in festive displays, including a Christmas village display and a model train display.
Spending Christmas in Calgary at Heritage Park is fun for the entire family. It features visits with Santa, creating Christmas crafts, decorating gingerbread cookies, holiday storytimes, festive photo ops, listening to Christmas Carolers belt out the best Christmas songs, going on horse-drawn wagon rides, and so much more.
This year’s Once Upon a Christmas is on Saturdays and Sundays from December 7 to 22, 2024, so don’t miss out!
Book here: Once Upon a Christmas at Heritage Park
Calgary Zoolights
Calgary Zoo throws one of the best Christmas events in Calgary with Zoolights. The zoo features over 1 million lights and 250 light figurines, and 2024 brings several different themes, including The Festive Forest, where you can find Santa in the mischievous world of elves.
You will also walk through other parts of the zoo and explore the Christmas decorations and themes, including the light display in Lemur Tales and the Merry & Bright Tree Trail, the light show at the Discovery Bridge, African festivities in Savannah Sparkle, and my favourite one of all – the Aurora Gardens which features a glowing polar bear surrounded by the northern lights.
Calgary Zoolights is the perfect way to spend Christmas in Calgary. Celebrate with friends and family, or head on a festive-themed date night. You can also book a night in one of the private Snow Globes, where you can enjoy delicious food and drinks along with your Zoolights ticket.
Zoolights runs from November 15th, 2024, to January 5th, 2025, so you have plenty of time to enjoy the zoo this Christmas in Calgary.
Book here: Calgary Zoolights
CPKC Holiday Train
The CPKC Holiday Train is one of the best things to do for Christmas. The train tours across Canada and will stop in Calgary on December 14th, 2024. The Calgary stop features a performance by Anyway Gang. The CPKC Holiday Train is free to visit, but they would love it if you brought non-perishable food items to donate to the food bank.
If you can’t make it to the Calgary stop, the CPKC Holiday Train will also stop in Airdrie on December 13th.
Find out more here: CPKC Holiday Train
Spend Christmas in Calgary at the Lougheed House
Get into the Christmas Spirit this December by attending one of the holiday events at the Lougheed House. Start Christmas in Calgary by enjoying their Afternoon Tea on November 23rd, December 8th, and December 22nd, 2024. You will enjoy high tea and Christmas treats inside the historic Lougheed House, which is decorated with all things Christmas.
Santa will be visiting the Lougheed House on December 7th. You and the family can enjoy DYI pet and family photos with Santa (bring your camera!), go on a holiday scavenger hunt and enjoy a Christmas tree ornament craft. This is one of the best things to do in Calgary for free!
Finally, enjoy a Holiday Embroidery Workshop on December 14th, where you will learn how to embroider a Christmas tree ornament.
I am not 100% sure if they will be having a Christmas-themed Trivia Night, one of the best things to do in Calgary for adults, but I will keep you updated when I know more.
Find out more here: Christmas at Lougheed House
“Let’s Glow” at Tomkins Park for Christmas
Head to Tomkins Park on December 1st from 4 to 6 p.m. to enjoy 17th Avenue’s Let’s Glow. Live music, entertainment, and holiday cheer will be provided. Let’s Glow is one of the best events in Calgary this Christmas, as it is free, family-friendly, and accessible.
Following Let’s Glow, Tomkins Park transforms into a winter wonderland, complete with stunning lanterns—all handcrafted by a talented local artist—that illuminate the park throughout December.
Heat Up the Holidays at the Telus Spark Science Centre
Telus Spark Science Centre always has the best holiday events. This year’s Christmas is all about heating up the holidays; the events are perfect for the holiday season.
Spend Christmas in Calgary enjoying The Muttcracker, which features dogs showing off their agility skills – who doesn’t want to watch dogs jumping through the air this holiday season? Silver and Bold returns this Christmas – enjoy a dazzling display of holiday lights that will put you in a festive mood.
Be sure to bring your camera with you on your trip to Spark. Throughout December, you can take festive photos at the photo-ready spaces around the building.
The holiday season at Telus Spark also includes the Quantum Sandbox exhibit, One Sky, Sizzlin’ Science and Spark After Dark (18+) Greatest Hits, which is perfect for people looking for things to do in Calgary for adults.
The Telus Spark Science Centre has amazingly fun things to do for Halloween in Calgary.
Find out more here: Heat Up the Holidays Telus Spark Science Centre
Holiday Tea at Heritage Park
Spend Christmas in Calgary by indulging in Heritage Park’s afternoon Holiday Tea. Sip teas or warm apple cider while nibbling finger sandwiches and freshly baked sweet treats.
After you enjoy your Holiday Tea, you can wander through Heritage Park’s Gasoline Alley Museum, home to one of the world’s largest public collections of antique vehicles.
This year’s Holiday Tea Christmas event happens on December 27, 28 and 29, 2024.
Find out more here: Holiday Tea at Heritage Park
The Polar Express Train Ride
Hop aboard the Polar Express for a magical one-hour train journey filled with Christmas spirit. If you enjoyed watching The Polar Express film, you will love immersing yourself in the movie magic.
Wear your pyjamas and prepare for a ride filled with hot chocolate, cookies, gifts and your own collectible Polar Express mug. The Polar Express Train Ride is located in Aspen Crossing, about an hour from Calgary.
Didn’t we all want to ride the Polar Express after watching the movie?!
They have several dates throughout November and December – with more dates leading up to Christmas.
Find out more here: The Polar Express Train Ride
Christmas Sleigh Rides at Horsin Around
Head to Horsin Around to book your very own Christmas Sleigh Ride! The Sleigh Rides are open for reservation on Christmas Eve and Boxing Day, so reserve your spot!
Venture through the snow on a sleigh ride, warm up next to the campfire, and feast on free hot chocolate.
Find out more here: Christmas Sleigh Rides
Christmas Theatre, Holiday Plays and Festive Performances
If you want to get into the Christmas spirit, Calgary has loads to offer. Head down to Rosebud Theatre, Theatre Calgary or the Southern Alberta Jubilee Auditorium and prepare to be immersed in festive performances all evening.
Rosebud Theatre
If you love theatre, head to the Rosebud Theatre this holiday season. The theatre features a few holiday shows this year, including Christmas on the Air, which runs from November 8th to December 22, 2024.
The shows are all family-friendly (kids in grade 5 and up) and make for a perfect night out in Calgary this Christmas.
Find out more here: Christmas Shows at Rosebud Theatre
Theatre Calgary
Enjoy the holiday classic A Christmas Carol at Theatre Calgary this Christmas. Watch Ebenezer Scrooge as he spends Christmas Eve with three ghosts. I highly recommend booking your tickets as early as possible, as they sell out fast.
This year’s play takes place at the Max Bell Theatre (Art Commons) between November 29 and December 29, 2024.
Book tickets here: A Christmas Carol
The Nutcracker by Alberta Ballet
What is more Christmas than The Nutcracker? Head down to the Southern Alberta Jubilee Auditorium to watch the Alberta Ballet perform this Christmas’s iconic holiday performance. The Nutcracker is the best way to spend Christmas in Calgary this year. The show runs from December 13 to the 24th, 2024.
Book here: The Nutcracker
Christmas Concerts & Music in Calgary
Watch Classical Music by Candlelight
Spend the evening enjoying the sweet sounds of classical music this Christmas, illuminated by hundreds of candles. Candlelight Concerts feature a local string quartet, solo pianist, or orchestra performing an hour of Christmas music, including a Nutcracker Holiday Special or Jazz Christmas Classics.
Book here: Candlelight Concerts in Calgary
Christmas Music at the Calgary Philharmonic Orchestra
Enjoy the sweet sounds of traditional Christmas tunes from the Calgary Philharmonic Orchestra. Some songs performed include Christmas classics like O Come All Ye Faithful, Overture from The Nutcracker and Prelude on an Old Carol Tune.
In November, you can see Disney’s The Muppet Christmas Carol in Concert Live-to-Film, with three events leading up to Christmas throughout December. On the 6th of December, you can watch A Choral Christmas; the 7th brings Chantal Kreviazuk: A Holiday Special and from December 10th through the 12th, you can see the Traditional Christmas 2024.
The Calgary Philharmonic Orchestra is having a New Year’s Event! On January 1st, you can watch the Salute to Vienna New Year’s Concert, the perfect way to spend the New Year in Calgary.
Book here: Christmas Music at the Calgary Philharmonic Orchestra
Jubilations
If you love dinner theatre and Christmas, you should head down to Jubilations for their holiday show, Beauty and the Grinch. The show is for children, so I recommend it for families. It runs from November 9th, 2024, to January 11th, 2025.
Book here: Beauty and the Grinch at Jubilations Dinner Theatre
Storybook Theatre
Head to the Beddington Theatre Arts Centre and enjoy an adaptation of Charles Dicken’s A Christmas Carol. The adaptation, named One Christmas Carol, is performed by one actor who portrays over 35 different characters. It’s an incredible sight and a great play this Christmas season.
This years play runs from December 8th to the 23rd.
Find out more here: Storybook Theatre
Candy Cane Kids a Holiday Musical (Will Return Christmas 2025)
Head to the BMO Theatre at Shane Homes YMCA for a fun, festive family outing this Christmas. The Candy Cane Kids, a Holiday Musical, features Cookie, Pep Stripe, and a cast of dancers and singers ready to give you a performance you will love this Christmas.
This event is not happening this Christmas in Calgary but will return in 2025.
Book here: Candy Cane Kids a Holiday Musical
Where to See Christmas Lights in Calgary
What is more magical than seeing houses, shops and everything in between decorated with loads of Christmas lights and decorations?
Whether you want to walk through neighbourhoods decked out in Christmas decorations or drive through Christmas Lights displays in Calgary, there are several locations in and around the city to visit.
Wander through the stunning Christmas lights around Calgary to get you into the Christmas spirit. Here are a few locations in Calgary that offer the most spectacular Christmas displays.
Spruce Meadows Christmas Light Drive-Through
If you want free things to do in Calgary this Christmas, head down to the Spruce Meadows Christmas Light Drive-Through.
You can enjoy the lights in your vehicle or park and walk through the lit-up path. The Christmas Lights will be open each weekend from Friday through Sunday, from December 6th to the 29th, 2024.
Find out more here: Spruce Meadows Christmas Lights
Legacy Lights
Calgary’s Legacy Lights offers some of the brightest displays of lights and decorations. Drive or walk through Calgary’s Legacy neighbourhood and enjoy decorated houses, parks and tunnels of lights. If you visit after the 15th of December, bring your ice skates and enjoy skating on the freshly opened ice rink. The Christmas event in Calgary runs from December 1st, 2024, to January 14th, 2025.
Find out more here: Legacy Lights
Lions Festival of Lights
Head down to the Lions Festival of Lights this Christmas in Calgary. The light displays begin on November 23rd, 2024, and runs each evening until January 8th, 2025. What should you expect? Incredible Christmas lights, hot chocolate, ice sculptures, and fireworks!
Find out more here: Lions Festival of Lights
Christmas Lights Outside of Calgary
If you can’t get enough Christmas lights, a few displays are located outside of Calgary.
Head to these communities to get your fill of Christmas Lights.
Where to Meet Santa in Calgary
What is Christmas without a visit to Santa? Luckily, Santa has set up a few places around Calgary where you can visit him for a photo this Christmas.
Check him out at these malls and attractions around the city.
- Millarville Christmas Market
- Santa Comes to Lougheed House
- Shriners Santa Photos at Santa Village
- Once Upon a Christmas Heritage Park
- Visits with Santa at The Core Shopping Centre
- Granary Road Christmas Market
- Enchanted Forest at Southcentre Mall
- Visits with Santa at CF Chinook Centre
- Visits with Santa at CF Market Mall
Christmas Shopping in Calgary
Start your holiday shopping or get into the mood for Christmas in Calgary by visiting the several Christmas Markets that pop up yearly. You can also pop by local shops to get all of your shopping done. Maybe you will even run into Santa Claus during your shopping trip!
Here are a few of the best places to go Christmas shopping in Calgary this year. Whether you are shopping for gifts or Christmas decorations for your home – there is a place that will have whatever you need this holiday season.
- CF Market Mall
- Deerfoot City Mall
- CF Chinook Centre
- CrossIron Mills Mall
- The CORE Shopping Centre
- Southcentre Mall
- The Merry Mistletoe: A Calgary Christmas Store
- Santa And Me
Calgary Christmas Markets
If you prefer shopping at a Christmas Market over a shopping centre, head down to one of Calgary’s many Christmas markets. You can shop for gifts and Christmas items and walk through a market that immerses you in the Christmas Season. It is the perfect way to spend Christmas in Calgary this year.
Granary Road Christmas Market
Visit the Granary Road Christmas Market on Saturday and Sunday from November 30th through December 15th, 2024, for a festive Christmas Market.
The Farmers’ Market is transformed into the most festive place in Calgary. Enjoy the Christmas carols that play throughout the entire market as you walk through decorated trees, Christmas lights and festive decorations. Plus, you will get the chance to visit Santa while shopping at the Christmas market.
Find out more here: Granary Road Christmas Market
Spruce Meadows International Christmas
Wander through the Spruce Meadows International Christmas Market this Christmas in Calgary. The market is full of high-quality vendors who sell locally designed products. Why not shop local this Christmas?
Check out more information here: Spruce Meadows International Christmas
Inglewood Night Market
The Inglewood Night Market is the best way to spend Christmas in Calgary. The market, which has a $5 entry fee, features local vendors selling handmade, vintage, and delicious treats.
The market is perfect for getting out of the cold Calgary nights as it is a fully indoor market located at the Crossroads Farmers Market.
You can enjoy hot chocolate, beer and wine while wandering around the Christmas market.
Find out more here: Inglewood Night Market
Authentically Indigenous
Head down to the Kerby Centre Gym from November 30th to December 1st for the Authentically Indigenous Holiday Craft Market.
Find local handmade goods, crafts, art, jewelry, beadwork, etc. Plus, you can learn about Indigenous culture while shopping at the holiday market. The market also offers craft workshops where you will learn about the Indigenous culture from local Elders.
Find out more here: Authentically Indigenous
Christmas Events in Calgary for Adults
Christmas with the family is always fun, but as someone who loves child-free places and events, I wanted to tell you about the best things to do in Calgary for adults this Christmas.
Sippin’ Santa at Ricardo’s
Attend Sippin’ Santa at Ricardo’s this Christmas to enjoy festive Christmas tiki cocktails. They serve both alcoholic and non-alcoholic Christmas drinks, so everyone can enjoy the evening.
Head to Ricardo’s from November 20th to December 31st, 2024, and enjoy tasty holiday beverages.
Winter Activities in Calgary to get you in the Christmas Spirit
Christmas in Calgary can be enjoyed in so many different ways. If you don’t want to see a Christmas Concert or head to a Holiday Market, there are still loads of winter activities that’ll help get you into the Christmas spirit.
Here are some ideas for getting out and about in Calgary this Christmas.
- Grab your sled and head to one of Calgary’s tobogganing hills for an afternoon of adventure in the snow.
- Enjoy skating on one of Calgary’s outdoor ice skating rinks
- Go for a winter walk on 17th Street, Stephen Avenue, Spruce Meadows of Inglewood. You can also head down to one of Calgary’s many trails for a hike.
- Go tubing at Calgary’s Tube Park.
