Events Taking Place in Calgary This Christmas [Updated for 2023]

Posted by Justin Havre on Thursday, November 30th, 2023 at 6:30am.

The best Christmas events in CalgaryThe holiday season is a time for fun and frolicking in the snow, revelling in the concept of peace on earth, and partaking in the spirit of giving. Those looking for Christmas events in Calgary this year to embrace the warmth the holidays bring should check out these annual festivities fostering everything Christmas is about.

Heritage Park Once Upon a Christmas

Once Upon a Christmas is by far one of the most cherished holiday traditions in Calgary, and the event transports visitors into an old-fashioned town. A picturesque Christmas scene through and through, The Heritage Park Once Upon a Christmas Village is open this year every weekend from November 25 to December 17 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., making it the ideal place to spend a day indulging in holiday magic. There are dozens of engaging activities and exhibitions to enjoy, with favourites including:

  • Wagon rides replete with carolling and culminating with a visit to Santa
  • Visiting with the park's ornately wardrobed holiday horses
  • Participating in crafts such as decorating gingerbread cookies and making decorations
  • Watching live plays within the cozy Canmore Opera House
  • Checking out Snooker Parlour's impressive Christmas village displays
  • Taking photos with Saint Nick

The Once Upon a Christmas festivities are ideal for accomplishing some holiday shopping. Inside Haskayne Mercantile Block within this makeshift community, one-of-a-kind handcrafted gifts await! Children are welcome to stop by the mercantile's 'Kids Only Store,' where volunteers supervise kids seeking to pick out unique gifts for family and friends.

Glow Calgary: Santa's Sleigh Adventure

Starting December 7 and running through December 31, Glow Calgary presents a massive indoor light display. Wander through the maze of lights to experience this year's story, or take part in the many other activities available this holiday season, including:

  • Mermaids and character visits
  • A visit with Santa
  • A trackless train ride
  • An indoor playground
  • Friday night dance parties
  • The Merry Makers Market
  • and more!

Glow YYC is located at Nutrien Western Event Centre, so be sure to swing by.

ZOOLIGHTS at the Calgary Zoo

Visit the Calgary Zoo for ZOOLIGHTS, a holiday tradition starting November 17, 2023, through January 7, 2024. Discover new themes, stories, and areas, along with classic activities like ice skating and axe throwing, that make this winter festival in Calgary so enjoyable for everyone.

The lights are on full display from 5 to 9 p.m. each night and include nearly 250 light displays and other exciting exhibits. Explore the park as you drink hot chocolate from The Chocolate Bar or eat a meal from Safari Snacks. Pick up a present at The North Gift Shop or the Bamboo-tique or ride the Wildlife Carousel. There's so much fun to be had at the zoo this year!

Lougheed House Christmas

While the Lougheed House is open for tours year-round, the holidays see this homestead museum transform into an enchanting respite for Lougheed House Christmas. Starting December 1, this impressive mansion dons one of the region's most stunning holiday light displays inside and out. However, the good old-fashioned holiday festivities don't end there.

Throughout the holiday season, Lougheed House hosts numerous activities, such as musical performances and tea parties. Be sure to check out this year's exciting calendar, including a holiday embroidery workshop on December 2 and a Santa visit on December 9—a free event which also includes a scavenger hunt and Christmas ornament crafting.

The Nutcracker

A nostalgic holiday tradition for many, seeing a live performance of The Nutcracker ballet is an excellent way to celebrate the season. Watch as Clara and the Nutcracker take on the evil mice and then dance with the lovely Sugar Plum Fairy. Set to the vibrant motion of Tchaikovsky classics, some of the region's finest dancers will perform December 15–24 at the Southern Alberta Jubilee Auditorium.

Enjoy Calgary This Holiday Season

With so many glorious ways to celebrate and ring in the holiday season, Calgary and Christmas festivities go hand in hand. Discover these events and more for the chance to make some wonderful memories this holiday season!

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