10 Things to Do During Christmas in Calgary [2024]

The holiday season is a time for frolicking in the snow, revelling in cheer, and finding fun things to do in Calgary. 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 in the heart of Southwest Calgary. A picturesque Christmas scene through and through, The Heritage Park Once Upon a Christmas Village is open this year every weekend from December 7 to December 22 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.

ZOOLIGHTS at the Calgary Zoo

Visit the Calgary Zoo for ZOOLIGHTS, a holiday tradition starting November 15, 2024, through January 5, 2025. 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 in Calgary's City Centre is open for tours year-round, the holidays see this homestead museum transform into an enchanting respite for Lougheed House Christmas. Stop by for Christmas tea on one of three dates: November 23, December 8, or December 22. Reservations can be made in advance online and tickets are $59.95 per person. 

On December 7 from 11 am to 3 pm, Santa Claus will be making his appearance at Lougheed House! Families (including pets) can take photos with Santa using their own cameras or phones. Ther will also be crafts and a scavenger hunt. The event is free, but advance registration is encouraged. 

The Nutcracker with Alberta Ballet

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 13–24 at the Southern Alberta Jubilee Auditorium, located in the Hillhurst neighbourhood.

Other Christmas Events in Calgary

• Spruce Meadows International Christmas Market (Nov. 15-17, Nov. 22-24, Nov. 29-Dec. 1): A festive market with over 300 vendors, seasonal décor, and Santa's Reindeer appearances Lions Festival of Lights (Nov. 23, 2024 - Jan. 5, 2025): The 38th annual outdoor Christmas light display at Confederation Park Golf Course
• A Christmas Carol at Theatre Calgary (Nov. 29 - Dec. 29): Charles Dickens' classic holiday tale performed on stage
• Christmas Markets:
  • Signatures Festival of Crafts (Oct. 31-Nov. 2)
  • Inglewood Holiday Night Market (Nov. 15-16, 22-23, 29-30)
  • Art Market & Craft Sale (Nov. 14-17)
  • Granary Road Christmas Market (Nov. 30-Dec. 1, Dec. 7-8, 14-15)

Enjoy Calgary This Holiday Season

With so many glorious ways to celebrate and ring in the holiday season, it's no wonder that the spirit of the holiday season helps make sure Calgary is a great place to live all year long. Discover these events and more for the chance to make some wonderful memories this holiday season!