Take a stroll down to Heritage Park for this year's Once Upon a Christmas event. The park transforms with enchanting festive decorations, including a charming Christmas village and a delightful model train display.

Celebrating Christmas in Calgary at Heritage Park offers enjoyment for the whole family. You can meet Santa, engage in crafting Christmas decorations, decorate gingerbread cookies, listen to holiday stories, capture festive photos, enjoy Christmas carol performances, take horse-drawn wagon rides, and indulge in many more festive activities.

Experience one of Calgary's top Christmas events at the Calgary Zoo with Zoolights. With over 1 million lights and 250 light figurines, this year's theme in 2023 is the mesmerizing arctic aurora.

Calgary Zoolights offers the ideal setting for celebrating Christmas in Calgary. Whether with friends, family, or on a festive date night, it's the place to be.

This year's Zoolights features Polar Nights, where you can wander through an illuminated magical garden and experience the arctic twilight in the ENMAX Conservatory.

For a special experience, you can reserve a night in one of the private Snow Globes, where you can enjoy delicious food and drinks alongside your Zoolights admission.

Attending the CPKC Holiday Train is a highlight of Christmas festivities. This renowned train, traveling across Canada, will make a stop in Calgary on December 9th, 2023, featuring a performance by Anyway Gang. Admission to the CPKC Holiday Train is free, and while there's no charge, they encourage visitors to bring non-perishable food items for donation to the food bank.

Telus Spark Science Centre consistently hosts top-notch events, and this year's Christmas celebration, Silver & Bold, is no exception. It's tailor-made for the holiday season, focusing on everything metal, from its conductivity to reflectivity.

If metal isn't your cup of tea, Telus Spark offers other exciting attractions. The Winter is Coming Exhibit, Spark Snow Lounge, and The Polar Bar cater to adults seeking fun things to do in Calgary during the winter season.

Experience a delightful Christmas in Calgary by treating yourself to Heritage Park's afternoon Holiday Tea. Savor a selection of teas or warm apple cider paired with finger sandwiches and freshly baked sweets.

Following your Holiday Tea, explore Heritage Park's Gasoline Alley Museum, which houses one of the world's largest public collections of antique vehicles.

GLOW returns with its enchanting Christmas display spanning over 90,000 square feet of twinkling lights.

A trip to GLOW offers the perfect Christmas experience for the whole family in Calgary. Additionally, it's an excellent suggestion for a winter date night.

This year, Santa's Sleigh Adventure offers various activities for kids, including meeting a mermaid, dancing on an LED-lit dance floor, riding the GLOW-comotive, enjoying LED swings, and more.

GLOW also hosts live music events, from Christmas Carolers to live DJs spinning festive tunes, and performances by Dan the One Elf Band.

Don't forget to grab a delicious drink in one of their iconic lightbulb glow cups – I still have mine from years ago!

Embark on the Polar Express for an enchanting one-hour train ride brimming with Christmas cheer. If you adored the movie, The Polar Express, you'll be captivated by this immersive experience.

Don your pajamas and get ready for a journey featuring hot chocolate, cookies, presents, and your very own keepsake Polar Express mug. The Polar Express Train Ride awaits at Aspen Crossing, approximately an hour away from Calgary.

Visit Horsin Around to secure your spot for a personalized Christmas Sleigh Ride! The Sleigh Rides are available for booking on December 23rd and 24th, so don't wait to reserve your spot!

Enjoy a delightful journey through the snow on a sleigh ride and cozy up by the campfire while treating yourself to complimentary hot chocolate.

For theater enthusiasts, don't miss the holiday season at Rosebud Theatre. With three festive shows on offer—All is Calm: The Christmas Truce of 1914, Christmas in the Marketplace, and a Christmas Choir Concert—there's something for everyone to enjoy.

These family-friendly shows (suitable for kids in grade 5 and up) promise the perfect evening out in Calgary this Christmas.

Experience the beloved holiday classic, A Christmas Carol, at Theatre Calgary this Christmas. Join Ebenezer Scrooge as he encounters three ghosts on Christmas Eve. I strongly advise securing your tickets early, as they tend to sell out quickly.

Indulge in an evening of enchanting classical music this Christmas, illuminated by the soft glow of hundreds of candles. Candlelight Concerts showcase local string quartets, solo pianists, or orchestras performing a delightful hour of Christmas music, featuring special renditions such as the Nutcracker Holiday Special or Jazz Christmas Classics.

Experience the delightful melodies of timeless Christmas music performed by the Calgary Philharmonic Orchestra. Enjoy beloved classics such as O Come All Ye Faithful, the Overture from The Nutcracker, and Prelude on an Old Carol Tune.

​Gather your family for a merry and memorable Christmas outing at the BMO Theatre in Shane Homes YMCA. Delight in the holiday spirit with "Candy Cane Kids: A Holiday Musical," featuring Cookie, Pep Stripe, and a talented ensemble of dancers and singers, promising a performance to cherish this Christmas.

For those who enjoy dinner theatre and the holiday season, Jubilations presents "The Guardians of Christmas." Tailored for children, this festive show is perfect for families seeking Christmas entertainment.

Visit the Beddington Theatre Arts Centre and experience a unique adaptation of Charles Dickens' A Christmas Carol titled One Christmas Carol. Witness the remarkable performance by a single actor who brings to life over 35 different characters. It's a captivating play that promises to be a highlight of the Christmas season.

For those seeking free Christmas activities in Calgary, don't miss the Spruce Meadows Christmas Light Drive-Through. Experience the festive lights from the comfort of your vehicle or take a stroll through the illuminated path.

Experience Calgary's Legacy Lights, where you'll find some of the most dazzling displays of lights and decorations. Drive or take a leisurely walk through the Legacy neighborhood and marvel at the adorned houses, parks, and illuminated tunnels. If you visit after December 15th, don't forget to bring your ice skates and enjoy gliding on the newly opened ice rink.

Make your way to the Lions Festival of Lights in Calgary this Christmas season. Starting from November 25th and continuing every evening until January 8th, you'll be treated to spectacular Christmas light displays, alongside offerings like hot chocolate, ice sculptures, and fireworks!

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.

• Airdrie Festival of Lights

• Light Up Okotoks

• Cochrane Light Up

Explore the Granary Road Christmas Market on Saturdays and Sundays from November 25th to December 17th for a delightful holiday experience. The Farmers' Market is turned into a festive hub in Calgary, filled with Christmas carols, decorated trees, twinkling lights, and festive decor. Don't miss the opportunity to meet Santa while browsing the Christmas market.

Stroll through the Spruce Meadows International Christmas Market in Calgary this holiday season. Discover a wide array of high-quality vendors offering locally designed products. Embrace the spirit of the season by supporting local businesses this Christmas!

For the ultimate Christmas experience in Calgary, don't miss the Inglewood Night Market. With a $5 entry fee, this market features local vendors offering handmade, vintage, and delicious treats. Escape the chilly Calgary nights at this fully indoor market, conveniently situated at the Crossroads Farmers Market. While exploring the Christmas market, indulge in hot chocolate, beer, and wine to enhance your experience.

Celebrate the holiday season with festive Christmas tiki cocktails at Ricardo's during Sippin' Santa. With both alcoholic and non-alcoholic options available, there's something for everyone to enjoy while spending the evening at Sippin' Santa.

The Calgary Zoo presents its Beary Merry Holiday Party, an exclusive adult-only event happening on December 15th this year. Experience the enchanting ZOOLIGHTS as you stroll through, followed by a dinner buffet accompanied by live music and dancing. It's a fantastic way to enjoy a memorable night out, and I highly recommend it for those seeking an extraordinary evening without the kids.

There are countless ways to experience Christmas in Calgary beyond attending concerts or visiting holiday markets. Here are some suggestions for embracing the festive spirit:

- Gather your sled and head to one of Calgary's tobogganing hills for an exciting afternoon in the snow.
- Enjoy ice skating at one of Calgary's outdoor rinks.
- Take a winter stroll along 17th Street, Stephen Avenue, Spruce Meadows, or Inglewood. You can also explore one of Calgary's scenic trails for a hike.
- Experience tubing at Calgary's Tube Park for an exhilarating winter activity.