It’s time to start thinking about getting your Christmas on, and we’ve put together 20 events that people in Calgary can participate in to experience the holiday spirit.
1.) The Banff Christmas Market features over 100 artisanal vendors, live music, outdoor fire lounge, Santa’s House & Reindeer Stables, treats and warm drinks for the whole family.
When: (Still on) Dec. 1 – 3, 2023
Entry Fee: Adults: $15.00 + 5% GST, Senior (65+): $12.00 + 5% GST, Children 10 & under are free.
Where: 100 Sundance Road, Warner Stables, Banff, Alberta T1L1B2
2.) Once Upon A Christmas is an annual event hosted by Heritage Park for visitors to experience the holiday magic and festive displays by introducing classic indoor and outdoor Christmas activities with horse-drawn wagon rides, visits to Santa, crafts, music, etc.
When: Saturdays and Sundays, Nov. 25 – Dec. 27, 2023, Time: 10 a.m – 4 p.m
Entry Fee: Annual Members: free admission to Once Upon A Christmas, Child (3-15): $14.95 plus GST, General (16+): $19.95 plus GST.
Where: 1900 Heritage Dr. SW, Calgary, AB T2V 2X3
3.) This year, the Spruce Meadows International Christmas Market decorates the backdrop of snow-covered trees to feature the holiday cheer. A wide selection of handmade crafts, artisanal goods, and treats from local businesses are open for participants to enjoy the event with the surrounding sounds of carolers and live music.
When: Dec. 1: 12–8 p.m.
Dec. 2: 10 a.m.–8 p.m.
Dec. 3: 10 a.m.–5 p.m.
Entry: General Admission: $15 plus GST, Child (3 – 12): $10 plus GST, Senior (65+): $10 plus GST.
Where: 18011 Spruce Meadows Way SW, Calgary, Alberta, T2X 4B7
4.) ZOOLIGHTS, Calgary’s award-winning holiday tradition, returns this year with brighter light figures, over one million lights, and a new arctic aurora theme. The ZOOLIGHT, with the latest pieces this year, will glow for seven weeks from Nov. 17, 2023, to Jan. 7, 2024.
Entry: Children (3 – 15) $14.95 plus GST, General ( 16+) $ 21.95 plus GST.
Where: 210 St. George’s Drive NE, Calgary, Alberta, T2E 5T2
5.) Santa’s Reading Nook at Southcentre Mall is a charity-based event aimed at people who want to explore the magic of reading. The event is for all ages; volunteers are onsite for live storybook lessons at select times during the holiday seasons.
Live reading times: Dec. 2, 9 & 16 from 2 p.m. – 2:30 p.m. with free entry.
When: Every day, Nov. 15 – Dec. 24, from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Where: Southcentre Mall 100 Anderson Road SE, Calgary, Alberta, T2J 3V1
6.) Banff National Park invites visitors to discover the wonder of Christmas by witnessing the live Christmas story told by the animals of Banff National Park in the event called In Search of Christmas Spirit.
Entry: Free
When: Nov. 27 to 29, Dec. 6-9, 13-16, 20- 31, 2023 from 5 to 10:30 p.m.
Where: Cascade of Time Garden, Cave Ave, Banff, AB T1L 1K2
7.) Christmas Farmers’ Market showcases various vendors from the summer market and supports locals while shopping with a lineup of ‘make, bake and grow’ vendors, including handcrafted gifts and decors.
Entry: Free Admission
When: Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Sundays from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Dec. 2, 3, 2023
Where: Lions Club Event Centre, 109 Fifth Avenue, Cochrane, AB T4C 0A4
8.) Inglewood Holiday Night Market 2023 is a modern market with locally sourced and handmade vendors selling diverse goods, handmade crafts, vintage clothing, antiques & collectibles, and artisan eats.
Entry: General $5 plus GST, 12 & under and over 65 are free.
When: December 1 & 2, 2023 | 5 pm – 10 pm
Where: 1235 – 26 Ave SE, Calgary, AB
9.) Calgary Winter Club Market, the 2023 Christmas Market, features Skyline rooms in the venue—local artisans and crafters for participants to unwrap products. Ornaments, candles, knitted products, and treats are available.
When: Wednesday, Nov, 22, from 11 a.m – 7 p.m.
Where: Skyline Rooms, 4611 – 14 Street NW, Calgary, AB, T2K 1J7.
10.) Dogs and cats are invited to have their photos with Santa in the Paws with Claus event in Southcentre Mall. Only service animals are permitted during mall hours—the following guidelines for an exhilarating experience.
Entry: Free Attend
When: Nov. 15 – Nov. 29, on Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Saturdays, between 8 to 9:00 p.m.
Where: Southcentre Mall, 100 Anderson Road SE, Calgary
11.) A Christmas Carol (at Fairmont Banff Springs ) returns for its 6th year. The event tells the tale of a man named Scrooge who is visited by three ghosts and learns what Christmas’s true meaning is.
Entry: Children (4 – 12) $28 plus GST, Adults 38 plus GST.
When: Tuesdays to Sundays, from 7:30 – 9 p.m, December 7 – 31, 2023
Where: Banff Spring Hotel, 405 Spray Ave, Banff, AB T1L 1J4
12.) Banff’s Hot Chocolate Trail presents participants with Hot Chocolate adventures through Banff and Lake Louise’s Hot Chocolate Trail by visiting a treasure map of restaurants that each offer a limited-time, holiday-themed hot chocolate.
Entry: The cost of hot chocolate
When: Nov. 17 – Dec. 31, 2023, 2023 – Restaurant Hours
Where: Restaurants and coffee shops in Banff
13.) The Guardians of Christmas is a production for kids. This event is for all ages. This original show aims to create the joy of music for children, along with original shows and delicious food.
Entry: Adults – $44.95 plus GST, Children – $41.95 plus GST.
When: Saturdays from Nov. 18, 2023 – Jan. 13, 2024|11 a.m
Sundays, Dec. 3, 10, and 17 |11 a.m
Tuesday, Dec. 26 |4 p.m
Wednesday, Dec. 27 |11 a.m
Where: Jubilations Dinner Theatre, 1002 37 Street SW, Calgary, AB T3C 1S1
Wheelchair accessible
14.) Light the Night – Discovery Wildlife Park, the event provides the experience of Over a 2km drive through of dazzling lights and displays.
Entry: $30/ vehicle + GST (up to 8 people), $50/vehicle + GST (9 – 15 people),
$100/vehicle + GST (16+ people)
When: Nov. 17, 2023 – Jan. 1st, 2024, 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. daily
Where: Discovery Wildlife Park, 5400 42 Ave Innisfail, AB T4G 1P9
Wheelchair accessible
15.) The Cookie Kitchen at Southcentre Mall is located next to Santa’s Enchanted Forest on the main level, just across from RW&Co. The event provides a chance for creativity on a cookie in exchange for donating to Made By Momma.
Entry: By donation
When: Nov. 15, 2023, to Sunday, Dec. 24, 2023
Where: Southcentre Mall, 100 Anderson Road SE, Calgary
Wheelchair accessible, Free Parking.
16.) Traditional Christmas Celebrate the season’s spirit with a selection of holiday favourites performed by the Orchestra and the Cantare Children’s Choir. The backdrop of the Grace Presbyterian Church showcases the Calgary tradition.
Entry: Adults $40 plus GST
When: Dec. 5 – Dec. 7, 2023, starting at 7:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday.
Where: 1009 – 15th Avenue SW Calgary, AB T2R 0S5
17.) A Christmas to Remember at Granary Road is held in 40-foot vaulted ceilings, exposed trusses, and lighting reminiscent of past days. With Christmas carols playing throughout the market and decorated trees.
Entry: Free Admission
When: Nov. 25 – Dec. 17, Saturdays 10 a.m – 4 p.m Sundays 10:00 a.m – 4:00 p.m
Where: 226066 112 Street West Foothills County, AB T1S 5S5
18.) Santa’s Sleigh Adventure event focuses on creating an indoor wonderland atmosphere for visitors of all ages.
Entry: Family Pass (2 General & 3 Child/ Senior Tickets) $85.74, General Admission (Ages 16 – 64) $ 28.21, Child (Ages 4- 15) $21.69, Senior (Ages 65+) $ 21.69, Child (3 & Under) Free.
When: Dec. 7 – 31, 2023.
Where: 1800 Stampede Trail SE, Calgary, AB T2G 5A2
19.) All is Calm: The Christmas Truce of 1914, Rosebud Theatre presents the true story of the Christmas truce of 1914—an extraordinary night of camaraderie, music, and above all, peace, told in the words and songs of the men who lived it. It is an event that is recommended for Grades 5 and up.
Entry: Adults (include show & buffet) $95, Youth(include show & buffet) $70.
When: Nov.6 – Dec. 23, 2023
Where: 202 Martin Avenue, Rosebud, Calgary, AB T0J 2T0
20.) Santa on the Mountain event provides the chance to ski or snowboard on the slopes with Mr. and Mrs. Claus as they take a break from the Christmas rush. They are available in the village, skiing around the mountain, and you can take photos with them.
Entry: Free
When: Dec.9 – 10, 2023, from 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m
Where: Banff Sunshine Village
