Christmas in Calgary

Merry Christmas Friends!

Have your best Christmas in Calgary 🌃

Calgary is a magical place to spend Christmas! 💫 Thanks to Canadian winters, we usually have snowy white surroundings but it isn't too bitter cold (just yet anyway!) so it's just perfect to get you into an anticipatory Christmas sprit ❄️

We have some unique festive activities you can only experience in Calgary like the Hitmen Teddy Bear Toss and the Calgary Zoo Lights. Plus you'll find Theatre Calgary does an outstanding job of their "A Christmas Carol" production. And of course I can't recommend enough Alberta Ballet's The Nutcracker at the Jubilee. 🩰 This is a quintessential Christmas activity.

If you're looking for somewhere to throw back a few rum 'n nogs the Christmas Pop-up bar scene has exploded in recent years (pun intended 😏) We now have at least 6 over-the-top cheesy nostalgic Christmas pop-ups for you to sip sugary festive drinks. at. 🍸 And you simply must not skip Santa Con, a free, locally-organized, santa suit pub crawl. Last year was my first and I plan on joining again this year. 🎅🤶

Calgary of course has a number of bright seasonal & Christmas light displays - indoor, outdoor, walk or drive through, free or paid experiences, are all available. (See the list below.) Zoo Lights is the most popular but don't dismiss the others! 🎇

Of course, it wouldn't be Christmas without some wintertime gift shopping at one of Calgary's many Christmas markets. 🎁 There seems to be more than the normal number of Christmas markets to choose from this year. I'd recommend Millarville Christmas Market for a truly classic outdoor market experience with santa, reindeer and hot cocoa. For a more unusual shopping experience check out the Geeky Gift Market or the Under $100 Art Show & Market.

All this and more listed in my guide below! Merry Christmas friends!

🎄Sarah

9 Classic Christmas Activities in Calgary

1) The Calgary Hitmen's Teddy Bear Toss

When the Hitmen hockey team scores their first goal everyone throws a teddy bear on the ice! 🐻More than 22,000 bears are collected and donated!

📅 December 7, 2025

Teddy Toss

2) Alberta Ballet's The Nutcracker

1) The Calgary Hitmen's Teddy Bear Toss

This stunning classic ballet at the Jubilee Auditorium features live music from Calgary Philharmonic Orchestra. 🩰

📅 December 12-24, 2025

Nutcracker

3) Theatre Calgary's A Christmas Carol

1) The Calgary Hitmen's Teddy Bear Toss

3) Theatre Calgary's A Christmas Carol

Each year Theatre Calgary produces a new take on the Charles Dickens holiday classic at Max Bell Theatre. 👻

📅 Nov 28 - Dec 31, 2025

A Christmas Carol

4) Santa Shuffle Annual Run

6) Holiday Wonder at The BMO

3) Theatre Calgary's A Christmas Carol

Throw on your Santa costume and join this festive annual jog supporting the Salvation Army. 🎅

📅 Dec 6, 2025

Santa Shuffle

5) Polar Express Train

6) Holiday Wonder at The BMO

The Polar Express in real life! 🚂Check out this crowd pleasing fave at Aspen Crossing.

📅 Nov 21 - Dec 24, 2025

Polar Express

6) Holiday Wonder at The BMO

A soon to be Calgary tradition, Holiday Wonder is an indoor, immersive Christmas festival. It's their first year so I'm not sure what to expect, but I'm confident you'll find a santa, hot coco, and Christmas lights. And did I mention it's indoors? So it'll always be warm despite the December weather!

📅 Nov 27, 2025 - Jan 3, 2026

Holiday Wonder

7) Santa Con Pub Crawl

8) Zoo Lights Snow Globes

Get out your Santa Suit for Calgary's largest Santa Con pub crawl. 🎅 This is locally organized and free to attend! Find info about the crawl on the local facebook group

📅 December 6, 2025

Santa Con

8) Zoo Lights Snow Globes

It's not cheap! But it is festive. You can rent out a snow globe at Zoo Lights and choose from a list of 3 festive food packages. Price includes your admission to Zoo Lights.

📅 Nov 14, 2025 - Jan 4, 2026

Snow Globes

9) Jinglewood

8) Zoo Lights Snow Globes

9) Jinglewood

This winter, Inglewood will transform into Jinglewood: a Christmas village with festive garlands and twinkling lights decorating the local shops on Inglewood's main street! This is the first year of Jinglewood, but I'm assuming there'll be hot chocolate, photo ops, and many little activities to make Christmas memories !

📅 Nov 14 - Dec 31,2025

Jinglewood

9 Extravagant Christmas Light Displays in Calgary

1) Once Upon a Christmas at Heritage Park

Travel back in time for all the traditional Christmas feels as you stroll through Heritage Park. 🐎

📅 Dec 6 - 23, 2025

Heritage Park

2) Calgary Zoo Lights

1) Once Upon a Christmas at Heritage Park

Calgary's most popular light display. Walk and be dazzled by multiple themed displays (note the zoo animals are not part of Zoo Lights). 🎄

📅 Nov 14, 2025 - Jan 4, 2026

Zoo lights

3) Lions Festival of Lights

1) Once Upon a Christmas at Heritage Park

3) Lions Festival of Lights

Walk through, or drive by, Confederation Park's light displays put on by local volunteers. 🎄 Free to visit!

📅 Nov 22, 2025 - Jan 8, 2026

Lions Lights

4) Legacy Lights

6) The Enchanted Festival at Spruce Meadows

3) Lions Festival of Lights

Over 1 million lights make up the community of Legacy's light displays, including their light tunnel! ✨ Free to visit!

📅 Dates coming soon!

Legacy

5) CPKC Holiday Train

6) The Enchanted Festival at Spruce Meadows

See the CPKC Holiday Railway Train as it rolls through Calgary! This year the train will be driving through Dec 12 from 7-7:30PM, and the Bare Naked Ladies will be performing, free! 🚂

📅 Dec 12, 2025

Holiday Train

6) The Enchanted Festival at Spruce Meadows

This is the first ever Enchanted Festival at Spruce Meadows, and its replacing the drive-thru Christmas display. While I'll miss the drive-thru lights, Enchanted sounds just as amazing with one million lights covering the Spruce Meadows venue. There's also fire pits, food, interactive activities, and seasonal market vendors selling festive goodies!

📅 Dec 5-7, 12-14 & 19-24, 2025

Enchanted Festival

7) Airdrie Festival of lights

8) Silver & Bold at Telus Spark

Lots of lights, Santa (on certain dates), plus fire pits (pack marshmallows and sticks!). It's free to go, but cash donations are encouraged.

📅 Dec 1 - 31, 2025

Airdrie

8) Silver & Bold at Telus Spark

Now's your chance to explore Calgary's science centre while everything has a festive Christmasy theme! 🔬

📅 Dec 31, 2025

Science Centre

9) Coca-cola Holiday Caravan

8) Silver & Bold at Telus Spark

9) Coca-cola Holiday Caravan

Visit the Coke Truck up close! Depending on the event, you'll also see Santa and a get a free coke zero! 🚂

*Not confirmed for 2025*

Coca-Cola Truck

Calgary's 8 Biggest Christmas Markets

Everybody loves markets, and in Christmas there are tons to choose between. Below are the biggest Christmas markets in Calgary this year. If you're searching for a specific date, check out our monthly event calendar to view the different markets for each day of the month.

1) SIGNATURES FESTIVAL OF CRAFTS 🎁 @ BMO Centre October 30 - November 2, 2025

2) INGLEWOOD HOLIDAY NIGHT MARKET 🌙 @ The Quonset at Crossroads Market, November 14 - 15, 21 - 22 & 28 - 29, 2025

3) ART MARKET & CRAFT SALE 🎄 @ Telus Convention Centre November 20 - 23, 2025

4) SPRUCE MEADOWS INTERNATIONAL CHRISTMAS MARKET 🎅November 14–16 | November 21–23 | November 28–30, 2025

5) GRANARY ROAD CHRISTMAS MARKET 🐐 November 22-23 & 29-30, December 6-7 & 13-14, 2025

6) WEIHNACHTSMARKT GERMAN CHRISTMAS MARKET 🥨 @ Century Downs Nov 29-30, 2025

7) CALGARY HOLIDAY GEEKY GIFT MARKET @ the BMO Centre on November 15-16, 2025

8) THE GRAND SOUTH CHRISTMAS MARKET @ The Mahogany Beach Club on November 15, 2025

BONUS MARKETS (outside the city):

MILLARVILLE CHRISTMAS MARKET 🦌 November 6-9 & 13-16, 2025
BANFF CHRISTMAS MARKET November 20-23 & 28-30, December 5-7 & 12-14
SASKATOON FARM CHRISTMAS MARKET November 28-30 & December 7-10, 2025
AZURIDGE CHRISTMAS MARKET November 22 -23, 2025
BEARSPAW CHRISTMAS MARKET November 28-30 & December 7-10, 2025

8 Immersive Christmas Pop-Up Bars

1) Miracle on 1st Street

🎄 Theme: Nostalgic Christmas

📍 Location: Proof Cocktail Bar

🎅🏼 Christmas Factor: 5/5

📅 Starting Nov 14

Proof

2) Sippin' Santa

1) Miracle on 1st Street

🍍 Theme: Tropical Christmas

📍 Location: Ricardo's Cocktail Bar

🎅🏼 Christmas Factor: 5/5

📅 Starting Nov 19

Ricardo's

3) Red Nose

1) Miracle on 1st Street

4) Nightmare on 1st Street

🪞 Theme: Rudolph

📍 Location: 17th Ave

🎅🏼 Christmas Factor: 2/5

📅 Dates coming soon!

Frenchie Wine Bar

4) Nightmare on 1st Street

🌒 Theme: Nightmare Before Christmas

📍 Location: Shelter Cocktail Bar

🎅🏼 Christmas Factor: 2/5

📅 Dates coming soon!

Shelter

5) Home Alone

4) Nightmare on 1st Street

6) Harry Potter Christmas

😱 Theme: Home Alone

📍 Location: Eighty Eighty Brewing

🎅🏼 Christmas Factor: 3/5

📅 Starting Nov 14

'88 Brewing

6) Harry Potter Christmas

4) Nightmare on 1st Street

6) Harry Potter Christmas

🧙‍♂️ Theme: Harry Potter Christmas

📍 Location: The Potion Room

🎅🏼 Christmas Factor: 3/5

📅 Dates coming soon!

The Potion Room

7) Christmas in Space

🧙‍♂️ Theme: Galaxy Christmas

📍 Location: Truth Bar

🎅🏼 Christmas Factor: 5/5

📅 Dates coming soon!

Truth Bar

8) Christmas Vacation

🧙‍♂️ Theme: Christmas Vacation

📍 Location: Dandy Brewing

🎅🏼 Christmas Factor: 3/5

📅 Dates coming soon!

Christmas Vacation

8) Fa La La La La Lounge

🎄 Theme: Nostalgic Christmas

📍 Location: TOPS Pizza South

🎅🏼 Christmas Factor: 5/5

📅 Starting Nov 14

TOPS Pizza South

Christmas Concerts & Magical Musicals

🥁werklund centre (aka arts common)

A CHRISTMAS CAROL @ Max Bell Theatre, from Nov 28 to Dec 31
HANDEL'S MESSIAH @ Jack Singer Concert Hall on Dec 4 & 5
A CHARLIE BROWN CHRISTMAS @ Engineered Air Theatre on Dec 10 & 11
CHRISTMAS WITH NEW WEST @ Jack Singer Concert Hall on Dec 13
SOWETA GOSPEL CHOIR: PEACE @ Jack Singer Concert Hall on Dec 21

🎺Southern Alberta Jubilee

ALBERTA BALLET: THE NUTCRACKER @ The Jube, Dec 12 - 24, 2025

🎻CANDLELIGHT

CANDLELIGHT: CHRISTMAS SPECIAL FEATURING “THE NUTCRACKER” & MORE @ Lantern Community Church, Dec 18 & 19, 2025
CANDLELIGHT: CHARLIE BROWN CHRISTMAS @ Calgary Central Library, Dec 19, 2025
CANDLELIGHT: CHRISTMAS CLASSICS @ Grace Presbyterian Church, Dec 20, 2025

🎸other venues

HOME ALONE IN CONCERT @ WinSport Event Centre, Nov 28-29, 2025
ELVIS COUNTRY CHRISTMAS DINNER & SHOW @ Ranchman's Calgary, Dec 7, 2025
AN ELVIS CHRISTMAS SPECIAL @ Stage West Calgary, Dec 8-9, 2025
More Christmas Concerts & Musicals coming soon!

Unique Festive Local Faves ❤️💚❤️

~ It's Local Tradition! ~

Each year Calgarians look forward to a few festive local announcements that are near and dear to our hearts. ❤️ If you're an out of towner, these may not be the most exciting, but I'm including them here should you want to experience a little part of Calgary's festive story.

🥛Ship Nog 🥛

The quintessential Calgary pub, Ship & Anchor on 17th Ave, holds a delicious festive fundraiser each year. Money from each of their Ship Nog beverages (their take on a rum & eggnog) goes towards charity. The nog is extremely popular and is known to sell out on some days. Locals look foward to the mid-November each year when they can finally grab a glass of this famous creamy rich nog Cheers!

🥧Edelweiss Village 🥧

This European store/market/restaurant really gets into the Christmas spirt with festive décor and food & beverage options. All with classic European Christmas feel. Find out more here.

🍨Festive Ice Cream Flavours 🍨

Two of Calgary's most famous ice cream shops (Made by Marcus and Village) drop new flavours on us monthly. 🍨 And December is no exception! Each year Calgarians eagerly look forward to Dec 1 to find out what the new festive ice cream flavours for the year will be. Normally some combination of Baileys, peppermint, fudge, or candy cane as expected. But there is always a fun twist to keep us guessing like rosemary, pine, or even turkey stuffing.

Calgary Christmas Guide 2025

Merry Christmas Friends!

Have your best Christmas in Calgary 🌃

Santa is Coming!

9 Classic Christmas Activities in Calgary

1) The Calgary Hitmen's Teddy Bear Toss

1) The Calgary Hitmen's Teddy Bear Toss

1) The Calgary Hitmen's Teddy Bear Toss

2) Alberta Ballet's The Nutcracker

1) The Calgary Hitmen's Teddy Bear Toss

1) The Calgary Hitmen's Teddy Bear Toss

3) Theatre Calgary's A Christmas Carol

1) The Calgary Hitmen's Teddy Bear Toss

3) Theatre Calgary's A Christmas Carol

4) Santa Shuffle Annual Run

6) Holiday Wonder at The BMO

3) Theatre Calgary's A Christmas Carol

5) Polar Express Train

6) Holiday Wonder at The BMO

6) Holiday Wonder at The BMO

6) Holiday Wonder at The BMO

6) Holiday Wonder at The BMO

6) Holiday Wonder at The BMO

7) Santa Con Pub Crawl

8) Zoo Lights Snow Globes

8) Zoo Lights Snow Globes

8) Zoo Lights Snow Globes

8) Zoo Lights Snow Globes

8) Zoo Lights Snow Globes

9) Jinglewood

8) Zoo Lights Snow Globes

9) Jinglewood

9 Extravagant Christmas Light Displays in Calgary

1) Once Upon a Christmas at Heritage Park

1) Once Upon a Christmas at Heritage Park

1) Once Upon a Christmas at Heritage Park

2) Calgary Zoo Lights

1) Once Upon a Christmas at Heritage Park

1) Once Upon a Christmas at Heritage Park

3) Lions Festival of Lights

1) Once Upon a Christmas at Heritage Park

3) Lions Festival of Lights

4) Legacy Lights

6) The Enchanted Festival at Spruce Meadows

3) Lions Festival of Lights

5) CPKC Holiday Train

6) The Enchanted Festival at Spruce Meadows

6) The Enchanted Festival at Spruce Meadows

6) The Enchanted Festival at Spruce Meadows

6) The Enchanted Festival at Spruce Meadows

6) The Enchanted Festival at Spruce Meadows

7) Airdrie Festival of lights

8) Silver & Bold at Telus Spark

8) Silver & Bold at Telus Spark

8) Silver & Bold at Telus Spark

8) Silver & Bold at Telus Spark

8) Silver & Bold at Telus Spark

9) Coca-cola Holiday Caravan

8) Silver & Bold at Telus Spark

9) Coca-cola Holiday Caravan

Calgary's 8 Biggest Christmas Markets

8 Immersive Christmas Pop-Up Bars

1) Miracle on 1st Street

1) Miracle on 1st Street

1) Miracle on 1st Street

2) Sippin' Santa

1) Miracle on 1st Street

1) Miracle on 1st Street

3) Red Nose

1) Miracle on 1st Street

4) Nightmare on 1st Street

4) Nightmare on 1st Street

4) Nightmare on 1st Street

4) Nightmare on 1st Street

5) Home Alone

4) Nightmare on 1st Street

6) Harry Potter Christmas

6) Harry Potter Christmas

4) Nightmare on 1st Street

6) Harry Potter Christmas