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 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! 🎇

For Christmas shows and concerts, Calgary is a lucky to be a destination for popular artists. 🎵 This year we are graced with Jann Arden, Chantal Kreviazuk, and Johhny Reid who are each doing Christmas specials. Plus Cirque Musica Holiday Wonderland will be at Winsport for an exuberant lavish performance. 

Of course, it wouldn't be Christmas without some wintertime gift shopping. 🎁 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