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 8 over-the-top cheesy nostalgic Christmas pop-ups for you to sip sugary festive drinks. 🍸 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.
This page has the best of the best Christmas activities. Check out our events calendar to see the full list of holiday activities including DIY workshops, festive networking, and even more Christmas markets.
All this and more listed in my guide below! Merry Christmas friends!
🎄Sarah
11 Bucket List 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 6, 2026
2) Alberta Ballet's The Nutcracker
This stunning classic ballet at the Jubilee Auditorium features live music from Calgary Philharmonic Orchestra. 🩰
📅 December 11-24, 2026
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 26 - Dec 27, 2026
4) Santa Shuffle Annual Run
Throw on your Santa costume and join this festive annual jog supporting the Salvation Army. 🎅
📅 December 5, 2026
5) Polar Express Train
The Polar Express in real life! 🚂Check out this crowd pleasing fave at Aspen Crossing.
📅 Nov 20 - Dec 23, 2026
6) Santa Con Pub Crawl
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 5, 2026
7) 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.
📅 Select dates in November, December and January
8) Jinglewood
Inglewood is transforming into Jinglewood: a Christmas village with festive garlands and twinkling lights decorating Inglewood's main street! Expect hot chocolate, photo ops, and many little activities to make Christmas memories!
📅 Dates coming soon!
9) Once Upon A Christmas at Heritage Park
Travel back in time for all the traditional Christmas feels as you stroll through Heritage Park.
📅 December 5, 6, 12, 13,
19 and 20, 2026
10) Shop A Christmas Bake Sale
Stock up on holiday sweet treats at these popular bake sales.
📅 November 25, 2026: The Global Calgary Cookie Sale in support of The Magic of Christmas
📅 December 3, 2026: Avenue Magazine Cookie Market
11) Tour a Victorian themed Christmas
You can experience a turn-of-the-20th-century holiday tour at the Lougheed House decorated with historic charm
📅 Begins November 25, 2026
8 Extravagant Christmas Light Displays in Calgary
1) Calgary Zoo Lights
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 13, 2026 – Jan 3, 2027
2) Lions Festival of Lights
Walk through, or drive by, Confederation Park's light displays put on by local volunteers. 🎄 Free to visit!
📅 Nov 21, 2026 – Jan 8, 2027
3) THE ENCHANTED FESTIVAL AT SPRUCE MEADOWS
The Enchanted Festival has returned for year two! Explore indoor and outdoor activities featuring roller skating, Christmas movies, fire pits, local food, interactive fun, and a seasonal market.
📅 Dec 5-7, 12-14, 19-24, 2026
4) 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! 🚂
📅 Calgary Zoo, Zoo Lights
Nov 20, 2026: 4:30 - 8:30pm
📅 Calgary Flames Christmas Game
Dec 8, 2026: 5:30 - 7pm
5) CPKC Holiday Train
Catch the CPKC Holiday Train as it rolls through Calgary at the Anderson C-Train Station! It arrives Dec 11 from 7 PM to 7:30 PM, featuring free live performances by the Sam Roberts Band and Owen Riegling. 🚂
📅 Dec 11, 2026
6) Airdrie Festival of lights
Walk lights, meet Santa (on certain dates), hot chocolate available for purchase plus fire pits to warm up at. They also have an adorable little train you can take a ride on. It's free to go, but a small cash donation is much appreciated to keep this event going.
📅 Dec 1 - 31, 2026
7) Merry & Matter at Telus Spark
Now's your chance to explore Calgary's science centre while everything has a festive Christmasy theme! 🔬
📅 Dates coming soon!
8) Holiday Wonder at The BMO
Holiday Wonder is an immersive Christmas light festival. Expect festive stations for the kids, a snowball zone, European Village, and endless sparkly light photo ops! And did I mention it's indoors? So it'll always be warm despite the December weather!
📅 Dec 3- 31, 2026
Calgary's 10 Biggest Christmas Markets
Everybody loves markets, and during 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 29 - November 1, 2026
2) INGLEWOOD HOLIDAY NIGHT MARKET @ The Quonset at Crossroads Market, November 13 & 14, 20 & 21, 27 & 28, 2026
3) ART MARKET & CRAFT SALE @ Telus Convention Centre November 19 - 22, 2026
4) SPRUCE MEADOWS INTERNATIONAL CHRISTMAS MARKET November 13–15, 20–22, 27–29, December 4–6, 2026
5) GRANARY ROAD CHRISTMAS MARKET November 28 & 29, December 5 & 6, 12 & 13, 2026
6) WEIHNACHTSMARKT GERMAN CHRISTMAS MARKET @ Century Downs November 28 & 29, 2026
7) CALGARY HOLIDAY GEEKY GIFT MARKET @ the BMO Centre on December 5 & 6, 2026
8) THE GRAND SOUTH CHRISTMAS MARKET @ The Mahogany Beach Club on November 14, 2026
9) MARKET COLLECTIVE HOIDAY SERIES @ BMO Centre on December 4-6 and December 11-13
10) CALGARY WINTER MARKET @ Eau Claire Plaza Thursday to Sunday from November 19 - December 13 and Every Day from December 15-24, 2026
BONUS MARKETS (outside the city):
- MILLARVILLE CHRISTMAS MARKET November 5-8 & 12-15, 2026
- BANFF CHRISTMAS MARKET November 19-22 & 26-29, December 3-6 & 10-13, 2026
- SASKATOON FARM CHRISTMAS MARKET November 27- 29, December 4-6, 2026
- AZURIDGE CHRISTMAS MARKET November 13 -15, 2026
- BEARSPAW CHRISTMAS MARKET November 26-29, 2026
8 Immersive Christmas Pop-Up Bars
1) Miracle on 1st Street
🎄 Theme: Nostalgic Christmas
📍 Location: Proof Cocktail Bar
🎅🏼 Christmas Factor: 5/5
📅 Opens Nov 17, 2026
2) Red Nose
🪞 Theme: Rudolph
📍 Location: 17th Ave
🎅🏼 Christmas Factor: 2/5
📅 2026 info coming soon
3) Nightmare on 1st Street
🌒 Theme: Nightmare Before Christmas
📍 Location: Shelter Cocktail Bar
🎅🏼 Christmas Factor: 2/5
📅 2026 info coming soon
4) Home Alone
😱 Theme: Home Alone
📍 Location: Eighty Eighty Brewing
🎅🏼 Christmas Factor: 3/5
📅 Begins Nov 24, 2026
5) Potions & Presents
🧙♂️ Theme: Harry Potter Christmas
📍 Location: The Potion Room
🎅🏼 Christmas Factor: 5/5
📅 2026 info coming soon
6) Fa La La La La Lounge
🎄 Theme: Nostalgic Christmas
📍 Location: TOPS Pizza South
🎅🏼 Christmas Factor: 5/5
📅 Nov 13 - Dec 23,2026
7) Miracle at the Meadows
🎄 Theme: Festive Christmas
📍 Location: Spruce Meadows
🎅🏼 Christmas Factor: 5/5
📅 Nov 13–15, 20–22, 27–29, Dec 4–6, 2026
8) A Very Dandy Christmas
🧙♂️ Theme: Holiday Explosion
📍 Location: Dandy Brewing
🎅🏼 Christmas Factor: 3/5
📅 2026 info coming soon
Christmas Concerts, Magical Musicals & Festive Films
🥁Werklund Centre (aka arts commons)
- BYRON STRIPLING'S HOLIDAY SWING @ Jack Singer Concert Hall Nov 26, 2026
- A CHRISTMAS CAROL @ Max Bell Theatre, Nov 26 - Dec 27, 2026
- HOLIDAY BELLS + WINTER DREAMS @ Jack Singer Concert Hall, Dec 4, 2026
- CHRISTMAS AT THE MOVIES @ Jack Singer Concert Hall, Dec 6, 2026
- JANN ARDEN AND HER HOLIDAY ORCHESTRA @ Jack Singer Concert Hall, Dec 11 to Dec 12, 2026
- A CHARLIE BROWN CHRISTMAS @ Engineered Air Theatre, Dec 11, 2026
- CHRISTMAS WITH NEW WEST @ Jack Singer Concert Hall, Dec 19, 2026
🎺Southern Alberta Jubilee
- NATALIE MACMASTER & DONNELL LEAHY PRESENT: A CELTIC FAMILY CHRISTMAS @ The Jube, Nov 26, 2026
- DR. SEUSS' HOW THE GRINCH STOLE CHRISTMAS IN CONCERT @The Jube, Nov 27-28, 2026
- ALBERTA BALLET: THE NUTCRACKER @ The Jube, Dec 11 - 24, 2026
🎻CANDLELIGHT
- CANDLELIGHT: CHRISTMAS CAROLS ON STRINGS @ Calgary Central Library & Grace Presbyterian Church, Dec 18 and 19, 2026
🏞️The Confluence
- CLASSICS & CRAFTS: MIRACLE ON 34TH STREET (1947) @ Burnswest Theatre, Dec 2, 2026,
🍿The GRAND
- THE NUTCRACKER (Presented by Cirque En L'air) @ The GRAND, Dec 5, 2026
🎸other venues
- FUNK THE HALLS @ Palace Theatre on Dec 5, 2026
- NMC PRESENTS: A HOLLY JOLLY JILL BARBER CHRISTMAS @ Studio Bell on Dec 13, 2026
- CHOIR! CHOIR! CHOIR! BRINGS UN-SILENT NIGHT: AN EPIC HOLIDAY SING-ALONG! @ The Palace on Dec 13, 2026
- STARS ON ICE HOLIDAY TOUR @ WinSport Event Centre, on Dec 13, 2026
- STEVE PINEO'S CHRISTMAS SHOW! @ Ironwood Stage & Grill Dec 10-13, 2026
- A COAST TO COAST COWBOY CHRISTMAS – Starring George Canyon & Aaron Pritchett @ Deerfoot Inn & Casino on Dec 17, 2026
- THE HEEBEE-JEEBEES: MERRY CUSMAS @ Bella Concert Hall Dec 18-19, 2026
- THE CALGARY JAZZ ORCHESTRA PRESENTS PERFECTLY FRANK CHRISTMAS @ Bella Concert Hall Dec 20-21, 2026
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.
LOCAL CHRISTMAS GIFT IDEAS 2026
🎁Calgary Christmas Presents 🎁
I love exploring Calgary, and I believe the best gifts are memories made with your people! This guide is packed with my personal favourite things to do, and every single one is local, so you can feel good knowing your gift supports small businesses! Happy gifting! 🛍️🎁
LOCAL MEMBERSHIPS 🎫
1. Contemporary Calgary Membership
2. Calgary Zoo Annual Membership
3. Spark Science Centre Annual Membership
4. Studio Bell National Music Centre Annual Membership
5. Heritage Park Annual Membership
6. An A-List Membership with Avenue Magazine
7. Arts Commons Founders Circle Membership
9. Cobb’s Adventure Park Season Pass
10. Calgary Farmyard Season Pass
🎭 LOCAL ARTS & THEATRE COMMUNITY 🎭
3. Calgary Opera E-Gift Certificates
4. CIFF Calgary International Film Festival Gift Card
5. High Performance Rodeo Gift Card
6. Aussie Rules Piano Bar Gift Card
LOCAL ACTIVITIES & FUN EXPERIENCES
1. Outdoor Winter Sport Lessons at WinSport
2. Flight Simulator Experience at Altitude Calgary
3. iFly Indoor Skydiving Online Gift Voucher
4. Escape 60 Online Gift Certificate
5. LaunchPad Golf Digital Gift Card
6. GlobalFest Fireworks Festival Tickets
7. Hexagon Board Game Cafe E-Gift Card
8. Activate Calgary Gift Card (North or South Location)
10. Downhill Go Karting Gift Card
14. Golf Fanatics Custom Fitted Golf Clubs
15. Interactive Darts Lounge Pin Pointe Social
16. Styling Appointment & Color Analysis 27 Boutique
17. Hydrotherapy Experience at Ska
🧶 LOCAL CRAFT-RELATED ACTIVITIES 🧶
1. Candle Making Workshop at Milk Jar
2. Crafts & Woodworking Workshops at Black Forest Wood Company
3. Creative Carpet and Rug Classes Tuft Love Studios
4. An Art Workshop at 4 Cats Studio in Inglewood
5. A class at The Apothecary in Inglewood
6. Workshops at Plant in Inglewood
🍽️ LOCAL FOOD-RELATED ACTIVITIES 🍽️
1. Cooking Classes at The Cookbook Company
2. Righteous Gelato Tour & Tasting Experience
3. Cocktail Workshops with Shelter Cocktail Bar
5. Roasterie tour at Phil and Sebastian’s
6. Ollia Macarons or Macaron Baking Class
7. Iconic Eats of Calgary Food Tour with Alberta Food Tours
8. Taste The City Dining Experience
9. Calgary Brewery Tours with Canadian Craft Tours
10. Neapolitan Pizza Classes at Lina's Kitchen
11. Cut Like a Chef Classes at Knifeware in Inglewood
12. Le Petite Chef Dining Experience at The Dorian
13. Tequila & Events at the Westley Hotel
15. Ewan Webster Gin Making Class
Where to book your Christmas Party
Office party? Friend party? Something for the fam? Check out this list of party venues perfect for any holiday party.