10 holiday events in Calgary to check out this December
December is close, which means Holiday events are on their way to Calgary. There is a ton of festive fun to be had all over the city.
From light festivals to Santa Claus visits, there is no shortage of ways to get right into the holiday spirit. Here are 10 holiday events in Calgary to check out this December.
Holiday Wonder
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What: Calgary is getting a brand-new holiday festival this year. Holiday Wonder will feature over one million lights, a life-sized gingerbread house that’s made with real gingerbread, Frosty’s indoor snowball fight zone, Santa’s sleigh simulator, a twinkling snowflake forest, and more.
When: Nov. 27, 2025, to Jan. 3, 2026
Where: BMO Centre — 1912 Flores Ladue Parade SE
Cost: Prices vary; tickets can be found online
The Enchanted Festival at Spruce Meadows
Spruce Meadows/Facebook
What: The Spruce Meadows light display consists of over one million lights stretching more than 50 kilometres. Some displays guests can look forward to are 100 shimmering horses, charming animals like peacocks, bears, and foxes, and tunnels of twinkling lights. You can relax in their cozy rest areas, wander through a Sparkling light display, enjoy family-friendly movies, and explore Calgary’s only indoor Christmas light maze.
When: Weekends in December
Where: Spruce Meadows — 18011 Spruce Meadows Way SW
Cost: $20 for adults, $12 for kids and seniors; tickets can be found online
Lions Festival of Lights
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What: Returning for its 39th year, the Lions Festival of Lights has become a Calgary Christmas staple. Known as the largest free Christmas light showcase in Calgary, visitors can look forward to winding through sparkling displays composed of over 300,00 lights.
When: Nov. 23, 2025, to Jan. 8, 2026; 5:30 p.m. to midnight
Where: 14th Street NW and 24th Avenue NW
Cost: Free
Once Upon A Christmas at Heritage Park
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What: Heritage Park is turning into a winter wonderland this December, featuring wagon rides, carolers, visits with Santa Claus, and holiday cheer. This year, you can hop on their new diesel-electric locomotive, which has onboard entertainment.
When: Weekends through Dec. 6 to Dec. 23, 2025
Where: Heritage Park – 1900 Heritage Dr. SW
Cost: Prices vary; tickets can be found online
Skate with Santa
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What: Santa Claus is coming to the Olympic Oval at the University of Calgary this December. You can lace up your skates and hit the ice, and then visit over 80 vendors at the University of Calgary’s Holiday Market.
When: Saturday, Dec. 6, 2025; 12 to 5 p.m.
Where: University of Calgary Olympic Oval – 288 Collegiate Blvd. NW
Cost: $10 for adults, $5 for children, UofC alumni skate free
Christmas Afternoon Tea at Lougheed House
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What: Tea at the Lougheed House is always a good time, but this December it’s turning festive! Enjoy delicious sweet and savoury treats along with tea while taking in all the amazing Christmas decor.
When: Dec. 7 and 21, 2025
Where: Lougheed House – 707 13th Ave. SW
Cost: $64.95 per person; tickets can be found online
Polar Express at Aspen Crossing
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What: Hop aboard the Polar Express at Aspen and enjoy an hour-long train ride, which includes a golden train ticket, hot chocolate in a ceramic Polar Express collector’s mug, a cookie, and a silver bell.
When: Various dates in November and December
Where: Aspen Crossing, Mossleigh
Cost: Prices vary; tickets can be found online
Zoolights
The Calgary Zoo/Facebook
What: Zoolights is back, and according to its website, “bigger, brighter, and wilder than ever before.” Watch as the Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo transforms into a magical winter wonderland. Guests can enjoy dazzling displays, axe-throwing, daily interactive activities, treats, animal facts, and more.
When: Nov. 14, 2025, to Jan. 6, 2026
Where: Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo – 210 St. George’s Drive NE
Cost: Prices vary; tickets can be found online
The Nutcracker by Alberta Ballet
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What: The Alberta Ballet is putting on the classic Christmas ballet show, The Nutcracker. This year, the show has been reinvented by Artistic Director Francesco Ventriglia. You’ll find fresh choreography, new sets, and stunning costumes.
When: Dec. 12 to 24, 2025
Where: Southern Alberta Jubilee Auditorium – 1415 14th Ave. NW
Cost: Prices vary; tickets can be found online
Enchanted Forest at Southcentre Mall
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What: Southcentre Mall is turning into a winter wonderland this December. You can wander through a magical, interactive forest to meet Mr. Claus. Free visits, family photo packages and special photos with pets will be available.
When: Nov. 14 to Dec. 24, 2025
Where: Southcentre Mall – 100 Anderson Rd. SE
Cost: Free visits; photo package costs vary
Which holiday events in Calgary are you excited to check out? Let us know in the comments.