5 places to see Christmas lights in Calgary 2017

The Christmas season is upon us! Take a quick break from shopping for that perfect gift because you do not want to miss out on what’s going on this holiday season.

See also

• Canada's magical Christmas train confirms it will return to Calgary this year
• 45-foot tall Christmas tree, fireworks, and live music at CORE shopping centre
• Check out this 300,000 bulb light display on Calgary's 14th Street

Calgary is no stranger to holiday spirit, so with this list of six events and places you can go to see some practically magical twinkling lights, you just might catch yourself feeling all too jolly and joyous over this holiday season.

ZOOLIGHTS at Calgary Zoo

The ZOOLIGHTS at the Calgary Zoo never fail to amaze. Each year, this unforgettable winter tradition of fun activities and stunning lights warms the hearts of many. Whether you take friends or family along, be sure to make ZOOLIGHTS a top priority this holiday.

When: Friday, November 24 to Saturday, January 6, 2018 (closed on Christmas Day)

Time: 6 to 9 pm (gates close at 8:30 pm)

Where: The Calgary Zoo – 1300 Zoo Road NE, Calgary

Tickets: Adults $14.99, kids $11.99 – available online or at the gate

Lion’s Festival of Lights

The festival of lights is the largest drive-by Christmas lights event in Calgary (and it’s free!). With over 300,000 lights and opening fireworks to start the celebration, this is a light show you won’t want to miss.

When: Saturday, December 2 to Monday, January 8

Time: Opening day 5 pm, then 6 pm to midnight daily

Where: Confederation Park – 14th Street NW, north of 24th Avenue, Calgary

Admission: Free!

Christmas Lights at Spruce Meadows

This two-kilometre drive through in Spruce Meadows is lit up so festively that it’s undeniably special for anybody to see. Also free, this Christmas lights event will leave you feeling as though Christmas day is just one sleep away.

When: Saturday, December 9 to Sunday, January 7

Time: 5 to 10 pm

Where: Spruce Meadows – 18011 Spruce Meadows Way SW

Admission: $10 per carload

Find Christmas Downtown

Along with the 45-foot Christmas tree they’ll be erecting, the Find Christmas Downtown event on November 23 will feature a performance by country music singer Dan Davidson, a fireworks display, and 150 other Christmas trees that will be decorated and donated to families.

When: Thursday, November 23

Time: 6 pm

Where: CORE Shopping Centre – 324 8th Avenue SW, Calgary

Admission: FREE!

Canadian Pacific Holiday Train

The Canadian Holiday train will pass by looking like a scene straight out of any Christmas movie ever, and will be presenting a boxcar stage, musical performances, and an important contribution to the local food bank. This is a Calgary light event you surely won’t want to miss out on.

When: Saturday, December 9,  2017

Where: Anderson C-Train Station – South C-train parking lot

Time: 6:45 to 7:45 pm

Price: Free! Bring non-perishable donations to support your local food bank.