11 light displays in and around Calgary you have to check out this winter
The days are getting shorter and the nights are getting longer, which means fabulous light displays in and around Calgary are on the way.
From town-wide celebrations to neighbourhood parades, here are 11 light displays in and around Calgary that you have to check out this winter.
Lions Festival of Lights
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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. The grand opening is scheduled for Nov. 22, 2025.
When: Grand opening on Nov. 22, 2025
Where: 14th Street NW and 24th Avenue NW
Cost: Free
Zoolights
The Calgary Zoo/Facebook
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
Holiday Wonder
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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 onlineÂ
The Enchanted Festival at Spruce Meadows
Spruce Meadows/Facebook
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.Â
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
Airdrie Festival of Lights
Airdrie Festival of Lights Society/Facebook
The Airdrie Festival of Lights is celebrating its 30th year this year. Join them for a free, outdoor walk-through Christmas Light Display, right in Nose Creek Park. You can find miniature train rides, fire pits, and Santa visits on select days.
When: Dec. 1 to 31; 6 to 9 p.m. daily
Where: Nose Creek Park – 1691 Main St. S., Airdrie
Cost: Free, but donations are welcome
Auburn Bay Parade of Lights
Auburn Bay Community Association/Facebook
For its 10th year, the Auburn Bay Parade of Lights is lighting up the streets once again. The parade will leave Auburn House at 5 p.m. and travel West on Auburn Bay Boulevard, and runs for about 90 minutes.Â
When: Nov. 25 from 5 to 7 p.m.
Where: 200 Auburn Bay Blvd. SE
Price: Free
Cochrane Light Up
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The Cocrane Light Up is a community favourite featuring a grand light display, hot dogs, hot chocolate, fire pits, live music, and much more. The grand opening is on Nov. 29 and will remain illuminated and active each night until early January 2026.
When: Nov. 29, 2025, to early January
Where: Historic Downtown Cochrane
Cost: Free
Chestermere Winter Lights Festival
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John Peake Park is turning into a winter wonderland this winter with sparkling lights, fun activities, and festive spirit for everyone.
When: November 29 from 4 to 8 p.m.
Where: John Peake Park – 121 Chestermere Station Way
Cost: Free
Banff Nightrise
Banff Gondola/Facebook
Watch as the Banff Gondola transforms into a magical light display for Banff Nightrise. The peak of Sulpher Mountain features a series of immersive, interactive art displays that reimagine the summit.Â
When: Nov. 22, 2025, to March 29, 2026
Where: 100 Mountain Ave., Banff
Cost: Prices vary; tickets can be found online
Light Up Okotoks
Town of Okotoks/Facebook
Light Up Okotoks is back for its 33rd year, lighting up downtown Okotoks with tons of lights and holiday spirit.
When: Nov. 21, 2025; 5:30 to 9 p.m.
Where: Downtown Okotoks
Cost: Free
Rotary Festival of Trees Canmore
Rotary Club of Canmore/Facebook
Discover a magical forest of Christmas trees at the Rotary Festival of Trees. The Malcolm Hotel turns into a family-favourite destination for everything Christmas in Canmore.
When: Nov. 28 to Dec. 31, 2025
Where: The Malcolm Hotel — 321 Spring Creek Dr., Canmore
Cost: Free
Which light displays around Calgary are you most excited to check out? Let us know in the comments below.