Things to do in Calgary this winter for $20 or less
Having a great time in Calgary without breaking the bank is easier than you think. The city is full of activities this winter that let you get out and explore, all for $20 or less.
From outdoor skating rinks to cozy holiday markets, here are things to do in Calgary this winter for under $20.
Lions Festival of Lights
Lions Festival of Lights/Facebook
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. 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
Go Tobogganing
Eltonlaw/Shutterstock
What: Tobogganing is a great pastime for anyone. The city of Calgary has 22 official tobogganing hills all over the city, making it an excellent and accessible activity to do in the winter.
Where: Various locations across Calgary; the City of Calgary’s list of togganing hills can be found online
Cost: Free
Christmas Markets
Park 96/Facebook
What: Calgary has a ton of Christmas markets popping up this season, offering unique gifts, festive food, and lots of holiday cheer. We rounded up eight amazing markets coming up in November, and plenty of them are free to attend!
Where: Various locations across Calgary
Cost: Prices vary
Ice Skating
Calgary Parks/Facebook
What: Calgary offers many outdoor skating rinks, perfect for a fun and affordable winter outing. Lace up your skates and enjoy the crisp winter air while gliding across the ice.
Where: Various locations across Calgary; the City of Calgary’s list of outdoor skating rinks can be found online
Cost: Free
Holiday Wonder
holidaywonder.ca
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, and a twinkling snowflake forest.
When: Nov. 27 to Jan. 3, 2025
Where: BMO Centre – 1912 Flores Ladue Parade SE
Cost: Adult tickets start at $17.99
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: Dec. 5 to 7, 12 to 14, and 19 to 24, 2025
Where: Spruce Meadows — 18011 Spruce Meadows Way SW
Cost: $20 for adults, $12 for kids and seniors; tickets can be found online
Take a trip to the Mountains
Dajahof/Shutterstock
What: Okay, so the price of gas might cancel this one off the list, but that is a technicality we are going to overlook because winter is such a perfect time out in the mountains. Whether you want to check out what your favourite hike looks like with fresh snow or have a relaxing weekend with amazing scenery, there is so much to love about winter in the mountains.