The holidays are in full swing, and it’s the perfect opportunity to celebrate the spirit of the season with family. There’s so much to see and do, but the holidays don’t have to be stressful! We’ve gathered 10 family-friendly holiday activities throughout the city to enjoy with your loved ones this holiday season.
Fred Penner Christmas Show (December 21, 6:30 pm)
The beloved entertainer is visiting Airdrie, just in time for Christmas! Singers/songwriter, composer, actor, writer, author, TV host, and speaker Fred Penner will be sharing his favourite holiday music with audiences at Bert Church Live Theatre. (Admission: $23 – $26)
Christmas in Kensington (Saturdays until December 22, noon to 4 pm)
Venture to Kensington to do some shopping at unique local businesses and enjoy family-friendly activities like horse and wagon rides, photos with Santa, a petting zoo, hot chocolate, and more. (Admission: Free)
(Photo Credit: Family Fun Canada)
Heritage Park Once Upon a Christmas (Saturdays & Sundays until December 23, 9 am to 4 pm)
Step back in time and enjoy an old-fashioned Christmas! Explore historical family homes and buildings throughout the park, enjoy a holiday wagon ride, sing classic carols, or stop by for a visit with Santa. New experiences at this year’s event include showshoe races (weather dependent), woodworking demonstrations from Calgary Carvers, snow painting and sidewalk art (weather dependent), or photos with the park’s holiday horses (weather dependent). (Admission: $5.70 – $11.00)
Theatre Calgary’s A Christmas Carol (Until December 23, 2 pm & 7:30 pm)
The Charles Dickens holiday classic comes to life for its 32nd year! Join Theatre Calgary and follow the adventures of Tiny Tim and Ebeneezer Scrooge in a performance the whole family will enjoy. (Admission: $128.00 – $130.00)
(Photo credit: Alberta Ballet)
The Nutcracker – Alberta Ballet (Until December 24, various times)
The Alberta Ballet is celebrating the 10th anniversary of Edmund Stripe’s production of The Nutcracker, a turn-of-the-century retelling of the famous tale—complete with opulent costumes, set design, and magical performances from the talented cast.
(Admission: $33.70 – $136.70)
The Polar Express Train Ride (Until December 24, various times)
Take a drive to Mossleigh, AB and climb aboard the Polar Express! The ride is set to the sounds of the hit motion picture soundtrack, and passengers will be entertained by real-life characters from the film. Santa will be waiting to greet passengers at the train’s final destination—the North Pole—and the hour-long ride includes a golden train ticket, hot chocolate in a Polar Express collector’s mug, cookies, and a silver bell that’s a replica of the ones children receive in the movie. (Admission: $64 – $92.50 per ticket)
Airdrie Festival of Lights (Until December 31, 6 pm to 9 pm)
Stroll through Nose Creek Park and take in the magical holiday light displays at the 23rd-annual Airdrie Festival of Lights! The festival is fun for all ages, and there’s even a miniature train for children to catch a ride on! (Admission: By Donation)
ZOOLIGHTS (Until January 5, 6 pm to 9 pm)
The Calgary Zoo is a magical place year-round, and the holidays make it even more special! The 21st-annual ZOOLIGHTS event features a staggering two million lights. But the holiday fun doesn’t stop there! Get a family photo with Santa, enjoy fireside hot chocolate, lace up your skates, make crafts together, or explore the new Snow White and the Seven Stewards of the Forest exhibit at the ENMAX conservatory. (Admission: $14.95 – $19.95)
Christmas Lights at Spruce Meadows (Until January 6, excluding December 25, 5 pm to 10 pm)
Enjoy the spectacular display of 250,000 twinkling lights throughout Spruce Meadows—all from the warmth and comfort of your vehicle. You can even bring your four-legged family members to enjoy the fun! (Admission: Free)
Lions’ Festival of Lights (Until January 6, 6pm to midnight)
The Lions Festival of Lights society has created a 450,000-bulb masterpiece display for you and yours to enjoy this holiday season. This is the largest free drive-by Christmas light display in the city, and it’s now 99-percent green! (Admission: Free)
The team at Genesis Land would like to wish you and your family a safe and happy holiday season! See you in 2019!
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