Where to Take in Holiday Cheer in Calgary

Christmas is officially one week away! If you’re looking for some family-friendly ways to take in some holiday cheer, Calgary has lots of great festive events happening.

ZOO LIGHTS
This huge light show takes over the Calgary Zoo, with over 1.5 million lights and 200 displays. Take in the lights, plus fire pits and hot chocolate.
When: nightly from 6 to 9 pm, until January 2
Where: Calgary Zoo
LIONS FESTIVAL OF LIGHTS
For almost 30 years this festival has lit up Confederation Park and 14 Street during the holidays. Featuring over 103,000 holiday lights, drive by or walk through the park to see all the displays.
When: nightly from 6 pm to 12 am
Where: corner of 14 Street and 24 Avenue NW
CHRISTMAS IN KENSINGTON
This is the last weekend of this community celebration of Christmas. Featuring Santa, horse-drawn wagon, free hot chocolate and coffee and carollers.
When: December 19 and 20, 12 to 4 pm
Where:  Kensington Road NW
MARKET COLLECTVE
Get your holiday shopping done while supporting local artisans at the same time. This weekend market features different artists, vendors and musicians each weekend. Full information on their website.
When: December 18, 19 and 20, 4 – 9 pm (Friday) and 10 am to 6 pm (Saturday and Sunday)
Where: Chinese Cultural Centre (197 – 1 Street SW)
CHRISTMAS AT SPRUCE MEADOWS
Drive through the grounds at Spruce Meadows and see over 250,000 holiday lights. A map of the grounds and more information is available on their website.
When: nightly from 5 to 10 pm, until January 3
Where: Spruce Meadows (18011 Spruce Meadows Way SW)
OUTDOOR SKATING
Head to one of the many City of Calgary outdoor rinks and take in some outdoor skating, for free. Full locations and details on their website.
HOLIDAY CHRISTMAS SKATE AT OLYMPIC OVAL
Take part in some holiday skating at the Olympic Oval, just $2 and a non-perishable food donation. Details on times and more on their website.
When: December 23
Where: Canada Olympic Oval (2500 University Drive NW)
Be sure to share photos of you and your family enjoying the holiday events in Calgary, find us on Twitter.