Christmas in Calgary: 10 family-friendly events, light displays and markets

Visitors take in Zoolights at Calgary's zoo on Monday, Dec. 20, 2021. (THE CANADIAN PRESS/Jeff McIntosh)

Christmas is just around the corner, and Calgary is getting into the holiday spirit with countless festive events happening across the city.

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From dazzling light displays and Christmas markets to holiday performances, there are plenty of ways to celebrate.

Here’s a look at just 10 of the many holiday events happening in YYC:

Zoolights

• What: Zoolights is a family-friendly event that sees Calgary’s zoo decked out in thousands of sparkly holiday lights. Some days may be cancelled due to cold weather, so be sure to check the zoo’s social media before attending.
• Where: The Wilder Institute’s Calgary Zoo, 210 St. George’s Dr. N.E.
• When: Nov. 13 to Jan. 3, 2027.

International Christmas Market

• What: Immerse yourself in a festive atmosphere with seasonal décor and shop for holiday gifts at the Spruce Meadows International Christmas Market, which has both indoor and outdoor spaces.
• Where: Spruce Meadows, 18011 Spruce Meadows Way S.W.
• When: Nov. 13 to 15, 20 to 22, 27 to 29 and Dec. 4 to 6.

Holiday of Wonder

• What: Holiday of Wonder is an indoor holiday festival featuring millions of lights, illuminated displays and family-friendly activities.
• Where: Calgary BMO Centre, 1912 Flores Ladue Parade S.E.
• When: Dec. 3 to 31.

Lions Festival of Lights

• What: This year marks the 40th annual Lions Festival of Lights, a dazzling outdoor Christmas light display you can drive past or walk through.
• Where: Confederation Park Golf Course, 24 Avenue and 14 Street N.W.
• When: Opens at 5 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 21, then lit nightly from 5:30 p.m. to midnight from Nov. 22 to Jan. 8, 2027.

A Christmas Carol at Theatre Calgary

• What: Watch Charles Dickens’ classic holiday tale A Christmas Carol come to life on the Theatre Calgary Stage. The play tells the story of elderly miser Ebenezer Scrooge, who is visited by three spirits that take him on a journey into his past, present and future to show him the errors of his ways.
• Where: Max Bell Theatre, 220 Ninth Ave. S.E.
• When: Nov. 26 to Dec. 27.

How The Grinch Stole Christmas in Concert

• What: Dr. Seuss’ How The Grinch Stole Christmas is presented live in concert, with the Calgary Philharmonic Orchestra performing the movie’s iconic score.
• Where: Southern Alberta Jubilee Auditorium, 1415 14 Ave. N.W.
• When: Friday, Nov. 27, and Saturday, Nov. 28.

CP Holiday Train

• What: Sam Roberts Band and Owen Riegling will perform when the festively decorated CP Holiday Train comes to town.
• Where: Anderson C-Train Station south parking lot, Anderson Station Way S.W.
• When: 7 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 11.

Enchanted Festival

• What: Millions of dazzling lights transform Spruce Meadows at the Enchanted Festival, a magical holiday experience that lets guests wander through dazzling displays, shop, eat or watch Christmas movies.
• Where: Spruce Meadows, 18011 Spruce Meadows Way S.W.
• When: Dec. 12 to 23.

Once upon a Christmas at Heritage Park

• What: Experience the magic of the holidays at Heritage Park during Once Upon a Christmas, which lets visitors step into a historic holiday village filled with Christmas cheer and activities.
• Where: Heritage Park, 1900 Heritage Dr. S.W.
• When: From 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Dec. 5, 6, 12, 13, 19 and 20.

The Nutcracker

• What: Alberta Ballet brings The Nutcracker back to the Jubilee Auditorium. The classic two-act ballet tells the story of Klara and her new nutcracker doll given to her for Christmas from her eccentric uncle.
• Where: Southern Alberta Jubilee Auditorium, 1415 14 Ave. N.W.
• When: Dec. 11 to 24.