We know things are going to be a little different this year. Luckily not all traditions will be lost! It just really doesn’t feel like the holidays without the lights, hot cocoa, and awkward mitten hand-holding – which is why we’re happy to report that no matter your December budget or your comfort level, you’ll at least get to enjoy millions of twinkling LEDs. Here are 10 holiday light displays you can safely check out in and around Calgary this Christmas.
TELUS SPARK SCIENCE CENTRE – SPARKLE, SPARKLE
Grab your loved ones, a friend, or a new flame and experience a scientifically charged evening of lights, cosmos, and tasty treats. Enter the Telus Spark Science Centre, and journey down their magically lit up path to one of Canada’s largest dome theatres (which will be decked out to look like a 36-foot tall ice cave). Once there, warm up around the “bonfire” and look up at shooting stars and constellations while you sip hot cocoa and make memories.
When: Friday, November 27th – January 3rd
Where: 220 Saint George’s Drive Northeast, Calgary
Time: 5 pm – 9:30 pm
Cost: $12.95 +
Instagram: @Telus_Spark
CALGARY ZOOLIGHTS 2020
It’s baccck! This November, ogle millions of enchanting lights strung through the trees at the Calgary Zoo, grab a hot cocoa, a snack and take a seat by the fire – it is tradition after all! Heck, while you’re there, maybe go for a lap or two around their skating rink, or pop a squat with the big man himself.
When: Friday, November 20th – January 3rd
Where:210 St. George’s Drive NE
Time: 5 pm – 9 pm
Cost: $19.95
Instagram: @TheCalgaryZoo
LIGHT UP GEORGE LANE PARK
There’s nothing that’ll get you into the Christmas spirit quite like a winter stroll after dark. This year, hit up Downtown High River for their stunning display of lights, and experience all of the magic, sights, and fun that you’ll need to fuel your holiday season!
When: Friday, November 27th – December 24th
Where: 343 Macleod Trail SW, High River, Alberta
Time: After dark
Cost: Free
Instagram: @ExploreFoothills
NOEL CHRISTMAS LIGHT PARK & MARKET
This Christmas season check Noel’s indoor wonderland at the BMO! With over a million of their sparkling lights, hundreds of artisan gifts, live music, ‘adult’ beverages, festive food, and Mr. and Mrs. Claus, you’re guaranteed to leave in the holiday spirit.
When: Thursday, November 26th – Sunday, January 3rd
Where: BMO Centre, 20 Roundup Way SE, Calgary
Time: See times here
Cost: $14.99+
Instagram: @NoelFestival
THE AIRDRIE FESTIVAL OF LIGHTS
For the 25th year in a row, Western Canada’s largest outdoor walk-through display will light up the chilliest nights of the year. Drink hot chocolate, take a lap around the ice rink, take photos, and cozy up next to their fire all December long during Airdrie’s Festival of Lights! You won’t want to miss it!
When: Thursday, December 1st-31st
Where: Nose Creek Regional Park, Airdrie, AB
Time: 6 pm – 9 pm
Cost: Free
Instagram: @AirdrieLights
LIGHT UP LONGVIEW
Get out of the city, breathe in some fresh air, and sip on a coffee or a hot chocolate while you take in thousands of lights, sights, and a ton of Christmas spirit under the stars! Light Up Longview does Christmas right, friends!
When: Sunday, November 29th
Where: 98 Morrison Road, Longview, Alberta
Time: 5 pm
Cost: Free
Instagram: @ExploreFoothills
LEGACY CHRISTMAS LIGHTS DISPLAY
This year, in order to celebrate the holidays and the end to a chaotic 2020, Calgary’s Legacy has been preparing a beautiful display of Christmas cheer and community and they want you to be apart of the magic! Every night from November 16th until January 10th, the south YYC neighbourhood will light up with millions of lights, trees, and holiday spirit – check it out!
When: Monday, November 16th – January 10th
Where: 15 Legacy Glen Manor and surrounding Legacy community
Time: After dark
Cost: Free
Instagram: @LegacyLifeYYC
LIONS PARK DRIVE-BY FESTIVAL OF LIGHTS
Calgary’s beloved light festival is back! Like many other events this year, Lions Park has had to adjust the way that they do things – but it’s nothing that you’re not already used to! Instead of taking to 14th street on foot, get your holiday spirit on from behind the wheel, and drive through their 500,000-bulb display. Sounds warm!
When: Sunday, November 29th – TBD
Where: Confederation Golf Course – 14th Street NW, Calgary
Time: 6 pm – 12 am
Cost: Free
Facebook: Lions Park Festival of Lights
SPRUCE MEADOWS CHRISTMAS LIGHTS
Grab a hot beverage, crank up the Michael Buble and take a relaxing drive through the grounds at Spruce Meadows for a cozy, COVID-safe holiday hurrah. Enjoy thousands of lights, sights, and a ton of Christmas spirit from the comfort of your own vehicle. What could be better!?
When: Friday, Saturday & Sunday – November 27th – January 3rd
Where: Spruce Meadows, 18011 Spruce Meadows Way SW, Calgary
Time: 5 pm – 10 pm
Cost: Free
Instagram: @Spruce_Meadows
BEST RESIDENTIAL LIGHT DISPLAYS IN CALGARY
Throw a pair of boots over those footie-pyjamas, hop in the car, turn on that seat warmer and crank the Christmas tunes! With Calgary’s Light UP map, you can check out the city’s best residential displays on your own time, totally free. Check it out at the link above and Enjoy a Griswold display or two!
When: All holiday season long
Where: See locations here
Time: Whenever
Cost: Free
Facebook: Lighten UP Calgary
There you have it, friends. 10 holiday light displays you have to check out in and around Calgary this Christmas. Be safe, stay smart, and enjoy!
