The holidays just don’t feel like the holidays without being able to go on a leisurely walk through a lit-up wonderland – but man, oh man, are some Christmas light displays expensive. Keyword: some! Others are totally free! Here are 5 in and around Calgary that you have to check out this season.

LIGHT UP GEORGE LANE PARK

Looking to escape the hustle and bustle of the big city for a few hours? 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 at Light Up George Lane Park in High River!

When: Until Sunday, December 24th
Where: 343 Macleod Trail SW, High River, Alberta
Time: After dark
Cost: Free
Instagram: @ExploreFoothills

THE AIRDRIE FESTIVAL OF LIGHTS

Are you ready to be astounded? Western Canada’s largest outdoor walk-through display will light up the chilliest nights of the year all month long and you won’t want to miss it! 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!

When: Thursday, December 1st-31st
Where: Nose Creek Regional Park, Airdrie, AB
Time: 6 pm – 9 pm
Cost: Free
Instagram: @AirdrieLights

SPRUCE MEADOWS CHRISTMAS LIGHTS

Warm up the car, crank the Michael Buble and take a relaxing drive through the grounds at Spruce Meadows for a COVID-safe holiday hurrah. Enjoy thousands of lights, spirit and a nice hot cocoa all from the cozy comfort of your own vehicle.

When: Friday, Saturday & Sunday until January 3rd
Where: Spruce Meadows, 18011 Spruce Meadows Way SW, Calgary
Time: 5 pm – 10 pm
Cost: Free
Instagram: @Spruce_Meadows

Recent Posts:
Calgary’s temporary fire pits have been so popular the city had to suspend booking
People have been in awe of Calgary’s sky over the last couple of days (PHOTOS)

LEGACY CHRISTMAS LIGHTS DISPLAY

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 until January 10th, the south YYC neighbourhood will light up with millions of lights, trees, and holiday spirit – check it out!

When: Until Sunday, 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

One of Calgary’s most beloved holiday traditions is making a comeback – despite the crazy and chaotic mess that 2020 has been. Of course, 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.

When: All month long
Where: Confederation Golf Course – 14th Street NW, Calgary
Time:  6 pm – 12 am
Cost: Free
Facebook: Lions Park Festival of Lights

Ahhh. All of those light displays sound dazzling, don’t they? Enjoy yourselves out there Calgary and remember to bundle up, wash your hands and to get extra whipped cream on that hot choco – because you deserve it!