It just doesn’t feel like the holidays without some awkward mitten hand-holding. This winter, readjust your thumbs under the millions of twinkling LEDs set up in and around the city. No matter your budget, comfort level, or tolerance for the cold – here are just 10 magical holiday displays in and around Calgary you can check out this season!
LEGACY’S LIGHT DISPLAY
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Bundle up because the Legacy community light walk has kicked off in YYC. From now until January 16th, this FREE event with light the night with over a million tiny bulbs strung up on everything from the clock tower to the houses. Don’t miss it!
When: Monday, November 15th – January 16th
Where: Legacy Calgary – See directions here
Cost: FREE
ZOOLIGHTS
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With trees covered from trunk to twig and a ton of fun activities and meet and greet opportunities – you have to check out the 2021 Zoolights at the Calgary Zoo. Grab a hot cocoa, a snack and take a seat by the fire and enjoy an evening out – it is tradition after all!
When: Thursday, November 19th – January 2nd
Where:210 St. George’s Drive NE
Time: 5 pm – 9 pm
Cost: $19.95
IN SEARCH OF CHRISTMAS SPIRIT
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In Search of Christmas Spirit? Find it in Banff, where a heartwarming story will be told through a brand new light display of colour, illumination, and music. This event is brand new to the mountain town and is totally FREE to attend so check it out!
When: Various dates from November 24th – January 1st
Where: 91 Banff Ave, Banff, AB
SPARKLE, SPARKLE
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Held at Calgary Telus Spark Science Centre, Sparkle Sparkle is back for another year of magic, whimsy, and light! Starting this week between November 25th and January 2nd Calgarians can check out an event unlike anything else in the city and maybe score some date-night points in the process.
When: Thursday, November 25th – January 2nd
Where: 220 Saint George’s Drive Northeast, Calgary
Time: 5:30 pm – 9:30 pm
Cost: $19+
WINTER LIGHT FESTIVAL NIKKA YUKO JAPANESE GARDEN
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The Nikka Yuko Garden in Lethbridge Albert is exceptional not only in the summertime but in the winter season as well! Though it’s best known for its stunning flower garden in the warmer months – this winter, guests can experience the magic of its lantern and light festival which runs through December and will have your jaws on the ground.
When: Starts Friday, November 29th
Where: Corner of 9th Ave S &, Mayor Magrath Dr. S, Lethbridge
AIRDRIE FESTIVAL OF LIGHTS
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Did you know that Western Canada’s largest free outdoor walk-through Christmas light display was in Airdrie? It’s true and this year they’ll be celebrating their 25th anniversary – for the second year in a row. Due to last year’s cancellation, this 2021 will be their biggest yet – so don’t miss it!
When: December 1st- December 31st, 2021
Where: Nose Creek Park in Airdrie, AB
Time: 6 pm – 9 pm
Cost: FREE
LIONS’ PARK FESTIVAL OF LIGHTS
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Want to see something really special? This winter, take in the beautiful lights along 14th street from inside your vehicle. Crank the heat us, grab a hot choco and roll through an incredible display – for free! Does it get better than that? No. No it doesn’t!
When: Saturday, November 27 to January 9, 2022
Where: Confederation Golf Course – 14th Street NW, Calgary
Time: 6 pm – 12 am
Cost: Free
NIGHTRISE – BANFF GONDOLA
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In participation with the Stoney Nakoda Nation, Montreal’s Moment Factory has promised something truly breathtaking. As if a ride on Banff’s gondola wasn’t already one of the most magical experiences you can have in Alberta’s Rocky Mountains this winter, Pursuit, the company behind the high climbing attraction will introduce Nightrise – an immersive activity that merges multimedia, storytelling and nature for what they’re calling a “new and inspiring perspective” at the location.
When: Thursday, December 2nd – March 12th
Where: 100 Mountain Ave, Banff, AB
Time: 5 pm
Cost: $56
SPRUCE MEADOWS CHRISTMAS LIGHTS
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Another year, another opportunity to take a relaxing drive through the grounds at Spruce Meadows, crank up the Buble and cozy up next to a loved one. Just as you have years prior, start the car and enjoy thousands of lights, sights, and a ton of Christmas spirit from the comfort of your own vehicle for free!
When: Friday, December 10th, 2021 – January 2nd, 2022
Where: Spruce Meadows, 18011 Spruce Meadows Way SW, Calgary
Time: 5 pm – 10 pm
Cost: Free
CHINOOK BLAST
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Celebrating culture, creativity and Calgary, YYC’s Chinook Blast is just around the corner! This January, enjoy the very best in local art, music, theatre and recreation in addition to a number of incredible light displays that will be visible throughout the city.
When: Friday, January 21st – February 27th, 2022
Where: All over Calgary
There you have it, friends. 10 holiday light displays you have to check out in and around Calgary this Christmas. Be safe, stay warm, and enjoy!
