Photo via The Core
Making holiday memories with Santa Claus is a quintessential childhood experience. But it’s getting more and more expensive to access Christmas cheer, especially in the big city.
Luckily, a local Calgary mall is coming to the rescue. The CORE is offering a ton of engaging, festive holiday activities throughout December, including free photos with Saint Nick himself.
You won’t have to pay for a precious pic of your little ones, which are provided for free on select dates by The Portrait Photo Studio. You can even bring your own camera and take personal photos with other roaming holiday characters, including nutcrackers on stilts!
“We’re thrilled to bring Calgarians an unforgettable holiday season at the CORE,” said Kaitlan Caldwell, marketing manager at the CORE, in a press release. “Whether you’re here for Santa photos, to support local charities, enjoy live entertainment or explore festive displays, we’ve created unforgettable experiences for all ages.”
Here’s what else you should know about these upcoming festive events!
From Nov. 26 to Dec. 24, the CORE shopping centre will come alive with festive activities and holiday excitement for Calgarians.
The CORE is offering free, heated underground parking on evenings and weekends, and extended hours throughout the holiday season. Pop-up shops and free Santa photos, charitable initiatives, live entertainment and exclusive promotions are some of the action you can expect at the CORE. Located in the heart of downtown, it’s the ideal destination to celebrate the spirit of the season.
Throughout the holiday season from 12 p.m. to 1 p.m., the CORE will host a lineup of live entertainment, including:
There will also be a collection of featured, festive holiday pop-up shops on Level 2, next to the CORE’s signature Christmas tree and Simons Holiday Truck. Pop-ups include:
Shop seasonal plants like poinsettias, Grinch trees, Christmas cacti, wreaths, planters, and more.
When: Monday, Dec. 1 to Friday, Dec. 5, 2025
Time: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Donate a virtual bear to help the Hitmen reach their goal of 30,000 bears collected.
When: Wednesday, Dec. 3, 2025
Time: 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Shop a curated selection of stocking stuffers from a variety of local brands.
When: Monday, Dec. 8 to Wednesday, Dec. 10, 2025
Time: 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Have fun with Calgary’s teams and enter to win tickets to upcoming games.
When: Wednesday, Dec. 17, 2025
Time: 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Of course, it wouldn’t be the holidays without a choice visit with Saint Nick himself. The CORE is offering free Santa photos, courtesy of The Portrait Photo Studio, on Saturdays and Sundays from Dec. 6 to Dec. 21 between 12 p.m. and 3 p.m. You’ll receive a complimentary print and access to a digital version of your photo. Sweet!
Santa Claus won’t be the only holiday character in town. Stilt-walking nutcrackers provided by Green Fools Theatre Society will also roam the CORE on select dates, greeting guests and posing for holiday photos.
Throughout December, The Magic of Christmas will also run a gift-wrapping station beside Maison Birks, offering beautifully wrapped gifts in exchange for a suggested $5 donation or an unwrapped gift.
It’s the most wonderful time of the year, and the CORE shopping centre is stocked with all the holiday cheer. We’ll see you there!
When: Wednesday, Nov. 26 to Wednesday, Dec. 24, 2025
Where: 324 8th Ave. SW, Calgary
Cost: Free
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