For years, Heritage Park has offered Once Upon a Christmas to the Calgary community, a holiday experience that’s beloved by kids and adults alike. Through the lens of Heritage Park, you can experience an authentic Christmas of heritage’s past.

It’s wholesome holiday cheer for young to old, and it’ll all take place on select dates between Dec. 6 and 23. You’ll enjoy a blend of heartwarming holiday activities at this winter wonderland of festivities, including cozy wagon rides, carolers and live music, visits with Santa, a charming Christmas market, and beautiful decorations.

New this year, the season is getting even brighter with the Heritage Holiday Train — the park’s first-ever winter train ride aboard a diesel-electric locomotive, complete with entertainment and holiday cheer. It’ll evoke the feeling of a Hallmark holiday movie, and it’s sure to get you in the Christmas spirit.

Check out what else you can see and do at this year’s Once Upon A Christmas. 

What to expect

‘Tis the season! Wagon rides, Christmas carolers, festive photo ops, and a Christmas Lego village are just a few of the activities you can take part in at Once Upon a Christmas.

To experience the Heritage Holiday Train add-on, you can become a member of Heritage Park. Priced at $90 per adult for an annual membership, and more deals for kids and families, it’s an option that pays for itself in just three visits. Memberships allow you unlimited free admission to the park year-round, including free parking, and 15 per cent off dining, shopping, and more. Plus, there’s a current deal where you can nab two-day passes to share with friends and family when you renew or purchase a family and friends membership by Dec. 31.

Non-members can also ride the holiday train for $30 per ticket for adults and $25 per ticket for children. The train ride takes about 10 to 15 minutes, with two loops around the park, and it departs every 20 minutes throughout the morning and mid-afternoon at Heritage Park.

The spirit of Christmas

If you want to board the holiday train, you’ll be one of the first ones ever to ride it. But there are also traditional horse-drawn wagon rides through the magical Heritage village, which is loaded with old-school charm.

“There’s no way you can hear a group of strangers carolling together and not get into the Spirit,” reviewers online mention. But roving carolers will also stroll through the park, filling the air withing heartwarming holiday tunes.

Friendly farm animals are back for Christmas, and you can snuggle up to the ranch and farm life for a family photo that’s perfect for your holiday card. Kids will also be fascinated by the Historical Village’s winter wonderland, brought to life in Lego form at Barons Snooker Parlour. Plus, you can visit with Santa by stepping into the North Pole, meeting his cheerful elves, and checking if you’re on the naughty or nice list. Adults can find a gift for everyone on their list at the Christmas market, where guests can browse unique and locally-made treasures.

Online, Calgarians list Once Upon a Christmas along with Zoolights as their two top holiday events in the city. Don’t miss this festive extravaganza, complete with a wagonful of holly jolly elves. Heritage Park awaits.

Once Upon a Christmas

When: Saturday, Dec. 6 to Sunday, Dec. 21 and Monday, Dec. 22 to Tuesday, Dec. 23, 2025
Time: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Where: Heritage Park— 1900 Heritage Dr. SW, Calgary
Tickets: $25+

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Em Medland-Marchen

Em is a Staff Writer for Curiocity Calgary. They are passionate about live music, rose gardens, iced coffee, and walks along the Bow River.

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