Categories: Things To Do

8 of the best things to do in and around Calgary on Christmas Day

The big day is nearly here, but how will you entertain your out-of-town guests? While many tourist destinations will be closed for the holiday from coast to coast, some of the city’s best will shine bright on December 25th. Bundle up and grab a hot cocoa, here are 8 things you can do in and around Calgary on Christmas Day.

Airdrie Festival of Lights

Western Canada’s largest FREE outdoor walk-through display is back and just as beautiful as ever. This Christmas, drink hot chocolate, take a lap around the ice rink, take photos, and cozy up next to their fire. You won’t want to miss it!

Where: Nose Creek Regional Park, Airdrie, AB
Time: 6 pm – 9 pm
Cost: Free

Olympic Plaza

What’s more quintessentially “Christmas” than a skating rink?! The Olympic Plaza skating rink is finally open for the season and there will be no better time to check it out than December 25th.

Where:  228 8 Ave. SE, Calgary
Cost: FREE

Firepit Rentals

S’mores and Santa hats! The FREE Calgary community fire pits are now available to the public and can be booked on December 25th. Check out the link above for where and how you can rent one for you and yours this season.

Cost: FREE

Go Tobogganing

We’re ready to hit the hills! This Christmas bundle up, grab a sled and check out one, or all of the best toboggan destinations in the city! Hit the link above for a few of our favourites.

Mountaintop Christmas

This Christmas, guests are invited to climb aboard a Banff Gondola for some unreal mountaintop views of wildlife and the powder below. Once at the summit, decorate cookies, do crafts and watch a film in their comfy cozy theatre. It’s going to be magical.

Where: 100 Mountain Ave, Banff, AB
Time: 10:30 am – 2:30 pm
Cost: $60+

Lake Louise Ski Resort

Also located in the beautiful Banff National Park, Lake Louise is the largest ski resort in the Rocky Mountains. Known for having a wide variety of terrain great for all skill levels, this spot will be open on Christmas Day.

Where: 1 Whitehorn Road, Lake Louise, AB

Lions Festival of Lights

This Christmas, grab a friend, a family member or someone special, and take in the beautiful lights along 14th Street. Dress warm and enjoy, because despite being one of Calgary’s most incredible displays – it’s free!

Where: Confederation Golf Course – 14th Street NW, Calgary
Time:  5 pm – 1 am
Cost: Free

Cineplex 

Pop some corn and get ready for some fun! Cineplex Canada will be open on Christmas Day and is showing a variety of films including Aquaman and The Lost Kingdom as well as Illumination’s Migration. Check out the link above for showtimes.

Where:  See Cineplex locations near you above

And there you have it. 8 things you can do on Christmas Day in Calgary this year. Stay safe and enjoy!

Recent Posts

Toronto’s beloved island to host three-day music festival this month

The Toronto Folk Festival is back this summer, bringing its artist-led concert series to Ward's…

43 minutes ago

The Edmonton Group Chat: What your friends are talking about this week (Aug. 11)

Everything you and your friends are going to want to know!

55 minutes ago

B.C. has ancient rock pools carved out by glaciers 15,000 years ago

Did you know that B.C. is home to ancient rock pools that were carved out…

57 minutes ago

Vancouver’s Granville Pedestrian Zone is turning into an open-air disco before summer ends

A bit of that World Cup magic is making its way back to Granville!

3 hours ago

The Calgary Group Chat: What your friends are talking about this week (Aug. 11)

Welcome to the Calgary Group Chat, where we do all the scrolling so you don't…

3 hours ago

Here’s how you can apply for ‘Love is Blind Canada’

Is love truly blind? If you’re a Canadian looking for love, now’s your chance to…

4 hours ago