There’s a chill in the air, lights on every corner and we are so elfin’ excited! The holidays are finally here and while the last few years have been pretty unpredictable – there’s one thing that we know for sure. It’s going to be one incredibly busy month! From sugarplum fairies, markets and mayhem to festive displays and live music, here are 35 of the very best things to do in Calgary this December.
EVENTS, MARKETS, AND LIGHT DISPLAYS
WANDER THE BANFF CHRISTMAS MARKET
Want to escape the hustle and bustle of the big city? We’ve got just the place! This December, check out the Warner stables in Banff for live music, fantastic food and charming gifts, pieces of artwork, and more created and offered by the locals. It’s going to be enchanting!
When: Friday, December 2nd -4th, 2022
Where: 100 Sundance Rd, Banff, AB
Time: See times above
Cost: $10
HIT THE SPRUCE MEADOWS CHRISTMAS LIGHTS DRIVE-THRU
Crank the Michael Buble, grab a hot cocoa and take a relaxing drive through the grounds at Spruce Meadows! This month, enjoy thousands of lights, sights, and a ton of Christmas spirit all from the comfort of your own vehicle.
When: Friday, Saturday & Sunday starting December 9th, 2022
Where: Spruce Meadows, 18011 Spruce Meadows Way SW, Calgary
Time: 5 pm – 10 pm
Cost: Free
SPONSORED PICK: SNAG YOUR SPOT TO AN INVITE-ONLY LAUNCH PARTY
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Calling all real estate enthusiasts and ice cream sandwich lovers, we have an event for you. There’s a new community about to be unveiled in the burgeoning community of Cochrane, and Calgary’s own Babych Group is celebrating big. Focused on enriching lives through a variety of sustainable real estate ventures the new development of Vertos will be no different.
On December 10th, Babych Group and listing agent Keiron Hagerty are hosting an invite-only event at the Landrover Royal Oak dealership with a silent auction, raffle & door prizes, food & drinks with ice cream sandwiches from D’served ice cream! Want to win an invite? Enter our contest below! Or to try and snag an invite for yourself, email [email protected]!
You can check out exactly what the new luxury community of Vertos has to offer by clicking this link here.
When: Saturday, December 10, 2022
Where: Land Rover Royal Oak
Time: 7 pm
OR THE LEGACY COMMUNITY LIGHT DISPLAY
Grab a to-go mug and pop a few hand warmers in your pocket because the Legacy Community Light Display is about to kick off in Calgary. Until January 8th this affordable event will light the night with over a million tiny bulbs strung up on everything from the clock tower to the houses and it’s going to be breathtaking!
When: Thursday, December 1st – January 8th, 2022
Where: Legacy Calgary – See directions here
Cost: FREE
GRAB A DRINK AT THE ‘HOME ALONE‘ POP-UP
Inspired by the holiday classic, Home Alone, Eighty-Eight Brewing co. is back with a high-energy pop-up worth writing home about! This year, they’ll even offer three themed food and beer pairings to celebrate, so check it out! Who knows, you may even run into a wet bandit or two!
When: Until December 30th, 2022
Where: 2600 Portland St SE #1070, Calgary
CLIMB ABOARD THE POLAR EXPRESS
Fully immerse yourself in the magic of Chrismtas! This month, check out the Alberta Prairie Railway’s Polar Express experience – an enchanting event taken straight from the pages of a children’s classic. Set to the acclaimed movie soundtrack, nearly everything that you’ll experience aboard this jolly train ride has been tailored with love and an appreciation for the original material. Don’t miss it!
When: Dates throughout December 2022
Where: 4611 47 Ave, Stettler, AB
Cost: $83
DRINK UP AT NIGHTMARE ON 1ST STREET
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It’s here! Shelter’s iconic Nightmare on 1st Street Bar is back and serving Tim Burton, winter realness. Also on the menu? Tasty holiday cocktails and appetizers. You won’t want to miss it, Calgary!
Where: 2600 Portland St SE #1070, Calgary
VISIT SASKATOON FARM CHRISTMAS MARKET
Do you have holiday shopping on your to-do list? Visit the Saskatoon Christmas market where local artists, bakers, and pro crafters will be selling their goods and services! While you’re there, why not browse around, get some fresh air and take photos? There’s nothing cuter.
When: Friday, December 2nd – 4th, 9th-11th, 2022
Where: 80181 338 Ave East Foothills, AB
Cost: $7
EXPLORE THE CALGARY ZOOLIGHTS
Zoolights is back and you won’t want to miss it – it is tradition after all! Showcasing millions of lights, activities and so much more, this magical event is another Calgary favourite and a must-visit this season.
When: Until January 8th, 2022
Where: Calgary Zoo, 210 St. George’s Drive NE
Cost: $21.95 for adults, $14.95 for children
NOGG YOURSELF OUT AT THE SIPPIN’ SANTA CHRISTMAS POP-UP
With tropical decorations and Christmas lights from floor to ceiling, guests can enjoy holly sips at the annual Sippin’ Santa Pop-up, a festive event with music, ugly sweaters, and fun mugs.
Where: 1530 5 St SW, Calgary, AB
WANDER THE THE BEARSPAW EUROPEAN CHRISTMAS MARKET
Fireworks, vendors, live music and more! Almost every weekend this December, Calgarians are encouraged to check out the Bearspaw Market, a magical experience with a little something for everyone and anyone! Do NOT miss this one, friends. You’ll regret it.
When: Friday, December 2nd – 4th, 9th – 11th, 2022
Where: 253220 Bearspaw Road, AB
Cost: $5
OR THE GLOW HOLIDAY FESTIVAL OF LIGHTS
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Can’t get enough of bright lights and seasonal markets? Hit the Glow Holiday Festival and travel across the world and back again! The best part? It’s super affordable to attend AND it’s inside!
Where: 1800 Stampede Trail SE
Cost: $16+
DINE IN THE DARK
Want to challenge your pallet? This month, Calgarians are encouraged to check out Pitch Black’s dining in the dark, where guests will be blindfolded and ‘plunged’ into the darkness to enjoy a full meal taste bud-first to a soundtrack of holly jolly Christmas music. How fun!
When: Wednesday, December 21st, 2022
Where: 9823 Macleod Trail SW, Calgary,
Time: 6 pm and 8 pm
Cost: $99
TAKE ON THE MIRACLE ON 1ST STREET POP-UP
Serving themed cocktails in a variety of fun mugs and glasses, Miracle of 1st Street is back and has completely transformed Calgary’s Proof cocktail bar with over-the-top decorations from floor to ceiling Don’t miss out!
Where: 1302 1 St SW, Calgary, AB
Cost: FREE to attend
SHOP THE MARKET COLLECTIVE HOLIDAY SERIES
Support local businesses at the annual Holiday Market Collective this December! Bring your friends, family, and credit card (of course) and enjoy the many vendors, the endless items, and the spirit of Christmas.
When: Friday, December 9th – 11th, 16th-18th, 2022
Where: 20 Roundup Way SE, Calgary (Hall B and C)
Time: See times above
Cost: $6 for the weekend
OR THE CHRISTMAS TO REMEMBER MARKET
Granary Road’s annual Christmas To Remember Market is back! This December guests can explore local vendors, take magical wagon rides, grab a hot chocolate or take pictures with their alpacas.
When: Saturdays and Sundays Until December 18th, 2022
Where: 226066 112 St W, Foothills County, AB
Time: 10 am – 5 pm
Cost: FREE
SEE THE AIRDRIE FESTIVAL OF LIGHTS
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Bundle up because Western Canada’s largest outdoor walk-through display will return to light the night this December and it’ll be just as beautiful as ever. 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!
When: Thursday, December 1st – 31st, 2022
Where: Nose Creek Regional Park, Airdrie, AB
Time: 6 pm – 9 pm
Cost: FREE
EXPLORE SPARKLE SPARKLE
Grab your loved ones, a friend, or a new flame and experience a super-charged evening that’s certain to jingle your bells. TELUS Spark returns with Sparkle Sparkle, a beautiful event featuring lights, Santa and science.
Where: 220 Saint George’s Drive Northeast, Calgary
Time: 9 am – 9 pm
Cost: $19+
AND THE LIONS PARK FESTIVAL OF LIGHTS
Prepare to be dazzled, Calgary! This December dress warm, grab a hot chocolate and take in the beautiful lights along 14th street – for free! You won’t regret it!
When: Saturday, November 26th – January 7th, 2023
Where: Confederation Golf Course – 14th Street NW, Calgary
Time: 6 pm – 12 am
Cost: FREE
EXPERIENCE HOLIDAY MAGIC IN THE NIKKA YUKO GARDENS
Up for a drive? The Nikka Yuko Japanese Gardens are truly one of a kind and this December you can join them for a magical light festival of epic proportions. Dress warm and enjoy, Calgary!
When: All December long
Where: Corner of 9th Ave S &, Mayor Magrath Dr. S, Lethbridge
Cost: $12.50
RING IN THE NEW YEAR WITH CALGARY’S ANNUAL FIREWORKS
2023 is going to be explosive! Though the ‘when and where’ has yet to be confirmed, this December Calgarians will likely be encouraged to enjoy another year where the city’s annual firework spectacular lights the night. Stay tuned!
When: Saturday, December 31st
Where: TBC
Time: 11:55 pm
Cost: FREE
OUTDOORS AND IN THE MOUNTAINS
SKATE THE GRAND OPENING OF CENTRAL COMMONS PARK
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Set to welcome the public on Sunday, December 4th, this 3-acre space is described as a ‘seasonless signature destination,’ mindfully made for social, cultural and recreational events. Grab some hot cocoa, skate, and relax next to a fire pit – you’re going to have a blast!
When: Sunday, December 4th, 2022
Where: 4410 University Ave NW, Calgary
Time: 1 pm – 5 pm
Cost: FREE
RENT A FIREPIT
Get ready, s’more lovers! The FREE Calgary community fire pits are back and available to the public now. Interested? Check out the link above for where and how you can rent one of these hand warming wonders.
SNOWSHOE UNDER THE STARS
Enjoy the great outdoors and up your next date night with this one-of-a-kind experience! This December, Calgarians are encouraged to follow a skilled guide on a fresh, starlit tour through forest and snow, then can sip hot cocoa in a secluded meadow. They’ll bring the drinks, the lamps, and the telescope, and all you have to bring is yourself, and a good jacket!
When: Various dates
Where: Kananaskis Village Centre- 1 Mt. Sparrowhawk Crescent
Time: 7 pm – 9 pm
Cost: $84.99
TASTE TEST YOUR WAY DOWN THE HOT CHOCOLATE TRAIL
It’s the sweetest time of the year! This December, head to Banff and wet your whistle with 20 different hot chocolates from cafes, restaurants, bars, and convenience stores all over Banff and Lake Louise. Each drink is uniquely themed, holiday-centric, and only available for a limited time, so mark down your favourites from the list above and head out!
When: Until January 1st, 2023
Where: See locations above
WIND DOWN AT THE NORDIC SPA
Before the Christmas craziness, why not spend a day at the Nordic Spa where you can totally unwind, disconnect and relax? From facials and massages, this alpine sanctuary has everything you’ll need to revamp before things pick right back up again next month.
Where: 1 Centennial Dr, Kananaskis
Cost: Prices vary
SKATE OLYMPIC PLAZA
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Feel the wind through your hair and enjoy a lap around an ice rink! This month, Calgarians are can check out Olympic Plaza – one of the city’s favourite winter traditions.
Where: 228 8 Ave. SE, Calgary
Time: 6 pm – 11 pm
Cost: FREE
WITNESS SOMETHING TRULY MAGICAL AT THE BANFF GONDOLA
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, Pursuit, the company behind the high climbing attraction will re-introduce Nightrise – an immersive activity that merges multimedia, storytelling, and nature.
Where: 100 Mountain Ave, Banff, AB
Cost: $44+
ARTS, CONCERTS, SPORTS & CULTURE
CATCH DEAR ROUGE LIVE
Known for songs like Best Look Lately and Fake Fame, Canadian rock band Dear Rouge will return to Calgary this December! For more information and tickets, check out the link above.
When: Thursday, December 1st, 2022
Where: The Palace Theatre – 219 8th Avenue SW, Calgary
Time: 8 pm
Cost: $31.02+
CHECK OUT THE NATIONAL MUSIC CENTRE
Looking to do something a little less festive? Hit the National Music Centre for interactive exhibits, fun facts and stunning architecture. You’re going to have a rockin’ time.
Where: 850 4 St SE, Calgary, AB
GET COMPETITIVE AT POTION PUTT
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Inspired by a wonderful world where magic, beasts and humans coexist, this competitive pop-up will feature 9 holes where golfers will encounter everything from familiar characters to a mystical portal. Good luck and have fun!
When: Starts December 7th, 2022
Where: Springbank Links Golf Club – 25 Hackamore Trail, Calgary
Cost: $15
CATCH ALBERTA BALLET’S ‘THE NUTCRACKER’
They have beauty, they have grace! Featuring dancers from the Alberta Ballet Company and the Calgary Philharmonic Orchestra, The Nutcracker is back and better than ever. A long-standing tradition and a family favourite, tickets are sure to go quickly – so don’t hesitate to check out the link above!
When: Friday, December 16th – 24th
Where: 1415 14 Ave NW, Calgary
Time: See times above
Cost: $60+
WATCH A FLAMES GAME
Toss on a jersey and head over to the Saddledome where you’re encouraged to grab a pocket dog and a beer, then cheer the Flames to victory. For their December schedule (which includes and epic battle of Alberta) head to the link above.
When: Various dates
Where: 555 Saddledome Rise SE
Cost: Varies
SEE THE ‘GOODNIGHT MOON’ IMMERSIVE EXPERIENCE
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This month, re-live a childhood classic at TELUS Spark’s Goodnight Moon immersive experience. Never before shown in a digital gallery – each presentation will actually pull Calgarians into the story where they can interact with characters and images from the author’s wholesome universe.
Where: 220 St. George’s Drive NE, Calgary
Cost: $26+
HOME ALONE IN CONCERT
Featuring the Calgary Philharmonic Orchestra, enjoy live music and a comedy classic at Home Alone in Concert – where guests will watch the film, laugh and cry there way through a magical score made famous by John Williams.
When: Friday, December 9th -10th, 2022
Where: 1415 14 Ave NW, Calgary
Time: 7:30 pm
Cost: $24+
