Central Alberta
All over Alberta, Christmas and holiday lights are starting to glow. Although every village, town, city, and community has at least one or two house or buildings worth stopping to check out, the following light shows are definitely worth travelling to see.
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Must Do Winter Festivals in Alberta
Winter Lights Festival
The Nikka Yuko Japanese Garden in Lethbridge is the place to experience the illumination of over 100,000+ lights decorating the Garden. Last year the festival became Lethbridge’s newest winter tradition. Bring the entire family and enjoy this magical winter experience.
Select nights December 1st to February 2nd, 2019
Nikka Yuko Japanese Garden, Corner of 9th Avenue and Mayor Magrath Drive South, Lethbridge
$8; Under 12: free
Zoolights
Not only does Zoolights have lots of lights, many are shaped into amazing animal themed decorations. There is also activity zones, free visits with Santa, and skating available.
November 23, 2018 to January 5, 2019 (not open Christmas day) from 6:00-9:00pm daily
Calgary Zoo, north entrance, 210 St. George’s Drive NE, Calgary, AB
$14.95 to $19.95
Christmas at Spruce Meadows
Sunday, December 9 to Sunday, January 6, 2019
Spruce Meadows, Calgary
Free
Christmas Lights at Spruce Meadows
Lions Festival of Lights
December 1, 2018- January 8, 2019 | 6:00 PM to 11:00 PM
Confederation Park in NW Calgary
The display can be viewed along 14 St NW, North of 24 Avenue.
Free
Airdrie Festival of Lights
A beautiful walk around light display for the entire family. The Airdrie Festival of Lights is a not-to-miss Alberta lightshow this holiday season.
December 1 to 31, 2018, 6:00-9:00 pm
Nose Creek Park, 1641 Main St S, Airdrie
cash donation
Winter Night Lights
A horse-drawn sleigh will take riders through a display of over 40,000 winter lights. Hot chocolate and blankets are provided. The ride will take about half an hour.
Every Thursday, Friday & Saturday November 15th, 2018 and Daily in December 2018. (not open Christmas Day)
Heritage Ranch, 6300 Cronquist Dr, Red Deer
$37.50/adult
$15.00/child (4-14)
$3.00/child (3 and under)
Leduc County Lights
This light show is the Christmas wonderland of lights. With Santa and hot cocoa available on certain days, people may want to plan their trip accordingly.
November 30th through December 30th, 2018
not open Christmas Day
From Leduc head West on Highway 39 to Range Road 260, turn South to Township Road 492.
Donations of food and cash for the Leduc food bank are accepted.
The Magic of Lights
The Magic of Lights is comprised of festive and vibrant LED illuminated displays celebrating the joy of the holidays. A 2 KM drive through experience.
November 16, 2018 through January 5, 2019 5:00-10:00 pm
Castrol Raceway, Highway 19 and Highway 2, Nisku
$25.00 or more per car, plus GST
Luminaria
This popular event ignites the festive season with thousands of candles along the paths of the Kurimoto Japanese Garden in a breathtaking display. Patrons can stroll through the breathtaking candle lit paths as they listen to the acapella singers throughout the gardens and catch a glimpse of the magical snow sprites and glittering ice sculptures.
December 7-9, 2018 | 5:00-10:00 pm
University of Alberta Botanical Garden 51227 Hwy 60, Parkland County
Adult $15.00; Senior (65+) $11.50
Child (3-12) $7.50; Child (2 & under) Free.
Must purchase tickets in advance.
Glow Christmas
See one of the largest indoor family Christmas celebrations in the Alberta that include a 210 foot musical light tunnel, LED swings and light sculptures, trackless train ride, 80,000 sq ft of interactive light sculptures, shop for unique gifts from 20+ local vendors, Enjoy delicious treats from local food trucks and breweries. Details
November 22 to January 19, 2018
The Enjoy Centre 101 Riel Dr, St. Albert
$16.99 to $22.99
Celebrate the Season
The annual Celebrate the Season light-up is the kick-off to holiday events at the Alberta Legislature. Festivities begin in the Legislature rotunda with a choir performance, followed by the Premier’s ceremonial turning on of the colourful outdoor lights. Most noon hours and evenings have choir performances in the rotunda. There is also free hot chocolate in the evenings.
Light up December 4, 2018 | 4:00 PM – 05:30 PM
Celebrate the Season: December 7 – 23, 2018
Lights remain until the season is over.
Alberta Legislature Building, 10800- 97 Avenue, Edmonton
Free
Zoominescence – Festival of Lights
Sip hot chocolate and have a fun time at the zoo, enjoying the Light Installations, Skating, DJ’s, Fire dancers.
December 1 – 30, 2018
Edmonton Valley Zoo
13315 Buena Vista Road,Edmonton
$8.50/adult, $6/child
Candy Cane Lane
For the people who enjoy viewing residential homes that are decorated with lights and more, Candy Cane Lane in Edmonton is a must go to event. Totally volunteer based, this light display is put on by individual residents and the results are spectacular. Walk or book a sleigh ride to enjoy the sights!
December 7 to 31, 2018
148th Street Edmonton, AB Between 92 and 100 Ave.
Donations to the Edmonton Food Bank
(optional sleigh rides do cost)
Northern Spirit Light Show
This light show offers the option of taking a horse-drawn ride through the park, or driving a personal vehicle through this fantastic light display the entire family will enjoy.
Friday through Sunday November 16 – December 2, 2018,
Every night from December 8th through December 31st (Not open Christmas Day)
Wagon Rides 6:00-9:00 PM, vehicle access 6:00-10:00 pm
Evergreen Park, 55051 Township Road 710, Grande Prairie
Wagon Rides: $5.00/person (10 and under are free)
OR $15.00/vehicle
Special Mention!
Park Meadow Estates
Although they don’t have an official website, the residence of Park Meadow Estates in Medicine Hat, AB, have been decorating their houses and raising money for the local food bank for over 20 years. The festive atmosphere and amazing light displays in this community definitely make it worth the travel!
In December from 5:00-10:00 pm nightly
Park Meadow Estates, Medicine Hat
Donations accepted