Central Alberta 
Credit: Nikka Yuko Japanese Garden
Come Christmas, enchanting holiday lights start to glow all over Alberta. 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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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 3 to January 30, 2021
Nikka Yuko Japanese Garden, Corner of 9th Avenue and Mayor Magrath Drive South, Lethbridge
Adults: $10
Children (ages 6-15): $7
Zoolights
Credit: Calgary Zoo
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 20, 2020 to January 3, 2021
Calgary Zoo, north entrance, 210 St. George’s Drive NE, Calgary, AB
$14.95 to $19.95
Noel Christmas Light Park & Market
Noel Christmas Light Park & Market is transforming the 100,000+ square foot Nutrien Centre, located in the heart of the Stampede Grounds, into a magical holiday wonderland. Noel features an immersive 250 foot light tunnel, two 50 foot Christmas trees, larger than life arctic animals and unique displays, illuminated with nearly one million twinkling bulbs.
November 26 to January 3, 2020
BMO Centre, 1410 Olympic Way Southeast, Calgary
$14.99 & up
Sparkle Sparkle
Telus Spark will transform into a shimmering wonderland of over 270,000 LED lights! An indoor path experience will lead you through the cosmos in holiday style. The Calgary science centre warms up the darkest winter nights with an original and delightful holiday light experience.
November 27, 2020 to January 3, 2021 | 5:00 PM – 9:30 PM
Telus Spark
$12.95 to $18.95
Lions Festival of Lights
November 28 – January 8, 2021 | 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, 2020, 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. Afterwards, you are treated to an unique 3 Course Dining Experience!
November 12 to January 31, 2021 (not open Christmas Day)
Heritage Ranch, 6300 Cronquist Dr, Red Deer
Adult: $129.00
Child: $55.00
Twinkle Tours
Get in the holiday spirit and take a self-guided Twinkle Tour around Sylvan Lake!
November 28 – January 1
Around Sylvan Lake
Free
Winter Wonder Forest – Drive Thru
Edmonton’s enchanted drive-thru holiday light experience. There is so much to see in the Winter Wonder Forest. It is 38 days of magic and enchantment this holiday season. No two nights are the exact same with the many activities listed on the Winter Wonder Forest Activities Calendar.
November 27 to January 3, 2020 | 4:30 PM to 10:00 PM
Rainbow Valley Campground, 13204 Rainbow Valley Road Northwest, Edmonton
$30.00
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.
Friday November 20, 2020 to Saturday January 2, 2021
Castrol Raceway, Highway 19 and Highway 2, Nisku
$25.00 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 1 to 31, 2020 | 05:00 PM – 10:00 PM
University of Alberta Botanical Garden 51227 Hwy 60, Parkland County
$7.50 to $15.00
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 18, 2020 to January 3, 2021
Edmonton Expo Centre, 7515 118 Ave NW, Edmonton
$18.99 & up
Country Christmas Lights
A breathtaking display of Christmas lights spread over 8 acres. Set up with community support from the Kinsmen Club of Leduc, and Leduc West Antique Society.
December 1, 2020 to January 3, 2021 | 5PM to 10PM.
Leduc West Antique Society, 49541, Range Rd 260, Calmar
$2
Celebrate the Season
Enjoy the beautiful sights of the Legislature grounds, lit up with over 100,000 Christmas lights this holiday season!
Thursday December 3, 2020 to January 31, 2021
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.
November 26, 2020 to January 3, 2021
Edmonton Valley Zoo
13315 Buena Vista Road,Edmonton
$10.50 to $14.94
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.
December 11- January 1 | 6 PM to 10 PM
148th Street Edmonton, AB Between 92 and 100 Ave.
Donations to the Edmonton Food Bank
Northern Spirit Light Show
Credit: Peace Draft Horse Club/Famous Amos Photography
Go on a drive-thru along fantastic light displays at Evergreen Park the entire family will enjoy. (No wagon rides this year due to COVID-19)
Thursdays to Sundays, November 19 to December 6 & Daily from December 6 to 31, 2020; Closed December 25, 2020
Evergreen Park, 55051 Township Road 710, Grande Prairie
$15 per vehicle, Tickets at the door.
Park Meadow Estates
The residents 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
Alberta is always lit up for the Christmas season, but I think it will be the best looking this season. If you are in Canada during Christmas time, you should visit Alberta to see what the set-up is like.