Central Alberta 
Come Christmas, enchanting holiday lights starts 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 November 29, 2019 and runs until January 31, 2020
Nikka Yuko Japanese Garden, Corner of 9th Avenue and Mayor Magrath Drive South, Lethbridge
Adults: $9
Children (ages 6-15): $7
Christmas in the Coulee
Credit: Atlas Coal Mine National Historic Site
There is nearly zero ambient light pollution in our part of the Drumheller Valley, meaning Christmas lights twinkle against an incredible star-filled sky. Start at the Atlas to enjoy hot chocolate, cookies, kids activities, Santa Claus, eggnog tasting, the Polar Express train, sleigh rides and live music while you admire thousands of lights strung throughout site. A truly unique rural Albertan experience!
November 30, December 6, 7, 2019 | 4:00 PM – 7:00 PM
Atlas Coal Mine National Historic Site, Century Drive West, East Coulee
$10
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 22, 2019 – January 4, 2020 (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
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.
Thursday November 28, 2019 to Tuesday December 31, 2019
Nutrien Centre at Stampede Grounds, 1410 Olympic Way Southeast, Calgary
$14.99 & up
Christmas at Spruce Meadows
Christmas Lights at Spruce Meadows
During Christmas time, Spruce Meadows is adorned with Christmas decorations. The 2 kilometer drive through the grounds includes Tournament Lane, The Courtyard, Traffic Circle, the Nations Flag Park, Congress Hall, Riders Chapel and the Pond with strings of lights measuring 72 kilometers.
Sunday, December 8, 2019 to Sunday, January 5, 2020 | 5-10 PM
Spruce Meadows, Calgary
Free
Lions Festival of Lights
November 30 – January 8, 2020 | 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, 2019, 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.
Select Days November 15 to December 29, 2019(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)
Enjoy Light Festival
Enjoy Light Festival, or ELF, will transform the Enjoy Centre into an enchanted winter wonderland with whimsical lighting displays that will create an interactive and unforgettable experience for all guests!
Select days, November 21st and January 5th, 2019
The Enjoy Centre
101 Riel Drive, St. Albert
$9.95 – $19.95
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 22, 2019 to Saturday January 4, 2020
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 6 – 8, 2019 | 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 28, 2019 to January 4, 2020
Edmonton Expo Centre, 7515 118 Ave NW, Edmonton
$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.
~December 7, Official announcement TBA
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 6 to 29, 2019
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 12 to January 1, 2020 | 6 PM to 10 PM
148th Street Edmonton, AB Between 92 and 100 Ave.
Donations to the Edmonton Food Bank
(optional sleigh rides do cost)
Northern Spirit Light Show
Credit: Peace Draft Horse Club/Famous Amos Photography
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.
November 14-17, 21-24, 28-December 1, 5 -24, 26-31, 2019
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
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