Things to Do on Christmas Day in Calgary – December 25, 2023

I. Admire Christmas lights

You can enjoy these lights on December 25th.

• Airdrie Festival of Lights: December 25, 2023 | 06:00 PM – 09:00 PM @ Nose Creek Park
• Lions Festival of Lights: The Festival of Lights is the largest FREE drive-by Christmas Lights showcase in Calgary. | 5:00 pm – 1 am @ Confederation Park in NW Calgary.
• Legacy Christmas Light Parade: With over 1 million lights, Legacy will be one of the brightest places in Calgary for you and your family to enjoy this holiday season.
• Lighten UP Calgary: The Best Residential Christmas Light Displays in and around Calgary.

II. Christmas Day Take-Out

Order in or eat out on Christmas Day! There are plenty of options in the city.

III. See a Movie

See a movie at Landmark/Cineplex Theatres.

Cineplex Theatres Hours

Landmark Theatres

Movies released/releasing include:

• The Boys in The Boat – Releasing on Dec 25
• The Color Purple – Releasing on Dec 25
• Ferrari – Releasing on Dec 25
• The Zone of Interest – Releasing on Dec 25
• Aquaman And The Lost Kingdom – Releasing on Dec 25
• The Iron Claw – Releasing on December 22, 2023
• Wonka
• The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes
• Trolls Band Together
• Godzilla Minus One

IV. Enjoy a Winter Walk

Calgary is home to some of the largest urban parks in Canada. Check out some of the best places to walk in the snow.

Calgary’s location in the foothills of the Rocky Mountains offers a unique opportunity for some great scenic lookouts so that you can enjoy Calgary decked in snow.

• 25 Nature Attractions & Parks to Explore in Calgary
• 25 Urban Walking Trails in Calgary

IV. Go Outdoor Skating

Credit: Downtown Calgary

Go skating at the Olympic Plaza or other outdoor skating locations in Calgary!

Bowness Park Skate Shop at the lagoon pending ice conditions, is scheduled to open on December 22.

Rent an ice bike from the Bowness Park Skate shop (hours on Dec 25: 11 a.m. – 6 p.m.) Olympic Plaza skate shop is also open on Christmas day.

V. See Some Night Lights

From bridges to buildings, some of these art displays light up the night year-round for Calgarians. So whether you want to go and see the Telus Sky art display or an art display all aglow with artistic light, you’ll be amazed at these hidden gems across the city.

VI. Outdoor Art Works

Looking for something new to do in Calgary while keeping the recommended physical distance? Check out these 25 Public Art Features! You can see many of them in your car or on a walk around the city. Look for local Calgarian artists’ work while you’re out and about.

VII. Do a Christmas Day Bird Count

Do a Christmas bird count on Christmas Day! Visit any of the birding areas in Calgary and see how many birds you can find!

Though not an organized/official day for counting, you can always do one on your own and enjoy a crisp morning walk!

XI. Outdoor Winter Activities

There’s so much to do in and around Calgary during winter. Make the most of it with these outdoor activities during these short sunny days of winter.

X. Visit a Provincial Park

Don’t miss your chance to explore some of Alberta’s parks this winter.

XI. Head to Banff Resorts

Credit: Sunshine Village

Banff Sunshine, Lake Louise, Mt. Norquay are all open on Christmas Day.

Norquay Tube Park is open from 10:00 am to 12:30 pm and 1:30 pm to 4:00 pm.

Sunshine Village offers $75+GST full-day lift tickets to all guests dressed up as Santa Claus, Mrs. Claus, Rudolph or Grinch.

Visit Banff Gondola, and enjoy Nightrise, an immersive experience of light, sound and wonder.

Or head to Kananaskis Country and discover the beauty of Alberta winter! Enjoy snowboarding, snow tubing and skiing at Nakiska Ski Resort.

More Fun Things to Do:

Outdoor Winter Activities in and Around Calgary for Kids & Adults

There’s so much to do in and around Calgary during winter. From downhill skiing to finding the best viewpoints of the city, you’re sure to find something to do this ...
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Check our family fun activities during Christmas Break and Things to do this weekend for other activities.