Calgary 
Merry Christmas! Embrace the festive spirit with this list of over ten delightful activities to enjoy in Calgary on Thursday, December 25.
I. Admire Christmas lights
You can enjoy these lights on December 25th.
- Airdrie Festival of Lights: December 25, 2025 | 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. December 25, 2025 | 5:00 pm – Midnight @ 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.
For Calgary Restaurants with Christmas Day Specials: Christmas Dinner Take-Out or Dine-In in Calgary
III. See a Movie
See a movie at Landmark/Cineplex Theatres.
Movies released/releasing include:
- Avatar: Fire and Ash
- Anaconda (Releasing Dec 25)
- Song Sung Blue (Releasing Dec 25)
- The SpongeBob Movie: Search for SquarePants
- The Housemaid
- Five Nights at Freddy’s 2
- David
- Zootopia 2
- Wicked: For Good
IV. Paint Night
Enjoy an intimate, two-hour campfire painting workshop guided by artist Patrick de Guzman. Open to all skill levels, this cozy session blends storytelling and dynamic mark-making to create a vivid campfire scene. With all supplies included, wine on arrival, and only 10 participants, you’ll leave with meaningful art and a memorable shared experience. December 25, 2025 | 5:30 p.m. @ Residence Inn Calgary Downtown/Beltline District, 610 10 Avenue Southwest, Calgary | $73.75
V. 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 unique scenic lookouts so that you can enjoy the city covered in snow.
- 25 Nature Attractions & Parks to Explore in Calgary
- 25 Urban Walking Trails in Calgary
- Winter in Calgary
VI. Go Outdoor Skating/Ride an Ice Bike
City of Calgary
Go skating at outdoor skating locations in Calgary!
Bowness Park Skate Shop is now open. Rent an ice bike from the Bowness Park Skate shop (hours on Dec 25: 11 a.m. – 6 p.m.) and slide through the 1.6 km ice trails at Bowness Park.
The ice trail at North Glenmore Park is also open.
VII. See Some Night Lights
From bridges to buildings, these art installations 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.
VIII. Outdoor Art Works
Looking for something new to do in Calgary: 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.
IX. 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!
Although not an official day for counting, you can still do one on your own and enjoy a crisp morning walk!
X. 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.
XI. Visit a Provincial Park
Don’t miss your chance to explore some of Alberta’s parks this winter.
XII. Head to Banff Resorts
Credit: Sunshine Village
Banff Sunshine, Lake Louise, and Mt. Norquay are all open on Christmas Day.
Norquay Tube Park is open from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. and 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.
Sunshine Village offers 50% of full-day lift tickets to all guests dressed up as Santa Claus, Mrs. Claus, Rudolph or the 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
Check our family fun activities during Christmas Break and Things to do this weekend for other activities.