From fabulous theatre events to enchanting lights, here is a short list of ideas for things to do during this Christmas break in Calgary.
1. Christmas Sleigh Rides
- Roundup the whole family for horse-drawn sleigh rides this holiday season at Horsin around. Horsin around will be offering a 30 Minute Sleigh Ride with complimentary Hot Chocolate and a Camp Fire to warm up to! December 23 & 24, 2023 @ Horsin Around, 3729 – 146 Ave SW Calgary
- Bring the family to enjoy a private bobsleigh ride pulled by Belgian Draft horses through trails lit up with Christmas lights and decorations. Enjoy hot chocolate around a fire pit. Until January 15, 2024 @ Hammer Hill Stables, 233016 TWP 232, Wheatland County
2. Go on a Christmas Lights Tour
Enjoy the best time of the year in all its glory with your Family.
- ZOOLIGHTS — until January 7, 2024
- Christmas Glow Calgary — December 31, 2023
- Christmas at Spruce Meadows — December 31, 2023
- Lions Festival of Lights — until January 8, 2024 @ Confederation Park
- Nightrise — until April 2024@ Banff Gondola, 100, Mountain Avenue, Banff
- Airdrie Festival of Lights — December 31, 2023
- In Search of Christmas Spirit — Until December 31, 2023 @ Banff Park Museum, 91 Banff Ave, Banff
- Legacy Christmas Light Parade — Until January 14, 2024 @ Legacy Circle Southeast, Calgary
3. Calgary Nativity Pageant
A traditional Christmas Nativity pageant with live actors, live animals, outdoor lighting and sound.
Made possible thanks to volunteers from the Calgary interfaith community, the Pageant combines a cast of 15-20 fully costumed adults and children, moving narration, full sound and lighting production, a staged set and live animals to create a beautiful presentation of the Christmas story.
When: December 21 to 23, 2023 | 6:30 PM to 8:30 PM
Where: 2526 24th Ave. NW, Calgary
How Much: Free
4. Fun with Calgary Public Library
Celebrate the festive season with Winter Wonderland at Central Library and Memorial Park Library! Throughout the month, enjoy an array of family-friendly activities tailored for all ages. It’s a perfect opportunity to gather, have fun, and create lasting memories with loved ones in the heart of winter’s magic.
When: Until December 31, 2023
Where: Central Library and Memorial Park Library
How Much: Free
5. Enjoy Family Fun Theatre
The Nutcracker – Alberta Ballet
In this beloved family tale, Klara and her Nutcracker travel to an unknown kingdom, battle the dark magic of the Rat Tsar and dance with the courtiers of the Sugar Plum Fairy. 120 incredible performers bring Klara’s journey to life, decked out in stunning costumes and accompanied by a live orchestra.
When: Until December 24, 2023
Where: Southern Alberta Jubilee Auditorium — 1415 14 Ave. NW, Calgary
How Much: $69 & up
The Guardians of Christmas
Peter Quill and the Guardians barely made it out of their latest brush with danger in time to start their trek to Earth for Christmas. But wait… a few of them got left behind? A rescue mission sends them crash landing on a snow-laden planet ruled by an Ice Queen. Will the Ice Queen let them leave her planet? Can they get the parts they need to fix their ship and save their friends.
When: Until Saturday January 13, 2024
Where: Jubilations Dinner Theatre, 1002 37 Street SW, Calgary
How Much: $41.95-44.95
Rockin’ Around The Christmas Tree
Every Christmas, Santa’s elves hold the annual Holly Jolly Festive Holiday Christmas Spectacular – a showcase of all of their skills! But one elf, Sam, can’t figure out what his best skill is and without an amazing performance he won’t earn his special elf name! With the help of his friends Twinkle, Cookie and Cosmo, Sam searches for his true place at the North Pole.
When: Until December 24, 2023
Where: Stage West Dinner Theatre, 727 42 Ave SE, Calgary
How Much: $38-$45
One Christmas Carol
Just one extraordinary actor telling a timeless story. Dickens’s famous tale about selfishness and selflessness is stripped down to its bare essence, forgoing the usual opulence of the holidays and focusing on what is of utmost importance. Be dazzled as one actor portrays over 35 distinct characters in this intimate, spirited evening of theatre that everyone in the family will love!
When: Until December 29, 2023
Where: Beddington Theatre Arts Centre, 375 Bermuda Drive Northwest, Calgary
How Much: $28 – $38
A Christmas Carol
A timeless tale of redemption, told as only Theatre Calgary can tell it: full of life, spectacle, and backed by a huge cast. On Christmas Eve, Ebenezer Scrooge, a miser with a heart of stone, is visited by three ghosts who confront him with the consequences of his actions.
When: Until December 31, 2023
Where: Max Bell Theatre, 220 9 Ave SE, Calgary
How Much: $39 & up
Bluey’s Big Play
Take your young children to see Bluey, Bingo, Bandit and Chilli live in their first stage show—Bluey’s Big Play! Blueys Big Play is a brand new theatrical adaptation of the Emmy award winning childrens television series, with an original story by Bluey creator Joe Brumm, and new music by Bluey composer, Joff Bush.
When: December 27 to 30, 2023
Where: Southern Alberta Jubilee Auditorium, 1415 14 Ave. NW, Calgary
How Much: $30 – $137+fees
6. The Polar Express™ Train Ride
Set to the sounds of the motion picture soundtrack, families are sure to delight in their journey to the North Pole, complete with hot chocolate and cookies. Passengers will be entertained by many of the characters from the movie as well as a reading of The Polar Express™ book. Upon arrival at the North Pole, Santa will greet the children and each child will receive their own sleigh bell, just like in the movie, to those who BELIEVE.
When: Until December 24, 2023
Where: Aspen Crossing, 45 minutes southeast of Calgary
How Much: $130 to $145 for 2
7. Holiday Teas
End 2023 with a special tea at Heritage Park. Experience the warmth of Holiday Tea at the Famous 5 Centre, featuring freshly brewed tea, apple cider, and an assortment of baked goods and sandwiches. Your ticket also includes access to Gasoline Alley Museum’s vast antique vehicle collection and a special coupon for shopping at Heritage Plaza.
When: December 28 to 30, 2023
Where: Heritage Park, Calgary
How Much: $31.95 – $48.95
8. Winged and Wild
Join Bow Habitat Station for a fascinating exploration of Alberta’s flying fauna! Dive into a bird’s eye view of Alberta with experts from various organizations. Engage in activities like interactive games identifying bird species by wingspan, up-close encounters with highflying creatures, bird trivia, insights into winter survival strategies of birds and honey bees, and even a peek inside a bee box. It’s a soaring adventure into the wild world of Alberta’s winged wonders!
When: Friday January 5, 2024 | 10:00 am – 3:00 pm
Where: Bow Habitat Station, 1440 – 17A Street SE, Calgary
How Much:Free to $10
9. Go Tubing at Calgary’s Tube Park
Visit Winsport Tube Park this winter, the largest of its kind in Western Canada! Calgary’s only tube park features 10 lanes, each 200 metres in length. OR enjoy activities including skiing, snowboarding, or skating at COP.
10. Circle K Classic U18AAA Tournament
Cheer future NHL stars! The Circle K Classic features 11 of Canada’s top U18AAA teams and prominent USA 18U teams, including Shattuck St. Mary’s with 10 NCAA Division 1 commitments. The tournament showcases elite 2008-born players, with RHA Kelowna leading in WHL drafts. Standout underage players Landon Dupont and Eli McKamey, top-ranked for the 2024 WHL Draft, also participate.
When: December 27th to January 1st
Where: Various Venues, Calgary
How Much: $15 to $20
11. Do a Christmas Bird Count
Why not see how many winter birds you can find in Calgary? Count the birds that visit your backyard or go on a walk to see Alberta’s winter birds.
You can also join in for official Christmas bird count walks in the Calgary area.
12. Enjoy a Winter Walk
Calgary is home to some of the largest urban parks in all of Canada. Check out some of the best places to enjoy a walk in the snow.
What about a day trip to some frozen waterfalls?
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.
13. See Some Night Lights
From bridges to buildings, some of these art displays light up the night year-round for Calgarians. Whether you want to go and see the new Telus Sky art display or an art display all aglow with artistic light, you’ll be amazed at these hidden gems across the city.
14. 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 from your car or on a walk around the city. Look for local Calgarian artists’ work while you’re out and about.
15. Christmas Dinner at Home
There are plenty of options in Calgary for a delicious festive Christmas dinner for your immediate family only Christmas celebration during these trying times. Support local and choose from one of these take-home Christmas dinners from local restaurants and caterers’ kitchens.
16. Cross-Country Skiing and Snowshoeing
Enjoy the beauty of Calgary’s snow-covered landscapes through cross-country skiing and snowshoeing.
Great places to check out include Shaganappi Point Golf Course, Confederation Golf Course, Canmore Park, Maple Ridge Golf Course, South Glenmore Park, Bowness Park and Fish Creek Provincial Park.
17. Tobogganing
Dig up your magic carpet and enjoy a ride down the hill.
18. Outdoor Skating & Ice Biking
Lace up and hit the outdoor skate rinks.
- Check out the Glenmore Ice Trail, and skating rink 7305 Crowchild Tr. S.W.
- Barb Scott Park, 12 Ave. and 9 St. S.W.
- Big Marlborough Park , 6033 Madigan Dr. N.E.
- Barb Scott Park, 12 Ave. and 9 St. S.W.
- Big Marlborough Park — 6033 Madigan Dr. N.E.
- Bowness Park, 8900 48 Ave. N.W. — Lagoon and ice trail — (rentals available including Ice Bike )
- Carburn Park — 67 Riverview Dr. S.E.
- Olympic Plaza, 228 8 Ave. S.E. — 10 a.m.
- Prairie Winds Park, 223 Castleridge Blvd. N.E.
- Prince’s Island Park Lagoon, 4 St. and 1 Ave. S.W. — Opening TBA
- Thomson Family Park, 236 16 Ave. S.W.
19. Visit a Calgary Attraction
New at the Zoo: Discover the vastness of Wild Canada at the Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo! This redeveloped Canadian Wilds experience now known as ‘Wild Canada’ takes you through seven of Canada’s ecological zones. It’s a celebration of the connection between people, animals, and the land. With immersive habitats, engaging storytelling, and education on biodiversity and climate change, it’s an enlightening journey. See over 15 Canadian species in expansive settings, including newly renovated habitats for muskox, bighorn sheep, and more, plus a state-of-the-art polar bear habitat.
Enjoy the Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo with Sunlight to ZOOLIGHT Combo Tickets: a day of animal exploration and a magical evening of sparkling lights.
Daily: 09:00 AM to 05:00 PM; Zoo Lights – 5.00 pm and ends at 9.00 pm; Zoo Year’s Eve: New Year’s celebration for the families.
Closed on December 25
December 25 CLOSED
Hours of activities vary.
Bow Habitat Station & Pearce Estate Park Calgary
Outdoors Open daily.
Discovery Centre Hours : Tuesday – Saturday: 10 AM – 4 PM
Closed: Holidays December 17, 2023 – January 1, 2024
Closed Dec 25th.
Mon – Fri: 12 pm – 9 pm
Sat – Sun: 10 am – 9 pm
Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays | 11 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Closed: December 24 – January 1
- Films at the Fort — Every ticket includes popcorn and admission to the interpretive centre.
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- Ferris Bueller’s Day Off : Sunday January 7, 2024 | 2 – 4 pm
- Mean Girls: Saturday, January 6, 2024 | 2 – 4 pm
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Open Tuesday – Sunday 10 am – 4 pm.
Closed December 25 and January 1
Closed: Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Year’s Day.
Open: Monday – Sunday — 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Cold War Hanger — 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Silver & BOLD at the science centre offers a festive glow-up this season! Guests can revel in holiday reflections with fun-filled activities, delicious treats, a new Holiday Countdown, hands-on experiments, robots, shopping, and more. Plus, families can ring in the New Year with the exciting Noon Year’s Eve celebration on December 31!
Closed: Dec 25
December 24: 9:00 AM – 2:00 PM
December 26: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
December 27 – December 30: 9:00 AM – 9:00 PM
December 31: 9:00 AM – 2:00 PM
January 1: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
January 2 – January 3: 9:00 AM – 7:00 PM
January 4 – January 6: 9:00 AM – 9:00 PM
January 7: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
December 25: Closed
Closed: Closed for the holidays on Dec 24, 25 and 26.
Open: Open Tuesday-Sunday from 10AM-4PM.
Amusement Centres: When it’s freezing cold, dripping wet, head to these indoor attractions in Calgary for some fun time.
20. Cheer Calgary’s Home Teams
Cheer Calgary Hitmen, Calgary Roughnecks and Calgary Flames at Scotiabank Saddledome.
21. Welcome 2024
22. Outdoor Winter Activities
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 winter in Calgary. Make the most of it with these outdoor activities during these short sunny days of winter.
23. Visit a Provincial Park
Don’t miss your chance to explore some of Alberta’s parks this winter.
24. Banff Outdoor Activities
From late fall to early spring, Banff National Park turns into a winter wonderland, becoming a dreamland for all kinds of winter activities.
There are plenty of holiday activities this year.
While skiing may be why most people head to Banff National Park in the winter, there’s so much more to do than just that. We’ve rounded up 25 winter activities in Banff that aren’t skiing.
While there, embark on a tantalizing winter adventure with Banff and Lake Louise’s Hot Chocolate Trail! Imagine sipping over 20 unique, holiday-themed hot chocolates, each a cozy delight from different restaurants. It’s a festive treasure hunt for your taste buds.
25. Drumheller in Winter
Drumheller is located just northeast of Calgary and a great winter destination for families, or anyone looking to experience breathtaking and unique natural landscapes. There are plenty to do outdoors during winter in Drumheller.
26. Visit Waterton National Park
Slightly off the beaten track, located in the southeastern part of the province bordering the United States, Waterton National Park is a stunning area where the prairie meets the mountain. Phenomenal vistas, adventures, animals and experiences await you here. Step away from the busy places and head south to find some peace and quiet amidst the sparkling, snow-covered scenery of Waterton.
27. Jasper Winter Activities
Surrounded by the spectacular Rocky Mountains, Jasper National Park offers unlimited recreational opportunities during winter — it’s the perfect destination for any outdoor or indoor activity. Whether your passion is snowboarding at Marmot Basin, browsing paintings by local artists at the Jasper Art Gallery, or tasting local craft beer in front of a snapping fire…Jasper has an unforgettable experience just waiting for you!
You may like:
25-Day Trip Waterfall Hikes from Calgary
25-Day Trips From Calgary to the Canadian Rockies
50 Fun Things to Do in Winter in Alberta
For other events, see Things to Do This Weekend in Calgary
If you can do these things in winter holidays in Calgary, then you’ll have a good time. I know a few people who are in Calgary right now, and they’re having a great time. They say Calgary is best this time of year.