Calgary 
Credit: Winsport Calgary
Here is a short list of ideas for things to do during this Christmas break in Calgary. Though there are not many events and attractions open due to Alberta’s COVID-19 restrictions, there are still many ways you can have a wonderful time during the most wonderful time of the year.
1. 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.
Holiday Ticket: $25/person
Hours: December 19: 10:00 a.m.to 5:30 p.m.
December 20 – 24: 10:00 a.m.to 5:30 p.m.
December 26 – January 3: 10:00 a.m.to 5:30 p.m.
2. 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 too!
3. Go on a Christmas Lights Tour
Enjoy the best time of the year in all its glory with your Family.
- Christmas Lights @ Spruce Meadows – 18011 Spruce Meadows Way SW, Calgary
- Lions Festival of Lights @ along 14 St NW, North of 24 Avenue
- Airdrie Festival of Lights @ Nose Creek Park -1701 Main St S, Airdrie
- Zoo Lights @ Calgary Zoo
- Noel Lights Park @ BMO Centre, 1410 Olympic Way Southeast, Calgary
- Legacy Christmas Light Parade @ 15 Legacy Glen Manor, – Legacy community Calgary
- and various houses in Calgary.
4. Enjoy Family Fun Theatre
While there are no in-person theatre events this year, there are some great holiday theatre events onlineto enjoy this year including works by Storybook Theatre, Theatre Calgary and many other theatres across Canada.
5. 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.
6. 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.
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.
7. See the Great Conjunction
2020 is coming to a close with an astronomical event on the horizon – the great conjunction of planets Jupiter and Saturn. This year will see two giant planets of our solar system reunite after centuries. In fact, they will be so close that they will be separated by roughly one-fifth of the diameter of the full moon and when you look from the Earth with an unaided eye they might appear as a single point of light.
8. 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.
9. 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.
10. 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.
11. 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 Parkand Fish Creek Provincial Park.
12. Tobogganing
Dig up your magic carpet and enjoy a ride down the hill.
13. Outdoor Skating
Lace-up and hit the outdoor skate rinks.
- Skate The Boulevard at Deerfoot City: Grab your skates and join us for outdoor skating on The Boulevard at Deerfoot City’s new synthetic skating rink!
- Check out the new Glenmore Ice Trail or visit one of these places.
Big Marlborough Park: Opening late December / early January
Bowness Park Lagoon (rentals available) – Opening late December / early January
Carburn Park: Opening late December / early January
Olympic Plaza (rentals available): – OPEN, 10 a.m – 9 p.m. daily
Prairie Winds Park – Opening late December / early January
Prince’s Island Lagoon – Opening late December / early January
Thomson Family Park – Opening late December / early January
14. Visit a Calgary Attraction
Daily: 09:00 AM to 05:00 PM
Closed on December 25
December 25 CLOSED
Hours of activities vary.
15. Welcome 2021
16. 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.
17. Visit a Provincial Park
Don’t miss your chance to explore some of Alberta’s parks this winter.
18. 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.
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.
19. 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. While some of the places mentioned might be closed due to the new COVID-19 restrictions, there are plenty to do outdoors during winter in Drumheller.
20. 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.
21. 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
Places to See Magical Christmas Lights 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.