Get ready to dazzle your little ones with a magical tour of the most spectacular holiday light displays in and around Calgary! Whether you're strolling through sparkling neighborhoods, exploring festive events in Banff or Canmore, or watching the city’s most iconic attractions twinkle to life, there’s no shortage of family-friendly fun to brighten your nights.
We’ve rounded up the top spots to soak in the spirit of the season (all within a sleigh ride’s distance of home).
Lighten UP Calgary
Ongoing
Visit the best residential Christmas light displays in and around Calgary. Take your kids out to see bright, sparkling lights, listen to holiday music, and donate to worthy causes while enjoying family time. Share your holiday cheer and show Lighten UP Calgary your lit-up homes or check out the best places to go near you at lightenupcalgary.ca.
In Search of Christmas Spirit in Banff
November 13 to December 31
Discover the wonder of Christmas in Banff National Park this holiday season. Bundle up for a walk through the Cascade of Time Garden, where you’ll witness a live Christmas story told by the animals of Banff National Park. Learn more at banfflakelouise.com.
ZOOLIGHTS at the Calgary Zoo
November 14 to January 4
Back for its 29th season, the city’s most well-known sparkling spectacle is sure to ignite your festive spirit as the zoo transforms into a magical winter wonderland.
A spectacular light display featuring over 1.5 million lights, along with festive activities and themed areas. Learn more at calgaryzoo.com.
Annual Lions Festival of Lights
November 22 to January 4
This year’s display will feature Merry Christmas greetings in many languages together with the Candy Canes and Shooting Stars along 14 Street. Learn more at lionsfestivaloflights.ca.
The Rotary Festival of Trees
November 28 to December 31
A magical event happening throughout the month of December in Canmore for the whole family. Experience an indoor forest of Christmas trees decorated and twinkling all in one place, all created and donated by local businesses at The Malcolm Hotel. Learn more at rotaryfestivaloftrees.ca.
Holiday Wonder
November 27 to January 3
Holiday Wonder is Calgary’s newest holiday tradition – an indoor, immersive Christmas festival that brings the season to life like never before. Step into a sparkling wonderland at BMO Centre filled with breathtaking light displays, festive attractions, and magical moments for the whole family. Whether you’re starting a new tradition or reliving cherished memories, Holiday Wonder is where the magic of the season shines brightest. Learn more at holidaywonder.ca.
Airdrie Festival of Lights
December 1 to 31
Located in Airdrie’s Nose Creek Park, the Airdrie Festival of Lights is a beautiful, outdoor walk-through lights experience, with about a million dollars’ worth of displays and other special features including Santa visits and a market. Learn more at airdrielights.com.
Legacy Lights 2025
December 1 to January 8
Walk through a stunning array of over one million lights and displays. Legacy will be one of the brightest places in Calgary for you and your family to enjoy this holiday season. Drive through the community, tour a decorated show home, or bundle up and take a walk along the many lit-up streets, parks, and tunnels of lights. Learn more at legacylife.ca.
Enchanted Festival at Spruce Meadows
Weekends December 5 to 21
The Enchanted Festival will replace the traditional Christmas Lights Drive-through as Spruce Meadows prioritizes guest safety and family fun. In addition to the beautiful light displays, the walk-through celebration will offer seasonal market vendors, indoor activities, family movies, and more, all without the traffic delays and safety concerns from previous years. Learn more at sprucemeadows.com.
Once Upon a Christmas at Heritage Park
Saturdays and Sundays December 6 to 23
The park transforms into a winter wonderland with beautiful light displays, holiday decorations, and seasonal events. Learn more at heritagepark.ca.
Strathmore Celebration of Lights
Until January 1
The Strathmore & District Agricultural Society park is open nightly and admission is free, but donations are welcome. In addition to the beautiful lights, families will enjoy visits with Santa right before Christmas and a Kids’ New Year’s Eve party. strathmorestampede.com
Discovery Wildlife Park Light the Night
Until January 4
A drive-through light experience at Discovery Wildlife Park near Innisfail, with a gift shop and a concession. Plus, the Grinch will be visiting every Wednesday to Saturday from 5:30 to 8pm. discoverywildlifepark.com
Calgary Tower's Light Show
The Calgary Tower often features a stunning light display during the holiday season, visible from various points in the city.
Local Malls
Calgary and area shopping malls typically feature beautiful holiday decorations and light displays. These malls include Chinook Centre, Southcentre, Market Mall, The CORE, and CrossIron Mills.
Check out calgaryschild.com/calendar closer to the dates for specific details, as some displays may vary year to year! CCM
Tips for a Magical Christmas Light Tour
Make your holiday lights tour a memorable family tradition with these practical tips:
Plan Ahead
Dress for Comfort
Bring Snacks and Entertainment
Get the Whole Family Involved
Capture Memories
Stay Safe and Flexible
Create a Lasting Tradition
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