Magical holiday photos call for beautiful locales with a little sparkle (bonus if you can find lights and snow!). My roundup of top holiday photo destinations around Calgary include wonderful indoor and outdoor venues – from ice falls to historic sites. Note: ($) indicates that admission fees are in effect.
Ice falls. Escape to a winter wonderland of natural ice sculptures at Troll Falls (1.7km one way), Marmot Falls & Upper Falls (1km past Troll Falls), or Grotto Canyon (1.9km one way). A Kananaskis Conservation Pass is required to hike these trails, and traction devices are required for Marmot/Upper Falls and Grotto Canyon. Santa hats optional!
Stephen Avenue. For a gorgeous winter stroll, start at 8 Avenue SW and 3 Street to see The Galleria Trees. Then, head east under strings of snowflake lights to the former Hudson’s Bay’s stone arches, a spot popular with wedding photographers. Continue east and go north on 1 Street SW to Brookfield Place (225 6 Avenue SW) where the courtyard is filled with lit-up Christmas trees. It’s 850m from the Galleria Trees to Olympic Plaza: 8 Avenue SW and 3 Street SW.
The CORE. If it’s too cold out, take festive photos at The CORE! Not only are there lots of Christmas trees and decorations to pose with, but you can also get your holiday shopping done, too! While you’re there, visit the 2.5-acre Devonian Gardens on the fourth floor of TD Square. This is a great place to go with babies and toddlers because there’s underground parking. 324 8 Avenue SW.
Historic buildings. For a classy Christmas shoot, head to McDougall Centre or Lougheed House. Both buildings’ gardens are decorated for the holidays from late November until early January.
McDougall Centre’s grand columns and arches make it a popular location for wedding photos. Built as a teacher training facility in 1907, the three-storey sandstone building is now a provincial government building. 455 6 Street SW.
Lougheed House, a provincial and national historic site, was built in 1891 for James and Isabella Lougheed. The sandstone mansion is a beautiful example of the Victorian eclectic style. Visit the grounds for free or sign up for a holiday event to view the Christmas decorations inside. 701 13 Avenue SW.
ZOOLIGHTS at The Calgary Zoo ($). ZOOLIGHTS at The Calgary Zoo ($). As winter nights grow longer, the Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo lights up once more with ZOOLIGHTS, presented by Olympia Trust Company. Now in its 29th year, ZOOLIGHTS will transform the grounds into a glowing celebration of light, color, and community. Guests can look forward to new installations alongside returning favorites that capture the wonder of winter and the joy of the season. From dazzling new light installations to accessible ticket options, ZOOLIGHTS offers an unforgettable way to celebrate the holidays while supporting vital conservation work. This year, ZOOLIGHTS runs until January 4, 2026. 210 St. George’s Drive NE.
Heritage Park’s Once Upon a Christmas ($). Step into a winter wonderland at Heritage Park’s Once Upon a Christmas, filled with festive charm, cozy wagon rides, carolers, visits with Santa and holiday magic around every corner. New this year, make the season even brighter with the Heritage Holiday Train Add-On–the Park’s first-ever winter train ride aboard our new diesel-electric locomotive, complete with onboard entertainment and holiday cheer for all ages. Get tickets today! 1900 Heritage Drive SW.
Granary Road Christmas Market. Get a festive alpaca photo, one-of-a-kind gifts made by local artisans, award-winning wines and spirits, chocolate, honey, and more at Granary Road. Kids can visit Santa, too! Granary Road Christmas Market takes place Saturdays and Sundays, November 22 to December 14. Admission is free. 226066 112 Street W.
Airdrie Festival of Lights. Western Canada’s largest free walk-through Christmas Lights display (donations appreciated). Ride the Mini Train, get some mini donuts, skate on the pond (weather-dependent), and visit Santa and his reindeer. The festival runs December 1 to 31, from 6 to 9pm. 1701 Main Street S in Airdrie.
Banff Gondola ($). For breathtaking, panoramic views, ride the Banff Gondola to the top of Sulphur Mountain. Head up to the viewing deck to visit the bear sculpture, then warm up by an outdoor fire pit or inside the igloo. Afterwards, grab a hot cocoa or apple cider, then brave the elements and take the boardwalk to Sanson’s Peak. About halfway there, you can go down the stairs to a railing-free viewpoint (just stay back from the edge) for spectacular snowy shots. Kids five and under ride for free. 100 Mountain Avenue in Banff.
For the best experience, please check hours of operation before you go.
I wish you and your family a happy and healthy Christmas!
Karen is a mother and a lover of maps, mountains, and mochas. With her geography degree and experience leading hikes and backpacking trips in the Rockies, she is full of ideas on where to go and what to do. The mission of her blog, Play Outside Guide, playoutsideguide.com, is to provide everything families need to know to get outside and have fun.
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