The holiday season in the Calgary area provides many opportunities to enjoy the sights and events that make it such a special time of year. You’ll find activities that everyone can do, from taking in the sights while driving through exhibits to exploring local landmarks.
Places to Visit
From late November to December 30, you can tour the Lougheed House Christmas in northwestern Calgary. This 14,000 square foot Victorian mansion is decorated with Christmas trees, lights, wreaths and nutcrackers throughout. It has 11 fireplaces, 20 rooms and nooks and crannies. Throughout the holiday season, you and the kids can attend special events at the mansion like breakfast with Santa, a Christmas caper escape room and performances of A Christmas Carol.
Live Music
From Thanksgiving onward, there are dozens of musical events in the Calgary area to hear live holiday music. Many of the performances are held in local churches and school theaters and auditoriums. Some are annual events that host local performers, while others bring in outside talent.
See the Lights
Because it’s dark so early in Calgary during the holiday season, it’s easier to find the time to view all the holiday light displays. Visit the CORE Shopping Centre in downtown Calgary for a free display of decorated trees and lights. The Lions provide another free light show at Confederation Park along 14th Street NW.
Schedule more time to go to the Zoo Lights at the Calgary Zoo where you’ll see two million lights in 200 displays, fire pits and activity zones for the kids. Don’t forget Spruce Meadows with its two kilometers of lights and decorations that you can drive through in your warm car.
Experience the Events
Theatre Calgary presents Dickens’ classic, A Christmas Carol, runs for three weeks at the Max Bell Theatre. If your kids are fans of A Polar Express, consider taking them to visit the North Pole in Calgary. The music is from the soundtrack, everyone gets treats along the ride and the kids who believe will get a silver bell.
Once Upon a Christmas and It’s a Wonderful Life are presented in Calgary as live performances from late November to just before the Christmas holidays. Go to Kensington on Saturdays for some free family fun including horse-drawn wagon rides, a petting zoo and a chance to visit with Santa.
Check out Christmoose Carol, Calgary’s own take on Dickens’ Christmas Carol. It’s held at the Loose Moose Theatre in Calgary and this year’s take on the play is a surprise.
There’s really no shortage of ways to celebrate the season with friends and family. Your neighbors at Alair Homes Calgary invite you to join in on the fun!