The Best Places to See Christmas Lights in Calgary and Nearby
One of my favourite things about the holidays is the glow of beautiful Christmas lights in Calgary shining on a chilly winter night. Our family has made it an annual tradition to try to visit as many Christmas light displays as we can, and lucky for us there tons of opportunities to take in light displays all around the city of Calgary!
Where to See the Best Holiday and Christmas Lights in Calgary
Lions Festival of Lights
Where: 24 Ave NW & 14 St NW
When: Nightly from 6 pm-midnight until Monday, January 8
Cost: Free
The Lions Festival of Lights is back for another year, thanks to the amazing efforts of volunteers who keep this awesome display of Christmas lights in Calgary running each winter. 450,000 lights create the beautiful displays put on by the Lions Club for its 37th year. We love to get bundled up and take in the lights by foot, but they can also be viewed from the warmth of your car by driving along 14 St NW, north of 24 Ave.
Spruce Meadows
Where: 18011 Spruce Meadows Way SW
When: December 22–24 and December 29–31 from 5 p.m.–10 p.m.
Cost: Free
Stay warm and cozy in your vehicle as you drive through the grounds at Spruce Meadows, taking in the colourful lights all around you.
ZOOLIGHTS | calgaryzoo.com
Where: The Calgary Zoo, 201 St. George’s Drive NE
When: Nightly from 5-9 pm until Sunday January 7
Cost: Children – $14.95, General – $21.95. Tickets are timed and must be purchased in advance.
The Calgary Zoo is continuing its magical Zoolights tradition once again. Wander through over 2 million twinkling lights and among over 250 light figurines with interactive and choreographed light displays. Explore themed areas including Polar Nights in Prehistoric Park and a Boreal Forest Trek in Exploration Asia. Inside the ENMAX Conservatory, enjoy lights galore, and a sparkly sleigh, perfect for photo ops. Visits with Santa take place in the Karsten Discovery Centre. Axe throwing and a free outdoor skating rink are back from 5-9 pm at the tent on the Asia Lawn, with free skate rentals available.
Glow Festival | glowyyc.ca
Where: Nutrien Western Event Centre, 1800 Stampede Trail SE
When: Nightly until Sunday December 31st until 9 pm
Cost: General (Ages 16-64) $28.21; Kids (Ages 4-15) and Seniors (65+) $21.69; Kids 3 and Under Free! Family Pass (2 adults and 3 kids/seniors) $85.74
If you’re looking for a warmer place to take in some magical Christmas lights in Calgary, head to the Nutrien Western Event Centre for a sparkling celebration! Glow Festival boasts a million twinkling lights, surrounding holiday fun such as Santa Claus, princess and mermaid visits, live music, a glowing LED swing, a trackless train and a kids’ bouncy animal farm. There are also plenty of delicious spots for mouthwatering food and drinks, and a Merry Makers Market where you can grab the last of your Christmas shopping!
Airdrie Festival of Lights | airdriefestivaloflights.com
Where: Nose Creek Park – 1701 Main Street South, Airdrie, AB, T4B 1C5
When: Nightly until Sunday December 31st from 6-9 pm
Cost: No admission fee, but a suggested donation of $10-$20 per family is gratefully accepted
The Airdrie Festival of Lights is Western Canada’s largest walk-through Christmas Lights display! Since 1996, this family-friendly event has been put on by volunteers to help light up the holiday season. Visits with Santa and his reindeer, kids’ activities and miniature trains add to the excitement.
Lighten Up Calgary | lightenupcalgary.ca
This fantastic website has compiled all of the best Christmas lights and displays around Calgary and put them on a map so you can visit them! Photos of each location are available to view on the website so you know just how to plan your route of what to see first. Make a night of it by putting on your comfiest pajamas, making some popcorn and hot chocolate, and driving around the city to see all the great lights Calgary has to offer!
Where are your favorite places to catch Christmas lights in Calgary? Are there any we’re missing? Let us know in the comments!
