December in Calgary
Fill your calendar with light displays, holiday musicals, and a new Christmas event at Stampede.
ZOOLIGHTS (Credit: Cailin Charles)
Get warm, get cozy, and fall into the holiday spirit with a festive collection of things to see and do in Calgary this December. From events like ZOOLIGHTS at the Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo to Once Upon a Christmas at Heritage Park , December is full of seasonal fun in Calgary.
Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo
From Nov. 14, 2025 - Jan. 4, 2026 spend your afternoon exploring the zoo and visiting your favourite animals, then stick around to experience the wonder of ZOOLIGHTS in one unforgettable visit, with the Sunlight to ZOOLIGHTS combo ticket.
CrossIron Mills
This December, shop CrossIron Mills for big savings, holiday vibes, and exciting new arrivals like UNIQLO, Kiokii and..., Build-A-Bear, and Marugame Udon. With over 200 stores and outlet deals around every corner, it’s Calgary’s can’t-miss stop for gifts, treats, and unexpected surprises.
Heritage Park
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 a new diesel-electric locomotive, complete with onboard entertainment and holiday cheer for all ages. Weekends, Dec. 6 - 23.
Let’s Glow on 17th Ave
Get into the holiday spirit at Tomkins Park on 17th Ave. Visit Let’s Glow and experience a dazzling display of lights & magical Instagram moments.
Where: Tomkins Park
When: December 1-31
AE West Artist Extravaganza Showcase
Ten emerging artists from the AE West creative-entrepreneurship program take the stage for a free concert. Hear two original songs from each performer in this special showcase hosted by Canada’s Music Incubator and the National Music Centre.
Where: The King Eddy
When: December 3
Enchanted Festival at Spruce Meadows
Marvel at glistening horses, light tunnels, and iconic Spruce Meadows décor. Plus, step inside the 36,000 sq. ft. Equi-Plex to warm up with snacks, films, and festive displays.
Where: Spruce Meadows
When: December 5-7, 12-14, 19-24
Calgary Flames Home Games
Experience the thrill of NHL action with Calgary Flames Home Games at the Scotiabank Saddledome as the Flames take on nine teams on home ice this month.
Where: Scotiabank Saddledome
When: December 4, 6, 8, 10, 18, 20, 27, 29, 31
Calgary Hitmen Home Games
Get into the action of the WHL with Calgary Hitmen Home Games at the Scotiabank Saddledome as the Hitmen take on five rivals this December.
Where: Scotiabank Saddledome
When: December 5, 7, 12, 17, 19
Calgary Wranglers Home Games
Check out the top prospects of the Calgary Flames at a Calgary Wranglers home game at the Scotiabank Saddledome as the Wranglers take on five visitors this month.
Where: Scotiabank Saddledome
When: December 9, 11, 13, 14, 19, 21, 30
Calgary Phil Presents Handel's Messiah
Hallelujah! A glorious Christmas tradition returns . Join conductor Stephen Stubbs, a cast of soloists, and the Calgary Philharmonic Chorus join the Orchestra for this quintessential holiday classic.
Where: Jack Singer Concert Hall
When: December 4-5
Granary Road’s Christmas Market
Celebrate the holidays with Christmas carols, decorated trees, lights, and festive photos with Santa and the alpacas at Granary Road’s Christmas Market . Check out Santa’s Workshop for gingerbread cookies, ornaments, hot chocolate, tractor rides, and more.
Where: Granary Road
When: December 6-7, 13-14
Once Upon A Christmas
Once Upon A Christmas at Heritage Park is one of Calgary’s most iconic holiday events, with activities, entertainment, and treats that will get you and your family into the holiday cheer.
Where: Heritage Park
When: December 6-7, 13-14, 20-23
Skate with Santa and Holiday Market
Shop over 80 vendors from UCalgary’s student and alumni community, then skate with Santa on The Fastest Ice in the World . Enjoy festive fun, holiday activities, and a visit from the big guy in red.
Where: Olympic Oval
When: December 6
Christmas Afternoon Tea at Lougheed House
Step into a Victorian Christmas this month at Lougheed House . Wander the lavishly decorated mansion, then settle in for a festive afternoon tea filled with elegant sweets, savouries, and holiday charm by A Certain Flair Catering.
Where: Lougheed House
When: December 7, 21
Baroque & Beyond
Celebrate the season with soprano Hannah Pagenkopf and trumpet virtuoso Adam Zinatelli , joined by the Calgary Civic Symphony. Baroque classics by Handel and Bach meet holiday favourites by Leroy Anderson and Mannheim Steamroller.
Where: Jack Singer Concert Hall
When: December 7
WIC Winter Concert 2025
West Island College presents a festive evening of student performances , from band and strings to vocal and jazz ensembles. Celebrate the season with this annual musical tradition.
Where: Jack Singer Concert Hall
When: December 9
Cult Classics & Crafts at The Confluence
Gather your crafting supplies, grab a seat, and settle in for an evening of creating and laughing with the holiday classic, National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation !
Where: The Confluence Historic Site & Parkland
When: December 10
Best Christmas Markets Around Calgary 2025
Dive into your holiday shopping and discover great local gift ideas with festive food trucks, music, entertainment, and the holiday classic, photos with Santa!
A Charlie Brown’s Christmas
Enjoy the classic soundtrack of Charlie Brown’s Christmas performed live in the intimate setting of the Engineered Air Theatre.
Where: Engineered Air Theatre, Werklund Centre
When: December 10-11
Market Collective Holiday Markets
The Market Collective Holiday MC is a family friendly event that includes live music, interactive workshops, galleries, drinks, food, and over 150 local vendors, with special surprises too.
Where: BMO Centre Hall D
When: December 12-14
Spark After Dark: Greatest Hits (18+)
TELUS Spark Science Centre invites you to Spark After Dark: Greatest Hits , a collection of throwbacks from all the Spark After Dark events in 2025. This is an adults only (18+) event.
Where: TELUS Spark Science Centre
When: December 12
Stampede Christmas
Stampede Christmas brings lights, live music, and circus performers to BMO Centre Plaza. Meet Harry the Horse, craft wooden Western gift tags, and enjoy free cocoa, brunch, and holiday fun for all ages.
Where: BMO Centre Great Lawn and Outdoor Plaza
When: December 13-14 and December 20-21
Soweto Gospel Choir: Peace
The Grammy‑winning Soweto Gospel Choir brings an uplifting evening of South African freedom songs, gospel and spirituals, and tribute to civil‑rights music by artists such as Aretha Franklin and Harry Belafonte.
Where: Jack Singer Concert Hall
When: December 14
Jam Club Gig Day
Celebrate the next generation of Calgary musicians at this free showcase featuring participants from the National Music Centre’s after-school Jam Club program . Hear young talent live before they break for the holidays.
Where: The King Eddy
When: December 14
Rosebud Theatre Presents: Miracle on 34th Street
A holiday classic comes alive at the Rosebud Theatre as elderly Kris Kringle takes over as Macy’s Santa, claiming he’s the “real” Santa Claus, rekindling child-like wonder, and ending up in a courtroom fight where believing in the impossible becomes the point.
Where: Rosebud Theatre
When: Until December 23
The Polar Express™ at Aspen Crossing
Relive the magic of The Polar Express™ at Aspen Crossing with a family train ride featuring a golden ticket, hot chocolate, cookies, and a silver bell.
Where: Aspen Crossing
When: Until December 24
StoryBook Theatre Presents Miracle on 34th Street
Experience the magic of Miracle on 34th Street , a heartwarming musical adaptation of the beloved holiday film. With songs by Meredith Willson, this timeless story follows Kris Kringle and young Susan as they inspire a city to believe again in Santa, in goodness, and in hope. A festive favourite for the whole family.
Where: StoryBook Theatre, Beddington Theatre Arts Centre
When: Until December 30
Theatre Calgary Presents: A Christmas Carol
Follow Ebenezer Scrooge on his unforgettable journey through past, present, and future in Dickens’ classic, featuring Doug McKeag as Scrooge.
Where: Theatre Calgary
When: Until December 31
Sippin’ Santa at Ricardo’s Hideaway (18+)
The pop up bar Sippin’ Santa is back for 2025! Check out the transformed island bar as it turns into a winter wonderland with limited edition, over-the-top Christmas tiki cocktails.
Where: Ricardo’s Hideaway
When: Until December 31
ZOOLIGHTS
Take part in a Calgary tradition with ZOOLIGHTS at the Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo . Over 2 million lights and 200 displays light up the night with fire pits and activity zones in this winter wonderland.
Where: Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo
When: Until January 4, 2026
Servus Tube Park at WinSport
Rip down one of the fastest tube parks in Western Canada with the Servus Tube Park at WinSport. The tube park is located on the main hill with eight lanes and a magic carpet to bring you to the top.
Where: WinSport
When: Until March 30