When should one begin to indulge in the Christmas spirit? Many stores would agree on right after Halloween is over. Some find anything before December 1st premature. Me personally, I think anything before the first week of December is obnoxious – but as I walked through downtown Calgary this weekend, I couldn’t help but feel excited seeing mini Christmas trees in shops and colorful lights strung on walls.
As November drags on in Calgary, temperatures get colder and skies get grayer. Perhaps it is through this dreary limbo of slush and gray frost that we all start looking forward to Christmas time. A marshmallow world of hot chocolate, snowmen, Christmas carols, and of course, good food. You know, maybe I can get behind Winner’s stocking Christmas items on November 1st. Because honestly, I wish it would come sooner too.
So, as we approach the Christmas season, here are some fun activities/events to check out in Calgary. As Mariah Carey might say… it’s timeeee!
ZOOLIGHTS
Where: The Calgary Zoo
When: November 14th – January 4th (tickets available)
What: Enjoy a fun night with family or friends at the Calgary Zoo, under twinkling lights, with good food, doing various fun, and with interactive activities. Visit themed areas like the Festive Forest, Sugar Plum Station, and the Rocky Mountain Trail. You can also enjoy interactive activities such as carousel rides, axe throwing, and cozy fire pits, while sipping hot chocolate and exploring festive animal themed displays. Santa and his elves make appearances for meet and greets, and dining options include festive buffets and private “snow globe” experiences.
MARKET COLLECTIVE HOLIDAY MARKET
Where: The BMO Center
When: December 5 – 7, 12 – 14 (check website for specific times)
What: The Market Collective Holiday Market in Calgary is a creative holiday bazaar held over two weekends at BMO Centre Hall D. With more than 160 local artisans (many brand new-to-MC), the market offers a curated mix of handmade goods, art, food, and vintage finds. You can also find interactive workshops (like card making and pottery), live performances, a kids’ zone, and even Santa portrait sessions. Admission is $10 for the weekend and free for kids 12 and under.
HERITAGE PARK’S “ONCE UPON A CHRISTMAS”
Where: Heritage Park Historical Village
When: December 6–7, 13–14, 20–21, and 22–23, 2025, daily from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
What: “Once Upon a Christmas” at Heritage Park is a charming, old world holiday celebration where visitors can wander through a historic village decked in festive decor. The event features horse drawn wagon rides, roaming carolers, a Christmas market, and visits with Santa. New for this year is a Heritage Holiday Train ride a winter train trip around the park to soak in the holiday magic.
Merry Christmas everyone!