Christmas in Calgary is filled with twinkling lights, artisanal markets and holiday cheer each and every year. ‘Tis the season to shop local, connect with your community and start some festive traditions.
Whether you’re trying to stay warm indoors or you’re looking for inspiration to explore this city we call home, we’re here to help you make the most of the holiday season and embrace Christmas in Calgary.
So, gather your friends and family, and let’s get into the holiday spirit together. Now Dasher, now Dancer! Now Prancer and Vixen!
1) Shop Local At These Calgary Christmas Markets
So many Calgary Christmas markets pop-up during the holiday season (so keep your eyes peeled!), but here are a few of our favourites you should check out to shop local.
Spruce Meadows International Christmas Market
With over 300 vendors spread out inside Spruce Meadows, you can experience holiday entertainment, food, crafts and local goods, regardless of the weather! As one of the city’s most popular Christmas markets, it gets booked up fast. So buy your tickets in advance here.
Calgary Farmers’ Market
Both north and south Calgary Farmers’ Market locations transform into a festive culmination of local businesses indulging in the holiday spirit starting in November. Enjoy the market’s elaborate Christmas decorations as you browse for holiday gifts, food, trinkets and ornaments in spirit of the season.
Inglewood Night Market
Next to Crossroads Farmers’ Market, you’ll find the Inglewood Christmas Night Market taking place on the last two weekends of November and the first weekend of December. That’s right — Christmas comes early in the local market world! Don’t miss perusing the 50+ vendors selling handmade crafts, vintage clothes, antiques and delicious eats (or the live music and bar service!).
Market Collective Holiday Series
Head downtown for this market’s multiple Christmas weekends. Running the second and third weekends of December, you’ll find local vendors, yummy treats, music and more — all for a $7 all-weekend pass. And the list of local businesses this year is as long as Santa’s nice list. Search by category on their website here so you can start planning your shopping list the night before.
2) Get In This Christmas Spirit With Outdoor Calgary Activities
Once your holiday shopping is complete, bring on the festive cheer by getting outdoors in Calgary. Invite your friends, family, co-workers, everyone! The fresh air is good for you, and these activities will have you smiling from ear to ear in no time.
Try The Bowness Ice Bikes
When the weather turns cold and icy, it’s harder to cycle on the roads, but Bowness has a solution: ice bikes! The front wheel is replaced with skates, and they’ve added additional skates surrounding the back wheel. You don’t even need to balance — just pedal and steer once you’re on the ice. Rent these bikes at Bowness Park.
Pro Tip: Go in the evening to see the trees lit up with hundreds of Christmas lights. And when you get cold, warm up by the multiple fires with a hot chocolate from the on-site coffee shop.
Go Christmas Tree Hunting
There’s something special about having a freshly cut Christmas tree in the house, especially if you cut it down yourself! While you can’t cut down a tree in the city, you don’t have to go far out to do so. Get a permit from the Environment & Sustainable Resource Development for $10, take your tools, and head out to the forest. You can cut your own tree in Crown land approved areas listed here.
Toboggan On A Designated Calgary Hill
You don’t have to be a kid to have fun tobogganing in Calgary. Technically, there are 22 designated sledding hills throughout the city where this activity is permitted. Private, provincial and federal land is not included in this list — but we bet you can have loads of fun right here in the city.
X-Country Ski In A Calgary Park
Cross country ski trails abound in Calgary, so get your exercise and visit one of the groomed trails around the city (if conditions allow). Bowness Park, Confederation Golf Course, Lakeview Golf Course, McCall Lake Golf Course, Maple Ridge Golf Course, North Glenmore Park and Shaganappi Point Golf Course are just a few popular spots in the city. If there’s enough snow, many skiers make their own trails in our city parks — check out our Adventure Atlas to find a trail or open park near you.
3) Create New Festive Traditions At Home
The holidays are an opportunity to spend more time with the people who matter most to you. And we’d argue there’s no better way to bring your family, friends and community together than with at-home activities.
Host A Cookie Exchange
Holiday baking doesn’t need to be overwhelming, especially when you only need to make one or two types of cookies. Pick holiday-themed cookie cutters and flavours, and see if anyone in the community wants to exchange baking. Throw a potluck to catch up with friends and share holiday treats so you don’t have to bake them all!
Volunteer At Your Local Rink
Did you know the City of Calgary has an Adopt-a-Rink program where volunteers flood and maintain community rinks? If you’d like to build your biceps and support your neighbourhood, contact your community association to see if you can help.
Join our private Facebook group to learn about hidden gems and new events and to connect with the community.
Create A Gingerbread House Competition
Make your holiday season even more memorable by inviting friends and family to a gingerbread house building competition. Depending on the size of your group, split into teams and create a gingerbread house to remember at home. Nominate two unbiased people to vote on who made the best gingerbread house, and don’t forget to eat it at the end!
Walk Or Drive By The Best Neighbourhood Light Displays
Every year, Calgarians decorate their houses to celebrate the holidays — and some go all out with their outdoor displays, including nativity scenes, twinkling lights, blow up decorations, North Pole inspired-cheer and even musical accompaniment. Here’s a list of the best Christmas light displays in Calgary, so you can explore and be entertained simultaneously: Lighten Up Calgary.
These are just a few of our favourite activities you can do to experience Christmas in Calgary. Looking for an outdoor adventure? Where you can explore the city, support local and try delicious holiday goodies? Download our guide below!
One Response
Wow, I didn’t know these things existed and look forward to trying some out!! Love the ice bikes!! Seems like it would be more stable skate after years of not strapping on the old blades ⛸️