All the best Calgary Christmas Light Displays
One of the best parts of Christmastime is seeing all the beautiful lights. Check out our picks for the best Calgary Christmas light displays.
1. Lions Festival of Lights
Location: Confederation Park: 14th Street and 24th Avenue NW
Cost: Free
Parking: Drive by only and walkable
Start Time: 5:30pm-midnight
2025 dates: begins November 22, 2025 and runs until January 8, 2025
The Lions Festival of Lights display, not just drive by display – you can also walk through it too. It’s perfect for taking the kids in a sled and many people toboggan down the hill on the west side. You can cross a bridge (behind the shed), and see some more of the lights closer to 14th St.
The lights are lovely, it’s free, and it doesn’t take up a lot of time. The one downside is that there is nothing in the way of amenities and the parking is really just neighborhood street parking.
This is the area right by the entrance. It is a good spot to meet up with people.
If you go under this sign you’ll find yourself walking past the toboggan hill. If you look to the east (right) you’ll see a shallower slope.
Just down the hill on the South East corner you can find some ice sculptures.
View of the toboggan hill.
The lights to our right are the ones you can see from 14th St. The toboggan hill is to our left.
You can keep walking for a fair bit and across a bridge.
2. Enchanted Festival at Spruce Meadows
Location: Spruce Meadows – 18011 Spruce Meadows Way SW, West Entrance
Cost: Tickets required – $20 adults, $12 kids and seniors
Parking: Free parking
Time: 5pm-9pm
2025 dates: Weekends starting Dec 5-Dec 24th
Until this year, Spruce meadows had a free, drive through light display. This year, it has changed to what they are calling Enchanted Festival.
At the Enchanted festival, you can find lights, firepits, food, shopping, indoor fun including family movies, a christmas light maze and interactive displays.
3. Airdrie Festival of Lights
Location: Airdrie – Nose Creek Park
Cost: Free – donations are accepted ($10-20 per family suggested), train rides are $3
Parking: Free Parking lot
Time: 6pm-9pm
2025 dates: Dec 1-31
The Airdrie Festival of Lights is a real community event. The walk through light festival features two bonfires, a miniature train the whole family can ride ($3 per person) and a concession serving hot chocolate. They also have special nights including things like crafts, visits with Santa and free hot chocolate. Check out their events calendar for specifics.
The pond is also used for skating. The lights are plentiful and in lots of different shapes. There are lots of pathways to walk around and strollers or sleds will probably work most days.
Skating rink in the middle
One of the two trains running while we were there.
Bonfire.
They also have some photo-ops set up like this sleigh and a number of those cut-outs where you stick your head through. I would absolutely recommend making the trip up. It has become my favorite of the ones on this list.
4. Zoolights
Location: Calgary Zoo – North gate entrance only
Cost: $18-24 for an adult ticket depending on the day
Parking: Parking is an additional cost ($13)
Time: 5pm-9pm (gates close at 8:30)
2025 dates: Nov 14-January 4.
Zoolights is back again this year and if you like Christmas lights, zoolights really is something to see. Not only does it have a lot of lights, they are shaped into amazing (often animal themed) decorations.
In addition, they have fun activities, carousel rides, fire pit, axe throwing, a holiday zoo market, visits with Santa and more.
Here’s some pictures I took a few years ago. This is only a small portion of what you’d see there.
Note: the animals are not on display during zoolights and their buildings are closed.
5. Do a residential house tour
Many people put a lot of work and effort into making amazing Christmas displays at their own homes. Check out http://lightenupcalgary.ca/ to help you find some great picks
6. Go Downtown
I’ve seen downtown suggested a lot as a place to see Christmas lights. There are usually some really beautiful displays to check out, especially if you are already in the area. Here are some suggestions for spots that usually have some nice displays [photos are from 2016]
The Core – Bankers Hall
Inside The Core shopping centre you can often find a beautiful display.
East Village – 7th Ave and 5th St. SE
If you are near the East Village, they have had a really cute display with trees and presents. You can also see the skyline with the Calgary tower as well as the decorations on the Telus building from here.
The Calgary Tower
While you are downtown, be sure to take a look at the Calgary Tower. You can get a great view from all kinds of places – it’s not necessary to go right to the tower.
Eau Claire Bridge
The bridge from Eau Claire to Prince’s Island is beautifully lit. There’s also some nice lights on Prince’s Island too.
McDougall Centre – 4th Ave and 6th St.
Both sides of the McDougall Centre look beautiful.
City Hall – 800 Mcleod Trail
City Hall is my favorite spot downtown, it’s right by Olympic Plaza so if you are over there skating make sure to walk over.
Crescent Road
From Crescent Road you can get a pretty view of downtown and a great view of the Telus building decorations.
We like walking along Crescent Heights for the downtown views and Christmas lights! Where is Legacy?
Legacy is just down the road from google maps