10 festive things to do in December

Calgary is bursting with Christmas joy this month and that is reflected in the unbelievable number of festive events taking place in and around the city this year!

Whether you want to watch a holiday performance, sit on Santa’s lap, or just take in the magical wonder of the season, there is an event out there for you.

Check out all the ways you can get into the Christmas spirit with our extensive list of local holiday events.

Visit The Confluence

There is never a dull moment at The Confluence Historic Site & Parkland and December is a particularly exciting month to take in the fun. With Cocoa & Crafts, movie screening, toddler time, guided tours, workshops, trivia nights and more, there is something for every age and interest at the site formerly known as Fort Calgary. Learn more at theconfluence.ca.

Take in a show

From the classics (like The Nutcracker and A Christmas Carol) to the unusual (like Beauty and the Grinch), there are more than a dozen holiday-themed live performances going on in and around Calgary this month. Don’t miss your chance to enjoy a festive production that makes you laugh, moves you to tears – or both!

WinSport Tube Park

This tube park is one of the largest in Western Canada and is the perfect activity to spend some time outdoors with your family. Grab a snow tube, strap on your helmet, dress for the weather, and prepare to have a blast shooting down the tubing lanes. Purchase advance tickets at winsport.ca.

Plaza Palooza

Weekends until December 22, get together outdoors with your friends, family and fellow Calgarians to check out four weekends of freefestival fun at Olympic Plaza. Learn more at calgary.ca.

Visit Santa

There is no shortage of places to go to visit with the Big Man in Red. Local malls, indoor play centres, attractions, markets, festivals, parades and other events will feature an opportunity to meet Santa Claus and tell him what you are hoping for this Christmas.

The Calgary Nativity Pageant Brings You a Holy Night

This traditional Christmas Nativity Pageant, from December 20 to 22, is planned and performed by dedicated volunteers. It includes live actors and animals and choreographed performances at Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints with shows every half hour from 6:30 to 8:30 pm.

In Search of Christmas Spirit in Banff

Discover the wonder of Christmas in Banff National Park this holiday season. Bundle up for a walk through the Cascade of Time Garden, where you’ll witness a live Christmas story told by the animals of Banff National Park. Why not visit Banff Gondola Mountaintop Christmas while you are there? The Banff Gondola transforms into a magical winter wonderland complete with opportunity to take a photo with Santa and other Christmas delights. Learn more at banfflakelouise.com.

Winter Wonderland at Calgary Public Library

The weather outside may be frightful, but the library is still delightful! The library’s annual Winter Wonderland will feature seasonal fun during the month of December at the Memorial Park and Central locations. Check out movie screenings, sing-a-longs, time with special guests, and more. Learn more at calgarylibrary.ca.

Fun at a Festival

There are several winter festivals that take place in and around Calgary in December. The Airdrie Festival of Lights, Lions Festival of Lights, Rotary Festival of Trees, Once Upon a Christmas at Heritage Park and ZOOLIGHTS are just a few examples of family-fun events that include children’s activities, markets, caroling, fire pits, hot cocoa and more.

Stroll Through an Enchanted Forest

Southcentre Mall is a hub for family-friendly holiday activities. Explore the Enchanted Forest and visit Santa, decorate cookies at The Cookie Kitchen, get your pets’ photo taken with Santa and more. Learn more at southcentremall.com.