One of my favourite things about Christmas is the glow of beautiful Christmas lights shining on a chilly winter night. Our family has made it an annual tradition to try to visit as many Christmas light displays as we can, and lucky for us, in spite of Covid-19 regulations, there are still many safe opportunities to take in light displays all around the city of Calgary.
Lions Festival of Lights
Where: 24 Ave NW & 14 St NW
When: Nightly from 6 pm-midnight
Cost: Free
The Lions Festival of Lights is back for another year, thanks to the amazing efforts of volunteers who keep this awesome display running each winter. 450,000 lights create the beautiful displays put on by the Lions Club for its 33rd year. We love to get bundled up and take in the lights by foot, but they can also be viewed from the warmth of your car by driving along 14 St NW, north of 24 Ave.
Spruce Meadows
Where: 18011 Spruce Meadows Way SW
When: Nightly from 5-10 pm until January 3 (Closed on Christmas Day)
Cost: Free
Stay warm and cozy in your vehicle as you drive through the grounds at Spruce Meadows, taking in the colourful lights all around you.
ZOOLIGHTS
Where: 201 St. George’s Drive NE
When: Nightly from 6-9 pm from November 20-January 3
Cost: Children – $14.95, General – $19.95. Tickets are timed and must be purchased in advance.
Although things look a little different this year (namely, all exhibits and activities will be featured outside), the Calgary Zoo is continuing its magical Zoolights tradition once again. Wander through over 2 million twinkling lights and among over 200 light figurines with interactive and choreographed light displays. Explore new themed areas including Polar Wonderland, Journey to Wechiau, and more! There will also be a variety of fun activities to take part in, including the skating rink, fire pits, Rival Axe Throwing, Lovers’ Lane, and a (physically-distanced) visit with Santa! AHS has approved the continuation of Zoo Lights and the following safety measures are being implemented: families may only attend with members of their own household and physical distance must be maintained from other groups. Mask wearing is recommended outdoors and mandatory indoors, including in washroom facilities.
To meet the needs of sensory-sensitive guests, Zoolights also provides an altered experience every Sunday between 5:00 and 9:00.
Airdrie Festival of Lights
Where: Nose Creek Park – 1701 Main Street South, Airdrie, AB, T4B 1C5
When: Nightly from December 1-31 from 6-9 pm
Cost: No admission fee, but a suggested donation of $10-$20 per family is gratefully accepted
The Airdrie Festival of Lights is Western Canada’s largest walk-through Christmas Lights display! Since 1996, this family-friendly event has been put on by volunteers to help light up the holiday season. Due to Covid restrictions, there will be no additional activities on the grounds this year, but with all of the incredible lights to take in, your family is still guaranteed to have a wonderful time.
Lighten Up Calgary
This fantastic website has compiled all of the best Christmas lights and displays around Calgary and put them on a map so you can visit them! Photos of each location are available to view on the website so you know just how to plan your route of what to see first. Make a night of it by putting on your comfiest pyjamas, making some popcorn and hot chocolate, and driving around the city to see all the great lights Calgary has to offer!
Tagged under: Christmas,Calgary
Category: attractions
