Holiday festivals and Christmas events in Calgary this winter
The Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo hosts Zoolights. (Calgary Zoo/Facebook)
If you're a fan of Christmas lights and holiday celebrations, there are lots of events in Calgary this winter to be aware of.
Here's a look at just a few…
Zoolights
- What: Zoolights is a family friendly event that sees the Calgary Zoo decked out in thousands of sparkly holiday lights. Some days may be cancelled due to cold weather, so be sure to check the Calgary Zoo’s social media before attending.
- Where: Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo, 210 St. George's Drive N.E.
- When: Nov. 15, 2024 – Jan. 5, 2025.
Spruce Meadows International Christmas Market
- What: Immerse yourself in a festive atmosphere with seasonal décor and shop for holiday gifts at the Spruce Meadows International Christmas Market, which has both indoor and outdoor spaces.
- Where: Spruce Meadows, 18011 Spruce Meadows Way SW.
- When: Nov 15-17, Nov. 22-24 and Nov. 29-Dec. 1, 2024.
Muppet Christmas Carol at the Jubilee
- What: The Calgary Philharmonic Orchestra and Glatz Concerts present Disney’s The Muppet Christmas Carol in concert, featuring a screening of the complete film with the musical score performed live to the film.
- Where: Jubilee Auditorium, 1415 14 Ave. N.W.
- When: Friday, Nov. 22 at 7:30 p.m. and Saturday, Nov. 23 at 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.
Lions Festival of Lights
- What: This year marks the 38th annual Lions Festival of Lights, a dazzling outdoor Christmas light display you can drive past or walk through.
- Where: Confederation Park Golf Course, 24 Avenue and 14 Street N.W.
- When: Nov. 23, 2024 – Jan. 5, 2025.
A Christmas Carol at Theatre Calgary
- What: Watch Charles Dickens’ classic holiday tale A Christmas Carol come to life on the Theatre Calgary Stage. The play tells the story of elderly miser Ebenezer Scrooge, who is visited by three spirits that take him on a journey into his past, present and future to show him the errors of his ways.
- Where: Max Bell Theatre at Arts Commons), 220 Ninth Ave. S.E.
- When: Nov. 29 – Dec. 29, 2024.
Christmas lights at Spruce Meadows
- What: View some Christmas lights from the comfort of your car by heading to Spruce Meadows. Enter the drive-through holiday light display at the main gate at Spruce Meadows Way (on the east side of Spruce Meadows) and exit via Tournament Lane (on the west side of Spruce Meadows).
- Where: Spruce Meadows, 18011 Spruce Meadows Way SW.
- When: Dec. 6-8, 13-15, 20-22 and 27-29, 2024.
Once upon a Christmas at Heritage Park
- What: Experience the magic of the holidays at Heritage Park during Once Upon a Christmas.
- Where: Heritage Park, 1900 Heritage Dr. S.W.
- When: Saturdays and Sundays from Dec. 7 – 22, 2024.
Calgary Philharmonic's Traditional Christmas
- What: Celebrate the season with a selection of holiday favourites performed by the Calgary Philharmonic Orchestra, Calgary Men’s Chorus and soloists from Calgary Opera's McPhee Artist Development Program.
- Where: Grace Presbyterian Church, 1009 15 Ave. S.W.
- When: Dec. 10, 11 and 12, 2024.
The Nutcracker
- What: Alberta Ballet brings The Nutcracker back to the Jubilee Auditorium. The classic two-act ballet tells the story of Klara and her new nutcracker doll given to her for Christmas from her eccentric uncle.
- Where: Southern Alberta Jubilee Auditorium, 1415 14 Ave. N.W.
- When: Dec. 13 – 24, 2024.
Sippin' Santa at Ricardo's Hideaway
- What: Staff at Ricardo’s Hideaway will be decking the halls with festive décor and serving up specialty cocktails as part of the bar's annual Sippin' Santa popup.
- Where: Ricardo’s Hideaway, 1530 Fifth St. S.W.
- When: Monday, Nov. 18 - Sunday, Dec. 31, 2024.
Shopping Trends
The Shopping Trends team is independent of the journalists at CTV News. We may earn a commission when you use our links to shop. Read about us.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Labour minister unveils steps to end Canada Post strike
Canada Post workers began their strike four weeks ago, halting mail and package deliveries across the country. Labour Minister Steven MacKinnon said he hopes work will resume as early as next week.
Ottawa to remove 30% investment cap for Canadian pension funds
Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland says the upcoming fall economic statement on Monday will remove the cap that currently restricts Canadian pension funds from owning more than 30 per cent of the voting shares of a Canadian entity.
Canada's homicide rate down in most provinces, with 2 exceptions
The homicide rate is declining in Canada, and the country’s three largest cities all saw double-digit percentage decreases in homicides per capita, according to data released this week.
'They believe in diplomacy, good luck': Doug Ford doubles down on energy threat as some premiers distance themselves
Doug Ford is standing behind his threat to stop providing the U.S. with electricity in response to president-elect Donald Trump’s promised tariffs, even as several other premiers publicly distance themselves from the stance.
Top musician forced to cancel Toronto concert after Air Canada refused to give his priceless cello a seat on plane
Famed British cellist Sheku Kanneh-Mason, who became a household name after performing at the wedding of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, has said he had to cancel a concert in Canada after the country’s largest airline denied his pre-booked seat for his cello.
Federal government says 'not to confuse' premiers' differing opinions on Trump tariff retaliation, 'confident' in Canada's response
As it continues to tout a 'Team Canada' approach, the federal government is downplaying differing opinions from premiers on how Canada should respond to a potential 25 per cent tariff from U.S. president-elect Donald Trump.
Paula Abdul settles lawsuit that alleged sexual assault by 'American Idol' producer Nigel Lythgoe
Paula Abdul and former 'American Idol' producer Nigel Lythgoe have agreed to settle a lawsuit in which she alleged he sexually assaulted her in the early 2000s when she was a judge on the show.
Eight people injured after horse-drawn wagon went out of control in eastern Ont.
Eight people were injured after horses became out of control while a man was offering a horse-drawn wagon ride Thursday in eastern Ontario, according to the Brockville Police Service.
Buckingham Palace maid arrested after drunken brawl at work Christmas party
Buckingham Palace is investigating after a member of staff was arrested at the end of a rowdy Christmas party.
Edmonton
-
Labour minister unveils steps to end Canada Post strike
Canada Post workers began their strike four weeks ago, halting mail and package deliveries across the country. Labour Minister Steven MacKinnon said he hopes work will resume as early as next week.
-
Section of QEII highway northbound closed because of 'serious' crash: RCMP
The QEII is closed northbound near Lacombe because of a serious crash as of 10:50 a.m. on Friday, RCMP say.
-
Lights, shows, action: Here's what's happening in Edmonton this weekend
Here are the events happening in and around Edmonton this weekend.
Lethbridge
-
Lethbridge man wins lottery for a third time
A Lethbridge man won big earlier this year, but now he's won even more.
-
Eight people facing charges after crackdown on fentanyl dealers in Lethbridge
Eight people are facing charges after a drug bust in Lethbridge targeting fentanyl dealers in the downtown core.
-
Lethbridge Fire and EMS offering safety reminders ahead of holiday season
As the holidays quickly approach, Lethbridge Fire and Emergency Services (LFES) is putting out a reminder to celebrate safely this year.
Vancouver
-
Pedestrian in hospital after being hit by car in Abbotsford
A pedestrian has been hospitalized after being struck by a car in Abbotsford, B.C.
-
Vancouver Whitecaps owners put Major League Soccer club up for sale
The owners of the Vancouver Whitecaps are putting the Major League Soccer team up for sale.
-
Person found dead in West Vancouver apartment, one arrested
Police have launched a homicide investigation after an individual was found dead in an apartment in West Vancouver.
Vancouver Island
-
B.C. Greens to support NDP on confidence votes, work together on shared priorities
The B.C. New Democratic and Green parties have reached an "agreement in principle" on a "co-operation and responsible government accord" that will see the smaller party support the government on confidence matters.
-
Nanaimo liquor store robbed at knifepoint, RCMP seek suspect
Nanaimo RCMP have released a photograph of a suspect who allegedly robbed a liquor store in the city in an effort to garner new information from the public.
-
B.C. girl inspired by Hollywood star to donate turkeys to local families in need
When Maria-Clara Patrick first watched that video of Arnold Schwarzenegger, she assumed they had nothing in common.
Saskatoon
-
'Little girl deserves justice': Gallery erupts in anger as charges stayed against driver who killed child
In a tense courtroom, a judge stayed the charge against a Saskatoon woman who hit and killed a nine-year-old girl.
-
'Gong show': Emergency patients overflow into ambulatory unit at St. Paul's Hospital
The emergency department at St. Paul's Hospital is so full its turning to the ambulatory unit.
-
Saskatoon man faces child porn charges
A 28-year-old Saskatoon man has been charged with child exploitation offences following an online investigation by the Saskatchewan ICE unit.
Regina
-
Second suspect wanted in Sask. serious assaults investigation arrested
The second suspect wanted in connection to serious assaults in Swift Current has been arrested.
-
Grand opening held for Regina's integrated youth services hub
A grand opening for a new youth services community hub was held in Regina on Friday.
-
Regina police stats show year-over-year increase in crimes involving people, property
A Regina police report shows that both crimes against people and property have seen a year-over-year increase when comparing this November to last.
Toronto
-
'They believe in diplomacy, good luck': Doug Ford doubles down on energy threat as some premiers distance themselves
Doug Ford is standing behind his threat to stop providing the U.S. with electricity in response to president-elect Donald Trump’s promised tariffs, even as several other premiers publicly distance themselves from the stance.
-
Top musician forced to cancel Toronto concert after Air Canada refused to give his priceless cello a seat on plane
Famed British cellist Sheku Kanneh-Mason, who became a household name after performing at the wedding of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, has said he had to cancel a concert in Canada after the country’s largest airline denied his pre-booked seat for his cello.
-
Transit woes continue into the weekend for GTA commuters
Following the service disruptions on Monday and Wednesday, Line 1 (Yonge-University) will be closed between York Mills and St Clair stations though this weekend due to planned track work.
Montreal
-
Quebec, Ottawa announce $100-million deal to fight homelessness, add shelter spaces
Ottawa and Quebec announced an agreement Friday to help unhoused Quebecers as homeless encampments continue to multiply in the province and frigid weather sets in.
-
Two Montreal anesthesiologists suspended for questionable practices: College of Physicians
Two anesthesiologists at Montreal’s Royal Victoria Hospital were brought before the Quebec College of Physicians disciplinary board for questionable practices and were suspended.
-
Tammara Thibeault signs with Jake Paul’s Most Valuable Promotions
Quebec’s Tammara Thibeault has taken a major step in her career by becoming one of the featured boxers for Most Valuable Promotions (MVP), the promotion company founded by promoter, boxer and influencer and influencer Jake Paul.
Atlantic
-
P.E.I. RCMP looking for man who reportedly jumped from Confederation Bridge
Multiple police and search and rescue teams are looking for a man who reportedly jumped from the Confederation Bridge Friday morning.
-
Man charged with manslaughter in death of missing Cape Breton man
A man has been charged with manslaughter in connection with the disappearance and homicide of a man in Cape Breton this past summer.
-
Nova Scotia non-profit groups trying to save huge Acadian church now facing lawsuit
The Roman Catholic Church in southwestern Nova Scotia has filed a lawsuit against two non-profit groups trying to save a historic deconsecrated Acadian church.
Winnipeg
-
Labour minister unveils steps to end Canada Post strike
Canada Post workers began their strike four weeks ago, halting mail and package deliveries across the country. Labour Minister Steven MacKinnon said he hopes work will resume as early as next week.
-
Saying goodbye to a Winnipeg restaurant owner with a legacy of kindness
Shirley Eng, the charismatic, down-to-earth owner of the famous chicken finger restaurant Mitzi’s, unexpectedly passed away at the beginning of December at age 78, according to her family.
-
'Tremendous donation': Police and Fire Games donating to Manitoba organizations to help fund sports
Following a successful Winnipeg World Police and Fire Games in 2023, the host society is setting up a legacy program that will help distribute money to fund local sports in Manitoba. It was announced Friday the program will provide $300,000 through three main avenues.
Ottawa
-
Eight people injured after horse-drawn wagon went out of control in eastern Ont.
Eight people were injured after horses became out of control while a man was offering a horse-drawn wagon ride Thursday in eastern Ontario, according to the Brockville Police Service.
-
More than 1,500 vehicles reported stolen in Ottawa in 2024: Here are the hotspots for thefts
Statistics on the Ottawa Police Service's Crime Map show 1,559 vehicles have been reported stolen in Ottawa between Jan. 1 and Dec. 12. Vehicle thefts include joy rides, opportunistic thefts, and "single-use crimes," according to police.
-
Ontario Premier standing firm on retaliatory measures to Trump tariffs
Ontario Premier Doug Ford says he will use every tool at his disposal to manage the threat of tariffs from incoming U.S. President Donald Trump.
Northern Ontario
-
Northern Ont. bank employee taken to hospital with serious injuries after shooting
An employee at Northern Credit Union in Wawa, Ont., was taken to hospital with serious injuries after a shooter entered the branch and opened fire Thursday morning, the financial institution said in a statement.
-
Teen facing child porn charges after sending ex-boyfriend's photos to his parents
A teenager in Guelph is facing child pornography charges after sending nude photos of her ex-boyfriend to his parents.
-
Elliot Lake fire crews continue to battle massive apartment fire
Fire crews continue to battle an apartment building fire on Hirshhorn Avenue in Elliot Lake. Damage is extensive.
Barrie
-
Driver sentenced to jail time in 2019 dangerous driving causing bodily harm case
An Aurora man convicted of dangerous driving causing bodily harm for a crash that sent a woman to hospital where she later died was sentenced Friday in a Newmarket courtroom.
-
What police want you to know about a new sophisticated scam
It’s no longer just phone calls or emails — fraudsters could now show up at your front door.
-
Pop-punk music festival to return to Burl's Creek event grounds
'All Your Friends Fest' will return to Burl’s Creek event grounds in Oro-Medonte in June.
Kitchener
-
Guelph man arrested for attempted murder
A Guelph man is facing an attempted murder charge after a disturbance Thursday morning.
-
Waterloo crash sends cyclist to hospital with serious injuries
A cyclist has been sent to hospital after he was hit by a driver in Waterloo on Friday morning.
-
This little piggy went to the Humane Society
The Kitchener Waterloo and Stratford Perth Humane Society has an unusual animal up for adoption after it was found wandering the streets.
London
-
Stevenson disagrees with Integrity Commissioner ruling she bullied Deputy City Manager and deserves financial punishment
Councillor Susan Stevenson is speaking out against the findings of the latest Integrity Commissioner investigation into her conduct and social media posts about homelessness.
-
Brother charged in St. Thomas homicide
The St. Thomas Police Service has deemed a suspicious death a homicide.
-
Damaged 1840s Bayfield landmark will be rebuilt
Jeff Graham’s heart sank when he showed up Sunday morning to see that the roof on his beloved Bayfield business, the Albion Hotel, had collapsed.
Windsor
-
CUPW Local 630 leader 'disappointed' by government’s plan amid strike
Windsor-Essex union leaders for Canada Post workers aren’t happy with the latest plans from Canada’s labour minister about the ongoing strike.
-
UWindsor among top 20 in Canada for sustainability leadership
The University of Windsor has been ranked in the top 20 among Canadian universities in sustainability leadership, according to the 2024 QS World University Rankings.
-
LaSalle's Kylie Masse becomes most decorated Canadian with bronze at short-course championships
Kylie Masse became Canada's most decorated swimmer at the world championships after winning a short-course bronze medal on Friday.
