We confirmed 12 Christmas events for kids in Calgary for 2026. The season starts on November 13 with Spruce Meadows International Christmas Market and runs until January 3 (ZOOLIGHTS). 7 of them are free. Every listing links straight to the host. This page is part of our guide to Christmas events for kids in Canada.
The short version
- 12 kids’ Christmas events confirmed for 2026 in Calgary, Airdrie and Cochrane
- First: Spruce Meadows International Christmas Market, Calgary, November 13
- Free events: Cochrane Light Up, Airdrie Festival of Lights, Light Up the Night, Old Fashioned Skating Party, Family Fun Is In The Forecast and Skate with Santa at Genesis Place
Below is every event we could confirm, grouped by town, with the date, time, cost and the small things parents ask about (sign-ups, ages, what is included).
Calgary Christmas events for kids at a glance
- Kids’ Christmas events
- 12 confirmed for 2026
- Cities and towns
- Calgary, Airdrie and Cochrane
- Season
- November 13 to January 3
- Free events
- 7
- Last checked
Christmas events for kids in Calgary
5 confirmed events in Calgary, soonest first.
Spruce Meadows International Christmas Market
Visit with SantaSpruce Meadows · Calgary
- Host
- Spruce Meadows (opens in a new tab)
- Where
- Spruce Meadows, 18011 Spruce Meadows Way SW, Calgary T2X 4B7
- When
- Fri to Sun, Nov 13 to Dec 6 (Fri 12 to 6 pm all ages, Sat 10 am to 7 pm, Sun 10 am to 6 pm)
- Cost
- Ticketed; early bird pricing, free parking
- Ages
- All ages (Friday 6 to 9 pm is adults only)
- Sign-up
- Recommended
- Confirmed
- On the host’s page, checked
The International Christmas Market at Spruce Meadows brings more than 325 vendors to indoor pavilions, heated tents, tiny shops and outdoor areas, including the new Riding Hall Circle Pavilion. For families, the schedule includes Santa's Cozy Corner on the Upper Plaza, Pinnovate kids' crafts in the Winter Wonderland area, reindeer visits every Sunday, festive music and ice sculpting demonstrations.
The market runs on four weekends, now including December 4 to 6. All ages are welcome Fridays from noon to 6 pm, Saturdays 10 am to 7 pm and Sundays 10 am to 6 pm, but Friday evenings from 6 to 9 pm are adults only and need a separate ticket. Tickets are sold through Spruce Meadows or its official partner Showpass, with early bird savings for weekend dates, and parking is complimentary. Times for Santa vary by day, so check the online schedule.
Parent tip: Avoid Friday evenings, which are adults only; check the daily schedule for Santa and reindeer times, and buy tickets only through official links.
See dates and details from Spruce Meadows (opens in a new tab)ZOOLIGHTS
Visit with SantaWilder Institute/Calgary Zoo · Calgary
- Host
- Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo (opens in a new tab)
- Where
- Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo, 210 St. George's Drive NE, Calgary T2E 7V6
- When
- Nightly, Nov 13 to Jan 3, 5:30 to 9:30 pm (closed Dec 25)
- Cost
- Ticketed; plan-ahead pricing online
- Ages
- All ages
- Sign-up
- Recommended
- Confirmed
- On the host’s page, checked
ZOOLIGHTS is celebrating its 30th anniversary, with more than a million lights throughout the Calgary Zoo, a glowing bamboo trail and prairie-inspired displays. Families can wander the Find Your Wild Maze, step into the Tales from the Prairie conservation storybook featuring burrowing owls, watch the Merry and Bright Light Show with singing trees outside Kitamba Cafe, and stop at Gumdrop Grove in the Holiday Gardens. There is also an illuminated 30 display for photos in the North Pole area.
Santa is at Santa's Polar Palace in the Skoki Classroom nightly from November 13 to December 23, 5:30 to 9:30 pm, with member-only access until 6:30 pm on some Mondays. On New Year's Eve, families get free kid-friendly activities including a crafting and colouring station. Allow about 90 minutes, buy tickets in advance for lower plan-ahead prices, and note that animal buildings are closed during ZOOLIGHTS.
Parent tip: Buy tickets online ahead for lower prices, allow about 90 minutes, and dress for the weather; North Gate parking is $14.
See dates and details from Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo (opens in a new tab)A Christmas Carol
Carol concertTheatre Calgary · Calgary
- Host
- Theatre Calgary (opens in a new tab)
- Where
- Max Bell Theatre, Werklund Centre, 205 8 Avenue SE, Calgary T2G 0K9
- When
- Nov 26 to Dec 27
- Cost
- Ticketed
- Ages
- Recommended ages 6+ (some frightening scenes)
- Sign-up
- Required ahead of time
- Confirmed
- On the host’s page, checked
Theatre Calgary's holiday tradition returns with Geoffrey Simon Brown's adaptation of the Charles Dickens classic. Audiences follow Ebenezer Scrooge on a Christmas Eve journey as three mysterious spirits guide him through his past, present and possible future, a story about compassion, generosity and second chances. The show plays at the Max Bell Theatre in the Werklund Centre, formerly Arts Commons, downtown.
The theatre recommends it for ages 6 and up because of some frightening scenes, so it is best for school-age children. Some performances offer a relaxed environment, with house lights left slightly on, a quiet space available and staff on hand to help, while the show itself stays the same. There are also performances with ASL interpretation and live audio description on request. Check the performance calendar and box office for dates and prices.
Parent tip: Recommended for ages 6 and up; look for a relaxed performance if your child prefers house lights on and a quiet space.
See dates and details from Theatre Calgary (opens in a new tab)The Nutcracker
Christmas showAlberta Ballet · Calgary
- Host
- Alberta Ballet (opens in a new tab)
- Where
- Southern Alberta Jubilee Auditorium, 1415 14 Avenue NW, Calgary T2N 1M5
- When
- Dec 11 to 24, matinees 1 pm and evenings 6 or 7 pm
- Cost
- Ticketed
- Ages
- All ages
- Sign-up
- Required ahead of time
- Confirmed
- On the host’s page, checked
Alberta Ballet brings back Artistic Director Francesco Ventriglia's production of The Nutcracker, which debuted in 2025. The company describes a world of holiday magic, with lavish costumes by Gianluca Falaschi, detailed sets by Italo Grassi and Tchaikovsky's famous score played live by the Calgary Philharmonic Orchestra. Alberta Ballet's full company performs alongside young community dancers, which younger audience members often love to watch.
Calgary performances run from Friday, December 11 to Thursday, December 24, with 1 pm matinees on weekends, December 23 and Christmas Eve, plus evening shows at 6 or 7 pm. Matinees are usually the easiest choice for younger children. Single tickets are on sale now through Alberta Ballet's website, where a Calgary seat map is available to help you choose seats with a clear view of the stage.
Parent tip: Choose a 1 pm matinee for younger children and check the Calgary seat map before you buy.
See dates and details from Alberta Ballet (opens in a new tab)Specialty Holiday Brunch
Family Christmas eventWilder Institute/Calgary Zoo · Calgary
- Host
- Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo (opens in a new tab)
- Where
- Safari Lodge, Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo, 210 St. George's Drive NE, Calgary T2E 7V6
- When
- Sun, Dec 20 and Sun, Dec 27; seatings 9 am, 11:30 am and 2 pm
- Cost
- Child (3 to 15) $33.95, adult $59.95, senior $55.95, plus GST; includes zoo day admission
- Ages
- All ages; child price ages 3 to 15
- Sign-up
- Required ahead of time
- Confirmed
- On the host’s page, checked
The Calgary Zoo's Specialty Holiday Brunch brings a seasonal brunch menu from its catering team to the cozy Safari Lodge on two Sundays, one just before Christmas and one during the school break. Families enjoy brunch favourites plus seasonal dishes, and each ticket includes day admission to the zoo starting at 9 am, so you can turn brunch into a full winter zoo day.
There are three seatings: 9 to 11 am, 11:30 am to 1:30 pm and 2 to 3:30 pm, each with a half-hour arrival window. Tickets are $33.95 for children aged 3 to 15, $59.95 for guests 16 and up and $55.95 for seniors, plus GST, with gratuity included. Ticket sales end at midnight the day before. Allow time to walk from the North parking lot, and request shared seating in the booking notes at least 24 hours ahead.
Parent tip: Book before midnight the day prior; allow time to walk from the North lot, and parking is $14.
See dates and details from Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo (opens in a new tab)Christmas events for kids in Airdrie
6 confirmed events in Airdrie, soonest first.
Airdrie Festival of Lights (Airdrie)
Visit with SantaFreeAirdrie Festival of Lights Society · Airdrie
- Host
- Airdrie Festival of Lights Society (opens in a new tab)
- Where
- Nose Creek Regional Park, Nose Creek Park, off Main Street, Airdrie T4B (near Calgary)
- When
- Nightly, Dec 1 to 31, 6 to 9 pm; Santa on select nights, 7 to 8 pm
- Cost
- Free; donations welcome
- Ages
- All ages
- Confirmed
- On the host’s page, checked
Now in its 31st season, the Airdrie Festival of Lights turns Nose Creek Regional Park into a free outdoor walk-through holiday experience with more than 800 illuminated displays, from Candy Land and Penguin Village to the Twelve Days of Christmas. Fire pits, hot chocolate and a heated Festival Tent help families stay warm, and kids can shop at the Kids Only Store.
Santa visits inside the tent from 7 to 8 pm on December 1, 6, 8, 11, 13, 15, 19 and 22. The festival is open every evening from 6 to 9 pm, including Christmas Eve, Christmas Day (lights only), Boxing Day and New Year's Eve. Admission and parking are free and donations keep it that way. Paths are mostly paved, leashed dogs are welcome, and the society reminds visitors to set their GPS for Airdrie, not Calgary's Nose Creek Park.
Parent tip: Set your GPS for Nose Creek Park in Airdrie, not Calgary; Santa is in the heated tent 7 to 8 pm on listed nights.
See dates and details from Airdrie Festival of Lights Society (opens in a new tab)Light Up the Night (Airdrie)
Visit with SantaFreeAirdrie Festival of Lights Society · Airdrie
- Host
- Airdrie Festival of Lights Society (opens in a new tab)
- Where
- Nose Creek Regional Park, Nose Creek Park, off Main Street, Airdrie T4B (near Calgary)
- When
- Tue, Dec 1, 5:30 pm; lighting countdown 5:55 pm
- Cost
- Free
- Ages
- All ages
- Confirmed
- On the host’s page, checked
Light Up the Night opens the Airdrie Festival of Lights season in Nose Creek Regional Park. Festivities begin at 5:30 pm, when local firefighters hand out candy canes and a choir leads a festive sing-along. After a few words from community representatives and the festival society, the countdown starts at 5:55 pm to light the first tree, followed by hundreds of displays across the park.
The evening continues with a holiday performance by the Airdrie Community Choir in the heated Festival Tent at 6:30 pm, and Santa visits the tent from 7 to 8 pm. The event and parking are free, with donations welcome. Opening night is one of the busiest of the season, so arrive early, dress warmly and remember that paths can be slippery in cold weather.
Parent tip: Arrive before 5:30 pm on opening night for a good spot; Santa is in the heated tent from 7 to 8 pm.
See dates and details from Airdrie Festival of Lights Society (opens in a new tab)Old Fashioned Skating Party (Airdrie)
Visit with SantaFreeAirdrie Festival of Lights Society with Nose Creek Valley Museum · Airdrie
- Host
- Airdrie Festival of Lights Society with Nose Creek Valley Museum (opens in a new tab)
- Where
- Nose Creek Regional Park pond, Nose Creek Park, off Main Street, Airdrie T4B (near Calgary)
- When
- Sun, Dec 13, 6 to 9 pm
- Cost
- Free, free skate rentals
- Ages
- Families
- Confirmed
- On the host’s page, checked
The Airdrie Festival of Lights teams up with the Nose Creek Valley Museum for an old-fashioned skating party on the pond in Nose Creek Regional Park. Families bring their skates for an evening on the ice surrounded by illuminated holiday displays, then warm up by the fire pits with hot chocolate or apple cider.
No skates are needed to join in: the museum offers free skate rentals at the skate shack. Hockey sticks and hockey games are not allowed during the party, which keeps the ice friendly for younger and newer skaters. Santa is also listed in the heated Festival Tent from 7 to 8 pm that night. The festival itself is free with free parking, and donations are welcome. Outdoor ice depends on the weather, so dress in warm layers.
Parent tip: Free skate rentals are at the skate shack; no hockey sticks allowed, and Santa is in the tent 7 to 8 pm.
See dates and details from Airdrie Festival of Lights Society with Nose Creek Valley Museum (opens in a new tab)Family Fun Is In The Forecast (Airdrie)
Visit with SantaFreeAirdrie Festival of Lights Society · Airdrie
- Host
- Airdrie Festival of Lights Society (opens in a new tab)
- Where
- Nose Creek Regional Park, Nose Creek Park, off Main Street, Airdrie T4B (near Calgary)
- When
- Sat, Dec 19, 6 to 9 pm
- Cost
- Free
- Ages
- The whole family
- Confirmed
- On the host’s page, checked
Family Fun Night at the Airdrie Festival of Lights, presented by Airdrie Paint and Blinds, packs an evening with activities for kids on the last Saturday before Christmas. The festival lists ornament making, holiday crafts, games, popcorn, live entertainment and giveaways, all set among the light displays in Nose Creek Regional Park.
Santa is also scheduled in the heated Festival Tent from 7 to 8 pm that evening, so families can combine crafts and a Santa visit in one trip. The festival is free to attend, with free parking and donations welcome. Since it falls on a Saturday close to Christmas, expect a busy park and plan to arrive near the 6 pm opening. Dress warmly and bring a reusable mug if you want hot chocolate by the fire pits.
Parent tip: Arrive near 6 pm on this busy Saturday; Santa is in the tent from 7 to 8 pm.
See dates and details from Airdrie Festival of Lights Society (opens in a new tab)Skate with Santa at Genesis Place (Airdrie)
Visit with SantaFreeCity of Airdrie · Airdrie
- Host
- City of Airdrie (opens in a new tab)
- Where
- Genesis Place arenas, 800 East Lake Boulevard NE, Airdrie T4A 2K9 (near Calgary)
- When
- Mon, Dec 21, 1 to 5 pm
- Cost
- Free
- Ages
- All ages; helmets required for skaters 12 and under
- Confirmed
- On the host’s page, checked
The City of Airdrie decks out the Genesis Place arena for a free holiday public skate, and Santa stops by to take to the ice with families. The city encourages parents to bring a camera and pause for pictures with Santa on the ice, which makes this a fun, active alternative to a mall photo line during the first week of winter break.
The event is free. A limited number of free skate rentals are available first come, first served, so bringing your own skates is recommended, and everyone on the ice must wear skates. CSA helmets are highly recommended for all and required for skaters aged 12 and under. City-provided and CSA-approved skate aids are allowed, but hockey sticks and pucks are not. Usual public skating safety rules apply.
Parent tip: Bring your own skates and a CSA helmet for kids 12 and under; free rentals are limited.
See dates and details from City of Airdrie (opens in a new tab)New Year's Eve Family Skate Night (Airdrie)
Christmas lightsFreeAirdrie Festival of Lights Society with Nose Creek Valley Museum · Airdrie
- Host
- Airdrie Festival of Lights Society with Nose Creek Valley Museum (opens in a new tab)
- Where
- Nose Creek Regional Park pond, Nose Creek Park, off Main Street, Airdrie T4B (near Calgary)
- When
- Thu, Dec 31, 6 to 9 pm
- Cost
- Free, free skate rentals
- Ages
- Families
- Confirmed
- On the host’s page, checked
On the last night of the Airdrie Festival of Lights season, families can skate on Nose Creek Pond surrounded by hundreds of glowing holiday displays, in partnership with the Nose Creek Valley Museum. Fire pits, hot chocolate and apple cider help everyone warm up between laps.
The museum offers free skate rentals at the onsite skate shack, and hockey and sticks are not permitted. The City of Airdrie's New Year's Eve fireworks happen at Ed Eggerer Park, but the festival notes that visitors in Nose Creek Park can enjoy a view of the display from a distance, with the booming sounds softened, which suits young children and pets. Admission and parking are free, with donations welcome. Dress warmly, as everything takes place outside.
Parent tip: A gentle New Year's Eve option for little ones who are sensitive to loud fireworks; skate rentals are free.
See dates and details from Airdrie Festival of Lights Society with Nose Creek Valley Museum (opens in a new tab)Christmas events for kids in Cochrane
1 confirmed event in Cochrane, soonest first.
Cochrane Light Up (Cochrane)
Tree lightingFreeTown of Cochrane and Cochrane Light Up committee · Cochrane
- Host
- Town of Cochrane and Cochrane Light Up committee (opens in a new tab)
- Where
- Historic Downtown and The Station at Cochrane Crossing, Historic Downtown Cochrane, Cochrane T4C (near Calgary)
- When
- Sat, Nov 28, 5 to 8 pm; lighting about 5:15 pm, fireworks about 7:45 pm
- Cost
- Free
- Ages
- The whole family
- Confirmed
- On the host’s page, checked
Cochrane Light Up is the town's 42nd annual kickoff to the holiday season, filling Historic Downtown and The Station at Cochrane Crossing with warm lights, holiday music, fire pits and plenty of hot chocolate. The Town of Cochrane says this year includes live entertainment, outdoor holiday movies, family-friendly activities, horse and wagon rides and the return of fireworks.
The official lighting of Historic Downtown is expected at about 5:15 pm and the evening wraps up with a fireworks finale at about 7:45 pm, which keeps the timing manageable for young children. Organizers encourage guests to bring a reusable cup for hot chocolate to cut waste. The light display stays up nightly into early January 2027, so families who miss the event can still drive out for a look later in the season.
Parent tip: Bring a reusable cup for hot chocolate, and plan to stay until about 7:45 pm for the fireworks.
See dates and details from Town of Cochrane and Cochrane Light Up committee (opens in a new tab)A story for the trip home
Our picture book follows Rally the corgi on his first train ride to see his grand-paw-rents, and every page is hand-painted in watercolour. It is a cozy five-minute read after a big day out.
A bedtime story after seeing SantaRally Takes the Train is a five-minute rhyming picture book about a corgi’s first train ride, hand-painted in real watercolour. Ages 0 to 8.
Buy on Amazon.ca (opens in a new tab)Calgary Christmas events for kids: questions parents ask
What Christmas events for kids are in Calgary in 2026?
We confirmed 12 Christmas events for kids in Calgary for 2026, each on its host’s own page, including Spruce Meadows International Christmas Market, ZOOLIGHTS, A Christmas Carol, Cochrane Light Up (Cochrane), Airdrie Festival of Lights (Airdrie), Light Up the Night (Airdrie), The Nutcracker, Old Fashioned Skating Party (Airdrie), Family Fun Is In The Forecast (Airdrie), Specialty Holiday Brunch, Skate with Santa at Genesis Place (Airdrie) and New Year's Eve Family Skate Night (Airdrie). Each one is listed above with times, cost and a link to the host.
Are there free Christmas events for kids in Calgary?
Yes. 7 of the 12 events here are free, including Cochrane Light Up (Cochrane), Airdrie Festival of Lights (Airdrie), Light Up the Night (Airdrie), Old Fashioned Skating Party (Airdrie), Family Fun Is In The Forecast (Airdrie), Skate with Santa at Genesis Place (Airdrie) and New Year's Eve Family Skate Night (Airdrie). Some free events still ask you to register, so check each listing.
Where can kids see Santa in Calgary this year?
Santa appears at Spruce Meadows International Christmas Market, ZOOLIGHTS, Airdrie Festival of Lights (Airdrie), Light Up the Night (Airdrie), Old Fashioned Skating Party (Airdrie), Family Fun Is In The Forecast (Airdrie) and Skate with Santa at Genesis Place (Airdrie). Times and booking rules are in each listing above.
How do you confirm these events?
We list an event only after we find this season’s date on the host’s own website or an official city, library or tourism calendar. We last checked every listing on November 2, 2026. Hosts change details, so always confirm on the host’s page before you go.
Event names belong to their hosts. Rally Takes the Train is a family picture book and is not affiliated with, sponsored by or endorsed by any host listed here. Confirm dates, times and prices on each host’s own site before you go.
