For more than two decades, a cherished holiday tradition has graced the doorsteps and newsstands of Calgary. Each Christmas Eve, the front page of the Calgary Herald transforms from its usual news format into a heartfelt seasonal greeting for its readers.
A Festive Tradition Born in 2004
This unique practice began twenty-one years ago, in 2004, when the newspaper's editors made a pivotal decision. Instead of leading with the day's headlines and photographs, they chose to dedicate the prime front-page real estate to wish their community a joyful season, accompanied by a large, striking holiday image.
The inaugural years of this tradition often featured beautifully detailed stained glass artwork. As the years passed, the imagery evolved to capture the spirit of the season right here in Calgary. The front pages became a visual archive of local holiday celebrations and milestones.
Capturing Calgary's Holiday Spirit
Readers have been treated to a diverse array of scenes reflecting the city's festive heartbeat. These have included snapshots of Heritage Park's historical seasonal celebrations and marked the 10th anniversary of the Alberta Ballet's beloved production of The Nutcracker.
The tradition has also highlighted city landmarks getting into the spirit, such as the installation of new festive lights on the Calgary Tower and at Spruce Meadows. A particularly notable front page celebrated a local theatrical legend, acknowledging Stephen Hair's 20th anniversary of portraying Ebenezer Scrooge in Theatre Calgary's A Christmas Carol. Hair would ultimately inhabit that iconic role for an impressive 27 years.
What Awaits Readers in 2025?
The big question now is what visual treat the Herald has in store for December 24, 2025. The editorial team has been considering several ideas for this year's special edition. While the final selection remains a surprise, the newspaper invites Calgarians to discover it for themselves.
You can experience this year's festive front page by picking up a physical copy of the paper on Christmas Eve. For digital readers, a PDF version of the December 24, 2025, front page will be made available on the Herald's website on Wednesday. This ongoing tradition continues to offer a moment of warmth and community reflection amid the hustle and bustle of the holiday season.
