As Christmas 2025 arrives, Calgarians are preparing for a festive season filled with both celebration and necessary planning. While Christmas Day itself is a nationwide statutory holiday, the surrounding days bring a mix of closures and adjusted schedules across the city.
Christmas Eve and Boxing Day are not official statutory holidays in Alberta, leading to varied operations for businesses and services. Notably, Boxing Day remains a statutory holiday for federally regulated industries. Across Calgary, elementary and high schools, along with universities, are closed for the holiday break, and all major banks will be shuttered on Christmas Day.
Festive Events Lighting Up Calgary
The City of Calgary and local organizations have curated a vibrant lineup of seasonal activities to enjoy with family and friends. From dazzling light displays to classic performances, there's something for everyone.
Zoo Lights at the Calgary Zoo continues to be a cornerstone of holiday magic, running daily until January 4, with the sole exception of a closure on Christmas Day. Beyond the immersive light installations, the event features axe throwing, daily interactive activities, treats, and animal facts.
For a free and active outing, the city is hosting free public ice skating on Boxing Day, December 26, from 1:00 p.m. to 2:15 p.m. Sessions will be held at Ernie Starr Arena (4808 14 Avenue S.E.), Frank McCool Arena (1900 Lake Bonavista Drive S.E.), and Henry Viney Arena.
Can't-Miss Seasonal Attractions
Several limited-time events offer unique ways to celebrate. The Enchanted Festival at Spruce Meadows runs until December 24 from 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m., offering sparkling lights, fire pits, food, shopping, and indoor family fun like movies and a Christmas lights maze. Pet owners can bring their dogs with a $5 Paw Pass for special treats.
Heritage Park transforms into a winter wonderland for "Once Upon a Christmas" from December 20 to 23, open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Visitors can enjoy wagon rides, carolers, and visits with Santa. A highlight this year is the new Heritage Holiday Train, the park's first winter train ride aboard a restored 1951 diesel-electric locomotive, departing approximately every 20 minutes.
For a breathtaking drive-by experience, the Lions Festival of Lights illuminates Confederation Park Golf Course nightly until January 28. This free display runs from 5:30 p.m. to midnight and features over 300,000 lights along 14th Street N.W.
Holiday Arts and Entertainment
The performing arts also take center stage. Alberta Ballet presents The Nutcracker in Calgary on December 23 and 24. The production is noted as an excellent introduction to ballet for first-time attendees and will include a photo booth to capture the memory. Attendees will also have opportunities to learn about how dancers prepare their pointe shoes and even purchase a signed pair.
With this mix of timeless traditions and new experiences, Calgary offers a robust festive season. Residents are encouraged to check specific venue websites for the latest times and ticket information, and to plan ahead for adjusted holiday hours for retail, transit, and city services.
