December is here and it’s jam-packed with exciting family events and cozy holiday nights! Embrace the magic with your family this season and find our top picks for December events and family fun. Happy holidays, everyone!
FEATURED: The Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo ZOOLIGHTS | All Month
This year’s ZOOLIGHTS experience will be bigger, brighter, and more magical than ever, with millions of twinkling lights at every turn and the best of winter fun.
FEATURED: Heritage Park — Bison | All Month
There’s a new exhibit at Heritage Park, where you can step into the world of Bison. It’s an exhibit toured by the Kauffman Museum, on behalf of the National Buffalo Foundation. Discover the importance and cultural significance of this giant animal, and learn about its fascinating history on the plains of Alberta.
FEATURED Jubilations Junior | Select Weekend Days
The town of Glooville is set for Christmas to ring with Beauty and the Grinch from Jubilations Junior! Enjoy this terrific family dinner theatre with laughter for everyone.
A Mountaintop Christmas | Weekends in December
Banff Gondola is celebrating A Mountaintop Christmas with lots of great activities all included with your gondola ticket. Santa will even be there until Christmas. Best part? Kids go free before noon! While you’re in Banff, check out the free Banff Christmas Lighting Trail: In Search of Christmas Spirit, all month long.
FEATURED Heritage Park Once Upon A Christmas | Weekends, December 7 – 22, 2024
If you love an old-fashioned Christmas, Heritage Park celebrates Once Upon A Christmas. It’s one of Calgary’s most beloved holiday experiences as it allows families to reminisce and participate in charming and old-fashioned Christmas customs and traditions.
THE POLAR EXPRESS™ | Until December 24, 2024
Let yourself be whisked away on THE POLAR EXPRESS™! Once onboard, hot chocolate and treats are served as passengers read along with the classic children’s book, The Polar Express, by Chris Van Allsburg, and are entertained by characters from the movie. Of course, Santa is waiting at the North Pole.
Alberta Ballet’s The Nutcracker | December 13 – 24, 2024
It’s a Christmas classic, and Calgary loves the Nutcracker! Alberta Ballet presents this sumptuous production from December 13 – 24, 2024. But you have other opportunities, too! Jeunessse Classique Ballet performs the Nutcracker from December 6 – 8, 2024. And little ones will love Nutcracker (In a Nutshell) on December 6 – 8, or 13 – 15, 2024.
Calgary Hitmen Sunday Funday | December 15 & 29, 2024
Enjoy a Sunday Funday with the Calgary Hitmen. They often have special concourse activities to check out like games and face painting and you’ll frequently enjoy special food and beverage pricing. (Plus, the Teddy Bear Toss is on December 1, 2024!)
Calgary Nativity Pageant | December 20 – 22, 2024
Visit the Calgary Nativity Pageant to experience the classic Christmas story. This free event includes live actors, animals, and choreographed performances.
COMING SOON New Year’s Eve Guide | December 31, 2024
Coming Soon. Happy New Year! Find family-friendly New Year’s Eve fun with help from our New Year’s Eve Guide.
Christmas Event Guide
All Month | We love those Christmas moments. From the cozy ones, snuggled up in pyjamas by the Christmas tree to the big events dressed in our sparkling best, there’s so much to love about the holiday season. Christmas is a magical time, and however you celebrate the winter holidays, we wish you joy and peace. We’ve put together a guide for the best Christmas events in and around Calgary, to help you have special holiday fun with your family.
Read more about it here.
Christmas Experiences Gift Guide
All Month | What’s on your holiday shopping list this season? Instead of more stuff to fill your closets, what about wrapping up joyful experiences and special memories with your family? Experience-oriented gifts are always the perfect size and can draw you closer as a family as you encounter new adventures together. Make Christmas easy this year. Check out the Family Fun Calgary Experiences Gift Guide, and give experiences, not stuff!
Read more about it here.
Christmas Lights Guide
All Month | Sparkling, shining, and festive: Christmas lights are one of the best parts of the holiday season. When it gets dark so early, Christmas lights help lift your spirits. Plus, whether you want to be outside in that invigorating December air, or just drive by in the warmth and comfort of your car, it gives you a fun reason to get the whole family up and out the door!
Read more about it here.
Holiday Concerts and Shows
All Month | The familiar strains of Christmas carols, a chance to dress in holiday finery, and an opportunity to enjoy a special event with your family. This time of year is filled with holiday concerts and shows, from classic Christmas theatre to light-hearted outings. Find the perfect concert or show for your family this year, with help from our guide. Slip on the sparkly shoes or don your Santa hat and head out the door!
Read more about it here.
Light Ups and Parades
Early December Weekends | There is so much going on during the holiday season, and Christmas Light Ups and Parades are a great way to combine the magic of sparkling lights with some seasonal fun. We’ve compiled a list of the best experiences, whether it’s a community light-up event, a parade, or an all-out party.
Read more about it here.
Markets and Craft Fairs
Until December 21 | Before you know it, the Christmas season will be here, with its twinkling lights, cocoa by the fireplace … and trying to find the perfect gift. This Christmas season, forget the mall! Get your shopping done, support local businesses and enjoy a festive holiday experience! Christmas markets and craft sales are a fun and affordable way to get into the holiday mood and tick some “to-do’s” off your list.
Read more about it here.
Winter Classes for Kids
All Month | This is the time to register for all the great extracurriculars that make life more fun! Here at Family Fun Calgary, we want to make it easier for you to find quality extracurricular programs that you AND your kids will love. It’s always a great time to try something new or get back to something you enjoy, so keep reading to find the BEST lessons for kids in Calgary!
Read more about it here.
Ski & Snowboard Deals
Get Your Passes Soon | When you live in a place as wintery and as well-situated as Calgary, it makes sense to embrace alpine winter sports like skiing and snowboarding. But the cost of outfitting a family can really add up – and you don’t always want to do the same runs at the same hill. So, we’re bringing you special deals that can save you some of your hard-earned dollars.
Read more about it here.
But Wait … There’s More!
There are lots of December events in Calgary — this is a great place for families to enjoy activities together. For a complete listing of all the best events, click on our calendar to find more family fun and stay tuned to all the best local family events through our Facebook and Instagram pages. Plus, we’re now on TikTok and Threads!
Did you know you can submit your family-friendly event to us? Fill out the submission form with your event details and we’ll do our best to add your event to our events calendar. You can also sign up for the monthly Family Fun Calgary e-newsletter. We give you a peek at all of the great, upcoming, family-friendly activities scheduled in Calgary.
Enjoy the month, Calgary!
