For decades, Calgary families lined up in their cars to crawl through the Spruce Meadows Christmas lights. In 2025 the drive-through retired and the Enchanted Festival took its place: a ticketed, park-and-walk evening with lights, fire pits, food, Santa and indoor attractions.
The 2026 festival runs nightly from December 12 to 23, 2026, 5 to 9 PM, starting the weekend after the International Christmas Market ends on December 6.
Comparing light shows? Our Christmas lights in Calgary roundup lists every display.
Enchanted Festival 2026: Quick Facts
| Dates | Nightly, December 12–23, 2026 |
| Hours | 5:00 to 9:00 PM |
| Sold out | December 15 (as of early November) |
| Location | Spruce Meadows, 18011 Spruce Meadows Way SW, Calgary |
| Tickets | Through Spruce Meadows or its official partner, Showpass. Early-bird pricing until December 11; save an extra 20% when you buy 4 or more |
| Dogs | Welcome on most of the grounds with a Paw Pass |
| Parking | Free |
| Official page | sprucemeadows.com/enchanted |
What’s Inside
- Enchanted Light Walk (outdoors): a lit walking route with illuminated displays and photo spots.
- Enchanted Wonderland (indoors, in the Equi-Plex): glowing trees, woodland animals, sleighs and shopping booths.
- Enchanted Roller Rink (indoors, in the Riding Hall), with rental skates.
- Santa’s Cozy Corner every night, plus reindeer visits and photos.
- The Wishing Tree Forest, a petting zoo, the Holiday Cabin, the Cocktail Cabin and food.
- Nightly visits from the Grunch and the Nutcrackers.
Tickets
Buy only through Spruce Meadows’ links or Showpass, its official ticketing partner. Early-bird tickets are on sale until December 11, and groups of four or more save an extra 20%. Spruce Meadows hadn’t published ticket prices on its page when we checked; in 2025, tickets were $20 for adults and $12 for kids and seniors. December 15 had already sold out by early November, so book weekend nights soon.
Bringing the Dog
The Paw Pass is back. Dogs are welcome on most of the grounds (some areas are people-only to meet health rules), and pass holders get a free Pup Cup at the Cocktail Cabin and a dog selfie station in the Village Shop. Proceeds go to Parachutes for Pets.
Why It’s a Walk-Through Now
Spruce Meadows says the drive-through had grown beyond what its roads and the surrounding communities could safely handle. If you want lights from your car, the free Lions Festival of Lights on 14 Street NW is the best option.
Know Before You Go
- Dress for the cold. The light walk is outdoors, though the Wonderland and roller rink are inside.
- Allow about 90 minutes to see everything.
- Come on a weeknight for smaller crowds.
Make a Night of It
- Market first: the Spruce Meadows Christmas Market runs four weekends from November 13 to December 6.
- Another big show: ZOOLIGHTS runs to January 3.
- Indoors: Holiday Wonder at the BMO Centre.
For the whole season, start with the Calgary Christmas Guide 2026.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the Enchanted Festival in 2026?
Nightly from December 12 to 23, 2026, from 5 to 9 PM.
Is the Spruce Meadows drive-through still running?
No. It was replaced in 2025 by the walk-through Enchanted Festival.
How much are tickets?
Spruce Meadows hadn’t posted 2026 prices on its page when we checked. Early-bird pricing runs until December 11, and groups of 4 or more save 20%.
Can I bring my dog?
Yes, with a Paw Pass. Some areas are people-only.
Is parking free?
Yes.
Is there anything indoors?
Yes: the Enchanted Wonderland in the Equi-Plex and a roller rink in the Riding Hall.
Related: Spruce Meadows Christmas Market, dog-friendly Christmas.
Part of: Calgary Christmas Guide 2026 › Christmas Lights in Calgary 2026
