Some of the best Christmas events around Calgary are a short drive out of town. Here are our favourite day trips, from 20 minutes to two hours away.
| Destination | Drive | Highlight | When |
|---|---|---|---|
| Airdrie | 20 min | Airdrie Festival of Lights | Dec 1–31 |
| Okotoks | 30 min | Light Up Okotoks | Nov 20 |
| High River | 40 min | Light Up and Santa Claus Parade | Dec 4 |
| Millarville | 45 min | Millarville Christmas Market | Nov 5–15 |
| Banff | 90 min | Banff Christmas Market and In Search of Christmas Spirit | Nov 19 – Dec 13; Nov 12 – Jan 3 |
| Rosebud | 90 min | Rosebud Theatre’s Every Christmas Story Ever Told | Nov 27 – Dec 19 |
| Fort Macleod | 2 hr | Fort Macleod Santa Claus Parade | Early December |
Banff and Lake Louise
The classic. Spend the afternoon at the market, warm up on the Hot Chocolate Trail and walk In Search of Christmas Spirit after dark. Full details in Christmas in Banff, Canmore and Lake Louise.
The Foothills: Millarville, Okotoks and High River
Pair the Millarville market with Saskatoon Farm or Okotoks, or make a night of High River’s parade on December 4 with George Lane Park lit up. See Santa Claus parades near Calgary.
Rosebud Theatre
The tiny hamlet of Rosebud stages Every Christmas Story Ever Told (And Then Some!) from November 27 to December 19, 2026, Thursday to Saturday at 4:30 PM, with an optional buffet on Fridays and Saturdays. Adults $28, youth $18.
Before You Go
- Check 511 Alberta for road conditions.
- Bring a Parks Canada pass for Banff.
- Pack a winter emergency kit.
Related: Christmas in Banff, Christmas markets.
Part of: Calgary Christmas Guide 2026
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