Christmas With Kids in Calgary 2026

Calgary is a great city for Christmas with kids, as long as you plan around the cold. Here’s how to fill the season by age, with indoor backups for the days when it’s –25°C.

Best for Little Kids (Under 6)

• ZOOLIGHTS: free carousel rides, Santa nightly to December 23, gingerbread houses and a glowing maze. Go right at 5:30 PM for an early bedtime.
• Holiday Wonder: all indoors at the BMO Centre, with Santa, crafts and a snowball arena. Kids 3 and under free.
• Once Upon A Christmas at Heritage Park: wagon rides, farm animals, model trains and Santa, in daylight.
• Granary Road Christmas Market: photos with Santa and the alpacas, weekends from November 28.

Best for School-Age Kids

• The Grinch in concert: the Calgary Phil plays the score live, November 27–28 at the Jubilee. See Christmas concerts.
• The Nutcracker: December 11 to 24, with matinees.
• A Christmas Carol: best for about 6 and up.
• Axe throwing at ZOOLIGHTS: free for ages 8 and up, Fridays and Saturdays to December 12, then nightly from December 18.
• The Enchanted Festival: a lights walk with an indoor lights maze.

Free Family Fun

• Lions Festival of Lights: drive past in pyjamas.
• CPKC Holiday Train: December 11 at Anderson Station.
• Airdrie Festival of Lights: trains, fire pits and Santa.
• More in free Christmas things to do.

Cold-Day Survival Tips

• Check the wind chill, not just the temperature.
• Layer up and bring hand warmers for outdoor light shows.
• Keep an indoor plan B: Holiday Wonder, the Calgary Farmers’ Market or a matinee.
• Go early on weekends to beat lines and meltdowns.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best Christmas event in Calgary for toddlers?

ZOOLIGHTS and Holiday Wonder are the easiest, with Santa, short walks and lots to see.

What can kids do indoors at Christmas in Calgary?

Holiday Wonder, The Nutcracker, A Christmas Carol and the Calgary Farmers’ Market.

Where can kids see Santa in Calgary?

At ZOOLIGHTS nightly to December 23, Holiday Wonder, Heritage Park and several Christmas markets.

Related: where to see Santa, free Christmas things to do.

Part of: Calgary Christmas Guide 2026