Is there a Santa Claus Parade in Calgary? Not a citywide one. Calgary’s last downtown Santa Claus Parade was in 2006, and none has been announced for 2026. The good news: several Calgary communities and nearby towns put on excellent parades of lights, and the CPKC Holiday Train rolls through in December.
Santa Claus Parades Near Calgary 2026
| Date | Parade | Where |
|---|---|---|
| Fri, Dec 4, 6:30 PM | High River Santa Claus Parade (“Home for the Holidays”) | Downtown High River |
| Fri, Dec 11, 7 PM | CPKC Holiday Train (lit train and concert) | Anderson CTrain Station, Calgary |
| Sat, Dec 5, 5 PM | Airdrie Santa Claus Parade | Main Street, Airdrie |
| TBA | Mahogany Parade of Lights | Mahogany, SE Calgary |
| TBA | Auburn Bay Parade of Lights | Auburn Bay, SE Calgary |
| TBA | Banff Santa Claus Parade of Lights | Banff Avenue, Banff |
| TBA (usually early December) | Fort Macleod Santa Claus Parade | Fort Macleod |
High River Santa Claus Parade: Friday, December 4
High River’s parade is the biggest near Calgary and it’s confirmed for Friday, December 4, 2026, with the theme “Home for the Holidays.” Entertainment starts at 5 PM, hot chocolate and Lions hot dogs at 5:30, George Lane Park lights up at 6 and the parade starts at 6:30. High River is about 40 minutes south of Calgary.
Community Parades in Calgary
The Mahogany Parade of Lights, led by Santa and Mrs. Claus along a 1.3 km route, and the Auburn Bay Parade of Lights are Calgary’s best neighbourhood parades, both in the southeast. Neither had posted a 2026 date when we checked.
Airdrie Santa Claus Parade
Santa and lit floats roll down Main Street in Airdrie; in 2026 it’s Saturday, December 5 at 5 PM. Pair it with the free Airdrie Festival of Lights.
Fort Macleod Santa Claus Parade
Billed as the largest Santa Claus parade west of Toronto, with around 100 entries and marching bands. It’s about two hours south of Calgary and usually held on the first Saturday of December.
The CPKC Holiday Train
Not a parade, but the closest thing Calgary has to one: a thousand-foot train covered in lights, with a free concert. It stops at Anderson CTrain Station on Friday, December 11, from 7 to 7:30 PM.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a Santa Claus Parade in Calgary in 2026?
No citywide parade has been announced. Calgary’s last downtown Santa Claus Parade was in 2006. Mahogany and Auburn Bay hold community parades of lights.
What is the closest Santa Claus parade to Calgary?
High River’s parade on Friday, December 4, 2026, and Airdrie’s on Main Street.
When is the High River Santa Claus Parade in 2026?
Friday, December 4, at 6:30 PM.
When is the Holiday Train in Calgary?
Friday, December 11, 2026, 7 to 7:30 PM at Anderson Station.
Parade Guides
- High River Santa Claus Parade
- Airdrie Santa Claus Parade
- Mahogany and Auburn Bay Parades of Lights
- Banff Santa Claus Parade of Lights
- Fort Macleod Santa Claus Parade
Related: where to see Santa in Calgary, tree lightings.
Part of: Calgary Christmas Guide 2026
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