10 FREE things to do in Calgary this Holiday Season

We don’t mean to go full Grinchmas on the whole season, but the holidays are hella expensive. For the other 20 other days of December, when we’re not looking festive-fresh at the company shindig or with our family, most of us are at home counting our pennies, praying for free holiday things to do around Calgary.

Why? Well, we just spent 5 million dollars on jingle juice and a 30-pound wheel of cheese for ourselves our Christmas party, and now we’re flat broke. Don’t let Havarti be the reason you stayed indoors during one of the most lively times of the year! Here are 10 FREE things to do in Calgary this holiday season!

Christmas in Kensington

Kensington will be buzzing with exciting activities for all ages every Saturday this month from 4 pm – 12 pm. Take a romantic horse-drawn wagon ride or snap a pic with Santa, who will just be cheerily roaming the streets. Then grab a hot chocolate and head over to the petting zoo. It’s got it all, folks!

When: Every Saturday in December
Where: Kensington

Spruce Meadows Christmas Lights

Grab a coffee, crank up the Michael Buble and take a relaxing holiday drive through the grounds at Spruce Meadows. Enjoy thousands of lights, sights, and Christmas spirit until January 5th.

When: Until January 5
Where: Spruce Meadows

Skating at Olympic Plaza

Grab the loved ones, or that Bumble match of yours and live out your very own Hallmark movie scene. Olympic Plaza is the only official city outdoor rink that has opened this holiday season, and due to the warmer winter we’re expecting, she might be short-lived. Get out there and skate to your heart’s content around their giant Christmas tree while you can, Calgary!

When: Undetermined
Where: Olympic Plaza, Downtown Calgary

Granery Road Christmas Market

Experience the enchanting celebration of the Holidays just outside the Calgary limits. Sample fine foods, browse their amazing selection of vendors and products, take a peek inside Santas workshop or snap a picture with their Alpacas. Alpacas, guys, you can’t miss this one.

When: December 13, 14, 15, 20, 21, and 22
Where: 226066 112th Street W, Foothills

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Lions’ Festival of Lights

The Lions’ Festival of Lights is Calgary’s largest free drive-by light festival. See over 500,000 lights all along 14th street, and fill yourself to the brim with holiday spirit this winter. As far as tradition is concerned, this is an absolute must on on our list of free things to do this holiday season.

When: Until January 8th
Where: Confederation Golf Course – 14th Street NW

Calgary Christmas Market

Another day, another market. It never gets old though, does it? Check out vendors and their yuletide items, watch live entertainment, sample some Christmas cocktails, and indulge in some holiday sweets every Thursday-Sunday until December 23.

When: Until December 23
Where: Calgary Farmers Market, 510 77th Avenue SE, Calgary

Holiday Performances at the CORE

Celebrate the season with daily Christmas concerts at the CORE. This holiday spectacular will have a different talented group or artist performing during every lunch hour until December 23. See the string quartets, choirs and solo vocalists right in front of the giant tree in the mall.

When: Until December 23
Where: The CORE Shopping Centre

Holiday Movie Series

Cozy up by Deerfoot City’s Food Lodge fireplace and watch one of their classic Christmas favorites. Yeah, it’s still just chillin’ but it’ll get you off the couch, which alone is a victory.

When: Thursdays until December 19
Where: Deerfoot City

Christmas at the Castle

Take a scenic drive to Calgarys favourite mountain town! The picturesque holiday spectacular at Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel will have you amazed and in the Christmas spirit this holiday season. You don’t need to check in to check out their photo-ready installments throughout the grounds!

When: All December long
Where: 405 Spray Ave Banff, Alberta

New Year’s Eve Fireworks

Yeah, you’ll be able to see this incredible fireworks display from almost anywhere in the inner city, but nothing will compare to the view from Olympic Plaza. Bundle up and head to the heart of downtown. Enjoy live music, holiday spirit, and the loudest NYE countdown in the city. We promise it will be one of the best (free) things you do this holiday season!

When: December 31
Where: Olympic Plaza

Feel a bit relieved? There is life after an Amazon spending spree! Get out there and smell the peppermint, Calgary, you deserve it!