If you’re a fan of Christmas lights but prefer to be cost-conscious, this page is for you! Create lasting memories without breaking the bank at these free Christmas light displays in Calgary and the surrounding areas. You read that right – FREE!
In addition to sharing the Christmas magic, many of these displays serve as fundraisers for local charities. Please consider donating if you’re able.
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Table of Contents
Map of Free Christmas Lights in Calgary and Area
Do you want to know where to find these free light shows? Check out this map for assistance.
Plan Ahead – Christmas Lights Prep!
I know, I know, you’re here for the list of lights. But spare me 20 seconds for this list so you can make the most out of your visit!
Don’t forget:
- Dress warm! Be sure to wear warm clothing as most of these events take place outdoors. Consider adding an extra layer, even.
- Bonus: pack re-usable or disposable hand warmers, just in case.
- Bring a camera! Your phone may capture great photos, but having a camera that works with gloves ON is more enjoyable. You’re more likely to capture moments if you can keep your fingers warm, and I haven’t found any “smart gloves” that work as well as frosty fingers.
- Pack a Christmas treat! There’s nothing like some gingerbread to cheer up a cranky kid (or partner) so you can enjoy the lights for an extra ten minutes. And if you happen to have some extra mini candy canes in your pocket you may brighten another parent’s night!
Within Calgary
1. Lions Festival of Lights
Walk or drive: Running for over 30 years, this light display is 100% volunteer run. Walk through the park or view them from your car by driving along 14th Street NW.
- Dates: November 25, 2023 – January 8, 2024, 5:30pm to midnight
- Address: Confederation Park Golf Course, viewed along 14 Street NW north of 24 Avenue NW
- Charity: Calgary Food Bank during the Grand Opening only
- Website
2. Legacy Lights
Walk or drive: The community of Legacy has over 1 million lights and displays set up!
Bring your skates to enjoy the rink, too (weather permitting).
- Dates: December 1, 2023 – January 14, 2024
- Address: Community of Legacy (see map for home locations)
- Website
3. Spruce Meadows Christmas Lights Display
Drive and walk: Drive by the lights and if you want, park in Lot 7 to take the paths as well.
Note: the lights only operate on weekends.
- Dates: Friday to Sunday, December 8 -31, 2023, 5-10pm
- Address: Community of Legacy (see map for home locations)
- Website
4. Downtown Calgary
Walk around downtown Calgary to take in the lights various businesses have set up. Some of the top spots to stroll include:
- East Village 5th Street Square
- City Hall & Olympic Plaza for outdoor skating (weather permitting)
- Stephen Avenue
- Banker’s Hall (in support of Toy Mountain) & CORE (CORE is offering free parking weeknights 3pm-midnight, all day on weekends)
- McDougall Centre
- Prince’s Island Park: the pedestrian bridge is all sparkling, and there is more outdoor skating
Bonus! Lighten UP Calgary
This awesome site maps and tracks the best resident and community light displays throughout Calgary. You can even check preview photos on the site!
- Dates: vary by household
- Charity: Foodbanks of Calgary
- Website
North of Calgary
5. Airdrie Festival of Lights
Walk around Western Canada’s largest, free, outdoor Christmas Light Display!
- Dates: December 1 – 31, 2023, 6-9pm
- Address: Nose Creek Regional Park, Main Street, Airdrie
- Charity: Airdrie Festival of Lights Society (funds in excess of operating costs are used to support local charities)
- Website
6. Winter Village
Walk around Sylvan Lake’s Winter Village lights! Vote for your favourite mini-tree using the attached QR codes. Bonfires are sponsored most weekends.
- Dates: December 1, 2023 to March, 2024
- Address: Lakeshore Drive and 50 Street on the Sylvan Lake Pier, Sylvan Lake
- Website
South of Calgary
7. Light Up High River
Walk or drive: Running since 2013, George Lane Park has a light display you can walk or drive through. Be sure to check the website for a map of the best decorated homes in the community as well.
- Dates: December 1, 2023 – mid-January, 2024
- Address: George Lane Park, High River
- Website
East of Calgary
8. Chestermere Park Lights
Walk around John Peake Park to see the lights!
- Dates: December 1, 2023 – mid-January, 2024
- Address: John Peake Park, Chestermere
- Website
West of Calgary
9. Cochrane Light Up
Drive or walk: Enjoy the lights of historic downtown Cochrane – a great side trip on your way to or from Canmore and Banff for even more holiday displays!
- Dates: November 25, 2023 – January 14, 2024 5-10pm
- Address: Downtown, Cochrane
- Website
10. Festival of Trees (Rotary Club of Canmore)
Walk indoors! Wander through the magical forest of trees and wreaths inside the Malcolm Hotel in Canmore.
- Dates: December 1 – 31, 2023
- Address: Malcolm Hotel, 321 Spring Creek Drive, Canmore
- Charity: The Rotary runs a Christmas raffle as part of the event for $20/ticket.
- Website
11. In Search of Christmas Spirit
Walk around: The Cascades of Time Garden at the Banff Administration Building has been transformed into an outdoor Christmas lights experience you don’t want to miss.
Book your free timed tickets in advance. Thanks to the tickets you won’t feel crowded!
Note: no parking is available. Park at Central Park across the river and make the 5 minute walk to the gardens.
- Dates: November 17 – December 31, 2023
- Address: Cascades of Time Garden, Banff
- Website
12. CPKC Holiday Train
Walk around! The CPKC Holiday Train (formerly known as the CP Holiday Train) is an incredible sight! There are few spots you can catch it around Calgary this year:
- Airdrie – Friday, December 8, 2023, 5:15-6:15pm
- Nose Creek Park, 1641 Main Street
- Calgary – Saturday, December 9, 2023, 5:45-6:45pm
- Anderson C-Train Station South Parking Lot
- Okotoks – Monday, December 11, 2023, 12-12:45pm
- Dagget Street, between Northridge Drive & Veterans
- Gleichen – Tuesday, December 19, 2023, 8:35-9:15pm
- CP tracks at 3rd Avenue & Crowfoot Street
Read more about the CPKC Holiday Train.
Donations to the local Food Bank will be accepted at the event.
Looking for More?
While you’re here, why not check out these other Christmas-y posts?
Travelling this holiday season? Be sure to check out some of the free Christmas light displays in Edmonton, too!
Need more Christmas? Here’s all our Christmas content!
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