The holidays are here, and Calgary is positively glowing with festive fun that’ll fill your heart (and your Instagram) with joy! Whether you’re sipping a creative cocktail, building a gingerbread masterpiece, or volunteering to spread some cheer, there’s something magical around every corner. Ready to sleigh the season? Let’s dive in!
1. Sip Festive Cocktails at a Christmas Pop-Up Bar
Head to @the.potionroom for over-the-top holiday cocktails in a bar dripping with tinsel, fairy lights, and kitschy charm. Whether you’re into cozy classics or bold seasonal sips, this spot has something magical to toast the season. Check their Instagram for hours and sneak peeks of the festive menu!
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Looking for more festive spots? Check out our full guide to 7 Christmas Pop-Up Bars in Calgary You’ve Got To Hit Up This Holiday Season for even more magical cocktail experiences.
2. Create Your Own Holiday Cookie Crawl
Hit Calgary’s best bakeries like @Biscettes, @sweetreliefpastries or @prettysweetyyc for holiday-themed cookies. Pro tip: Pair this adventure with a thermos of hot chocolate for maximum coziness.
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3. Volunteer as an Elf With The Magic of Christmas
Spread holiday cheer by joining The Magic of Christmas as a volunteer! This incredible organization delivers gifts and joy to families in need, all while dressed as Santa’s elves. Whether you’re helping wrap presents or riding along on Christmas Eve deliveries, it’s a heartwarming way to give back.
4. Join a Christmas Light Scavenger Hunt
Grab your crew, bundle up, and get ready for a holiday light hunt that’ll have you oohing and ahhing all over Calgary! Visit Lighten Up Calgary for the ultimate cheat sheet to the city’s most dazzling displays. They’ve got interactive maps to make planning a breeze—so no excuses for skipping that house with the 12-foot inflatable Santa.
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5. Sing Your Heart Out at a Christmas Karaoke Night
Unleash your inner Mariah Carey at your own festive karaoke night at @exo_karaokebar. Belt out your favorite holiday hits with friends, sip on a spiked eggnog, and make it a night to remember. Trust us, there’s nothing like a group rendition of Rudolf, the Red Nosed Reindeer!
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6. Compete in a Gingerbread Smash-Off
Build the most extra gingerbread house your heart desires, then smash it in style—because why not? Life’s too short to let a cookie roof go to waste! Hit up @glamorganbakery for their epic gingerbread kits that’ll make you feel like a holiday baking champ. Bonus: you can eat the rubble.
7. Celebrate the Season at a Festive Drag Brunch
Join Farrah Nuff and The Funky Brunch on December 22 at for a fierce drag brunch! Enjoy amazing performances, all-day happy hour drinks, a feature brunch menu, and support Skipping Stone with your ticket. Doors at 11:30 AM—don’t miss it!
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8. Make Your Own Holiday Wintergreen Wreath
Get your hands dirty (in the best way) and craft a stunning wintergreen wreath with @bestiesfloralcafe. Their workshops are the perfect mix of festive vibes and floral magic, complete with all the greenery, ribbons, and sparkle you need to create a masterpiece. Bonus: You’ll leave smelling like a Christmas forest and feeling like a total DIY queen. Trust me, it’s the holiday glow-up your front door deserves!
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9. Go All-In on a Snowshoe Adventure in Kananaskis
Grab your snowshoes (or rent some) and get ready to strut through a winter wonderland in Kananaskis with @lorifitfrog. Imagine sparkling snow, unreal mountain views, and trails that look straight out of a Hallmark movie. Lori will show you the ropes, so no worries if you’re new—it’s all about good vibes and snowy adventures. Pro tip: bring a thermos of something cozy (hot chocolate or mulled wine, anyone?) and make a day of it. You’re basically starring in your own winter fairytale!
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10. Volunteer to Wrap Gifts for a Cause
Channel your inner holiday elf and join Cystic Fibrosis Canada to wrap gifts at Southcentre, Sunridge, or North Hill Centre. All proceeds go to support their amazing work, and shifts are just 4 hours long during mall hours—perfect for spreading cheer while sharpening your ribbon-curling skills! Spots are filling fast, but Sunridge still has a few openings, so grab yours now and make a difference this season.
11. Take a Ride on a Holiday Train
Get your ticket to festive fun with Calgary’s holiday trains! From twinkling lights to live performances, these magical rides are the perfect way to embrace the season. Don’t miss the iconic CPKC Holiday Train as it rolls into town—check out our full guide for all the details!
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12. Watch Christmas Movies in a Heated Outdoor Igloo
Snuggle up under the stars and watch your favorite holiday classics in a cozy heated igloo with @theiglooevents. Think twinkling lights, festive vibes, and hot cocoa to keep you warm—because obviously, it’s not a holiday movie night without it.
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13. Explore a Christmas Food Tour
Treat yourself to the ultimate foodie adventure with the Calgary Holiday Brunch and Bakery Bus Tour by @albertafoodtours. This isn’t just a tour—it’s a holiday feast on wheels! You’ll hit up the city’s coziest brunch spots and bakeries, sampling drool-worthy festive eats along the way. Think buttery pastries, seasonal treats, and brunch dishes that scream holiday magic. Grab your stretchy pants and prepare for a day full of delicious discoveries!
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14. Celebrate with a Christmas Fun Run
Join the Stocking Stuffer Holiday Walk/Run at Bowness Park on December 1 for a festive 5km-“ish” adventure! Collect stocking stuffers along the way, then celebrate with hot apple cider, a donut from Hoopla Donuts, and a medal that doubles as a Christmas ornament. It’s holiday fun without the timers—just good vibes and great memories!
15. Make Your Own Jewelry at a Charm Bar Workshop
Get creative this holiday season at Meirako Jewelry’s Charm Bar Workshop on December 5 at The District Loung. For $70 (plus $15 per charm), you’ll craft a custom necklace or bracelet with a gold-plated chain and your pick of over 100 charms—perfect as a gift or a treat for yourself. With a cozy downtown vibe and a full dinner and drink menu available, it’s the ultimate festive night out!
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16. Glide Through a Winter Wonderland on a Sleigh Ride in Lake Louise
Imagine this: you’re wrapped in a cozy blanket, the jingling of sleigh bells fills the air, and the snow-covered peaks of Lake Louise surround you like a holiday postcard. A sleigh ride with Brewster Adventures is pure winter magic! Pulled by majestic draft horses, you’ll glide past Victoria Glacier, ice falls, and the twinkling Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise. Whether you’re sharing the moment with family or snuggling up for a romantic ride, this dreamy experience is holiday perfection.
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17. Attend a Live Performance of A Christmas Carol
Get in the holiday spirit with Theatre Calgary’s A Christmas Carol, running November 29 to December 29. Stunning sets, gorgeous costumes, and Doug McKeag as Scrooge make this classic a must-see! Grab tickets and experience the magic at Max Bell Theatre
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18. Get Photos With Santa & Your Pets
Let your furry friends join the holiday fun with adorable photos with Santa at Southcentre Mall! It’s the perfect chance to capture your pet’s festive side while making memories you’ll treasure forever. Bring your camera-ready fur baby, and don’t forget their wish list for Santa!
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19. Road Trip to Saskatoon Farm’s Christmas Market
Ready for a little holiday adventure? Take the short drive to Okotoks and dive into the festive magic at Saskatoon Farm’s Christmas Market. Picture this: twinkling lights, cozy vibes, and rows of local vendors with the cutest gifts you won’t find anywhere else. Grab a mulled cider, snack on something delicious, and soak in the holiday charm—it’s like stepping into a Hallmark movie, minus the cheesy dialogue. Perfect for a quick getaway that’ll leave you feeling all merry and bright!
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20. Elevate Your Holiday Hosting at Cocktail 101
Shake up your holiday season at Confluence Distilling’s Cocktail 101 Workshop on December 14! Learn to craft three signature cocktails, tour the distillery, taste premium spirits, and snack on bar bites—all while leveling up your hosting game.
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Whether you’re out exploring or cozied up indoors, there’s no shortage of festive fun to be had in Calgary. Share your holiday adventures with us on Instagram by tagging @CalgaryLocale. Happy holidays! ✨