5 Family-Friendly Holiday Events

Photo via @banffgondola Instagram

It’s the most wonderful time of the year - let’s celebrate in a safe and fun way! With COVID-19, some events look a little different, but with safety protocols in place, you can feel comfortable getting you and your family into the holiday spirit with these events! Make sure you check out the event websites to purchase tickets in advance and take note of their safety precautions!

1. Banff’s Mountaintop Christmas

Photo via @banffgondola Instagram

The Banff Gondola is hosting its first-ever Mountaintop Christmas. It’s a great activity to do with the kids because they can ride the gondola for free (before noon), take a picture with Santa and decorate Christmas cookies - all while you enjoy the beautiful views from the top of Sulphur Mountain. There will be tons of staff around to make sure COVID-19 safety precautions are being taken and to help you and your family feel safe and comfortable. For a full list of activities and COVID-19 safety precautions, and to purchase tickets, visit their website. 

2. Zoo Lights

Photo via @curiocitygroup Instagram

A Calgary winter classic! Zoo Lights is a popular holiday event in the city, with many Calgarians bundling up, grabbing their hot chocolate and heading to the zoo for a night of magical lights and fun. It’s a great event for families because what kid doesn’t like the zoo?! Just make sure to wear a few layers if it’s supposed to be cold and purchase tickets in advance!

3. Noel Christmas Light Park & Festival

Photo via @noelfestival Instagram

Noel Christmas is back in Calgary for the second year in a row! It’s fun for the whole family with over a million lights, a local artisan market, food and drinks, live entertainment and more! There’s something for everyone at this festive event - no matter how old! There are safety precautions in place for COVID-19, helping you and your family feel safe while enjoying the festival. Make sure you purchase tickets online for Noel Christmas.

4. Granary Road Christmas Market

Photo via @granaryroad Instagram

Check out the Christmas Market at Granary Road every weekend starting November 27th through December 20th. The market screams the holidays with Christmas carols playing, beautifully decorated trees and lights strung around the entire market. Get some Christmas shopping done while the kids make crafts and get their picture taken with Santa. It’s a great way to get into the holiday spirit, with many different activities! 

5. The Calgary Farmers’ Christmas Market

Photo via @calgaryfarmersmarket Instagram

Everyone’s favourite Calgary Farmers’ Market is transformed into a festive Christmas Market every Thursday through Sunday starting November 12th to December 23rd. You can find some of the market’s favourite vendors, along with a selection of seasonal vendors offering gifts, food, decor and more! Spend the weekend doing some shopping, grabbing a bite to eat and picking out a fresh Christmas tree!

Christmas might look a little different this year because of COVID, but you can still celebrate in fun and safe ways with the family! Take a little road trip to the mountains for Banff’s Mountaintop Christmas, or try and hit Zoo Lights on one of the warmer nights with the little ones! Have a safe and Merry Christmas!