MANY FEASTS FOR THE EYES
Festive lights are glittering across the city
ZOOLIGHTS
Where: Calgary Zoo
When: Nov. 22 to Jan. 4
The zoo replaces its live animals with bright approximations for this annual tradition. The fun also includes potion making, photo ops, skating rink, axe-throwing and fire pits. Admission is $14.95 for children and $19.95 for adults.
NOEL INDOOR LIGHT PARK & CHRISTMAS MARKET
Where: Nutrien Centre, Stampede Park
When: Nov. 28 to Dec. 31
This Christmas market on the Stampede grounds includes four themed light parks and a 250-foot interactive light tunnel as well as artisan market, Santa’s village and food trucks. Admission is $19.99 for adults and $14.99 for children six to 16, students, and seniors (65-plus); children five and under are free.
FIND CHRISTMAS DOWNTOWN
Where: CORE Shopping Centre When: Nov. 28 to Dec. 18
The CORE brings in 150 Christmas trees decorated by local corporations, not-for-profit groups, media and attractions for the holiday season. The launch event on Nov. 28 lets you watch as the trees are decorated starting at 4 p.m. and enjoy the main stage show and lighting of the 45-foot tree at 4:30 p.m.
LIONS’ FESTIVAL OF LIGHTS
Where: Confederation Park (along 14th Street N.W.)
When: Nov. 30 to Jan. 8
The Calgary tradition almost didn’t come back for its 33rd year. The city and the Lions’ Festival of Lights Society came to an agreement last month and the volunteer set-up light display — featuring over 500,000 bulbs on 16,000 strings — goes on for another year.
AIRDRIE FESTIVAL OF LIGHTS
Where: Nose Creek Park, Airdrie When: Dec. 1-31
The walk-through light display also features miniature trains for $2 per ride as well as hot chocolate and apple cider for $2 per cup. Admission is by donation (suggested, $10 to $20 per family).
CHRISTMAS LIGHTS AT SPRUCE MEADOWS
Where: Spruce Meadows
When: Dec. 8 to Jan. 5
Drive through Spruce Meadows and enjoy the light display; leave your car and brave the cold to enjoy a hot chocolate or coffee and a pastry in the Founders Plaza.
CP HOLIDAY TRAIN
Where: Nose Creek Park, Main Street, East side of CP Tracks, Airdrie (Dec. 7, 5:45 p.m.); Anderson Ctrain Station (Dec. 8, 5:45 p.m.); Daggett Street between Northridge Drive and Veterans, Okotoks (Dec. 10, noon) The brightly decorated charitable choo-choo brings performances by Scott Helman and Madeline Merlo (Airdrie and Calgary) and Terri Clark and Dallas Smith (Okotoks). Bring cash or food donations for the Food Bank.
RESIDENTIAL DISPLAYS
Lighten Up Calgary is mapping the best of the city’s Christmas lights from locals doing it for the fun of it. Visit lightenupcalgary.ca for a map and a list of where to find some of the city’s best.