Celebrating the holiday season with City partners
The winter holiday season is here, and Calgary is shining with winter activities and festive celebrations bringing our community together and offering something for everyone. Our partners are essential to our city's seasonal experience, and help make Calgary a great place to live, work and play.
“We are very proud to collaborate with so many partners that provide festive programming, activities and experiences for all Calgarians – this month, and through the winter,” said Tim Mowrey, The City’s Acting Director of Partnerships. “By working together, city partners are able to create experiences that strengthen our communities, support local creators and businesses, and ensure everyone can enjoy the magic of the season.”
The City has more than 25 Civic Partners, which receive the most significant City investments including grants, and manage and operate City-owned facilities. Through our Partnerships team, we also support almost 500 sport, social, and community partner organizations, that vary in size, but all help make Calgary great for everyone.
All our partners help transform Calgary during the holidays with unique experiences, whether it’s lighting up the night with dazzling holiday light displays, offering festive outdoor activities, or organizing seasonal events that showcase local talent, we are thankful for our many wonderful partners. Here are some of the events and activities of just a few City partners.
“The winter season is the perfect time to visit your local Library to stock up on cozy reads, including our Books of the Year picks, and enjoy winter programming," says Heather Robertson, Executive Director, Service Design and Innovation for Calgary Public Library. "Thanks to a strong partnership with The City of Calgary, we are excited to offer free, family seasonal activities, along with regular library services."
City of Calgary Civic Partners
Calgary Public Library
Mayor's Holiday Storytime: Calgary's Mayor Jeromy Farkas will read books, share songs and rhymes, and answer questions from the audience. After story time, enjoy holiday snacks and festive tunes from Rozsa Arts musicians. Saturday, Dec. 6, 2026, at 11 a.m. (Central Library)
Rozsa Arts at the Library brings performances at the Central and Memorial Park Libraries. There are multiple dates and times this month.
Winter Wishes Movie Night: Frozen 2: Join us for a screening of Frozen 2 and see Elsa, Anna, Kristoff, Olaf, and Sven as they journey into the enchanted forest to uncover the origins of Elsa’s powers. Bring the whole family for a festive night out and enjoy our free hot chocolate bar. Dec. 11, 2025, at 6 p.m. at Memorial Park Library.
Winter Wishes Movie Night: Love Actually: Enjoy this classic holiday rom com, which follows an ensemble cast of characters as they navigate the holiday season and the twists and turns it brings for their love lives. You bring the holiday cheer; we'll bring the popcorn! Dec. 16, 2025, at 5:30 p.m. at the Central Library.
Creative Arts for Adults, Holiday Paint Night: Join artist Rozzie Lee for a festive holiday themed paint night, designed for adults to relax and enjoy. Embrace the spirit of the season and connect with your creative side. Thursday, Dec. 18, 2025, at 5:30 p.m. at Memorial Park Library.
Heritage Park Historical Village
Once Upon a Christmas: Step into a winter wonderland at Heritage Park’s Once Upon a Christmas, filled with festive charm, cozy wagon rides, carolers, visits with Santa and holiday magic around every corner. New this year, make the season even brighter with the Heritage Holiday Train Add-On — the Park’s first-ever winter train ride aboard our new diesel-electric locomotive, complete with onboard entertainment and holiday cheer for all ages. Dec. 6, 7, 13, 14, 20, 21, 22, 23, 2025.
Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo
ZOOLIGHTS: Experience the wonder of twinkling lights and dazzling displays, where the joy of the season brings you closer to family, friends, and the heart of the community. With axe throwing, daily interactive activities, delicious treats, animal facts, and more, there are so many memories to be made on chilly nights under the warm glow of shimmering lights! Now through Jan. 4, 2026.
TELUS Spark Science Centre
Merry & Matter: From twinkling lights to hands-on science, Spark is full of things to do, see, and experience this holiday season. The exhibit is included with General Admission or a Spark Membership. Some workshops or experiences may require an additional ticket. Now through Jan. 4, 2026.
YMCA Calgary – Learn more at ymcacalgary.org/events
WinSport – Learn more at winsport.ca
The Confluence Historic Site & Parkland – Learn more at theconfluence.ca
Tourism Calgary – Learn more at visitcalgary.com/events
Business Improvement Area Events
Christmas in Kensington: Enjoy free hot chocolate and coffee while enjoying holiday activities and entertainment in Kensington Village. Snap a magical photo with Santa, and more! Now through Dec. 21, 2025.
Let's Glow returns to Tomkins Park (17 Ave and 8 St S.W.); a stunning display of lanterns and lights by local artist Dylan Toymaker. This colourful display illuminates the park for the entire month, creating unique opportunities for magical Instagram moments. Now until Dec. 31, 2025.
Historic Inglewood - visit inglewoodyyc.ca
Community Associations
Check out your local Community Association. There are more than 150 volunteer-run associations that provide all kinds of social, sport, arts and cultural opportunities for Calgary’s more than 200 neighbourhoods. You can find your local Community Association through the Federation of Calgary Communities here.
We hope all Calgarians will find a winter holiday experience to enjoy. Happy Holidays to our partners and all Calgarians!