Merry Christmas, Calgary! It’s a day for rest and relaxation, and ideally spending a little time with family.
While there are some businesses closed on Christmas Day, there are a few activities you can still get up to in and around the city. You might even be able to make some Christmas day plans with this select list of events.
Experience a holiday feast unlike any other. Thomsons’ Grand Holiday Buffet features a dazzling display of culinary craftsmanship, where every dish is a tribute to festive indulgence. Picture long tables brimming with slow-roasted Alberta prime rib, free-range turkey, and a vibrant dim sum station. Savour seafood paella, braised bison short rib, and an array of artisanal cheeses. And for the sweet finale: gingerbread panna cotta, eggnog cheesecake, and a hot chocolate affogato station that’ll warm your soul.
When: Thursday, Dec. 25, 2025
Time: Seating starts at noon
Where: Thomsons Kitchen & Bar — 112 8th Ave. SE, Calgary
Tickets: Tickets: $145 per adult, $73 for kids 6-12 years old, free for children 5 years old and below
You can hit the slopes with Santa Claus at Lake Louise Ski Resort. He’ll stop for pictures and hand out candy on Thursday, Dec. 25, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
When: Thursday, Dec. 25, 2025
Time: 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Where: Lake Louise Ski Resort — 1 Whitehorn Rd., Lake Louise, Alta.
Tickets: $155+ for an adult full-day lift ticket
Gather ’round the canvas and paint a beautiful, cozy campfire scene! Guided by artist Patrick de Guzman, you’ll create a captivating campfire scene using dynamic mark-making techniques.
When: Thursday, Dec. 25, 2025
Time: 5:30 p.m.
Where: Residence Inn Calgary Downtown/Beltline District — 610 10th Ave. SW, Calgary
Tickets: $74
Bring the holiday feast home! Order a ready-to-serve Holiday Turkey Take-Out meal and celebrate stress-free with your loved ones.
When: Thursday, Dec. 25, 2025
Time: 3 to 4 p.m.
Where: Delta by Marriott Calgary Downtown — 209 4th Ave. SE, Calgary
Tickets: $308
In its 39th year, Confederation Park will feature thousands of holiday lights designed to bring some Christmas cheer to the Calgary northwest.
When: Thursday, Dec. 25, 2025
Time: 5:30 p.m. to midnight
Where: Confederation Park Golf Course — 14th St. NW, north of 24th Ave.
Tickets: Free
Pack the fam and your favourite furry friend into the car for a road trip out to Innisfail, catch some exquisite light displays, and rediscover the holiday magic.
When: Thursday, Dec. 25, 2025
Where: 5400 42nd Ave., Innisfail, Alta.
Tickets: $30/vehicle for up to eight people
Cineplex and Landmark Cinemas will both be playing movies at theatres in Calgary on Christmas Day, with varying showtimes.
When: Thursday, Dec. 25, 2025
Time: Various showtimes
Where: Cineplex and Landmark Cinemas movie theatres
Tickets: $15+
The ice should be ready to go on outdoor rinks in Calgary by Dec. 20, and you can spend Christmas Day skating on ice trails or at other choice outdoor spots.
When: Thursday, Dec. 25, 2025
Time: Dawn to dusk
Where: Parks across Calgary
Tickets: Free
Calgary has more than 5,000 parks within the city limits, and many of them are great for snowshoeing. Check out the best ones to check out on Christmas Day.
When: Thursday, Dec. 25, 2025
Time: Dawn to dusk
Where: Parks across Calgary
Tickets: Free
Confederation Park has cross-country ski trails maintained by the Foothills Nordic Ski Club, and the surrounding 160-hectare park makes for a scenic Christmas Day ski.
When: Thursday, Dec. 25, 2025
Time: Dawn to dusk
Where: Confederation Park — 905 30th Ave. NW, Calgary
Tickets: Free
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