The holiday season is the best time of year to come together as a family and partake in the numerous fun activities available this time of year. Whether the ground is covered in a layer of snow, or it’s a mild day under the shining sun, there is no shortage of fun and family friendly activities in and around Calgary to make sure there is never a dull moment during your holiday break. If you’re looking for the right activity to do with your family over the holidays, look no further! We have put together a great list of activities to make sure your family can have non-stop fun all the way through the holidays and into the New Year.

Christmas Lights at Spruce Meadows

Over 250,000 vibrant and bright lights blanket the grounds at Spruce Meadows during their annual Christmas Light display! Your family can walk the grounds or drive through their winding 2 kilometer route to take in the spirit of the holidays. This beautiful free activity runs every night from 5-10pm until January 4th.

Zoo Lights

Head down to the Calgary Zoo for a truly unique holiday experience at Zoo Lights. With the use of over 1.5 million lights, the Zoo captivates and enchants visitors every year. Enjoy a warm cup of hot chocolate as you explore the amazing light displays located all throughout the facility. When you need a break, gather around one of the many cozy fire pits. Make sure to dress warm as the entire display is outdoors. Zoo Lights is on until January 6. General admission is $14.95, and children’s admission is $11.95.

Lion’s Festival of Lights

Start or end an exciting night of Christmas light touring at the Lion’s Festival of Lights. One of Calgary’s largest drive-by light displays, this light festival is sure to delight the entire family. Volunteer organized and assembled, the Lion’s Festival of lights uses over 100,000 LED lights and welcomes over 55,000 visitors every day! This amazing display can be seen along 14th Street at Confederation Park. Grab a warm beverage, and take a fun driving tour of the beautiful lights in Calgary’s northwest! The lights will be on display until January 8th.

Go for a Skate

If you and your family want to be active over the holidays there are limitless opportunities to get out, explore the city and take part in fun activities. One of the most popular activities in or city, skating, can be found in nearly every community. Even with the warmer weather we have been having, communities all around have been counting down the moments until they can flood their rinks and welcome the neighbourhood for a friendly game of hockey, or a casual skate around the pond. In the meantime while the weather cools, check out your local rec centres for Open Sate. It’s a great opportunity for everyone to hone their skating skills for when the outdoor rinks freeze over.

Popular and family-friendly skating rinks, lakes and ponds can be found all over Calgary. Some of the more accessible and festive locations include Olympic Plaza, Spruce Meadows, Prince’s Island and Prairie Winds Park.

Head to the mountains

Calgary provides bountiful activities for the entire family all throughout the holiday season, but sometimes it’s nice to escape the bounds of the city and explore more of this beautiful province together. The city is located in such close proximity to the mountains, making this the perfect time of year to explore! Mountain towns like Canmore or Banff are great for a day trip, or a weekend excursion; and they’re only a short drive away! There are few better family bonding experiences than ice walks near Lake Louise, dog sledding in Canmore or snowshoeing through the breathtaking Rocky Mountains!

If you’re looking to get away for a more relaxing holiday trip, taking in the Banff Hot Springs is a tranquil experience that is sure to make it feel like a holiday.

The holiday season is a time best spent with family and everyone else close to us. With the endless luxuries and amenities all around us, there is always something to do during the most wonderful time of the year! Whether you are planning to stay in the city over the holiday season, or have the desire to make a brief escape and explore the Rockies, there are enough activities to make sure your family enjoys every second of the holidays.