It’s officially that time of year when Christmas decorations start popping up around Calgary, and some of the city’s most anticipated seasonal events are just around the corner. Over the next several weeks, communities across Calgary and the surrounding areas will host their annual Christmas tree-lighting ceremonies, bringing people together for the moment the lights switch on.
If you want to catch one of these celebrations this year, we’ve rounded up six tree-lighting ceremonies happening in and around the city.
The International Christmas Market at Spruce Meadows is kicking off the holiday season with its official tree-lighting ceremony powered by ATCO Energy. Santa will be on-site to flip the switch at 4 p.m., with festive music, holiday shopping and giveaways planned throughout the celebration.
When: Friday, Nov. 13, 2026
Time: Friday (daytime): Noon to 6 p.m.; Friday (night): 6 to 9 p.m. (tree lighting at 4 p.m)
Where: Spruce Meadows — 18011 Spruce Meadows Way SW, Calgary, Alta.
Cost: Children (3 to 12) and Seniors (65+): $12 plus fees; General Admission: $20 plus fees
Kensington is hosting a Kick-off to Christmas celebration where you can enjoy a tree-lighting ceremony, meet Santa, listen to live duelling pianos, and grab hot chocolate while exploring the neighbourhood’s local shops.
There will also be a screening of Love Actually at the Plaza Theatre later that evening, with tickets supporting the Veterans Food Bank.
When: Thursday, Nov. 19, 2026
Time: 5:30 to 8 p.m.
Where: Kensington Road NW, Calgary, Alta.
Cost: Free
Central Commons Park in the University District will soon transform into a festive night market with a special tree-lighting ceremony. Throughout the evening, you can browse local vendors, wander through twinkling lights, check out a giant heated igloo and catch live figure skating performances.
And the first 300 guests will also receive a free set of jingle bells to use during the tree-lighting ceremony.
When: Thursday, Nov. 26, 2026
Time: 5 to 9 p.m.
Where: Central Commons Park – 3956 Perraton Ave. NW, Calgary, Alta. (between Bourough Bar and Grill and The Banquet)
Cost: Free
If you’re looking to head outside of the city to catch a ceremony, Cochrane’s annual Light Up celebration is worth checking out. The official lighting ceremony begins at 5:15 p.m., illuminating Historic Downtown and The Station at Cochrane Crossing.
While you’re there, you can also enjoy horse-drawn wagon rides, outdoor firepits and holiday music before the evening wraps up with a fireworks show.
When: Saturday, Nov. 28, 2026
Time: 5 to 8 p.m. (tree-lighting at 5:15 p.m)
Where: Historic Downtown — 1st St. W., Cochrane, Alta.; The Station at Cochrane Crossing – 360 Railway St. W., Cochrane, Alta.
Cost: Free
Taking place at the Malcom Hotel in Canmore, the Crowning of the Tree will kick off the Rotary Canmore’s Festival of Trees celebration, which runs throughout the holiday season.
The festival features a collection of beautifully decorated trees, wreaths and holiday displays that you can walk through and enjoy with the entire family.
So, if you’re up for the drive, this is a great event to add to your holiday plans.
When: Saturday, Nov. 28, 2026
Time: 6 to 7 p.m.
Where: 321 Spring Creek Dr., Canmore, Alta.
Cost: Free (registration is required)
The Airdrie Festival of Lights is returning to Nose Creek Regional Park for another holiday season, with the official tree-lighting ceremony on Dec. 1. The event kicks off at 5:30 p.m. with a festive sing-along, appearances from community representatives, and candy canes handed out by local firefighters.
The countdown begins at 5:55 p.m. when the first tree is illuminated, followed by hundreds of glowing displays throughout the park. You can then explore the free walk-through festival, which runs nightly until Dec. 31.
When: Tuesday, Dec. 1, 2026
Time: 5:30 p.m. (tree-lighting countdown at 5:55 p.m.)
Where: Nose Creek Regional Park – 1701 Main St. S., Airdrie, Alta.
Cost: Free (donations are encouraged)
There’s something special about seeing a Christmas tree light up for the first time of the season, and these local celebrations are a great way to mark the start of the holidays.
Which one are you planning on checking out?
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Kaiya Williams
Kaiya is a Calgary-based writer and content creator with a background in marketing and digital storytelling. She has a passion for community-driven stories and covering local experiences that connect people.
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