What traditions are associated with Christmas in Calgary?

In December, Calgary turns into a true winter wonderland, where Canadian, European, Ukrainian, and indigenous traditions intertwine to create a unique mosaic of holiday customs. This city doesn't just celebrate Christmas — it lives and breathes the holiday, combining Canada's multiculturalism with the deep historical roots of its various communities. Over the decades, Calgary has developed its own special traditions that have become an integral part of the city's identity and a source of pride for its residents.

Calgary's Christmas traditions reflect the spirit of Canadian multiculturalism, with each community making its own unique contribution to the city's festive atmosphere. From huge Christmas markets to intimate family celebrations, from indigenous Canadian ceremonies to European customs , Calgary offers countless ways to celebrate the most wonderful time of the year. The city is home to some of Canada's most famous Christmas traditions, which attract visitors from across the country and abroad.

Calgary's Teddy Bear Toss - a unique hockey tradition

One of Calgary's most famous and unique Christmas traditions is the annual Calgary Hitmen Teddy Bear Toss, which has been held since 1995. This tradition has become so deeply rooted in the city's culture that it has become a true symbol of Calgary's spirit of generosity and cooperation. Every December, thousands of fans come to a hockey game at the Scotiabank Saddledome with stuffed animals, waiting for that magical moment when the Hitmen score their first goal.

When the goal is finally scored, the stadium turns into an exciting spectacle — thousands of teddy bears, toys, and stuffed animals fly from the stands onto the ice, creating an incredible shower of love and generosity. In 2024, over 21,000 toys were collected, with a record 29,935 stuffed animals collected in one evening in 2018. In the nearly thirty years of this tradition, over 457,000 toys have been collected and distributed to more than 70 local charities, including the Alberta Children's Hospital and the Calgary Food Bank.

This tradition is particularly meaningful to Calgary as it combines a love of hockey with the spirit of Christmas generosity. The team's players personally participate in distributing the toys by visiting children's hospitals and charities. Boris Protsenko, who scored the very first “teddy bear goal” in 1995, recalls how only 1,200 toys were collected at the time, but even that amount seemed incredible. Today, the event has become so significant that tickets are sold out in advance and the match is broadcast across Canada.

ZOOLIGHTS - a light show at the Calgary Zoo

ZOOLIGHTS at the Calgary Zoo is one of Calgary's oldest and most beloved Christmas traditions, which has been held for over 25 years. Every year from mid-November to early January, the zoo is transformed into a fairy-tale land with over 1.5 million twinkling lights, creating one of the most impressive light shows in North America. This event has become so popular that it attracts visitors not only from Calgary and Alberta, but also from other provinces and countries.

The ZOOLIGHTS tradition has evolved over the years, adding new themed areas and activities. Among the most popular attractions are:

  • Dorothy Harvie Gardens - illuminated in all colors of the rainbow
  • Polar Nights - tells the story of a polar bear mother and her cub
  • ENMAX Conservatory - transformed into a winter wonderland
  • Boreal Forest Trek - showcases the magic of Canada's boreal forests in the snow

In addition to light installations, ZOOLIGHTS offers many additional activities:

  • Free carousel
  • Axe throwing
  • Open-air skating
  • Meet Santa Claus until December 23
  • Bonfires with hot chocolate

The seven giant snow globes deserve special attention. They can be rented for an unforgettable lunch in the open air. These snow globes have become one of the most popular photo locations at ZOOLIGHTS, allowing visitors to create unique memories against the backdrop of a winter fairy tale.

European Christmas markets and traditions

Calgary is proud to be home to one of the largest Christmas markets in the world - Spruce Meadows International Christmas Market, which has been held since 2001. Located on the southern outskirts of the city with views of the Rocky Mountains, this market truly recreates the atmosphere of European Christmas markets dating back to 1296 in Vienna. Over 300 vendors offer handmade crafts, artisanal goods, and delicacies from around the world, creating a true winter wonderland.

The atmosphere of the market is complemented by the sounds of carolers and live music among the snow-covered trees and beautiful decorations. The fair becomes especially magical in the late afternoon, when daylight gives way to the warm glow of festive lights. Friday is considered the least crowded day, allowing visitors to explore the fair at their leisure and then watch the sun set and the lights come on.

Edelweiss Village - German traditions

European traditions in Calgary are also represented by Edelweiss Village, an authentic German delicatessen and restaurant that has been the center of German culture in the city for over a quarter of a century. During the Christmas season, Edelweiss is transformed into a true German Christmas wonderland with:

Traditional baked goods and beverages:

  • Stollen
  • Lebkuchen
  • Christmas cookies
  • Mulled wine

Authentic German decorations:

  • Candle arches (Schwibbogen)
  • Christmas pyramids
  • Incense figures

These traditional German decorations have become popular among Calgarians who want to add a European flavor to their Christmas celebrations.

Ukrainian Christmas customs and Christmas Eve

The Ukrainian community in Calgary, one of the largest in Canada, preserves and continues the centuries-old traditions of Ukrainian Christmas, which have special significance in the context of current events. Ukrainian Christmas is traditionally celebrated on January 7 according to the Julian calendar, although after the Russian aggression of 2022, many Ukrainians also began to celebrate on December 25, distancing themselves from Russian traditions. In Calgary, Ukrainian families observe both dates, creating a long period of celebrations.

Christmas Eve is the main tradition

“Svyatvecher” or Holy Evening is the most important part of Ukrainian Christmas traditions in Calgary. Beginning after the first star appears in the evening sky, Ukrainian families gather around the table for a special dinner consisting of 12 fasting dishes, symbolizing the 12 apostles.

Traditional Christmas Eve dishes:

  • Kutia - sweet wheat porridge
  • Borscht
  • Vareniki
  • Golubtsi
  • Kalach - traditional bread with a hole in the middle, symbolizing prosperity, peace, and harmony
  • Uzvar - a drink made from dried fruits
  • Salted herring with green onions
  • Pickled mushrooms

Kalyna European Food Store

Kalyna European Food Store and Ukrainian Deli becomes especially lively in December, preparing for the Christmas season and offering all traditional Ukrainian delicacies. The store offers ready-made kutia, kalach, uzvar, 11 different types of varenyky, stuffed cabbage rolls with sweet or sour cabbage. This store has become a central place for the Ukrainian community to purchase everything they need for a traditional Christmas Eve.

Caroling

Caroling is an integral part of Ukrainian Christmas traditions in Calgary. Groups of carolers go from house to house between Christmas and Epiphany (January 19), singing traditional Ukrainian carols and shchedrivkas. This tradition not only preserves Ukrainian cultural heritage, but also creates a sense of community among the Ukrainian diaspora in Calgary.

Once Upon a Christmas at Heritage Park

Heritage Park in Calgary offers a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in the atmosphere of an old-fashioned Canadian Christmas through its annual “Once Upon a Christmas” program. Held on weekends from early December until Christmas, this event transforms the historic park into a Christmas wonderland where visitors can experience how Christmas was celebrated in Canada a century ago.

The program includes:

  • Cozy horse-drawn sleigh rides through the snow-covered park
  • Christmas carols and hot cocoa
  • Open houses in the park's historic buildings
  • Carolers wandering through the park
  • Meetings with Santa Claus in a specially decorated historic house
  • Christmas market with local artisans

In 2024, several warming huts designed by local architects and artists based on the successful Winnipeg program were added to the program. These huts allow visitors to escape the cold and meet new people, creating additional opportunities for social interaction and forming new friendships.

Indigenous Canadian Christmas traditions

Calgary is also home to a unique event called Christmas at the Nation, which has been held on the Tsuut'ina Nation since 2020. This Christmas market features over 200 Indigenous and local artists and artisans, creating a unique opportunity to learn about the traditions of Canada's Indigenous peoples in the context of Christmas celebrations.

The event includes:

  • Tsuut'ina Nation dance performances
  • A large indoor tipi with elders
  • Ancient legends about winter holidays
  • Indigenous ceremonial traditions
  • Unique gifts and crafts by indigenous artists
  • Workshops on making traditional Indigenous Christmas decorations
  • Free skating at the outdoor rink

The combination of traditional Indigenous elements with Christmas celebrations creates a unique cultural experience that reflects Canada's multiculturalism.

Theater and Music Christmas Traditions

Theater plays an important role in Calgary's Christmas traditions, with several iconic performances that have become annual events.

Alberta Ballet - “The Nutcracker”

The Alberta Ballet presents “The Nutcracker” at the Jubilee Auditorium, creating a classic Christmas tradition that attracts thousands of spectators each year. This production has become the quintessential Christmas activity for many Calgary families, combining world-class classical ballet with the Christmas spirit.

Theatre Calgary - “A Christmas Carol”

Theatre Calgary presents its annual production of Charles Dickens' “A Christmas Carol,” which has become one of the city's most popular Christmas shows. This classic story of Scrooge's transformation resonates with the Christmas spirit of generosity and kindness that is so cherished in Calgary.

Calgary Philharmonic Orchestra

The Calgary Philharmonic Orchestra also plays an important role in the city's Christmas traditions, presenting annual Christmas concerts featuring classical and popular Christmas music. The “Sing-Along Messiah” concerts, where the audience is invited to sing along with the orchestra and choir, are especially popular.

Modern innovations and pop-up culture

In recent years, a new tradition has emerged in Calgary: Christmas pop-up bars, which transform ordinary establishments into themed Christmas wonderlands. These temporary bars, which are only open in December, offer festive cocktails with names such as:

  • “Rum 'n Nog”
  • “Jingle Bell Martini”
  • “Santa's Little Helper”

Santa Con Calgary

Santa Con Calgary is another new tradition: a free, locally organized pub crawl where participants dress up as Santa Claus and visit various bars in the city center. This event combines the holiday spirit with social activism, creating a unique atmosphere of camaraderie and fun.

Market Collective Holiday Market

Pop-up Christmas markets have also become popular, popping up in different areas of the city throughout December. The Market Collective Holiday Market, held at the BMO Centre, features local artists, designers, and musicians, as well as workshops, galleries, and food.

Christmas lights and home traditions

The tradition of Christmas lighting in private homes in Calgary has reached incredible proportions, with entire neighborhoods transforming into veritable light shows.

Lighten UP Calgary

Lighten UP Calgary is a community initiative that catalogs the best Christmas light displays in the city, sorting them by neighborhood for the convenience of visitors. Many homeowners spend weeks preparing their displays, creating elaborate light shows synchronized to music.

Some of the most popular home displays have become tourist attractions, drawing thousands of visitors every night. For example, The Christmas House at Deer Run supports the Calgary Food Bank by encouraging visitors to bring donations.

Lions Festival of Lights

The Lions Festival of Lights in Confederation Park is Calgary's oldest Christmas event, held since 1986. This free event includes:

  • Giant angel light displays
  • Trains and snowflakes
  • Snowmen and Santa Claus
  • Sledding and tobogganing down the hills of a golf course

Charity and the spirit of giving

One of the most beautiful aspects of Calgary's Christmas traditions is the strong emphasis on charity and helping those in need. Almost every major Christmas event in the city includes a charitable component:

  • Teddy Bear Toss collects toys for children
  • Home light displays support local charities
  • Christmas fairs include fundraisers for various good causes

The Calgary Food Bank receives especially strong support during the Christmas season, with many events encouraging visitors to bring canned goods or make cash donations. The Alberta Children's Hospital is also a major beneficiary of many Christmas initiatives.

This spirit of giving reflects deeper Canadian values of compassion and social responsibility. The Christmas season in Calgary becomes a time not only for celebration, but also for active participation in community life and support for those in need.

Culinary traditions and holiday treats

Calgary's Christmas culinary traditions reflect the city's multiculturalism through a wide range of traditional dishes from different cultures:

At Christmas markets, you can find:

  • German bratwurst and mulled wine
  • Ukrainian varenyky and borscht
  • British Christmas pudding
  • French-Canadian tourtière

The Calgary Farmers' Market becomes especially popular during the Christmas season, offering a wide selection of local products for holiday meals. Many local bakeries specialize in traditional Christmas baked goods:

  • German stollen
  • British Christmas cakes
  • Ukrainian kalachi
  • Italian panettone
  • Canadian butter tarts

Hot chocolate has become particularly popular at Calgary's winter events, with many establishments offering special Christmas versions with cinnamon, mint, caramel, or even alcohol for adults. S'mores around campfires have also become a traditional part of many winter events.

Impact of weather and winter climate

Calgary's unique climate, with its chinook winds, creates special conditions for Christmas celebrations. Chinooks are warm winds that can raise temperatures by 20-30 degrees in a matter of hours, creating unpredictable winter conditions. This climatic feature has influenced the development of the city's Christmas traditions, with many events planned to accommodate possible weather changes.

Chinook Blast

Chinook Blast is a winter festival that celebrates these unique weather phenomena, combining winter activities with cultural events. The festival includes:

  • High Performance Rodeo
  • Folk music performances
  • Light installations

Despite the unpredictable weather, most Christmas events in Calgary were planned as indoor-outdoor, with the option of quickly moving indoors in case of sudden temperature changes. This has created a unique adaptability in the city's Christmas traditions, where planning always includes a “plan B” for weather surprises.

Conclusion

Calgary's Christmas traditions represent a unique synthesis of Canadian values of multiculturalism, generosity, and cooperation. From the unique Teddy Bear Toss to European Christmas markets, from Ukrainian Christmas Eve celebrations to Indigenous Canadian ceremonies, Calgary has created a rich tapestry of traditions that reflect the spirit of the city and its people.

These traditions not only preserve the cultural heritage of different communities, but also create new, uniquely Calgarian ways of celebrating the most magical time of the year. In this city, Christmas is not just a holiday, it's a time when the entire community comes together around shared values of kindness, generosity, and mutual support, creating memories that last a lifetime.