Christmas is a magical time of year. It delights the senses, letting you create special new memories as you indulge in Christmas traditions that have stood the test of time. Once Upon A Christmas at Heritage Park is one of Calgary’s most beloved holiday experiences, as it invokes a powerful sense of warm nostalgia. This holiday season, smell the woodfire and the fresh-baked bread. Listen to the sound of a child’s laughter and the singing of rosy-cheeked carolers. It’s time to reminisce and participate in charming and old-fashioned Christmas customs and traditions!

Every Saturday and Sunday from November 25 – December 17, 2023, you can spend a magical day at the Heritage Park Historical Village and Gasoline Alley Museum, visiting the Christmas heritage of the past while you forge your own family traditions. With hands-on activities and entertainment that’s sure to delight guests of all ages, it’s time for wholesome holiday cheer!

Heritage Park Christmas (Family Fun Calgary)

Special Holiday Activities

There’s so much to do during Once Upon A Christmas, both inside and out, so dress for the weather and come ready to play! Enjoy carol singing and a visit with Old Saint Nick, topped off with crackling fires, wagon rides, fresh baking, and hot chocolate. The kids can join the reindeer scavenger hunt, do a craft, and enjoy storytime or you can all watch a holiday performance. Be sure to check out the incredibly detailed holiday model train display and the architectural wonders of the inaugural Warming Hut Competition. Visit ‘The Friendly Beasts’, and get a selfie with the Park’s beloved sheep, goats, and donkeys in their Christmas best. Skip the wagon line, and enjoy a private scenic ride with your family & friends in a Surrey carriage.

Many of the Historical Village’s family homes will open their doors to welcome you in from the cold so you can see how families spent the winter holidays during pioneer times, with traditions from all over Europe, including Christmas, Boxing Day, Hogmanay, Yule, and Hanukkah. Learn about the simple ways early immigrants managed to celebrate when money was scarce and breathe in the tantalizing aroma of historic Christmas baking on a wood-fired stove.

Heritage Park Christmas (Family Fun Calgary)

Holiday Shopping

The shops in the Haskayne Mercantile Block, as well as those inside the village, are open for some special holiday shopping and you’ll find one-of-a-kind gifts. Check out the shopping and entertainment in the Big Tent Christmas Market! But one of the best shopping experiences is only for the kids! You get to take a break while kids shop under the supervision of helpful volunteers at the Kids’ Only Store. They’ll be so excited to surprise you with something special under the tree!

Holiday Eats and Treats

Make your day even more special by starting with a holiday meal! Book reservations for the Once Upon A Christmas Breakfast Buffet by calling 403-268-8500 and start your holiday tradition in the warmth of the Wainwright Hotel or Gunn’s Dairy Barn. There will be other shops open for treats, snacks, and meals during the day, too. Don’t forget to join the gingerbread decorating!

Insider Tips from Heritage Park

The popularity of Once Upon A Christmas can result in line-ups at favourite locations, especially on nice days during the afternoon. Keep reading for insider tips on key spots to visit in the morning, for a shorter wait time.

  • Stop by Santa’s house or the wagon rides first, as they are the most popular activities at the event, and can get very busy.
  • Kids, go shopping early! Get your special packages at the Kids’ Only Store before it gets crowded. Mom and Dad can just sit back and relax!
  • Claresholm General Store (the candy store!) and Alberta Bakery are always popular. Stock up in the morning to avoid lineups or to break the rules with candy for breakfast.
  • Support local with hand-made heritage gifts from the Strathmore Standard, Flett’s Blacksmith Shop, and Atlas Lumber, all while you learn about life on the prairies.
  • Dress in layers — it might be cold outside, but you’ll be in and out of buildings and might want to shed your coat.

Heritage Park Christmas (Family Fun Calgary)

Our family loves Once Upon A Christmas, as it takes us away from the rush and bustle of today, and helps us enjoy the best of Christmas, past and present. Slow down this Christmas and embrace the traditions of yesterday. It’s all of your senses delighting in Christmas traditions that have stood the test of time!

Once Upon A Christmas at Heritage Park:

When: Saturdays and Sundays, November 25 – December 17, 2023
Time: 10 am – 4 pm
Where: Heritage Park
Address: 1900 Heritage Dr. SW, Calgary, AB
Phone: 403-268-8500
Website: www.heritagepark.ca