Festive family fun in the city

The holidays can be a whirlwind of shopping and celebrations. But when things slow down, Lethbridge has plenty of festive family fun to keep the season merry and bright!

1. Winter Traditions 2025 – Storytelling, Celebrations and Survival

Start your holiday season with this two-day event at Fort Whoop-Up. It happens Saturday, December 20, and Sunday, December 21, and is packed with indoor and outdoor experiences, including:

• Berry soup & pemmican making
• Winter survival techniques
• Blackfoot hand games & language lessons
• Carriage rides
• Warm drinks by the fire

Visit the event website for more information and to purchase tickets.

2. Get your Holiday Rock on!

Holiday Rock runs at the Yates Theatre through Sunday, December 28, with matinees and evening shows to choose from. The festive family-friendly show features music, comedy and high-energy performances celebrating the holiday season. Buy your tickets on the visitlethbridgearena.ca website.

3. Connect with nature

The Helen Schuler Nature Centre is expanding its hours, opening daily from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., December 23 through January 3. This season includes the return of two favourites and two new exhibitions for the entire family to enjoy!

Busy Builders is back this year, running December 23, 24, 27 and 28. Explore building and creating with a wide variety of materials – including loose parts play.

Playstations Unplugged also returns this holiday season. On December 30 & 31 and January 2 & 3, discover fun activity stations and challenge friends and family to nature-inspired board games.

You can also explore two interactive exhibits: The Power of Play and Winter Wild Neighbours. Discover the benefits of play for people and animals, build and create at activity stations, and learn fascinating facts about the wild creatures thriving in our backyards during the winter months. Find more information on the Helen Schuler Nature Centre website. Please note: the centre is closed on December 25 & 26 and January 1.

4. Noon Year’s Eve Party

Ring in the new year (a bit early…) with the Lethbridge Public Library! Bring the entire family to the main branch on Wednesday, December 31, from 1 – 3 p.m. This festive afternoon event will feature a live DJ, dancing, snacks, prizes and more. Dance the afternoon away and celebrate the arrival of 2026 in style!

5. Get lit!

A pair of annual events will add some shimmer and shine to your holiday season.

The Nikka Yuko Japanese Garden Winter Light Festival is celebrating its 10th anniversary. Wander through 170,000 sparkling lights, explore seasonal garden zones, then warm up in the Bunka Centre with crafts, activities and a cozy drink. More information, including additional events throughout the festival, can be found on Nikka Yuko’s events page.

Glow Lethbridge is back for a third year at the Lethbridge Trade & Convention Centre. The indoor holiday light festival features dazzling displays, interactive gardens and rides on the “Glow-comotive” train. This year’s theme, A Fairytale Christmas, finds Santa caught in the magic of Fairytale Land. The fun runs until December 31, and includes a family-friendly New Year’s Eve party. Visit the event website for more information and to buy tickets.

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