Light up Calgary: 10 places to see Christmas lights this holiday season

Photos by Jonathan Lawrence

Christmas will soon be here, and you know what that means – it's time to get into the festive spirit by checking out the great light displays popping up around the city! Here are just 10 of the neighbourhoods, public parks and skating rinks you need to check out before the big guy comes to town. [Photo courtesy of Calgary Zoo]

The CORE Shopping Centre will be packed full of shoppers frantically seeking to secure that last-minute Christmas gift late into the month (Christmas shopping lasts until 5 p.m. on Dec. 24), but at least they'll have some great decorations and holiday cheer to keep them company. The mall has 150 beautifully-decorated Christmas trees on display, donated by local businesses and not-for-profits that you need to check out! [Photo by Jonathan Lawrence]

With its collection of cozy shops and healthy dose of character, visiting the community of Kensington during the year already feels like escaping into a storybook. So the neighbourhood is extra appealing during the holiday season, when Christmas lights brighten the walkable neighbourhood, including the Christmas tree out front of the Plaza Theatre. [Photo by Jonathan Lawrence]

No Christmas light adventure is complete without a visit to the Calgary Zoo's annual Zoolights festival, which is currently in its 20th year. Explore the zoo grounds while witnessing 1.5 million Christmas lights and bring the kids to sip some hot chocolate or hit the skating rink. [Photo courtesy of Calgary Zoo]

Calgary's Stephen Avenue is a top destination year-round for post-work drinks and high-end shopping, and it becomes a great place for a stroll come December. You'll witness the iconic Galleria Trees lit up in festive shades while the icicle lights hanging overhead mark the return of the season. Don't miss the strolling Christmas carollers, who will sing some familiar tunes every Tuesday and Thursday from 4:15 to 5:15 p.m. through Dec. 21. [Photo by Jonathan Lawrence]

Though there are plenty of skating rinks open all season long, it's hard to find a more festive option than the rink available at Olympic Plaza. Get your fill of hot chocolate and festive music as you skate with your family around the massive rink, which was built for the 1988 Olympic Winter Games. And if you have little ones, make sure you have Dec. 9 marked on your calendar, when the big guy himself will lace 'em up for a skate around the rink. [Photo courtesy of istockphoto.com/ca/portfolio/brendanhunter]

If you're planning on doing some more holiday shopping this year, there's a good chance you'll find yourself at one time or another at Chinook Centre, the largest mall in the city. With 250 stores, there's sure to be something here for everyone on your list – and there's no reason you can't enjoy your time in this massive complex. Bring the kids and get the photos done with Santa, or check out the massive 38-foot-tall Christmas tree in the middle of the mall. [Photo by Jonathan Lawrence]

Situated just next to Shelf Life Books, Central Memorial Park is the perfect spot to grab a book and a coffee and take a break in the middle of Calgary's downtown. The park transforms into a winter wonderland in December, complete with a massive Christmas tree. You can take in the sights while grabbing lunch at Provision, or just check out the tree while you stroll down the (equally festive) neighbourhood of Mission. [Photo by Jonathan Lawrence]

The distinctive McDougall Centre, located in downtown Calgary, is a sight to behold during the holiday season. The three-storey sandstone building will commonly attract downtown workers during their lunch breaks, and that trend will surely increase thanks to the building's annual Christmas facelift. [Photo courtesy of istockphoto.com/ca/portfolio/jewhyte]

Named after Calgary's sister city in India, Jaipur Bridge connects Calgary's Eau Claire neighbourhood with the popular Prince's Island Park. During the summer, you're likely to find all manner of musicians and buskers on this bridge, but come holiday time, the bridge is decorated with wreathes, Christmas trees and plenty of light. Plus, it serves as the perfect backdrop if you choose to go skiing at Prince's Island Lagoon. [Photo by Jonathan Lawrence]

While there's nothing in Calgary that rivals Edmonton's famous Candy Cane Lane, you really can't go wrong taking down a stroll down some of Calgary's older neighbourhoods. Downtown streets like Mount Royal, Mission and Cliff Bungalow are good bets, as are Inglewood, Chapparal and Legacy. Some communities get competitive in putting on the best light shows in the area, so get out there and see what your neighbours have come up with this holiday season! [Photo by Jonathan Lawrence]

Happy Holidays!