New Year’s Eve 2026 in Calgary: FREE, Fireworks, Family Fun & Adult Parties

Dec 15, 2025

3 min read

Wondering how to ring in 2026 in Calgary? Whether you’re planning a cozy family night, chasing fireworks with the kids, or dressing up for a full-on New Year’s Eve party, Calgary has no shortage of ways to celebrate.

Here’s a complete guide to New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day events in and around Calgary, including free events, fireworks, family-friendly activities, dinners, galas, and late-night parties. (As always, double-check details with event organizers before heading out.)

New Year’s Eve Fireworks

Calgary New Year’s Eve Fireworks

📍 Prince’s Island Park & Eau Claire Plaza 🕗 December 31, 2025 | 8:00 p.m. – Midnight

Calgary’s signature New Year’s Eve celebration returns with midnight fireworks over Prince’s Island Park, plus family-friendly festivities starting at 8 p.m. Expect fire pits, food trucks, stilt walkers, a DJ skate-dance party, and a dramatic fire dragon parade.

Fireworks begin at 11:55 p.m., featuring a blessing by Elder Bryan Little Chief and a citywide countdown with Mayor Jeromy Farkas. You can also watch via livestream if braving the cold isn’t your thing.

Airdrie New Year’s Eve Fireworks

📍 East Lake Park, Airdrie 🕡 December 31, 2025 | 6:30 p.m.

A family-friendly classic: a 15-minute fireworks display that’s perfect for an earlier celebration, especially with younger kids.

Family-Friendly New Year’s Eve Activities

Zoolights

📍 Calgary Zoo 🕔 5:00 – 9:00 p.m. | December 31

Twinkling lights, interactive activities, treats, animal facts, and festive vibes make Zoolights a winter favourite. A great option for families who want to celebrate without staying up until midnight.

Calgary Flames vs. Philadelphia Flyers

📍 Scotiabank Saddledome 🕢 7:30 p.m.

Nothing says New Year’s Eve in Calgary like hockey. Catch the Flames in action and be part of the C of Red.

A Luminous New Year’s Eve Concert

📍 Bella Concert Hall 🕢 7:30 p.m.

A beautiful choral concert featuring unaccompanied works and sparkling wine. This has become a beloved Calgary tradition and works well for families with older kids.

Circle K Classic U18 AAA Hockey Tournament

📍 Various Calgary arenas 🕙 December 31 | 10 a.m. onward

Watch top-tier U18 teams from Canada, the U.S., and Europe compete in this prestigious tournament.

New Year’s Eve at the Calgary Public Library

📍 Multiple locations 🕐 1:00 – 4:00 p.m.

Perfect for families with young kids. Enjoy storytime, a DJ dance party, and a mock midnight countdown so everyone can celebrate early.

Other Family Ideas

Lions Festival of Lights (free drive-through)
Airdrie Festival of Lights (walk-through experience)
Legacy Christmas Light Parade
Outdoor skating, tubing, and winter activities around the city

Adult New Year’s Eve Parties, Galas & Shows

If you’re planning a kid-free night, Calgary goes big on New Year’s Eve.

Highlights Include:

Red Carpet Cocktail Party at Lounge XVIII
Dueling Piano Kings at the King Eddy
FunnyFest Comedy NYE Extravaganza (Dinner + comedy + dance party)
Stage West’s Sister Act NYE (Dinner theatre + dancing)
GLITTERBALL at Twisted Element
Mystique NYE at the Carriage House
JCAA New Year’s Eve Gala

From cabaret shows to comedy, live music, and DJ-driven dance floors, there’s something for every vibe — glam, casual, or full send.

🍽️ New Year’s Eve Dinner & Dance Events

Prefer good food with your countdown? These dinner-focused celebrations combine great meals with music and entertainment:

Dana Gould Comedy Dinner at Hotel Blackfoot
NYE Throwback Bash at Modern Steak
Latin New Year’s Eve Dinner & Party at Tropical Downtown
NYE at CRAFT Beer Market (prix fixe menu)
Año Nuevo at Charbar
Roaring Twenties NYE at Bow & Bend Rooftop

New Year’s Eve Dinner Specials (Restaurants)

Some standout dining options for a quieter celebration:

CRAFT Beer Market Southcentre – 4-course NYE menu
Oxbow – Chef-crafted 4-course dinner
River Café – Dinner + skating + fireworks views
Deane House – 5-course chef’s tasting
Yellow Door Bistro – Four-course tasting with optional pairings
The Wilde on 27 – Elevated dining with city views

Reservations are strongly recommended.

Late-Night New Year’s Eve Parties

Party all the way into 2026 with:

80’s Dance Party at Deerfoot Inn & Casino
Honeymoon Suite & Prism live show
Bust Loose NYE Gala Club Crawl
The Rec Room NYE Extravaganza
The Malt Ball: Space Disco at The Palace Theatre
Ranchmans Champagne & Spurs NYE
Bollywood Fusion NYE Party
April Wine live at Grey Eagle

New Year’s Day – January 1, 2026

Still celebrating? Keep it going on New Year’s Day.

Salute to Vienna – New Year’s Concert

📍 Arts Commons A Calgary classic and a beautiful way to start the year.

Calgary Wranglers vs. Colorado Eagles

📍 Scotiabank Saddledome Hockey action continues into January 1 and 2.

Final Thoughts

Whether you’re juggling kids, planning a date night, or going all-in on a midnight countdown, New Year’s Eve 2026 in Calgary has something for everyone. Pick your pace, bundle up, and celebrate in a way that actually feels fun, not forced.