Alberta is full of picturesque small towns, that turn up the holiday charm this time of year and make for the perfect escape from city life. These festive small towns are a road trip away from Calgary and will make you feel like you've stepped into a different world.
Wander around and explore the snowy streets, cute cafes and holiday lights everywhere.
If you're looking for your next festive day trip, look no further.
Spruce Grove
Address: Spruce Grove, AB
Why You Need To Go: This town outside of Edmonton transforms its local park into a glittering winter wonderland, complete with thousands of twinkling lights. It's the perfect place to wrap up warm and head out for a magical evening walk.
Canmore
Address: Canmore, AB
Why You Need To Go: Canmore is one of Alberta's prettiest mountain towns and it wouldn't look out of place in any holiday movie. There are plenty of adorable shops to visit with locally made products on sale. The town even hosts its own New Year's Eve with fireworks and ice skating.
Cochrane
Address: Cochrane, AB
Why You Need To Go: Cochrane is just a short drive away from Calgary but it feels like a different world around the holidays. The town's historic downtown area is packed with glittering holiday lights and there are a ton of cute shops to head to as well.
Banff
Address: Banff, AB
Why You Need To Go: When it comes to small towns to visit over the holiday season, Banff is a pretty dreamy place to be. The town has views of Mount Rundle, which looks like it came straight from Whoville. There are also holiday lights, cute little cafes and even a Christmas shop so the holiday vibes never have to end.
Camrose
Address: Camrose, AB
Why You Need To Go: With a blanket of snow, the charming community of Camrose becomes even more picturesque in winter. You can wander around the lake or head downtown to grab a cup of coffee in one of its quaint cafes.
Sylvan Lake
Address: Sylvan Lake, AB
Why You Need To Go: While Sylvan Lake is known as a popular beach town, it completely transforms every December into a stunning winter village with sparkling lights and a fully decorated pier.
This article has been updated since it was originally published on December 23, 2022.
