Where to Find a Real Christmas Tree in Calgary

Doyle’s Christmas Trees | doyleschristmastrees.com

2 Lots: 70 Shawville Boulevard SE, and 260300 Writing Creek Crescent (at the New Horizon Mall, Facing Deerfoot)

Calgary Christmas Trees is the perfect place to pick out a fresh cut Nova Scotia Balsam Fir, cut just 10 days prior to the selling season, which means they’ll look and smell great all month long! The trees range in size from 5 to 15 feet tall, and each lot has approximately 50 trees of varying sizes to choose from.

Cyprian Scouts Group | 31st.ca

Holy Cross Anglican Church
2828 19 St NW
Calgary’s 31st Scouts Group has Douglas Fir and Balsam Fir available for purchase daily until the trees sell out — which is quickly!

Greengate Garden Centre | greengate.ca

14111 Macleod Trail South
Greengate Garden Centre has a selection of Fraser and Balsam Fir Trees ready to wrap up and bring home for Christmas. They also carry fresh cut greenery and poinsettas!

Landscape Plus | landscape-plus.net

Strathmore: AG Grounds Campground (Off Hwy 817; Head East and take your first left)
Calgary: Trans Canada Christmas Tree Lot 1440, 52 Street Northeast
Whether you want to visit one of Landscape Plus’s 2 locations, or prefer to order your tree online, there are plenty of opportunities to get your hands on a beautiful Balsam Fir, Douglas Fir, or Fraser Fir for Christmas 2024. Trees range from 2 to 16 feet tall, and prices start at $15 (the average price is between $60-100). If you don’t have a vehicle equipped for tree transportation, no problem! Christmas Tree delivery is available for a flat rate within 20 kilometers of the Strathmore lot and within Calgary city limits.

Cutting Down Your Own Real Christmas Tree in Calgary

If bundling up to chop down the perfect tree is more up your alley, first, you’ll need to visit this link to secure a PUFPP (Personal Use Forest Products Permits) permit. Permits are free, but you’ll still need to register for one prior to cutting down your tree. Permit holders are allowed to cut down up to 3 trees in an approved forest area, as long as it’s less than 8 feet tall. Be sure to read through the Terms and Conditions of Use for all rules and regulations when cutting down your own Christmas tree (they’re pretty straightforward and easy to follow, but it’s always good to read the fine print!) Check out this map for an overview of the Crown Land areas where you can use your permit to hunt down the perfect real Christmas tree in Calgary!

In addition to Crown Land locations, the Alberta Junior Forest Wardens also have a “cut your own” Christmas tree lot near Sibbald Creek, where you can chop down your own Lodgepole Pine. Upon your arrival, you can obtain a tree cutting permit from the permit shack (these are different than the permits offered through the Government of Alberta, as they are assigned to a different area and species of tree). These permits are also free, but donations to the Alberta Junior Forest Wardens are graciously accepted. The lot is open on Saturdays and Sundays from 9 am to 4 pm, weather and road conditions permitting. Visit the link for driving directions to the lot!

Fir Ever Green Tree Farm
Location: Falun, AB

If you decide to make a special outing of it, Fir Ever Green Tree Farm (located just north of Red Deer) is a great place to enjoy a festive day with your family. As you search for the perfect tree, have a snowball fight or build a snowman. On weekends head for their concession stand for a hot sausage on a bun. Remember to bring some actual money as the concession is cash only. Get set for the holidays with their firewood, tree stands, fresh homemade wreaths, and handmade Christmas novelties.

Namaka Ridge Homestead & Tree Farm | facebook.com/namakaridgehomestead
234051A RR 243, Wheatland County

A great place to get a Christmas Tree near Strathmore, is Namaka Ridge Homestead & Tree Farm. They charge $50 for any tree you choose (U-cut) although they will help if needed. Open Saturdays and Sundays 10-4 with no appointment needed or by appointment anytime.

Do you have plans to put up a real Christmas tree this year? Where will you be getting yours from? Did we miss some lots around the city? We’d love to hear your ideas in the comments!

The post Where to Find a Real Christmas Tree in Calgary & the Surrounding Areas appeared first on SavvyMom.

Family-Friendly Fun for Halloween in Calgary

Pumpkins After Dark

Where: Husky Gardens at WinSport, 88 Canada Olympic Road SW
When: Until Friday October 31st
Pumpkins After Dark is a magical outdoor Halloween event where over 6,000 hand-carved pumpkins light up the night in stunning displays. Walk through a glowing trail of pumpkin sculptures featuring iconic characters, mythical creatures, and spooky scenes. This family-friendly event also features food trucks, photo opportunities, and live carving demonstrations, making it the perfect Halloween outing for kids of all ages.

Ghouls’ Night Out at Heritage Park

Where: Heritage Park Historical Village, 1900 Heritage Drive SW
When: Thursday Oct. 23 – Sunday Oct. 26
Ghouls’ Night Out at Heritage Park is a not-so-scary Halloween event perfect for families with young children. Kids are invited to come in costume and explore the park’s historic village while enjoying ghost stories, Halloween crafts, and trick-or-treating. There are also spooky performances, sing-alongs, and wagon rides for a fun evening of family-friendly thrills.

ZooBOO

Where: Calgary Zoo, 210 St. George’s Drive NE
When: Saturday October 25–Sunday October 26
Head to the Calgary Zoo for ZooBOO, a Halloween event filled with trick-or-treating stations, spooky-themed games, and interactive animal experiences. Kids are encouraged to wear their costumes as they explore the zoo’s exhibits, learn about the animals, and participate in Halloween activities. It’s a fun and educational way to combine wildlife with Halloween!

ScreamFest at The Grandstand, Stampede Park

Where: Stampede Park, 3 Street SE
When: 10 nights in October from Friday Oct. 11 – Thursday Oct. 31
ScreamFest is Calgary’s largest Halloween event, and it’s packed with haunted houses and creepy attractions. Families with older kids (12+) and teens can explore the milder haunted attractions and enjoy the spooky atmosphere. They say right on the website, “kids who aren’t keen to be scared should NOT attend ScreamFest, even with their favourite Nanna along for support.”

Spooktacular Mini Golf at Monster Mini Golf

Where: Monster Mini Golf, 2020 32 Avenue NE
When: year ’round
Looking for a unique Halloween experience? Head to Monster Mini Golf for a spooktacular mini golf, where kids can play 18 holes of glow-in-the-dark golf surrounded by ghouls, monsters, and spooky decorations. It’s a fun and lighthearted way to celebrate Halloween with the whole family, and there are plenty of arcade games and prizes to enjoy as well. And not just during the spooky season!

Calgary is bursting with Halloween excitement this year, with plenty of spooky and fun-filled events to suit every family’s taste. Whether you’re visiting a pumpkin patch, carving pumpkins, or exploring haunted houses, there’s something for every little (and big!) goblin. So grab your costumes and get ready for a spook-tacular time in Calgary this Halloween season!

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But don’t despair (cue infomercial music) – there’s a solution to your troubles! Whether you have gently (or never) worn clothing items you’d like to recoup some money from, or you’re tired of paying full price for clothing your kid will wear once, consignment stores have got your back. We’ve got a list of six great consignment stores in Calgary to help you save (and earn!) money on your kid’s’ clothing to help take a bit of the sting out of their next growth spurt.

*For consignment opportunities, be sure to visit the shops’ websites to gain a full understanding of their consignment process, including what items are accepted, turnaround time, consignment rates and payment options.

Best Consignment & Secondhand Shops for Kids Stuff in Calgary

Fresh Kids

New Calgary boutique location coming soon
freshkids.ca

Is currently online only with a new storefront coming soon to Calgary. They’re still offering pre-loved baby, kids, and maternity clothing and baby gear. They have many popular mid to high-end brands in their shop, including Aden + Anais, Burberry, Gap, H&M, Little Marc Jacobs, Natives, Nike, Noppies, MEC, Minimocs, Patagonia, Ralph Lauren, Robeez, Sorel, TOMS, UGGS, Zara, Vans and more. Items can be purchased online, and local pick-up and worldwide shipping are available (and it’s free with orders of $175 or more). For interested consigners, once you’ve dropped off your gently used items and they’ve sold, you’ll receive 35% cash or 50% store credit in compensation. Fresh Kids offers three convenient drop-off locations in Calgary: Elbow Park (SW), Britannia (SW), and Mahogany (SE). Once you complete the consigner form, you will receive instructions, along with drop-off addresses.

Harper’s Hamper

SE Calgary (online + local pickup/shipping)
helloharpershamper.com

Harper’s Hamper specializes in high quality baby and toddler items, pre‑loved clothing (NB → size 16), shoes,  accessories, and toys. They offer flat rate shipping with a charge of $18.00 anywhere in Canada and are currently offering free shipping on orders over $150.00

Knocked Consignment

3717 17th Ave SW, Calgary
knockedconsignment.com

A great stop for maternity, baby, and kids’ consignment. Knocked Consignment also carries postpartum essentials, carriers, and new and preloved accessories. They offer $15 flat rate shipping across Canada, $10 local Calgary delivery, or in-store pickup available.

Once Upon a Child

3 Locations – 9250 MacLeod Trail SE, 4625 Varsity Drive NW, and 2770 32 Avenue NE
onceuponachild.com

Once Upon a Child has a huge selection of second-hand baby and children’s items including clothing, shoes, toys and baby gear. Swimwear and special occasion apparel (like Halloween costumes) are also available during certain times of the year. A range of toys, games, books, exersaucers, strollers, high chairs and other baby gear is usually in stock. Sizes for clothing start at newborn and go all the way up to a 16/18 in youth, so there’s a good chance that you’ll find something for all of your kiddos in one stop! Brands like Gap, Old Navy, Gymboree, Children’s Place, and Justice are just some examples of what you’re likely to find. If you’re in the market to sell clothing or gear, Once Upon a Child will go through your gently used items (bring clothing in laundered and folded), pay cash for the items they want, and give you back anything that doesn’t meet the criteria of what they’re looking for!

 

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Sproutz & U-Turn

Bay #36 2835-37 Street SW
sproutzuturn.com

Sproutz & U-Turn has been a Calgary consignment staple since 2003. Although they originally catered specifically to kids, they have expanded to include consignment items for teens, men, and women as well. The Sproutz & U-Turn storefront boasts over 5,000 square feet of space, and the store receives between 150-300 bins of items each day, so there is tons of selection available. Clothing, toys and children’s gear in good used condition are what you’ll find in store at Sproutz & U-Turn. If you’re looking to unload some items of your own, make sure that they’re in season, clean, and folded (if they’re clothing items). One bin of children’s items and one bin of adult clothing are accepted every 7 days, and consigners receive 30% of the price of their item, which stays on the sale floor for up to three months. Any unsold items or items that were not chosen for consignment are donated to approved Calgary charities.

Have you bought or sold your kids’ clothes at a consignment shop before? Do you have any great tips you’d like to share to make the process a breeze? We’d love to hear them in the comments!

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Our family is on a mission to visit each of these locations before the snow gets here. Which one’s at the top of your list?

5 Fun Family Farms Around Calgary

Calgary Farmyard

calgaryfarmyard.com

284022 Township Rd 224, Rocky View No. 44

There’s lots of fun to be had for everyone in the family at Calgary Farmyard. With over 35 outdoor attractions, including a petting zoo, zip lines, rope course, ball toss, giant potato sack slide, wagon rides, mini golf, and more! The hardest part will be deciding what to do first.

If you’re on the hunt for the perfect pumpkin for baking, carving, or putting on display, the Calgary Farmyard has a huge selection of perfect pumpkins for purchase when Pumpkin Days kick off.

Butterfield Acres

butterfieldacres.com

254077 Rocky Ridge Rd NW, Calgary, AB

Gather the kiddos, hop on a tractor-pulled hay wagon  and get ready for Harvest Pumpkin Fest at Butterfield Acres! Enjoy great animal visits, get some fabulous fall photo-ops, take the kids on a pony ride, and warm up by a crackling fire with some hot chocolate or apple cider. If you’re in the market for a jack-o-lantern, all of the pumpkins on the grounds are available for purchase.

Cobb’s Adventure Park

cobbsadventurepark.com

1500 84 St NE, Calgary, AB

Cobb’s Adventure Park is open until the end of October, which means you have plenty of time to get busy exploring their giant hill slides, pedal carts, blacklight mini-golf, climbing wall, ropes course. and bouncy world, and more. Try your hand at axe throwing, see if you can find your way out of their many mazes, and challenge your family to a game of cornhole in the outdoor arcade.

Get up close with cute and cuddly animals like baby kangaroos, wallabies, chinchillas, sheep, and fainting goats, or visit some of their less-than-furry friends, including snakes, iguanas and tortoises!

Granary Road

granaryroad.com

226066 112 Street West, Foothills No. 31

Granary Road‘s Harvest Fair kicks off September 20 and continues throughout October. Kids will love the exhibits with a variety of themes including the ant farm adventure, arachnid web, beehive honeycomb, orchard treehouse, and more. There are also lots of cute and cuddly animals to visit and pet, including pigs, peacocks, ducks, ponies, alpacas, bunnies, kittens, goats, just to name a few. Don’t miss the Goat Yoga!

Bowden Sunmaze

sunmaze.ca

Range Rd 14, Bowden, AB

Bowden Sunmaze has three different mazes for visitors to explore, one of which is made up of over 100,000 organically grown sunflowers! Sadly, the sunflowers will only be around until the end of September at the latest, so if you’re looking for an incredible photo op, you’ll want to get there soon (reserve tickets online ahead to ensure that the flowers are still in bloom).

There is also an 8-acre corn maze made up of stalks that are 5-6 feet tall, as well as a willow tree maze. If you’re looking for beautiful blooms to decorate your fall table, be sure to visit the U-Pick area of the farm to pick some of their gorgeous sunflowers.

Does your family have favourite fun farms around Calgary to visit? Do you plan on checking out one of the five on our list? Fill us in in the comments!

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Fall Family Fun in Calgary in September

Calgary Pride Parade | calgarypride.ca
Saturday August 30 & Sunday August 31

Get your brightest colours and rainbow flags ready for a spectacular pride celebration! Calgary Pride Week takes place until September 3rd in celebration of the 2SLGBTQ+ Community. The annual parade kicks off at 11 am on the Sunday starting at 11 AM, making its way along 9 Ave in downtown Calgary, from The Confluence to 5 St. SW.

Spruce Meadows Masters | sprucemeadows.com
Wednesday September 3 – Sunday September 7

Join top riders and horses at Spruce Meadows for a variety of live events including horse jumping at the CP International and BMO Nations’ Cup. In addition, make sure you check out the fireworks, live music, and market featuring over 70 shops. Check the Spruce Meadows website for the daily competition schedules!

Railway Days at Heritage Park | heritagepark.ca
Saturday September 13 & Sunday September 14

Do you have a locomotive enthusiast in the family? If so, be sure to add Railway Days at Heritage Park to your calendar! Get ready to embark on a spectacular journey into the world of trains! Stick around for this year’s Railway Days which is an event packed with steam-powered thrills, hands-on experiences and locomotive fun for all ages. From riding authentic steam trains to exploring fascinating exhibits and interactive adventures, Railway Days is the ultimate celebration for train lovers, families, and adventure seekers alike.

Alberta Biodiversity Festival | Calgary Zoo | calgaryzoo.com/education/alberta-biodiversity-festival
Friday September 12 – Sunday September 14

Now in its fourth year, the Alberta Biodiversity Festival has become a much-anticipated tradition, highlighting the importance of conservation and education through an engaging mix of family-friendly experiences. Visitors can look forward to interactive exhibits, discovery stations, and hands-on activities that bring Alberta’s fish, wildlife, and ecosystems to life.

The festival takes place September 12th to 14th at the Wilder Insitute/Calgary Zoo, with a special finale event at Bow Habitat Station on September 20th. Admission to the Alberta Biodiversity Festival is included with general zoo admission and memberships.

Photo Credit: Michael Grondin

Calgary International Film Festival | ciffcalgary.ca
Thursday September 18 – Sunday September 28

The Calgary International Film Festival is an 11-day showcase of over 200 multi-genre feature and short films from Canada and around the world also hosts an Industry Week that allows filmmakers from Alberta and around the world meet, network, and learn. Calgary International Film Festival is the largest film festival in Alberta and among the largest in Canada. Check out the full schedule for some family-friendly entries and classics.

2025 Heritage Inn International Balloon Festival | heritageinninternationalballoonfestival.com
Wednesday September 24 – Sunday September 28

Whether they’re in the sky or on the ground, there are few things quite as magical as a hot air balloon. The Heritage Inn International Balloon Festival brings the best of both worlds, with opportunities to see balloons take flight from September 24 – 28. The Balloon Glow is a free event that takes place in the evening, where the balloons are inflated using their burners without ever leaving the ground. If you’re hoping to catch a ride in a balloon, a limited number of tickets are available to purchase for folks 12 years and older. If you’d prefer to admire the balloons from the ground, check here for flight times (and watch for cancellations, as weather conditions need to be perfect for the balloons to launch).

What activities and events are you looking forward to this September in Calgary? We’d love to hear them in the comments!

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