Once Upon A Christmas offers a unique blend of family-friendly fun, seasonal festivities, interactive activities, a local craft market, and the chance to find the unique holiday gifts that Heritage Park offers.
Taking place from 10-4 pm on weekends from Nov. 25-Dec. 17, 2023, it’s a magical experience for all ages.
This year, Heritage Park introduces a new feature that's bound to make your visit even more memorable. For the first time, families can explore the village in your own private horse-drawn carriage! If this sounds like the perfect addition to your family outing, don't hesitate; these tickets are predicted to sell out quickly!
A central part of Once Upon A Christmas is the delicious breakfast buffet. It features freshly baked pastries, traditional buttermilk pancakes, and farm fresh scrambled eggs among other tasty delights. The menu also includes options for vegetarians and those with dietary restrictions, ensuring that everyone can enjoy the festive feast.
Guests have the wonderful opportunity to interact with friendly farm animals. The animals are not only adorable but also extremely approachable. They are used to being around people and love the attention they receive from visitors. It’s perfect for families with children. You can capture these precious moments and create lasting memories. Whether it's a candid shot of your child feeding an animal or a family portrait with the furry friends in the background, these photos make for a perfect holiday card.
A new interactive experience this year is the Warming Hut Competition. Warming huts, traditionally built as outdoor shelters to provide warmth in secluded areas, have a rich history in Western Canada. Heritage Park is home to its own historic warming hut, the Banff Curling Club, which dates back to 1896. These huts will be strategically placed around the park for visitors to explore and enjoy, so make sure you check them out while you attend Once Upon A Christmas.
And that’s just the tip of the iceberg! All day long there are plenty of activities to enjoy and explore. You can step back in time with The Christmas Letter Caper, a humorous musical mystery that brings to life Christmas traditions and the spirit of community in Alberta circa 1910. Or, immerse yourself in the festive atmosphere as you listen to the harmonious melodies of vintage holiday tunes, brought to you by wandering Christmas carolers.
Embark on a fun-filled adventure in the children’s maze. Capture special moments with the festive photo-ops, offering a chance to snap unique group photos and selfies amidst our oversized holiday decorations around the park.
Let your little ones experience the joy of giving at the Kids’ Only store. While parents relax in the lounge, friendly volunteers will assist the children in choosing surprise gifts for friends and family.
Witness a mesmerizing Christmas village display, where you'll peek into a magical miniature world adorned with twinkling lights and holiday charm. Then, take respite from the winter cold with holiday story time, providing a cozy indoor break filled with heartwarming tales.
Next, unleash your children's creativity with Christmas crafts, offering them a chance to craft a keepsake or decorate a gingerbread cookie
In Gasoline Alley Museum you can participate in the reindeer scavenger hunt, a fun-filled quest to find all the hidden reindeer within our antique car collection, with a tasty prize waiting for successful sleuths. And for locomotive lovers, the model train display is a must-see.
Of course, no visit to Once Upon A Christmas is complete without a visit to the “big guy” himself. One of the most cherished traditions of the holiday season is available at Once Upon A Christmas – the chance to meet Santa Claus, the heart and soul of the season. Watch your children's eyes light up with pure joy as they come face-to-face with Santa. Professional photos are available on site.
Come Celebrate with us all Year-Long for only $60
Get a full-year membership for $25 more than a single-day admission to Heritage Park with a special 60th anniversary membership offer! The Village will be in tip-top shape for your Best. Days. Ever. In less than two visits, your membership pays for itself!
Once Upon A Christmas at Heritage Park is Southern Alberta's favourite family Holiday event. Don’t miss out! For more information, visit Heritage Park online and on Facebook, Instagram, X, and TikTok.
