25 things to do in Calgary this weekend: November 24 to 26

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If you’re looking to get some Christmas shopping done early, now is the weekend to do it!

There’s plenty of markets being held all weekend, not to mention Friday’s crazy Black Friday sales.

Friday, November 24

Spruce Meadows International Christmas Market

What: With over 300+ vendors Spruce Meadows evokes a magical world of Christmas at Reindeer Alley, Candy Cane Lane, Founders Plaza, Twin Peaks and so many more!
When: Friday, November 24 to Sunday, November 26
Time:
- Friday: 10 am – 8 pm
- Saturday: 10 am – 7 pm
- Sunday: 10 am – 5 pm
Where: 18011 Spruce Meadows Way SW
Tickets: Online, $12 (save $2 when you buy online)

Enjoy the kick-off weekend of Zoolights

What: See the Calgary Zoo light up for seven weeks straight and help celebrate the 20th anniversary of everyone’s favourite holiday experience.
When: Friday, November 24 to January 6
Time: 6 to 9 pm
Where: The Calgary Zoo – 210 St. Georges Drive NE, Calgary
Tickets: General (16+) $14.95, Child (3-15) – $11.95

Dinner + A Movie at Heritage Park

What: Date night just got turned up a notch!
Where: Gasoline Alley – 1900 Heritage Drive SW, Calgary
When: Friday, November 24 – Planes, Trains, and Automobiles
Time: 7:45 pm
Tickets: Online, $44.95 + GST per person (includes dinner + film), $8 (Film only)

Banff Christmas Market

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What: Head to Banff for a unique holiday shopping experience, featuring goods inspired by the Rocky Mountains.
When: Friday, November 24 to 26
Time:
- Friday from 10 am – 8 pm
- Saturday from 10 am – 6 pm
- Sunday from 10 am – 4 pm
Where: Warner Stables – 1 Sundance Road, Banff
Tickets: $5 Adults, Children 10 and under are FREE

Curated. Holiday Market

What: Shop over 85 different vendors for four weekends leading up to the Christmas season. Come get your photo with Santa, while enjoying live entertainment, children’s workshops, and more!
When: Friday, November 24 to 26
Time: Hours vary, check the schedule
Where: Deerfoot City – 901 64th Avenue NE
Tickets: $5

Calgary Night Market: Holiday Market 2017

What: On each Friday of November, shop for the perfect gift at this Holiday Night Market!
When: November 3, 10, 17, 24
Where: Eau Claire Market – 200 Barclay Parade SW
Admission: Free

Black Friday on the Ave

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What: There are some great savings to be had all along the Avenue. A good excuse to begin your holiday shopping, perhaps?
When: Friday, November 24
Where: Various businesses along 17th Avenue SW

Saturday, November 25

Marda Loop Christmas Market

What: Come shop the many local vendors at this exciting holiday market and bring a food donation to support the Calgary Interfaith Foodbank.
When: Saturday, November 25
Time: 10 am to 4 pm
Where: Marda Loop Community Association – 3130 16th Street SW
Admission: Non-perishable donation

Little Modern Market: Holiday Edition

What: Get started on your holiday shopping at this exciting market featuring all of your favourite local vendors, makers, and artists.
When: Saturday, November 25
Time: 9:30 am to 3:30 pm
Where: Rally Pointe – 11511 35th Street SE
Admission: $5 entry

Calgary Expo Holiday Market

What: Get in the holiday spirit at this Christmas extravaganza. Stroll through the Nerdy Wonderland consisting of comic book vendors, toy dealers, collectible retailers, and so much more. Jolly Ol’ Saint Nick will even be making an appearance.
When: Saturday, November 25 to Sunday, November 26
Time: 9 am to 5 pm
Where: BMO Centre, Halls B and C – 20 Roundup Way SW
Tickets: Online, $10

Canmore Christmas Artisans’ Market

What: Find the perfect gift for everyone on your list at this holiday market in the heart of the Rocky Mountains.
When: Saturday, November 25 to Sunday, November 26
Time: 10 am to 4 pm
Where: Canmore Collegiate High School – 1800 8 Avenue
Admission: $3 in support of the Canmore Preschool Society

Artisan Winter Market

What: Holiday shopping made easy at this Christmas market in the heart of the historic neighbourhood of Inglewood.
When: Saturday, November 25
Time: 11 am to 5 am
Where: Inglewood Community Hall – 1740 24th Avenue SE
Admission: $3 entry at the door

Holiday Pop Up Series at Greater Goods

What: Sip on a Lavender Earl Grey Tea Latte as you shop and get your loved ones a unique and local treasure this Christmas!
When: Saturday, November 25
Time: 11 am to 5 pm

Mission: Red Mile – Scavenger Hunt

What: The construction on 17th is complete – for now. To celebrate they’re hosting an exciting scavenger hunt in partnership with many of the businesses on the Avenue. This is a family-friendly event, so sign up with the kids (teams of four) and come down for an exciting and challenging hunt.
When: Saturday, November 25
Time: 1 pm
Where: Kick off is at McHugh House – 1515 Centre Street S
Admission: FREE

The Great Sweater Run

What: Grab the ugliest of Christmas sweaters and get ready to run the Tacky 10 km, the Festive 5 km or the Shih zTu 2 km, all while supporting the Calgary Food Bank.
When: Saturday, November 25
Where: South Glenmore Park – 8415 24 Street SW & 90 Avenue, Calgary
Registration: Online

The Barra MacNeils: An East Coast Christmas

What: This beautiful Christmas concert will be sure to blow you away with seasonal melodies, entertaining stories, lush harmonies, and classic favourites done with a twist.
When: Saturday, November 25
Time 7:30 pm
Where: Eric Harvie Theatre – 107 Tunnel Mountain Drive, Banff
Tickets: Available online: Adult $25, Senior/ Student $30

Watch the Calgary Hitmen Play Red Deer

The Calgary Hitmen/Facebook

What: The Hitmen are officially in their regular season, so come show them some love as they make their way to the Memorial Cup.
Where: Scotiabank Saddledome – 555 Saddledome Rise SE, Calgary
When: November 25 vs Red Deer
Time: 7 pm
Tickets: Ticketmaster, $13-$26

Sunday, November 26

Movement U Turns 1!

What: On November 26 Movement U, one of Calgary’s favourite fitness studios, is turning 1! Celebrate with them on the day of and in the weeks leading up to the date with themed rides, deals, and one big exciting bash! Follow them on social media for more information.
When: Leading up to and including Sunday, November 26
Where: Movement U – #16 4th Street NE, Calgary

Festive Wagon Rides

What: Spend the afternoon sipping on a mug of hot cocoa as you tour around Banff in a snowy wagon ride with Banff Trail Riders! Be sure to dress accordingly.
When: Every Sunday between November 19 and December 17
Time: Noon to 4 pm
Where: The wagon leaves from the parking lot of the Whyte Museum – 111 Bear St, Banff
Admission: Free!

Any Day of the Week

Hit the Slopes

What: Getting snow early this year means our mountainous backyard is waiting for us with a fluffy layer of the white stuff, perfect for winter sports and activities. Take advantage and get some shredding in during this great pre-season, or take your snowshoes for an adventure around one of the many picturesque lakes that the Rockies have to offer – don’t forget to bring your camera!
Check the websites for Sunshine, Mount Norquay and Lake Louise to see hours of operation and which trails are open!

Grab some warm gear at the newly opened Canada Goose Flagship Store

What: Now is the time to get your cozy goose down parka – we hear you may need it this winter. They have many original designs that are exclusive to the Calgary location for you to choose from.
Where: Chinook Centre – 6455 Macleod Trail SE
Time: 10 am to 9 pm

Lace up your skates

What: Grab your skates and your significant other for an evening spent on gliding on the ice in the great outdoors. It’s officially ODR season so bundle up!
When: Mid-November to mid-March
Where: See list of free city-run parks here.

Try Ollia’s new “Holiday Collection”

What: There is nothing better than biting into a Candy Cane, Turtles, Mulled Cranberry, Tiramisu, or Eggnog flavoured macaron during the Holiday season.
Where: Ollia Macaron and Tea – 810C 16 Avenue SW

Kananaskis After Dark: Stargazing and Photography Tour

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What: With an interpretive guide, take a moonlit walk through the forest and feast your eyes on the beauty of the Northern Lights and a sky full of stars, while sipping on steamy hot chocolate – it really doesn’t get much better than that. All photography levels welcome.
When: See the schedule here!
Where: Kananaskis Village Centre – 1 Mt. Sparrowhawk Crescent
Tickets: Online, $69

Experience the new and improved Brewster Banff Gondola

What: Head to the summit for a beautiful snowy view above the treetops and a birds-eye view of six different mountain ranges, while sipping on coffee or a refreshing glass of wine.
Where: 100 Mountain Avenue, Banff
Tickets: Adult $62, child $31