We’re already halfway through November! Keep the good times going with these 26 Calgary events on Friday, November 15, Saturday, November 16, and Sunday, November 17. Banff Santa Claus Parade, MEC x POW, and more.
For more things happening around town, check out our events section.
Friday, November 15
CF Chinook Centre Tree Lighting Ceremony 2019
What: CF Chinook Centre is kicking off the holidays with its third annual Tree Lighting Ceremony on Friday, November 15. The official countdown will be led by Dave Kelly, host of Dave Kelly Live, as well as local DJ Joanna “Magik” Majcherkiewicz. There will also be other holiday-themed (and lit-up) sculptures located around the mall that will make for the perfect photo ops.
When: November 15, 2019
Time: 5:30 pm to 6:45 pm (ceremony officially starts at 6:30 pm)
Where: CF Chinook Centre, 6455 Macleod Trail, Calgary
Admission: Free
Spruce Meadows International Christmas Market 2019
What: The Spruce Meadows International Christmas Market offers visitors a dazzling display of lights, delicious treats, and the perfect place to get a few pre-Christmas-chaos presents. Live entertainment is also planned to be on scene, so be sure to expect a few of your favourite Christmas tunes alongside international songs.
When: November 15 to 17, November 22 to 24, and November 29 to December 1
Time: Fridays, 10 am to 7 pm; Saturdays, 10 am to 7 pm; Sundays, 10 am to 5 pm
Where: 18011 Spruce Meadows Way SW
Tickets: Available online for $10, or $12 at the door
La Bohème
What: La Bohème by Calgary Opera tells the story of a group of young artists as they scrape by in Paris’ bohemian fringes. Directed by Brenna Corner.
When: November 15, 2019
Time: 7:30 pm
Where: Southern Alberta Jubilee Auditorium — 1415 14 Ave NW, Calgary
Tickets: Online
Banff Christmas Market
What: The Banff Christmas Market at Warner Stables features a variety of gifts for everyone on your list. Shop for goods inspired by Rocky Mountain culture, and enjoy festive entertainment and culinary treats throughout the weekend.
When: November 15 to 17 and November 22 to 24, 2019
Time: Various times
Where: Warner Stables – 1 Sundance Rd, Banff
Tickets: $7.50 per day or $15 for a weekend pass. Children 12 and under are free.
Moscow Ballet’s Great Russian Nutcracker
What: Moscow Ballet’s Great Russian Nutcracker tells the classic holiday tale with over 200 stunning costumes, dazzling sets, soaring birds, and towering puppets.
When: November 15, 2019
Time: 7 pm
Where: Jack Singer Concert Hall at Arts Commons
Tickets: Online
Saturday, November 16
Santa Claus Parade Day
What: Kick off the holiday season with Santa Claus Parade Day in Banff. Come down early in the day for the opportunity to get your picture taken with Santa, ride the C.P. Mini Train, and go on the Banff Gallery Hop. Then enjoy the colourful parade and carols in the park in the evening.
When: November 16, 2019
Time: Santa Claus Parade starts at 6 pm. Various events happen at various times from 10 am to 8 pm
Where: Various locations
Admission: Varies based on activity. Free for the parade
LaSalle College Calgary Regional Event
What: Calling all Calgary creatives! If you’re ready to make creativity your way of life, we can help you prepare. Come find out how by attending an Information Session and learn about our programs in 3D Modeling, Animation, VFX, Game Design & Programming, Digital Film, Photography, Professional Recording Arts, Fashion Design/Marketing, Interior Design, Graphic Design, Culinary Arts, and Baking & Pastry.
When: November 16, 2019
Time: 9:30 am to noon
Where: Hotel Arts — 119 12th St SW
Admission: Free
Calgary Roughnecks vs Colorado Mammoth
What: Calgary Roughnecks take on the Colorado Mammoth in a National Lacrosse League preseason preview party on November 16.
When: November 16, 2019
Time: 7:30 pm
Where: Scotiabank Saddledome – 555 Saddledome Rise SE, Calgary
Tickets: Online
MEC x POW Season Opener
What: MEC Calgary Downtown and Protect Our Winters Canada (POW Canada) hosts the MEC x POW Season Opener, with feature films, refreshments, free ski waxing, and more. Attendees will also learn how POW is coordinating the outdoor sports community against climate change.
When: November 16, 2019
Time: 7 to 9:30 pm
Where: MEC Calgary Downtown — 830 10th Ave SW, Calgary
Tickets: Online
Mitchell Bowl – University of Calgary Dinos vs McMaster Marauders
What: University of Calgary Dinos take the field against McMaster Marauders in the U SPORTS national semi-final, with a berth in the Vanier Cup going to the winner. Dinos Football will be accepting non-perishable Food Bank donations.
When: November 16, 2019
Time: 1 pm
Where: McMahon Stadium – 1817 Crowchild Trail NW; Calgary
Tickets: Online
The Grand South Christmas Markets – Mahogany
What: Mahogany HOA presents a variety of local vendors and artisans at Mahogany Beach Club on November 16. There will also be holiday music performed by Sonata School of Music, Christmas Mini sessions by Joanna Jensen Photography, and face painting by Kate’s Face Paints. Non-perishable food items will also be collected for the Calgary Food Bank!
When: November 16, 2019
Time: 10 am to 4 pm
Where: Mahogany Beach Club – 29 Masters Park SE, Calgary
Admission: Free
Dive-in Movie – The Lion King
What: Southland Leisure Centre hosts a dive-in screening of The Lion King. Attendees are invited to watch while swimming or lounging by the pool. Note that water slides and hot tub will be closed during the film to accommodate the film setup.
When: November 16, 2019
Time: 5:30 to 8:30 pm
Where: Southland Leisure Centre — 2000 Southland Dr SW, Calgary
Admission: Regular admission applies
Thorgy Thor and the Thorchestra
What: RuPaul’s Drag Race Season 8 star and classically trained violinist, Thorgy Thor, will be performing with the Calgary Philharmonic Orchestra on November 16. Daniel Bartholomew-Poyser is the conductor of the performance.
When: November 16, 2019
Time: 7:30 pm
Where: Jack Singer Concert Hall — 225 8 Ave SE, Calgary
Tickets: Online
Laid/e: The Toulouse-Lautrec Project
What: Theatre Encounter presents Laid/e: The Toulouse-Lautrec Project. The cabaret-style show showcases Henri Toulouse-Lautrec’s renowned portrayals of Paris’ underbelly in a new light. Starring Sarah Haggeman, Amy Hinz and Rico Pfeiffer, directed by Celene Harder, and designed by Kelsey Miller.
When: November 15 and November 16, November 20 to November 23, 2019
Time: 7:30 pm (plus 2 pm on November 23)
Where: cSPACE – 1721 29 Avenue SW, Calgary
Tickets: Online, Free
Holiday Sneaker Swap 2
What: YYC SOLEdiers hosts Holiday Sneaker Swap 2, with vendors selling sneakers, art and clothing at Calgary Chinese Cultural Centre. Attendees are invited to bring sneakers to trade and sell.
When: November 16, 2019
Time: 12 to 5 pm
Where: Calgary Chinese Cultural Centre — 197 First St SW, Calgary
Tickets: Online
RenBREW Fest 2.0
What: Sample seven local breweries at RenBREW Fest 2.0, presented by Renfrew Community Association. There will also be live music and food.
When: November 16, 2019
Time: 5 to 10 pm
Where: Renfrew Community Association – 811 Radford Rd NE, Calgary
Tickets: Online
Sunday, November 17
An Evening with Bill Nye
What: Telus Spark brings science educator, comedian, and TV presenter Bill Nye the Science Guy to Southern Alberta Jubilee Auditorium for an evening of science fun. All ages are welcome.
When: November 17, 2019
Time: 8:30 pm
Where: Southern Alberta Jubilee Auditorium – 1415 14th Ave NW, Calgary,
Ticket: Online
Calgary Christmas Market
What: Calgary Christmas Market features favourite market and seasonal vendors, holiday gifts, homemade crafts, and more. Attendees will also get a chance to visit with Santa, decorate cookies, have tea with Mrs. Claus, enjoy Grinchmas, and more.
When: Thursday to Sunday until December 23, 2019
Time: 9 am to 5 pm
Where: Calgary Farmers’ Market – 510 77 Ave SE, Calgary
Admission: Free
Banff Gondola Mountaintop Christmas 2019
What: From mid-November until the end of December, the Banff Gondola will turn its sky-high destination into a Winter Wonderland, complete with visits from Santa, cookie decorating, star gazing, and a mulled wine bar. Kids get free admission (one per adult admission) if they take the gondola up before noon, and all the Christmassy goodness that awaits at the top is built into the price of the ticket.
When: Weekends from November 16 until December 30, 2019
Time: 10 am to 5 pm
Where: 100 Mountain Ave, Banff
Tickets: Available online, $58 for adults, $29 for children
Art Market Art & Craft Sale
What: Art Market Art & Craft Sale features over 200 artists from across Canada at the Calgary Telus Convention Centre. There will also be an onsite cafe, live music, artisan demos, and more throughout the weekend.
When: Now until November 17, 2019
Time: Various times
Where: Calgary Telus Convention Centre 136 – 8th Ave SE, Calgary
Tickets: Online
INDIAN. RELAY.
What: A photography exhibition from Julie Vincent and Jason Lawrence on the original extreme sport of Indian Relay, the Wolf Tail family, and the tradition and danger of the sport.
When: Now until Saturday, November 30, 2019
Time: 10 am to 6 pm (Mondays to Thursdays), 10 am to 7 pm (Fridays and Saturdays), 12 to 5 pm (Sundays)
Where: The Peanut Gallery, lower level, Fluevog — 219-8 Ave SW, Calgary
Admission: Free
Disney On Ice: Mickey’s Search Party
What: Disney On Ice features acrobatics and stunts on ice with all of your favourite Disney characters. Featuring characters and worlds from Peter Pan, Coco, Frozen, Aladdin, The Little Mermaid, Toy Story, and Moana.
When: Now until November 17, 2019
Time: Various times
Where: Stampede Corral – 10 Corral Trail SE, Calgary
Tickets: Online
Marda Loop Justice Film Festival
What: The Marda Loop Justice Film Festival has been sharing human rights, environmental, and socially significant documentary films since 2006. Screenings include post-show discussions with local and international artists and experts, and opportunities to interact and connect with community.
When: Now until November 17, 2019
Time: Various times
Where: Various venues
Admission: Free
Mercato 2019
What: Calgary Italian Cultural Centre hosts the second annual Christmas Mercato, with 30 local vendors selling handmade goods.
When: November 17, 2019
Time: 10 am to 4 pm
Where: Calgary Italian Cultural Centre — 416 1st Ave NE, Calgary
Admission: $2 per person or non-perishable food donation for the Calgary Food Bank
Métis Week at the Library
What: Calgary Public Library presents Métis Week, an annual celebration of Métis people, their contributions and their culture. Head to Central Library for a variety of activities, including live music and performances, cultural workshops, genealogy programs, children’s activities, and more.
When: Now until November 17, 2019
Time: Various times
Where: The Central Library — 800 3 St SE, Calgary
Admission: Free
Sin & Gin Soiree Cabaret – Disneybound with the Dirrty Show
What: A monthly cabaret show full of music, comedy, burlesque, drag and more live acts. This month’s featured performers are The Dirrty Show.
When: November 17, 2019
Time: 7:30 to 9:30 pm
Where: Mikey’s On 12th — 918 12 Ave Southwest, Calgary
Tickets: Online