We’ve made it to the latter half of November, which means that the holiday season is officially underway here in YYC!
Get out on the town to enjoy all sorts of fun events taking place throughout Calgary.
See also
- You can fly from Calgary to Montreal for under $197 this winter and spring
- Check out this 450,000 bulb light display on Calgary's 14th Street
- The average cost of rent in Canadian cities for November (MAP)
Canmore Christmas Artisans’ Market
What: Back for the 23rd year, this edition includes 85 vendors selling nearly anything you could be looking for; furniture, body products, clothes, jewellery, food, and much more. All proceeds from the market support Canmore Preschool Society.
When: Saturday, November 17 to Sunday, November 18, 2018
Time: 10 am to 4 pm
Where: Canmore Collegiate High School — 1800 8th Avenue
Admission: $3
TONTO Week: Phantom of the Paradise screening
What: See the 1974 Brian DePalma horror-musical, Phantom of the Paradise, which immortalized TONTO after it was featured (as the “electronic room”). Though the film was a flop virtually everywhere after its initial release, it was a hit in two places: Paris (Daft Punk is said to have met at a screening in the City of Light) and Winnipeg, where it maintains a rabid cult following to this day.
When: Saturday, November 17, 2018
Time: Doors 6:30 pm, showtime at 7 pm
Where: National Music Centre – 850 – 4 Street SE, Calgary
Tickets: Online, $10-$15
Santa Claus Parade Day
What: There is no better way to kick off the holiday season than with a special appearance from Kris Kringle himself, aka Santa Claus. Come down early in the day for the opportunity to get your picture taken with Santa, verify your spot on the naughty or nice list, and make a Christmas wish. Then stick around for dusk, when Banff avenue magically lights up with a procession of lively performers, colourful floats and, of course, the jolly ol’ man himself!
When: Saturday, November 17, 2018
Time: 10 am to 6:30 pm
Where: Banff Train Station (Photos with Santa), Banff Avenue (Santa Claus Parade)
Admission: Free for the parade, $10 for a photo with Santa
RenBREW Fest
What: Sample eight local breweries at the Renfrew Community Association, and enjoy live music and great eats. Plus get to know representatives of the breweries all under one roof. Ticket price includes a souvenir glass for tastings.
When: Saturday, November 17, 2018
Time: 5 to 10 pm
Where: Renfrew Community Centre – 811 Radford Road Northeast, Calgary
Tickets: Online
Bragg Creek Artisans Christmas Sale
What: The Bragg Creek Artisans Christmas Sale has become a tradition! They’re back for their 41st edition and this year’s market comes with 65 artists showcasing their work, including pottery, jewellery, fibre arts, woodwork, paintings, country crafts, and much more!
When: Saturday, November 17 and Sunday, November 18, 2018
Time: 10 am to 5 pm
Where: Bragg Creek Centre — 23 White Avenue, Bragg Creek
Admission: Free
OK Go
What: OK Go will perform their songs live and in sync with 20 of their iconic videos, pausing for question/answer sessions with the crowd and special performances. See them perform on handbells, and join in the high-tech interactive piece performed by the audience.
When: Saturday, November 17, 2018
Time: 7:30 pm
Where: Jack Singer Concert Hall – 205 8 Ave SE, Calgary
Tickets: Online, $60-$100
Mahogany Christmas Market
What: Join local vendors and artisans and get your shopping list done. The first 100 guests to arrive will receive a gift bag with coupons and offers from local businesses. There will be musical performances, photography sessions, and face painting for kids.
When: Saturday, November 17, 2018
Time: 10 am to 4 pm
Where: Mahogany Beach Club — 29th Masters Park SE
Admission: Free, non-perishable food donation accepted
Calgary Flames
What: It’s an NHL Battle of Alberta when Calgary Flames face off with the Edmonton Oilers.
When: Saturday, November 17, 2018
Time: 7 pm
Where: Scotiabank Saddledome – 555 Saddledome Rise SE
Tickets: Online
Roméo & Juliette by Charles Gounod
What: Gounod’s musical retelling of Shakespeare’s most loved tragedy captures all the drama and the passion of this timeless story of young love in a production featuring new ballet choreography by Alberta Ballet’s Artistic Director Jean Grand-Maître and performed by professional dancers and students from Alberta Ballet. Performed in the original French with English titles.
When: Saturday, November 17, Wednesday, November 21 and Friday, November 23, 2018
Time: 7:30 pm
Where: Southern Alberta Jubilee Auditorium 1415 14th Ave. NW, Calgary
Tickets: Online
Calgary Mountain Film Festival Movies & Special Guest
What: Calgary Mountain Film Festival presents an evening of adventure reels, including The Nahanni Whisperer, Forever, Uruca II – Bugaboos Edition, A Higher Crawling and Return to Mount Kennedy. Eric Becker, producer of A Higher Crawling and Return to Mount Kennedy, is the special guest.
When: Saturday, November 17, 2018
Time: Doors 4:15 pm, showtime at 5 pm
Where: Plaza Theatre – 1133 Kensington Road N.W., Calgary
Tickets: Online, $19.95
32nd Annual Art Market
What: Featuring over 200 professional artists from across Canada, this market features everything from vibrant jewellery, timeless home furnishing, seasonal decor, custom clothing and more.
When: Now to Sunday, November 18, 2018
Time: Various times
Where: Calgary Telus Convention Centre – 136 8 Avenue SE
Tickets: Online, $8-$12. Children 12 and under free with an adult
Marda Loop Justice Film Festival
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, no matter how you define it.
When: Now to Sunday, November 18, 2018
Time: Various times
Where: Various venues
Admission: Free
Femme Wave
What: A feminist arts festival working to create an integrated, encouraging arts scene by providing opportunities for women and non-binary artists. Featuring film, comedy, visual arts, music, spoken word, workshops and more.
When: Now to Sunday, November 18, 2018
Time: Various times
Where: Various locations
Tickets: Online
Disney On Ice: “Dare to Dream”
What: The ever-popular production will feature Mickey and Minnie Mouse as hosts, as well as characters from Disney’s Moana, Beauty and the Beast, Frozen, Tangled, Cinderella, and many more. And of course, what would a Disney show be without a sing-a-long to go with some mesmerizing skating performances? In addition to the main show, a sing-a-long with Miguel from Disney Pixar’s Coco will take place prior to each show.
When: Now to Sunday, November 18, 2018
Time: Various times
Where: Stampede Corral – Saddledome Rise SE, Calgary
Tickets: Online
Spruce Meadows International Christmas Market
Promoted by Telus, the market comes with both indoor and outdoor attractions. Enjoy over 300 vendors showcasing world-imported items and hand-crafted gifts, as well as great food and live entertainment, such as shows and choir presentations.
When: Friday, November 16 to Sunday, November 18, 2018; Friday, November 23 to Sunday, November 25, 2018; Friday, November 30 to Sunday, December 2, 2018.
Time: Friday: 10 am to 8 pm; Saturday: 10 am to 7 pm; Sunday: 10 am to 5 pm
Where: 18011 Spruce Meadows Way SW
Admission: $10 online, $12 at the gate, $72 multi-entry pass. Seniors (+65) and child (-12) are admitted free