13 incredible things to do this weekend in Calgary: November 17 to 19
Even if the weather hasn’t quite caught up yet, so many major winter and Christmas events are making their way back to Calgary this weekend.
If you live for Christmas lights and cozy events, this weekend was made for you.
Silver and Bold at Telus Spark
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What: Visit Telus Spark this weekend and check out this holiday celebration at the intersection of “silver bells” and silver (the metal). The centre promises that “Spark guests can reflect on the holidays, while enjoying the whole science centre AG-tivated with fun experiences, delicious treats, a new Holiday Countdown experience, hands on science experiments, robots, shopping and so much more!”
When: November 16, 2023, to January 7, 2024
Where: Telus Spark, 220 Saint George’s Drive NE
Price: Tickets are $19 for kids, $26 for adults, and can be purchased online here
GIRAF Independent Animation Festival
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What: These are not the animated films of your childhood, GIRAF will show just how creative and adult-friendly animation can be. It’s hosted by Calgary’s own Quickdraw Animation Society, with a huge lineup of both locally made and international films. View the full lineup here.
When: November 16 to 19 in-person and November 20 to 27 online
Where: Globe Cinema — 617 8th Avenue SW
Price: Tickets start at $10 per screening to $60 for the full festival pass and can be purchased online here
Fireside Storytelling at Fort Calgary
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What: Fort Calgary is hosting fireside storytelling this Saturday. Gather around the campfire with warm drinks and hear stories told by Blackfoot storytellers.
When: November 4 and 18, from 3 to 4 pm
Where: Fort Calgary — 750 9th Avenue SE
Price: $15 plus online ticketing fees. You can book them here
Films at the Fort
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What: Fort Calgary is showing holiday-themed films throughout the month of November in the Burnswest Theatre. Tickets are super reasonably priced and include popcorn! Elf and Home Alone are just two of the films scheduled to show this month and this weekend it’s Elf!
When: Saturdays in November
Where: Fort Calgary — 750 9th Avenue SE
Price: $12 plus tax and can be purchased online here
Spruce Meadows 2023 International Christmas Market
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What: The International Christmas Market is back at Spruce Meadows, popping up over three weekends this holiday season and starting this weekend. Shop tons of vendors, snack on some holiday goodies, take part in many photo ops and enjoy limited, curated entertainment at the iconic Spruce Meadows event.
When: November 17 to 19, November 24 to 26, and December 1 to 3
Time: Fridays from noon to 8 pm, Saturdays from 10 am to 8 pm, and Sundays from 10 am to 5 pm
Where: Spruce Meadows — 18011 Spruce Meadows Way SW
Tickets: $15 for adults, $10 for children and seniors; tickets can be found here
Light Up Okotoks
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What: It’s the 30th year that Okotoks will be kicking off the holiday season with its annual light event. There will be wagon rides, warm fire pits, choir performances, late-night shopping, Spirit of Christmas Artisan Market, and more.
When: November 17, 5:30 to 9 pm
Where: Elizabeth Street, Okotoks
Price: Free
Inglewood Holiday Night Market
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What: The Inglewood Night Market is a modern market with vendors selling locally sourced and handmade goods, from crafts to vintage clothing, antiques and collectibles, artisan eats, and more.
When: November 17, 18, 24, and 25, and December 1 and 2
Time: 5 to 10 pm
Where: South Bank Building — 880 9th Street SE, Calgary
Tickets: $5
Metric in concert
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What: Straight out of the ’90s with some major hits in the 2010s, Metric is a well-known name in the alternative music scene. If you loved Scott Pilgrim vs. The World, you definitely know at least one of their songs.
When: November 17, 8 pm
Where: Grey Eagle Event Centre, 3777 Grey Eagle Drive
Price: Tickets start at $137 and can be purchased online here
Zoolights
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What: The Calgary Zoo + Wilder Institute is bringing back the iconic light show this weekend with so many new things, including polar bears – both real and light-up!
When: November 17, 2023, to January 7, 2024
Where: Calgary Zoo, 210 St. George’s Drive NE
Tickets: Tickets to Zoolights are $14.95 plus tax for kids ages three to 15 and $21.95 for adults. They can be purchased here. Sunlight tickets, which include day admission to the zoo and Zoolights afterwards, can also be purchased here.
Santa Claus Celebration of Lights
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What: This annual Christmas street celebration is returning to Banff this winter, and there is so much for the whole family to do! There will be musical performances, a chance to visit Santa’s Workshop and write letters to jolly old St. Nick, and holiday crafts. At dusk, Santa and Mrs. Claus will lead their dancing elves and additional performers down Banff Avenue, and Santa will light up the mountain town.
When: November 18, 11 am to 7 pm
Where: Banff Avenue between Wolf Street and Buffalo Street
Price: Free
Top Gunn at Jubilations Dinner Theatre
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What: If you couldn’t get enough of the movie when it came out, here’s another chance to see Top Gunn! Jubilations Dinner Theatre is showing this spin-off musical, complete with a full-course meal until mid-January.
When: Now until January 13, 2024, with various showtimes
Where: Jubilations Dinner Theatre — Westbrook Mall, 1002 37th Street SW
Price: Tickets start at $75.95 for adults at $49.95 for kids aged 12 and under. There is also special pricing for students and seniors. Tickets can be purchased online here.
All is Calm: The Christmas Truce of 1914
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What: Rosebud Theatre is presenting a special story for the holiday season this year: The Christmas Truce of 1914. “The remarkable true story of the Christmas truce of 1914 — an extraordinary night of camaraderie, music, and above all peace, told in the words and songs of the men who lived it.” Tickets include a buffet.
Light the Night at Discovery Wildlife Park
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What: It’s time to pile into the car with five or 15 of your closest friends and family to see this year’s Discovery Wildlife Park light display.
When: November 17, 2023, to January 1, 2024
Where: Discovery Wildlife Park, 5400 42nd Avenue, Innisfail
Price: $30 to $100, depending on the number of people in the vehicle. Tickets can be purchased at the door.