
It’s a big week in Calgary with some major Christmas events returning to the city like Zoo Lights and the Spruce Meadows International Christmas Market.
There’s also lots to do if you’re looking for something not holiday-related, especially if you’re a film buff! Check out the unique screenings at one of the two big film festivals happening in Calgary this week.
Zoo Lights
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What:Ā Zoo Lights has become a staple event in Calgary since it started over 25 years ago! The cold temperatures that often come along with visiting at night are memorable, but so are the stunning light displays, warm drinks and firepits scattered around the grounds.
When:Ā November 17 to January 7
Where:Ā Calgary Zoo/Wilder Institute ā 210 St. Georgeās Drive NE
Price:Ā Tickets are $21.95 for adults and $14.95 for children ages 3 to 15 and can be purchased onlineĀ here
Inglewood Night Market: Holiday Edition
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What:Ā The Inglewood Night Market is a modern market with locally sourced and handmade vendors selling diverse goods, from handmade crafts to vintage clothing, antiques and collectibles, artisan eats, and more.
When:Ā November 17, 18, 24, and 25, and December 1, 2
Time:Ā 5 to 10 pm
Where:Ā South Bank Building ā 880 9th Street SE, Calgary
Tickets: $5
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 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
Top Gunn at Jubilations Dinner Theatre
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What:Ā If you couldnāt get enough of the movie when it came out, hereās another chance to seeĀ Top Gun! Jubilations Dinner Theatre is showing this spin-off musical complete with a full-course meal until mid-January.
When: October 28 to January 13, 2024, with various showtimes
Where:Ā Jubilations Dinner Theatre ā Westbrook Mall, 1002 37th Street SW
Price: Tickets start at $75.95 for adults at $49.95 for kids ages 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:Ā Rosebud Theatre is presenting a special story for the holiday season this year:Ā All Is Calm:Ā The Christmas Truce of 1914. āThe remarkable true story of the Christmas truce of 1914 ā an extraordinary night of camaraderie, music, and above all peace, told in the words and songs of the men who lived it.ā Tickets include a buffet.
When:Ā November 3 to December 23
Where:Ā Rosebud Theatre ā 202 Martin Avenue, Rosebud
Price:Ā Tickets are $95 for adults and $75 for youth and can be purchased onlineĀ here
Spruce Meadows International Christmas Market
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What:Ā The International Christmas Market is back at Spruce Meadows, popping up over three weekends this holiday season. 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. Itās certainly one of the biggest Christmas markets to visit in Calgary this holiday season!
When:Ā November 17 to 19, November 24 to 26, and December 1 to 3
Time: Fridays, noon to 8 pm; Saturdays, 10 am to 8 pm; and Sundays, 10 am to 5 pm
Where:Ā Spruce Meadows ā 18011 Spruce Meadows Way SW
Tickets:Ā $15 for adults, $10 for children and seniors; tickets can be foundĀ here
Calgary European Film Festival
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What:Ā If there arenāt films catching your eye at Cineplex this month, try checking out what theĀ Calgary European Film FestivalĀ has to offer. With films from Spain to Iceland and everywhere in between, there are so many different cultures to get up close and personal with through the camera lens. To view the full festival lineup clickĀ here.
When:Ā November 3 to 12
Where: Globe Cinema ā 617 8th Avenue SW
Price: Tickets are $15 each, $54.00 for a bundle of 5 or $150 for the full festival pass. Tickets can be purchased onlineĀ here
Blood,Ā Sweat,Ā andĀ Tears:Ā CanadianĀ MilitaryĀ Medicine
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What:Ā This exhibition showcases Canadaās military medical history from the 19th century to modern times. The exhibit features personal artifacts and oral histories of the men and women who have tended to the wounded in Canadaās military history.
Canadian stretcher-bearers, medics, nurses, doctors, surgeons, and other medical personnel have played an essential role in the countryās military, especially in the First and Second World Wars, where over 138,000 and 53,000 were wounded, respectively.
Blood, Sweat, and Tears will display pieces from all over Canada, including three Victoria Crosses on loan from the Canadian War Museum. The exhibit covers battlefield medicine from initial first aid through recovery and features a significant section on PTSD.
When:Ā October 20 to March 3, 2024
Where:Ā Military Museums ā 4520 Crowchild Trail SW
Price:Ā Free to $15. You can buy your tickets onlineĀ here.


