Activities . Family Fun . What's Up in Calgary?

What’s Up This Week?

On November 14, 2023 by Calgary's Child

November 17 to 19

November 16, 5:30 to 7pm; CF Chinook Centre Tree Lighting Ceremony, join CF Chinook Centre in celebrating the start to the most wonderful time of the year with the tree lighting celebration. In addition to a beautiful display of lights and holiday magic, guests can look forward to exclusive live performances, a visit from Santa, surprise and delights, and so much more. Learn more at shops.cadillacfairview.com.

November 16 to 19; Calgary’s Premiere Art and Craft Sale, four days of amazing shopping with some of the best art and craft that Canada has to offer at Telus Convention Centre. Take your time, connect with the artists, and find something for everyone on your list. Enjoy a glass of wine or beer as well as live music on Thursday and Friday nights. Learn more at artmarketcraftsale.com.

November 17, 5:30pm; Mary’s Meals Basketball Bonanza, you are invited to an entertaining evening of basketball for a great cause, with Mary’s Meals Basketball Bonanza. Purchase dinner to enjoy with your family and watch this year’s edition of Basketball Bonanza for Mary’s Meals — Calgary Police vs. Calgary Fire at Clear Water Academy Gym. Learn more at eventbrite.ca.

November 17, 5:30pm to 9pm; Light Up Okotoks, join for festivities throughout the downtown core including wagon rides, warm fire pits, choir performances, late night shopping, the Spirit of Christmas Artisan Market and so much more. A visit from Santa with photo ops for the kids and kids at heart is always a highlight and a spectacular fireworks display will round out the evening. Learn more at okotoks.ca.

November 17, 7pm to 1am; DIWALI DHAMAAKA – Festival of Lights, SPARQ PRODUCTIONS INC, is proud to host the Annual DIWALI DHAMAAKA at Empire Banquet Hall. A dinner and dance gala to celebrate the Festival of Lights. It signifies the victory of light over darkness, good over evil, knowledge over ignorance, and hope over despair. Learn more at sparqproductions.com.

November 17 to 18; Acadia Christmas Market, there’s always a variety of vendor wares to shop from at the Acadia Recreation Complex. Come out and support your community vendors while you shop for those unique gifts. Learn more at acadiacraftexpo.com.

November 17 to 18; Alberta University of the Arts Students’ Association Show + Sale Winter Market, join at the AUArts campus for a market filled with great art, fun demos, and community spirit. With hundreds of unique artworks created by talented AUArts students, you will find extra special gifts for your loved ones at Show + Sale Winter Market. Learn more at showandsale.ca.

November 17 to 18; Okotoks Christmas Market, kick off your Christmas shopping at the annual Okotoks Christmas Market at the Foothills Centennial Centre. Learn more at themarketsquare.ca.

November 17 to 18; Balzac Christmas Market, this popular Christmas market has been running for over 25 years, showcasing handmade and curated products from local vendors at 292120 Wagon Wheel Boulevard in Rocky View County. Learn more at eventbrite.com.

November 17 to 18; Contextural Fibre Arts Sale, the annual one-of-a-kind textile art show in Inglewood. Featuring a wide variety of textile and fibre art by local artists at Alexandra Dance Hall. Learn more at contextural.ca.

November 17 to 18; Varsity Christmas Craft Sale, shop over 45 creative and innovative vendors with a wide selection of unique and hand-crafted items at Varsity Community Association. Learn more at vcacalgary.com.

November 17 to 19; Broadway Themed Pop Up, Broadway Diner is a unique pop-up dining experience that brings the spirit of Broadway to life. Featuring a lineup of talented waitstaff, captivating performances, and a mouth-watering menu, Broadway Diner offers guests an unforgettable journey into the world of Broadway. Be waited on by a star-studded lineup of talent who will be performing the night away at Belmont Diner Aspen. Learn more at tickettailor.com.

November 17 to 19; Kananaskis Christmas Market, vendors are bringing their very best and you do not want to miss out. Kick off the Christmas season and get a head start on shopping with some unique handcrafted gifts at Redwood Meadows Community Association. Learn more at visitbraggcreek.com.

November 17 to 19; Kirks Alpaca Farm Christmas Photos, looking for unique Santa photos this year? Why not include an alpaca? Cost is $25 per person and includes access to the farm, the opportunity to feed the animals, hot chocolate and one digital high-resolution Santa photo. Learn more and register at kirksalpacafarm.ca.

November 17 to 19; Spruce Meadows International Christmas Market, the market boasts an enviable line-up of exquisite gifts and treats for the whole family. With more than 200 independent local businesses, the market prides itself on a unique shopping experience. Begin the festive season by enjoying a day out with family and friends, shop exquisite gift ideas, purchase artisan food, and stroll through the winter wonderland of Spruce Meadows. Learn more at sprucemeadows.com.

November 17 to 19; Banff Christmas Market, with more than 80 artisanal vendors, live music, an outdoor fire lounge, Santa’s House and Reindeer Stables, Christmas treats and warm drinks, there is something for the whole family at Warner Stables. Learn more at banffchristmasmarket.com.

November 18, 9am to 2pm; Calgary Christian School Fall Fair, join the Calgary Christian School to mark their 60th Anniversary with A Nod to the Fall Fair at Calgary Christian School Secondary Campus. They’ll celebrate with some “old-timey” fair staples, an artisan makers market, and a kid’s zone. There will be plenty of family fun with food, games, face painting, and much more.

November 18, 9:30 to 11:30am; Birding on St. Patrick’s Island, join Nature Calgary for a bird walk on St. Patrick’s Island and observe the fascinating variety of birds found in their natural habitat. The fall and winter is an excellent time to start birding, with no leaves on the trees it’s easier than ever to see the birds! You may have the opportunity to see bald eagles, bohemian waxwings, buffleheads, woodpeckers, and Canada geese. Learn more at evexperience.com.

November 18, 10am to 3pm; Silver Springs Christmas Craft Market, over 30 vendor tables of handcrafted items by local makers. Non-perishable items for the Calgary Food Bank are accepted. Learn more at silverspringscommunity.ca.

November 18, 10am to 3pm; Canyon Meadows Community Association Christmas Craft Fair, plenty of new vendors at this year’s market as well as some favorite vendors from previous years, providing a wonderful selection of gift-giving ideas for everyone on your list. Free admission with a donation to the Calgary Humane Society. Learn more at cmca.ca.

November 18, 10am to 3pm; Citadel Christmas Market, come to the Citadel community to support your local artisans, crafters, bakers and services at the Citadel Community Association.

November 18, 10am to 3pm; Lake Bonavista Christmas Craft Fair, the Christmas Craft Fair at the community association is the perfect opportunity to discover wonderful gift-giving ideas. Learn more at lakebonavistacommunity.com.

November 18, 10am to 3pm; New Brighton’s Christmas Craft Market, Looking for some local unique Christmas gifts for friends and family? Visit the Clubhouse where over 30 local vendors are on-site selling their amazing products. This market is part of the Grand South Christmas Markets held in conjunction with Auburn Bay, Mahogany, Mckenzie Towne and Cranston Residents Associations. Learn more at newbrighton-connect.com.

November 18, 10am to 3pm; Auburn House Christmas Craft Marketplace, a great opportunity to purchase amazing gifts just in time for the holidays all while supporting local artisans, crafters, and home-based business owners. With a variety of exhibitors selling everything from unique and custom-crafted handmade products, to all those products and services you love from popular multi-level marketing home-based businesses. Learn more at uburnbayra.ca.

November 18; 10am to 3pm; Holy Spirit Catholic Women’s League Craft Sale, shop a wide selection of local handcrafted gifts at Holy Spirit Catholic Church. Learn more at holyspiritcalgary.com.

November 18, 10am to 3pm; Westminster Christmas Market, it’s a great time to enjoy visiting with family and friends, and shopping for unique and special gifts. A wonderful selection of vendors selling special items for Christmas and all year through at Westminster Presbyterian Church. Learn more at wpchurch.net/events.

November 18, 10am to 3pm; Union Station Kids’ Clothing Sale, drop by Union Station Church and do some shopping for the kids; most items are around $2. They will also accept donations of gently used kids’ clothing during store hours. Learn more at unionstationchurch.com.

November 18, 10am to 4pm; Shawnessy Christmas Craft Fair, two floors of hand-crafted items and a limited number of direct sellers at the Shawnessy Barn. Learn more by following @shawnessycraftfair on Facebook.

November 18, 10am to 4pm; The Grand South Christmas Market, this isn’t just any holiday market — it’s a vibrant fusion of Calgary’s cherished southern communities, from Mahogany to Mackenzie Towne, Cranston, New Brighton, and Auburn Bay at the Mahogany Beach Club. At the heart of it all, the Mahogany Beach Club stands proudly as a central hub, showcasing over 75 exceptional local vendors. Dive into a world of handcrafted treasures, gourmet delights, and unique festive finds. Whether you’re ticking off your gift list or indulging in a little self treat, there’s something magical awaiting every visitor. Learn more at mahoganyhoa.com.

November 18, 10am to 4pm; Abundant Life Church Christmas Craft Market, Abundant Life Church is hosting a craft market with all of the church proceeds to benefit Next Step Ministries. Learn more at alc-calgary.ca.

November 18, 11am; Cineplex Family Favourites: The Land Before Time 35th Anniversary, visit participating Cineplex theatres near you and watch a favorite family film each week for only $2.99. Learn more at cineplex.com.

November 18, 11am to 3pm; The Olympic Oval’s Holiday Market & Skate, shop over 60 UCalgary student and UCalgary Alumni vendors and then skate on The Fastest Ice in the World™. What makes this event different is the fact that they are showcasing UCalgary Student and UCalgary Alumni vendors and entrepreneurs. Learn more at oval.ucalgary.ca.

November 18, 11am to 7pm; Banff Santa Claus Celebration of Lights, Santa will host the lighting up of Banff, with many special guests appearances you won’t want to miss. Enjoy talented local artists performing on the main stage, surrounded by whimsical street performers, “Santa’s Workshop,” and more magical activities for the whole family to enjoy. Learn more at banfflakelouise.com.

November 18, 2 to 3pm; Fort Calgary Events: Storytelling and Tours, this November, gather around the fire at the confluence for an afternoon of fascinating stories told by Indigenous storytellers from Treaty 7. Enjoy a cup of cider or hot chocolate and immerse yourself in Blackfoot tales. Tickets are $15 and include a storytelling session, a drink, and admission to the museum. Learn more at fortcalgary.com.

November 18, 2 to 4pm; Elf – Films at the Fort, start your holidays off right with a movie at Fort Calgary’s Burnswest Theatre! Elf (PG) Raised as an oversized elf, Buddy travels from the North Pole to New York City to meet his biological father who doesn’t know he exists and is in desperate need of some Christmas spirit. This film is screening in Fort Calgary’s Burnswest Theatre as part of Films at the Fort: Holiday Favourites series. Learn more at fortcalgary.com/events/elf.

November 18, 5:30pm; Sight Night Calgary, Alberta Sports & Recreation Association for the Blind (ASRAB) is hosting the Sight Night Calgary event at Eau Claire Market. Sight Night is not just a run; it’s a celebration of inclusivity, where visually impaired and sighted individuals equally partake in an unforgettable experience. As participants navigate the pathways, the event embodies the spirit of camaraderie, breaking down barriers and fostering understanding. Learn more at asrab.ab.ca.

November 18 to 19, 10am to 3pm; Bowness Holiday Craft Fair, stop by the Bowness Holiday Craft Fair at the Bowness Community Association to get a head start on your holiday shopping. Local vendors have a wide selection of unique and hand-crafted items. Learn more at allevents.in/calgary/bowness.

November 18 to 19, 10am to 3pm; Lake Bonavista Christmas Craft Fair, purchase unique, artisan gifts from local vendors, try a variety of delicious food and tasty treats, and visit booths from multi-level marketing Calgarian businesses at the Lake Bonavista Community Association. Learn more at thelbca.ca.

November 18 to 19, 10am to 4pm; Canmore Christmas Artisans’ Market, more than 50 artisans and makers of hand-crafted items showcase their wares at the Canmore Recreation Centre in support of the Preschool Society. Learn more by following @canmorechristmasartisansmarket on Instagram.

November 18 to 19, 10am to 4pm; The Hangar Flight Museum’s 48th Anniversary Celebration, see dual-plane presentations with Heritage Interpreters at select times and have fun testing a wind tunnel with crafts all day. You can also book ahead to participate in Avro Anson interior tours. Plus, save $4.80 off your admission price to celebrate their 48th. Learn more at thehangarmuseum.ca.

November 18 to 19, 10am to 5pm; Bragg Creek Artisans Christmas Sale, Bragg Creek Artisans Christmas Sale provides the attendees with an opportunity to discover unique crafts, decorations, gifts and original artwork by local artisans as they exhibit their handcrafted work at Bragg Creek Community Centre. Learn more at braggcreekca.com.

November 18 to 19; Aspen Crossing Christmas Market, discover a treasure trove of unique, locally hand-crafted items from more than 60 talented vendors at Aspen Crossing. Learn more at aspencrossing.com.

November 18 to 19; Cochrane MADE Artisan Christmas Market, Cochrane’s favorite annual MADE Artisan Christmas Market offers holiday shoppers a back-to-back three-weekend tour of outstanding artisans and makers at Lions Club Event Centre. Learn more at cochranetourism.ca.

November 19, 10am to 4pm; Fairview Studios Fall Pottery Sale, Calgary’s most loved and largest annual fall pottery sale at Acadia Recreation Complex. Learn more at fairviewstudios.com.

November 19, 11am to 4pm; 18th Calgary Scout Christmas Market, the 18th Calgary Scouts are hosting their third annual Christmas Market at their hall (1919 19 Street SW). Admission is free. The market has a variety of local vendors, food, and raffles and proceeds go towards supporting youth programming and upcoming camp trips.

November 19, 11am to 4pm; Deer Run Christmas Market, celebrate the start of the Christmas season at the First Annual Deer Run Christmas Market — shop from local vendors, connect with neighbors, and grab some Christmas cheer at the Deer Run Community Association. Learn more at deerruncalgary.com/markets.

Ongoing

Until November 26; Loose Moose Theatre Presents: Elves and the Shoemaker, the Loose Moose Theatre Company makes going to the theatre an experience that is truly magical for children four to ten years old, as well as fun and entertaining for parents. Plan an affordable family time out that everyone can enjoy. Shows play on Saturdays at 1pm and Sundays at 1pm and 3pm. Learn more at loosemoose.com.

Until November 29; Heritage Weavers and Spinners Annual Fall Sale, the annual guild sale is a great opportunity to shop for holiday, birthday and hostess gifts. There is a wide range of beautifully handcrafted items made by guild members that include woven tea towels, table runners, placemats, blankets, pillows, rugs, and garments; felted scarves and hats; tapestry hangings, and more. at Parkdale Nifty 50’s Senior’s Association. Learn more at heritageweaversandspinners.org/annual-sale.

Until December 17; Vertigo Theatre Presents Sleuth, famed mystery novelist Andrew Wyke lures his wife’s lover to his country home and convinces him to stage a robbery of her jewelry. As the stakes rise, it sets off a chain of events that leaves audiences trying to decipher who is truly in control. This Tony Award Winner for Best Play has been called the ultimate game of cat and mouse. Full of fun, humor and mystery, this heated classic is a must see to warm up during the holiday season! Learn more at vertigotheatre.com.

Until December 21; Festive Foothills Art Sale, the Leighton Art Centre is featuring fine crafts and artwork by local artists in the galleries of the historic Leighton home. This annual community-favorite sale comes at the perfect time for getting a head start on purchasing seasonal gifts and getting into the Christmas spirit with beautiful decorations, gorgeous art, and the home’s historic ambiance. Learn more at leightoncentre.org.

Until December 31; In Search of Christmas Spirit in Banff, discover the wonder of Christmas in Banff National Park this holiday season. Bundle up for a walk through the Cascade of Time Garden, where you’ll witness a live Christmas story told by the animals of Banff National Park. Learn more at banfflakelouise.com.

Until January 1; Light the Night – Discovery Wildlife Park, over a 2km drive through of dazzling lights and displays! Stop in to do some Christmas shopping, get a souvenir, or enjoy a nice hot drink. The Grinch will also be visiting every Wednesday to Sunday. Learn more at discoverywildlifepark.com.

Until January 7; ZOOLIGHTS, the Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo is full of twinkling lights and the classic holiday activities you’ve come to love! This year’s ZOOLIGHTS will feature activities such as Polar Nights in Prehistoric Park, Photos Amongst the Flowers, and much more. Learn more at calgaryzoo.com.

Until January 7; Silver & Bold at TELUS Spark, TELUS Spark transforms into a science-inspired winter wonderland of holiday decor, festive drinks and food, a new dome show, and, of course, guests can experience Margaret Wise Brown’s classic tale, Goodnight Moon, in the Digital Immersion Gallery. Learn more at sparkscience.ca. 

Until January 30; Jubilations Dinner Theatre Presents Top Gun: A Maverick Musical, Jubilations Dinner Theatre takes a ride on the Highway to the Danger Zone with their parody spin on the fighter jet franchise. Two classic movies made 30 years apart featuring a movie star that somehow looks like he hasn’t aged a single day… it’s just a musical theatre spoof waiting to happen. Learn more at jubilations.ca.

Until February 4; Stage West Presents Step By Step: Evolution of the Greatest Boy Bands, the creation of a boy band is pretty easy. You take a heartthrob, a cutie, a bad boy, and a guy that may be a little too old to be in a boy band, throw them into some matching outfits, add synchronized dance moves, and, all of a sudden, you’ll make the music world swoon. Watch as Stage West recreates music history from The Beatles, to The Bee Gees, to the New Kids on the Block, and finally on to *NSYNC and the Backstreet Boys. Learn more at stagewestcalgary.com.

Until March; Hygge Hut on River Walk, the East Village is bringing cozy back to East Village Hygge Hut on RiverWalk. The Hygge Hut is a big warm East Village hug in the middle of a long, cold Calgary winter. The contemporary, Scandinavian-style space is inspired by the Danish idea of Hygge, which means a special kind of well-being — it’s a cozy, easy togetherness enhanced by the glow of a firepit, soft lighting, a warm drink and good company. The snuggle vibe, in short. Learn more at evexperience.com.

Until March 31; Nightrise, at Nightrise, Sulphur Mountain’s summit is transformed after dark through four digital art installations. Vibrant lighting, multimedia effects, video projections, and music bring the mountaintop to life in a new and unexpected way. Learn more at banffjaspercollection.com.