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

What’s Up This Week?

On November 21, 2023 by

November 24 to 26

November 21 to 26; Broadway Across Canada Presents: HADESTOWN, a haunting and hopeful theatrical experience that grabs you and never lets go at the Southern Alberta Jubilee Auditorium. Learn more at calgary.broadway.com.

November 22 to 26; Common Ground 7, seven new acts from the finest emerging artists Alberta has to offer. Plays, dance, musicals, juggling and more are coming to the Pumphouse Theatre. Learn more at pumphousetheatre.ca.

November 24, 7 to 9pm; Locked Library: The Book Case, two hours. Four murders. One missing book. Intrigued? Gather a team of fellow detectives and prepare for an evening of exploring, sleuthing, and puzzle-solving in the iconic Calgary Central Library. Enjoy the thrill of the chase, whether you’re a seasoned puzzle-solver or a first-time detective. Prizes await the sharpest minds and quickest thinkers, so make sure you’re at the top of your detective game. Learn more at trellis.org.

November 24, 7:30pm; The Barra MacNeils: An East Coast Christmas, join the biggest holiday kitchen party Calgary has ever seen – the spirit of the East Coast is coming to the Jack Singer Concert Hall. The Barra MacNeils: An East Coast Christmas is a musical potpourri of traditional MacNeil family favorites gleaned from Christmas ceilidhs, midnight masses, and the festive frolics that accompany each holiday season. Learn more at artscommons.ca.

November 24 to 26; 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 24 to 26; Blue Jay Sessions: Holiday Edition 2023, the holiday season is just around the corner and that means Blue Jay Sessions: Holiday Edition is back for another lightly festive-themed songwriters’ event series at The Prairie Emporium. More than 20 singer-songwriters from across the province will share songs and stories and it’s all in support of a great local cause, Community Kitchen Program of Calgary. Learn more at thebluejaysessions.com.

November 24 to 26; 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 24 to 26; Festival of Trees, Red Deer Festival of Trees will kick off the holiday season in Central Alberta for the 30th time in 2023. Join in on traditional festivities like the Christmas Tree Room, silent auction, gift and sweet shop, and – just for children – Candy Cane Lane! Learn more at reddeerfestivaloftrees.ca.

November 24 to 26; Chestermere Christmas Market, get every item checked off of your list at MPP Rec Centre. Learn more at allevents.in.chestermere.

November 25; Philippine Christmas Lantern Festival at New Horizon Mall, an afternoon of entertainment and lantern-making for all ages. Learn more at newhorizonmall.com.

November 25, 9am to 3pm; Little Modern Market, find everything from home decor to clothing to treats at First Alliance Church Deerfoot Campus. Learn more at littlemodernmarket.com.

November 25, 9:30am to 3:30pm; Marlborough Christmas Market, the Marlborough Community Association invites you to the annual Christmas Market which features 65 tables of handcrafted items, showcased by local artists and crafters at the Calgary Marlborough Community Centre. Learn more at calgarymarlborough.com.

November 25, 10am to 3pm; Rocky Ridge Ranch Homeowners Association Holiday Market, if you are looking for unique gifts to give away during the holiday season, be sure to check out the Rocky Ridge Ranch Homeowners Association Holiday Market. They will have a variety of local vendors selling a wide array of handmade treasures like crafts, baked goods, greeting cards, stained-glass sun catchers, knit and crochet items, jewelry, and more. Learn more at rrrha.ca.

November 25, 10am to 3pm; Dalhousie Christmas Craft Market, come out to the Christmas Craft Market at the Dalhousie Community Centre to find 60 amazing vendors that make, bake, or grow their products. Learn more at dalhousiecalgary.ca.

November 25, 10am to 4pm; Haysboro Winter Market, shop the Haysboro Winter Market for home businesses and artisan vendors. With free entry and parking, you can make your Christmas shopping a little easier at Haysboro Community Hall. Learn more at haysboro.org.

November 25, 10am to 4pm; North Haven Christmas Makers Market, shop until you drop for handcrafted items at this holiday market at the North Haven Community Association. Learn more at northhavenyyc.ca.

November 25, 10am to 4pm; Northern Hills Community Association Christmas Market, artists, artisans, local businesses, creators, and vendors abound at this market at Vivo for Healthier Generations. Learn more at nhca.ca/christmas-market.

November 25, 10am to 5pm; Waldorf Faire & Artisan Market, adults will find a fabulous selection of unique artisans in the artisan market and, for the children, they have heartwarming crafts and activities at Calgary Waldorf School. Learn more at calgarywaldorf.org.

November 25, 10am to 5pm; St. Margaret School Christmas Market, this day is guaranteed to fill your hearts with festive cheer and create lasting memories for the whole family. At the Christmas market, you can look forward to a wide range of exciting activities and attractions. Santa Claus will be there, ready to meet your little ones and listen to their holiday wishes. Learn more at facebook.com/stmargaretschoolcouncil.

November 25, 11am; Home Depot Kids’ Workshops: Build a Penguin Ornament, if you are looking for a fun activity to do with the family, we’ve got a great workshop for kids that will teach them about building. Kids can learn how to build their very own penguin ornament. Learn more at homedepot.ca.

November 25, 11am to 4pm; Sunalta Holiday Market, 25 talented vendors, cookie decorating, hot cocoa, fires and more at Sunalta Community Association. Learn more at sunalta.net.

November 25, 12 to 5pm; VECOVA’s Semi-Annual Garage Sale, VECOVA’s Semi-Annual Garage Sale features 10,000 items with an average price of $1 to $10. There will be strollers, car seats, clothing, electronics, hiking/mountain gear, household goods, accessories and more. All proceeds go towards disability services at VECOVA. Learn more at vecova.ca.

November 25, 1 to 2pm; Fort Calgary Tours, delve into the complex and rich histories rooted in the lands at Fort Calgary. Through stories, photographs and a tour through their permanent exhibition space, uncover the layered past of the confluence on this indoor tour, which includes a presentation in the beautiful Burnswest Theatre and a guided walk through the Interpretive Centre. Learn more at fortcalgary.com.

November 25, 1 to 4pm; Springbank Gingerbread Tea and Artisan Sale, check out this tasty market and bake sale at Springbank Heritage Centre. Learn more at springbankheritageclub.com.

November 25, 2 to 4pm; Films at the Fort: Miracle on 34th Street, in this Christmas classic, an old man going by the name of Kris Kringle fills in for an intoxicated Santa in Macy’s annual Thanksgiving Day parade. Kringle proves to be such a hit that he is soon appearing regularly at the chain’s main store in midtown Manhattan. When Kringle surprises customers and employees alike by claiming that he really is Santa Claus, it leads to a court case to determine his mental health and, more importantly, his authenticity. Learn more at fortcalgary.com.

November 25, 4:30 to 7:30pm; Cochrane Light Up, the townspeople and welcomed guests will turn out to watch the lighting of the 30-foot. Christmas tree and enjoy other festivities, including roaming entertainers, Christmas carols, a visit from Santa, free food, and firepits. Learn more at facebook.com/CochraneABLightUp.

November 25, 5 to 6pm; Strathmore Santa Claus Parade, join in the family fun. Light up the night with bright floats and warm hearts this season. This year’s parade is being organized by RE/MAX Key. Learn more at strathmore.ca.

November 25, 5 to 7pm; Auburn Bay Parade of Lights, join the Auburn Bay Community Association as they kick off the holiday season and bring the community together with a parade of festive floats throughout the community. Complimentary hot chocolate will be available to spectators along the parade route. Learn more at auburnbayca.ca.

November 25, 6:30pm; Winter Wonderland Concert, this is a free concert featuring performances by Hannah Pagenkopf and Adam Brousseau, accompanied by Pianist Cody Obstruct, and a special performance by the Cappy Smart Ensemble at Christ Church Anglican Calgary.

November 25, 6:30pm; Cool Choir Presents Cool Yule: What Christmas Means to Me, come and warm your hands and hearts this Winter as Cool Choir presents a toe-tapping, jingle-bell-ringing, and heartwarming musical celebration, featuring Calgary’s legendary a cappella sensation, the Heebee-Jeebees, and a lineup of other phenomenal performers at Knox United Church. Learn more at tickettailor.com.

November 25, 7pm; The Master’s Singers Christmas Concert, Christmas Concert with The Master’s Singers and Special Guests “The Master’s Singers” (TMS) was founded in September 2000 by the director, Muriel Wiebe, and a group of 7 men committed to growing a male chorus at Emmanuel Christian Reformed Church. Learn more at themasterssingers.org.

November 25, 7pm; Lonesome Ace Stringband! Masters of their trade, The Lonesome Ace Stringband bring grit, skill and abandon to Americana music, bridging old-time, bluegrass and folk traditions into a seamless hybrid of original material that is at once fresh and timeless at Irish Cultural Society. Learn more at lonesomeace.com.

November 25, 7pm; Dance YYC Showcase, the Dance YYC Showcase is back for another night of performers from the incredible community at DJD Dance Centre. This year marks the official expansion of the showcase to another city, bringing to reality the dream of intercity performance opportunities and connections. Learn more at dancecoentertainment.com.

November 25, 7:30pm; Price + Schumann at Jack Singer Concert Hall, enjoy an evening of beautiful music, featuring Florence Price’s spiritually-inflected Andante Moderato, which opens the concert with tender warmth. Then, Clara Wieck Schumann’s exquisitely imaginative Piano Concerto is performed by extraordinary Ukrainian pianist Anna Fedorova who makes her Calgary Phil debut, and the evening ends with Robert Schumann’s Rhenish Symphony, inspired by his and Clara’s travels to Cologne through the Rhineland. Learn more at calgaryphil.com.

November 25 to 26, 10am to 4pm; Once Upon a Christmas at Heritage Park, one of Calgary’s most iconic holiday events, with hands-on activities and entertainment sure to delight guests of all ages. Come get your fix of wholesome holiday cheer including a holiday market, Christmas crafts, and Santa photos. Learn more at heritagepark.ca.

November 25 to 26, 11am to 2pm; WestHills Towne Centre: Santa Photos, the man in red will be making a very special appearance for a limited time only. There will be in-store retailer promotions, giveaways, snacks and hand-crafted beverages available. Learn more at westhillstownecentre.com.

November 25 to 26; Puppet Power 2023: Festival of Ideas – Material Puppets, join for an incredible weekend of puppetry at the Puppet Power 2023: Festival of Ideas – Material Puppets at cSpace Calgary. The Festival of Ideas uses the power of puppetry to explore and impact the social issues of our time. Get ready to be mesmerized by the artistry and creativity of puppetry as we journey into the world of materialism, our relationship to “stuff” and that connection to puppets. Learn more at wppuppet.com.

November 25 to 26; Authentically Indigenous Holiday Craft Market, come to visit this annual holiday craft show with a unique twist at the Kerby Centre. The Authentically Indigenous Craft Show ‘Holiday Edition’ features unique Indigenous artist vendors from the Calgary and Treaty 7 area of Southern Alberta. Here you’ll find handmade crafts, art, jewelry, food, and more. Learn more at authenticallyindig.com.

November 26, 10am to 4pm; Disney Winter Meetup at New Horizon Mall, come dressed up in your favorite Mickey ears and outfit to create memories that will last a lifetime. Bring your trading pins and interact with past cast members, just like in the parks, and stock up on your Disney merchandise right in time for the holidays. Learn more at newhorizonmall.com.

November 26, 10am to 4pm; North Haven Market and Ice Carving, a Winter Haven featuring a Makers Market and an Ice Carving demonstration at North Haven Commercial Hall. Learn more at Northhavenyyc.ca.

November 26, 10am to 5pm; Beading Workshop, Métis artisan Janis Laboucane will share the history and significance of Métis beading throughout this beginner’s workshop, where you’ll learn to follow a traditional flower pattern for your own beading project. All materials are supplied and yours to take home. Learn more at fortcalgary.com.

November 26, 11am; Magical Minis at YYC Nature & Education Centre, meet the world’s smallest python, tiny geckos, baby reptiles and more. Interact with and learn about some of the magical mini creatures at the centre with this family program. Learn more at yycnaturecentre.com.

November 26, 11am to 4pm; The Holiday Market at Deerfoot Inn and Casino, the Holiday Market at the Deerfoot Inn & Casino is back for its third year. Enter the Hallway & the Sundance Ballroom where you will find up to 60 vendors offering everything you may need for hosting, planning, or gifting. Learn more at thedowntownmarkets.ca.

November 26, 1pm; Living Giants at YYC Nature & Education Centre, meet the world’s third largest tortoise, giant boas, monitor lizards and much more. Encounter giants at the centre with this family program. Learn more at yycnaturecentre.com.

November 26, 2pm; Christmas With The Ennis Sisters, Maureen, Karen and Teresa have been captivating audiences with their highly woven sibling harmonies and endearing humor for years. With a mix of original songs, holiday classics, humorous recitations and a little Irish step-dancing, the evening is sure to ignite your holiday spirit at Bella Concert Hall. Don’t miss the chance to delight in a Christmas tradition, cherished by so many. Learn more at theennissisters.com.

November 26, 2 to 3pm; CIRCUS Workshop by Bravo Circus, Bravo Circus will be putting on a workshop at the Holiday Market at the Deerfoot Inn & Casino. Come test your skills and learn something new. Ages five to 12 years old. Learn more at eventbrite.ca.

November 26, 6:30pm; Calgary Carol Festival, this beautiful Christmas tradition presented by choirs and musicians from the Calgary West Stake and the Calgary community is a free, in-person event for the entire family at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Learn more at calgarycarolfestival.ca.

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.

Ongoing

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 November 29; Calgary Inner-City Paintings Exhibit, an exhibit of Calgary’s inner-city captured in vibrant watercolor and ink at Calgary Central Library. These thought-provoking paintings show the dramatic rejuvenation of our city’s older areas. A must see for anyone interested architecture, design, homes and community. Learn more at eventbrite.com.

Until December 3; Calgary Opera – Beauty and the Beast, the story Beauty lives a simple life with her father and two sisters. When Father must leave on a business trip, the sisters demand he returns with expensive gifts for them. Beauty asks instead for a single rose. He fulfills this request and it leads to trouble for the family and the betrothal of Beauty to an unattractive and unsophisticated man. Beauty and the Beast is a timeless story about valuing kindness and character over superficial traits like physical beauty and social refinement. Vittorio Giannini composed this one-act opera in 1938, basing it on the classic fairy tale. It delighted radio audiences then and now provides a charming entry point for children into the world of opera. Sung in English with projected English titles. Learn more at algaryopera.com/23-24/beautyandthebeast.

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 17; A Christmas to Remember at Granary Road, Granary Road’s Christmas Market is an enchanting celebration of the holidays that starts in the stunning market area with 40-foot vaulted ceilings, exposed trusses, and lighting reminiscent of days gone by. Continue from the market to the Granary Road Garden Centre where you will be sure to find that special and unique gift from the large selection of artisan collective vendors and makers. Christmas carols playing throughout the market, beautifully decorated trees, strings upon strings of Christmas lights and other festive decor make Granary Road a destination for Christmas shoppers, foodies, and families alike. Admission is free and food bank donations are welcome. Learn more at granaryroad.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 24; Peace of Mind Santa Visits at Southcentre Mall, create heartwarming moments that truly capture the spirit of the season as Southcentre provides a warm and inclusive experience for children and families with unique needs, ensuring everyone can cherish the magic of a Santa visit. Learn more at southcentremall.com.

Until December 24; Polar Express Train Rides, this Christmas take your family on a journey that they will never forget. Step into the magic of the holiday season aboard the Polar Express™. A fun filled adventure, directly inspired by the hit movie. Grab all your loved ones and your favorite pajamas and join us for a journey to the North Pole that everyone will enjoy. Learn more at aspencrossing.com.

Until December 24; Stage West for Kids Presents Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree, every Christmas, Santa’s elves hold the annual Holly Jolly Festive Holiday Christmas Spectacular – a showcase of all of their skills. But one elf, Sam, can’t figure out what his best skill is and without an amazing performance, he won’t earn his special elf name. With the help of his friends Twinkle, Cookie, and Cosmo, Sam searches for his true place at the North Pole. Learn more at stagewestcalgary.com.

Until December 30; StoryBook Theatre Presents Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, take a fantastic musical adventure with an out-of-this-world car that flies through the air and sails the seas. Featuring an unforgettable score by the Sherman Brothers (Mary Poppins), Chitty Chitty Bang Bang is one family-friendly blockbuster that audiences will find “Truly Scrumptious.” Learn more at storybooktheatre.org.

Until December 31; Banff’s Hot Chocolate Trail, what could be better than a hot chocolate on a winter night? How about 20+ hot chocolates? Banff and Lake Louise’s Hot Chocolate Trail is a treasure map of restaurants each offering a limited-time, holiday-themed hot chocolate. Learn more at banfflakelouise.com.

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 8, 5:30pm to 12am; 37th Annual Lions Festival of Lights, for many Calgary families, the visit to the Lions annual light display marks the beginning of the Christmas season. Located on the east side of the Confederation Golf Course, you’ll find thousands of glowing lights displayed in beautiful Christmas themes at Confederation Park. Learn more at lionsfestivaloflights.ca.

Until January 13; Jubilations Junior Presents Guardians of Christmas, Peter Quill and the Guardians barely made it out of their latest brush with danger in time to start their trek to Earth for Christmas. But wait… a few of them got left behind? A rescue mission sends them crash landing on a snow-laden planet ruled by an Ice Queen. Will the Ice Queen let them leave her planet? Can they get the parts they need to fix their ship and save their friends? Come see the Jubilations Junior show: The Guardians of Christmas. Learn more at jubilations.ca/calgary-junior.

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.