Calgary in November is jam packed with activities the whole family can get excited about. From honouring Remembrance Day to preparing for holiday festivities and all that comes with the snow and colder temperatures, there’s tons of fun to be had both indoors and outside in YYC!
Fun Family Things to Do in Calgary in November
Field of Crosses | fieldofcrosses.com
Tuesday, November 1 – Friday, November 11
Every year, from November 1-11, 3500 crosses are placed along Calgary’s Memorial Drive to honour fallen soldiers from Southern Alberta. The 5-acre memorial is lit 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, to give visitors a chance to pay their respects to these brave Canadians who lost their lives.
Each day, a sunrise and sunset ceremony takes place and, on Remembrance Day, a ceremony is held to welcome participants both in person and via live stream.
Remembrance Day at the Military Museums | themilitarymuseums.ca
Friday, November 11
If you have never had a chance to participate in a Remembrance Day ceremony put on by the Military Museums, I would highly recommend it. This year’s ceremony begins at 10:00 am, with the arrival of VIPs and Guests of honour. At 10:57, “Last Post” is performed and flags are lowered, followed by two minutes of silence and the laying of ceremonial wreaths. Be sure to visit the exhibits inside the museum after the service, where admission will be accepted by donation.
Because this ceremony is typically well-attended, you’ll want to arrive early to ensure you’re able to find a parking spot.
Remembrance Day & Anniversary Celebrations at the Hangar Flight Museum | thehangarmuseum.ca
Friday, November 11 | Saturday, November 19 & Sunday, November 20
If you are looking for a venue to participate in a formal Remembrance Day celebration, he Hangar Flight Museum is another excellent choice. They will be posting details about their 2021 Remembrance Day soon, so be sure to check their website for details.
Millarville Christmas Market | millarvilleracetrack.com
Thursday, November 3 – Sunday, November 6 & Thursday, November 10 – Sunday, November 13
It’s hard to believe that Christmas markets are here again, but we have to admit, we are over the moon excited! Food trucks, music, reindeer viewing, and a huge selection of seasonal vendors await in four heated indoor areas, the arena, hall, quonset, and large heated tents.
There’s also a Kids Only Shoppe with ticketed timed entry where kiddos can get a photos with Santa’s reindeer!
Grinchmas at Granary Road | granaryroad.com
Saturday, November 19 & Sunday, November 20
Don’t miss your chance to celebrate Grinchmas with the famous goats of Granary Road! Head to the south patio from 10am – 3pm to snap a selfie with the goats before warming up by the fire and roasting yourself a s’more. Decorate a candy apple and hitch a ride on the bah-humbug wagon for a trip around the active learning park. The market at Granary Road also makes the perfect spot to do some early Christmas shopping (and keep your eyes peeled for the Grinch, who has been known to roam the market!)
Visit Granary Road’s website to pre-register and pre-purchase everything you need to participate in your activities of choice!
Light Up Okotoks | okotoks.ca
Friday, November 18
Although it’s a little bit of a drive, Light Up Okotoks is one of our family’s favourite ways to kick off the festive season. This indoor and outdoor event includes the lighting of the Okotoks community Christmas tree, live entertainment, wagon rides, a sugar shack, ice sculpture demos, cookie decorating, craft sales, late-night shopping, fireworks, and much more.
Keep your eyes peeled for Santa’s arrival and be sure to get a photo and share your Christmas wishes with the jolly old elf!
Zoolights | calgaryzoo.com
Friday, November 18 – Sunday, January 8
Calgary in November means Calgary Zoo’s magical display of over 2 million lights is back, and now for its 25th year! This year’s Zoolights celebration includes themed areas and activities including a new story in Prehistoric Park, a new Polar Wonderland, a multi-sensory experience in the gorilla amphitheater, the Nutcracker in the ENMAX Conservatory, brand new Snow Globes for rent, and more. And all the classic activities are back, including the “Tunnel of Light”, Skating Rink, Firepits, and Rival Axe Throwing.
Tickets for Zoolights must be purchased in advance, and regular day admission cannot be used towards your Zoolights experience. Calgary Zoo Inspire Members can get free admission to Zoolights, while Engage and Child Members receive 50% off.
Spruce Meadows International Christmas Market | sprucemeadows.com
Fridays – Sundays, November 18 – 20, 25 – 27, and December 2 – 4
It wouldn’t be Calgary in November without the Spruce Meadows International Christmas Market. It’s a must-visit market filled with incredible vendors, delicious food, fun activities, crackling bonfires, and beautiful lights to get you in the spirit of the season.
Check their website for updates on vendor and activity information, coming soon!
Skate the Boulevard at Deerfoot City | deerfootcity.com
Ongoing as of November 1
If you’re excited to get in your first outdoor skate of the season, you don’t have to wait for the temperatures to drop, thanks to Deerfoot City’s synthetic ice rink that brings all the fun of the real, slippery thing. Be sure to bring your own equipment, as rentals are not available on-site. You’ll need to book your 30-minute time slot ahead of time, so check out Deerfoot City’s website to claim your group’s free spot!
And while you wait for your turn on the rink, why not check out some of the fantastic shopping and dining options nearby?
Goodnight Moon at Telus Spark | sparkscience.ca
Starting Wednesday, November 9
Goodnight Moon is a storybook staple for many families, and Telus Spark is bringing the beloved children’s book to life with a digital immersion experience. Celebrate the 75th anniversary of Margaret Wise Brown’s classic book by listening to the story and playing with the characters and images from the great green room in the story in this interactive digital format. The experience is 8-9 minutes long and is included in your regular Telus Spark admission.
Disney on Ice Presents Road Trip Adventures | scotiabanksaddledome.com
Friday, November 18 – Sunday, November 20
You won’t want to miss the magic of all of seeing your favourite Disney characters hitting the ice at Scotiabank Saddledome for three days in Calgary in November! Prepare to be dazzled as Mickey, Minnie, and Goofy embark on an interactive adventure to visit iconic Disney characters and locations. Travel to Motuni to visit Moana, the rooftops of London to sing along with Mary Poppins, the Pride Lands to catch a glimpse of Simba, Timon, and Pumbaa, and well as the worlds of Aladdin, Toy Story, and more. Tickets start at $60 and are selling out quickly!
Once Upon a Christmas at Heritage Park | heritagepark.ca
Saturday, November 26 – Saturday, December 18
If you’ve always wanted to experience a traditional Christmas celebration, there’s no better place to do it than Heritage Park! Your biggest challenge will be deciding what to do first. Will you check in for a visit with Santa (and maybe get a photo or two)? Will you head to Gasoline Alley to join in on photo ops and fun activities with Christmas storybook characters, write a litter to Santa, or head out on a reindeer scavenger hunt? Maybe you’d rather start with some gingerbread decorating or crafting, or would like to sing along with the roving carollers. If starting (or finishing up!) your Christmas shopping is on your to-do list, be sure to visit the Haskayne Mercantile Block and Village Shops, the Kids’ Only Story and the Christmas Market before you head home! Admission is $14.95 for kids 3-15 and $19.95 for visitors 16 and up.
The Jungle Book | albertatheatreprojects.com
Tuesday, November 29 – Saturday, December 31
Based on the books of Rudyard Kipling and adapted and directed by Rohit Chokhani, the classic tale of Mowgli, the young boy raised by the jungle, comes to life on the stage in its world premiere. Follow Mowgli as he confronts both a dangerous tiger and the difficult question of whether he is a man-cub or a human. Experience this timeless fable where a cast of familiar characters come to life through puppetry, stylized props, masks and movement. Tickets for showings at the Martha Cohen Theatre start at $33.
What activities does your family have planned in Calgary in November? We’d love to hear them in the comments!
Tagged under: Things to do in Calgary,calgary in november,november in calgary
Category: events,attractions,outdoor-play,indoor-play
