Calgary Events: Nov. 20-26

Documentary film fest, Christmas markets, and Polar Express train

Author

Krista Sylvester
November 20, 2024

Dear readers, we got our first blast of snow this week but there’s no shortage of things to do to get you through the winter blues. In fact, there’s a whole lot of Christmas markets this week, so scroll on down and check out this week’s offerings!

Editor’s note: We do our best to provide the most updated information but we encourage you to check ahead of time in case there have been changes to the event details.

A quick peek at the next few weeks

🎸 Blue Jay Sessions: This two-night series features holiday decor and holiday-inspired eats, drinks, and nightly lineups of Alberta singer-songwriters sharing their songs and stories—and a few holiday tunes too, of course! Nov 28-29 at the Prairie Emporium.

🎭️ The Screaming Goats Collective double bill: Told through the powerful mediums of circus and storytelling, In the Fire and Fish at the Bottom of the Sea examine relationships, grief, and healing through the use of unique circus apparatuses. Nov 28-30 at cSpace Marda Loop.

🎁 Holiday Market Collective: With more than 155 artisans, including 35% new and budding artists, there’s something for everyone at this seasonal favourite local market. Dec 6-8 and Dec 13-15 at the BMO Centre.

January is just around the corner

🪲 Beetlejuice: Based on Tim Burton’s dearly beloved film, this musical tells the story of Lydia Deetz, a strange and unusual teenager whose whole life changes when she meets a recently deceased couple and a demon with a thing for stripes. Jan 7-12 at the Jubilee.

👨‍🎤 High Performance Rodeo: Once a punk rebel upstart troupe of creatives, ticket sales for this staple January theatre renaissance event are officially available. It’s never too early to start planning! Jan 14-Feb 2 at various locations.

Happening this week and weekend

Wednesday-Sunday | The Globe | Various times

This year’s edition of the festival boasts 16 features and nine shorts over five days and there’s something for everyone. You won’t want to miss the family-friendly CATVIDEOFEST 2024 on Saturday morning at 10am. And yes, it’s exactly what it sounds like.

Thursday to Dec 29 | Beddington Theatre Arts Centre | Various times

This presentation of Beauty and the Beast promises to sweep families into a world of magic, romance, and heart. Behind the scenes, a dedicated production team of talented individuals has collaborated to bring this epic production to life.

Friday to Dec 24 | Aspen Crossing | Check daily hours

Step into the magic of the holiday season aboard the Polar Express, which is a fun filled adventure, directly inspired by the hit movie. Grab your loved ones and throw on your favourite pajamas and embark on a journey to the North Pole.

Trivia night is free at this downtown pub so grab some friends and test your knowledge while enjoying drinks and grub.

Hosted by Calgary’s beloved Dion Belanger, this event offers an unforgettable night of storytelling, music, and performances at Spanky’s Saloon in support of World AIDS Day.

Calgary Justice Film Festival | Thursday-Saturday | Various times

Hosted at the Confluence, every screening is free to attend and accompanied by a lively discussion featuring filmmakers or topic experts while fostering engaging dialogue.

Calgary Hip Hop & Street Dance Festival | Thursday-Sunday | Various times

The third annual festival will celebrate hip hop through films, battles, performances, and workshops with a little something for everyone.

Inglewood Holiday Night Market | Friday and Saturday | 4-9pm

Enjoy the Inglewood Holiday Night Market this weekend and next while exploring locally sourced and handmade vendors selling diverse goods, including handmade crafts, vintage clothing, antiques and collectibles, artisan eats, and more.

Spruce Meadows International Christmas Market | Friday-Sunday | Various times

Immerse yourself in a festive atmosphere, adorned with beautiful seasonal décor, unique gifts, and holiday cheer in both cozy indoor settings and charming outdoor spaces.

Check out a diverse selection of vendors and artisans at the Glenbrook Hall and get something for everyone on your list. Proceeds from table bookings will be donated to the Veterans Food Bank of Calgary. The best part is, it’s free!

Overtime Sports Cards and Grading Unit H21 is hosting this sports card collector show free of charge to all patrons. For more information or to become a vendor, contact Rob at [email protected]

Diwali Fest 2024 | Saturday | 5-11pm

Head to the Genesis Centre in the city’s northeast to celebrate Diwali with a vibrant festival of lights, food, music, and culture.

Marda Loop Christmas Market | Saturday-Sunday | 10am-4pm

Find unique gifts, delicious treats, and holiday decorations from local small businesses at this Marda Loop holiday experience.

Holiday Geeky Gift Market at BMO | Saturday and Sunday | 10am-7pm, 10am-5pm

Enjoy more than 200 vendors of the weird, wonderful, geeky, and alternative style all in one location. Tickets are just $5 the door and kids 12 and under are free.

Head to the Jubilee for a Celtic Family Christmas with the beloved fiddle-playing MacMaster Leahy family.

Broadway Across Canada presents The Book of Mormon | Tuesday-Sunday | Various times

The nine-time Tony Award-winning musical is coming to Calgary as one of the funniest and most groundbreaking musicals of the century.

Charlotte’s Web | Tuesday to Dec 29 | Various times

One of Alberta Theatre Projects’ most beloved productions returns to the stage this holiday season as audiences watch the heartwarming friendship between a pig named Wilbur and a spider named Charlotte.

Ongoing

A cast of six actors play over 30 roles in the Canadian premiere of this exhilarating and spirited adaptation of Christie’s classic mystery with her greatest and most beloved detective Hercule Poirot.

Sippin’ Santa pop-up | Until Dec 31 | Check daily hours

This festive pop-up offers extravagant Christmas-themed cocktails in an elaborately-decorated, tropical setting at this 17th Ave bar that is known for its rum. Try cocktails such as the Jingle Bird, Merry Spritzmas, Sugar Plum Mai Tai, and A Snowball's Chance in Hilo, which is definitely made to share.

In Search of Christmas Spirit in Banff | Until Dec 31 | Various times

Is there anything more magical than Christmas in Banff National Park? Bundle up and walk through the Cascade of Time Garden where you’ll witness a live Christmas story told by the animals of Banff National Park.

Calgary Zoolights | Until Jan 5 | Calgary Zoo/Wilder Institute

Experience the magic of twinkling lights and dazzling displays after hours and enjoy family-friendly ice skating, axe throwing, delicious treats, animal facts, and more at this annual holiday classic.

From Me to You: The Beatles in Canada 1964-1966 | Until Jan 5 | National Music Centre

A nostalgic tribute to the band's transformative years upon arriving in Canada for the first time, this display captures the cultural landscape of Canada in the 1960s, and the frenzied excitement of Beatlemania that swept across the country.

All Those Rolling Stones | Until Jan 11 | Jubilations

Step into the tumultuous world of All Those Rolling Stones, where the rhythms of an iconic rock band, the ink-stained pages of a revolutionary magazine, and the pulse of a generation converge. Brace yourself for a rollercoaster ride through the ’60s and ’70s while you enjoy a three-course dinner.

Girls Just Wanna Have Fun | Until Feb 2 | Various times

The girls are all here; the Andrews Sisters in the ’40s, the Spice Girls, The Supremes, The Pointer Sisters and more, Stage West’s latest puts the spotlight on the women who changed music. Nov 15 to Feb 2 at Stage West.

CALGARY TECH JOURNAL

That’s it!

Thanks for checking in this week. Hope you found something good to add to your calendar. Thanks for letting us be your tour guide! See you next week? Same time, same place.

✌️ TWIC (from the Calgary Citizen team)

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