November in Calgary is a month of contrasts. The city is hosting the biggest football weekend in the country, the first Christmas markets are opening their doors, the zoo is glowing again, and the mountains just opened their ski lifts. This guide covers what's still ahead from November 11 through the end of the month, in Calgary and the surrounding area, with dates, times, addresses and a few tips for each.

If you only do three things: catch the free Grey Cup Festival drone show at Stampede Park, spend an evening at ZooLights, and take a day trip to the Banff Christmas Market.

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Quick Calendar

Date	Highlight
Nov 11	Remembrance Day; Grey Cup Festival kicks off
Nov 12–14	Grey Cup Street Festival (free), Millarville Christmas Market (to Nov 15)
Nov 13	ZooLights opens; Spruce Meadows and Inglewood markets open
Nov 15	113th Grey Cup at McMahon Stadium
Nov 18–22	CUFF.Docs film festival
Nov 19	Calgary Winter Market and Banff Christmas Market open
Nov 20–22	Grape Escape, Marda Loop and Dalhousie markets, Lions Festival of Lights
Nov 27–29	Grinch with the CPO, drive-in holiday movies, Granary Road and Cochrane                Light Up

Part 1: Grey Cup Week (Nov 11–15)

Cenovus Energy 2026 Grey Cup Festival

What: Five days of football celebrations take over Stampede Park. The centrepiece is the Suncor Street Festival with live entertainment, a licensed beer garden, outdoor activities, an immersive art show and a family zone at the BMO Centre. Free pancake breakfasts (a tradition dating back to the first festival in 1948) run Nov 12–14, and a nightly drone show lights up the sky at 8:45 p.m. The festival also includes ticketed concerts, including The Trews on Nov 11 and Alan Doyle featuring The Strumbellas on Nov 12, plus a CFL Alumni Legends Luncheon on Nov 13.

Ideal for: Football fans, families, groups of friends, and anyone who likes a big public party, even if you don't know a first down from a field goal.

When: Wednesday, Nov 11 to Sunday, Nov 15 Street Festival hours: Wed Nov 11, 5:30 to 9 p.m.; Thu Nov 12 to Sat Nov 14, 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. (free) Where: Stampede Park, 650 25 Ave SE (drone show viewing from Lot 3) Cost: Street Festival is free; concerts and special events are ticketed

Tips:

• Take the CTrain Red Line to Victoria Park/Stampede Station, which drops you right beside the festival. Parking is paid and will be busy.
• The drone show has a different storyline each night, so go more than once if you can.
• Dress in layers. It is an outdoor event in mid-November.
• Check greycupfestival.ca for the full schedule, since ticketed events sell out.

The 113th Grey Cup

What: Canada's biggest single-day sporting event lands at McMahon Stadium. Country star Riley Green headlines the halftime show, the Snowbirds are making their final flight, and James Barker Band performs at the pre-game kickoff show.

Ideal for: Football fans and anyone who wants to say they were there.

When: Sunday, Nov 15. Doors at 3 p.m., kickoff at 5 p.m. MST Where: McMahon Stadium, 1817 Crowchild Trail NW Cost: Varies by seat

Tips:

• Parking is limited. Plan on transit, a rideshare, or a long walk.
• Arrive early for the tailgate and the pre-game show.
• Wear serious winter gear. Evening kickoffs in Calgary in November get cold fast.

Remembrance Day (Today, Nov 11)

What: Ceremonies and free or by-donation museum visits across the city. Studio Bell hosts a special service with a performance by Canadian Armed Forces veteran and musician Mark Beaudin, and The Military Museums hold a ceremony with a moment of silence and musical tributes. The Field of Crosses along Memorial Drive is also open to visit.

Ideal for: Families, history lovers, veterans and anyone wanting a quiet, meaningful start to the day.

When: Wednesday, Nov 11 Studio Bell: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., free all day, 850 4th St SE The Military Museums: Ceremony 10:45 to 11:45 a.m., by donation, 4520 Crowchild Trail SW Where (Field of Crosses): Park along Memorial Drive

Tip: The City of Calgary website lists every ceremony in town, including neighbourhood ones.

Part 2: Holiday Markets and Lights

ZooLights

What: The Calgary Zoo becomes a winter wonderland with light tunnels, life-sized gingerbread houses, a carousel, hot cocoa and festive activities. There is also axe throwing for the grown-ups.

Ideal for: Families, couples, and anyone who wants Christmas lights without the cold drive to the mountains.

When: Nov 13 to Jan 3, 2027, 5:30 to 9:30 p.m. (gates close at 9 p.m.) Where: Calgary Zoo, 210 St. George's Dr NE Cost: Varies by date

Tips:

• Ticket prices change by date, so weeknights are usually the better value and the quieter option.
• Book ahead for opening weekend.
• Wear warm boots because you will be outside for a couple of hours.

Spruce Meadows International Christmas Market

What: More than 250 vendors selling handcrafted gifts, treats and holiday décor in a European-inspired setting. There is an indoor pavilion, a Christmas tree lighting and reindeer to meet.

Ideal for: Serious gift shoppers, families and anyone who likes a day-long market.

When: Nov 13 to 15, 20 to 22 and 27 to 29 Hours: Fridays noon to 6 p.m. (night session 6 to 9 p.m.), Saturdays 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., Sundays 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Where: Spruce Meadows, 18011 Spruce Meadows Way SW Cost: General admission about $20 plus fees; children 3 to 12 and seniors 65+ about $12 plus fees

Tips:

• Buy tickets online ahead of time.
• Go on a Friday for smaller crowds.
• Confirm the later weekend dates on the Spruce Meadows site before you head out, as listings vary slightly.

Inglewood Holiday Night Market

What: A rotating lineup of local vendors, live music, food and drinks in the Quonset at The Crossroads Market.

Ideal for: Date nights, friends and people who prefer a relaxed evening market to a big expo.

When: Nov 13 to 14, 20 to 21 and 27 to 28 Where: The Quonset at The Crossroads Market, 1235 26 Ave SE Cost: Free

Tip: Vendors rotate each weekend, so you can visit more than once and see something new. Check the market's page for hours.

Calgary Winter Market

What: A European-style market with specialty food and drinks, curated gifts, holiday entertainment and family activities in the heart of downtown.

Ideal for: Downtown workers, couples, visitors and anyone who likes mulled-wine-and-shopping outings.

When: Thursday to Sunday, starting Nov 19 Where: Eau Claire Plaza, 139 Barclay Parade SW Cost: $10

Tip: Check the market's website for exact daily hours and ticketing. Pair it with a walk along the Bow River pathway.

Farmers and Makers Christmas Market

What: More than 70 local vendors spread across all four floors of cSPACE Marda Loop, with handmade gifts and holiday treats.

Ideal for: Local-shopping fans and after-work browsing.

When: Friday, Nov 20 and Saturday, Nov 21, 4 to 8 p.m. Where: cSPACE Marda Loop, 1721 29 Ave SW Cost: Free

Tip: The evening hours make this an easy Friday-night stop before dinner in Marda Loop.

Glenbrook Makers Market

What: Handmade goods, unique gifts and creations from local makers and crafters.

Ideal for: Neighbourhood-market lovers and gift hunters.

When: Saturday, Nov 21, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Where: Glenbrook Community Association, 3524 45 St SW Cost: Free

Dalhousie Christmas Craft Market

What: More than 60 local vendors selling Alberta-made, baked, grown and handcrafted goods, with basket giveaways and live music.

Ideal for: Shoppers who want to buy Alberta-made and families looking for a quick morning outing.

When: Saturday, Nov 21, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Where: Dalhousie Community Association, 5432 Dalhart Rd NW Cost: Free

Tip: The Glenbrook and Dalhousie markets are on the same day and in different quadrants, so pick the one closest to you.

Holiday Market at Deerfoot Inn and Casino

What: More than 90 vendors under one roof in the ballroom, plus a horse-and-wagon ride.

Ideal for: Families and one-stop gift shoppers.

When: Sunday, Nov 22, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Where: Deerfoot Inn and Casino, 1000, 1400 35 St SE Cost: Free

Lions Festival of Lights

What: The 40th anniversary of this free display, with thousands of twinkling lights arranged in festive scenes across the Confederation Park Golf Course.

Ideal for: Budget-friendly family outings, evening strolls and photographers.

When: Nov 21 to Jan 8, 2027, 5:30 p.m. to midnight Where: Confederation Park Golf Course, 3204 Collingwood Dr NW Cost: Free

Tip: It is free but outdoors, so bring warm gear and hot drinks. Weeknights are usually quieter.

Part 3: Shows, Film and Music

Disney's Beauty and the Beast (Broadway Across Canada)

What: The touring production brings the classic story to life with new sets, dazzling costumes and favourite songs including "Be Our Guest."

Ideal for: Families with kids, theatre fans and anyone nostalgic for the film.

When: Now through Sunday, Nov 15 Times: Nov 11 to 13 at 7:30 p.m.; Sat Nov 14 at 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.; Sun Nov 15 at 1 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. Where: Southern Alberta Jubilee Auditorium, 1415 14 Ave NW Cost: From about $185.60 (varies by seat and date)

Tip: Matinees are the best choice for younger children.

Common Ground Festival

What: Ten original performances from Calgary artists, including comedy, drama, improv and dance.

Ideal for: Live-theatre fans and anyone who likes supporting local artists.

When: Wednesday, Nov 11 to Saturday, Nov 14, 7:30 p.m. Where: The Pumphouse Theatre, 2140 Pumphouse Ave SW Cost: From $25

CUFF.Docs Documentary Film Festival

What: The Calgary Underground Film Festival's 14th documentary festival, with more than 15 feature-length docs and a range of shorts.

Ideal for: Film buffs and curious minds.

When: Nov 18 to 22 Where: Globe Cinema, 617 8 Ave SW Cost: Varies by screening

Tip: Check the CUFF website for the screening schedule, as popular films fill up.

Classics & Crafts at The Confluence

What: Bring your knitting, sketching or scrapbooking supplies and settle in for a screening of the 1950 classic Sunset Boulevard.

Ideal for: Crafters, classic film lovers and people who want a quiet midweek evening.

When: Wednesday, Nov 18, 6:30 p.m. Where: The Confluence Historic Site and Parkland, 750 9 Ave SE Cost: $12 plus fees

Noon Hour Concert: Holiday Carols

What: The Calgary Philharmonic Orchestra performs classic Christmas carols at lunchtime.

Ideal for: Downtown workers and anyone wanting a short, free dose of holiday cheer.

When: Nov 17, noon Where: Brookfield Place, 225 6 Ave SW Cost: Free

The Story of Ozzy Osbourne

What: A full band, big-screen multimedia and the stories behind the Prince of Darkness's life and career.

Ideal for: Heavy metal and classic rock fans.

When: Friday, Nov 20, 7:30 p.m. Where: Southern Alberta Jubilee Auditorium, 1415 14 Ave NW Cost: Varies by seat

Dr. Seuss' How the Grinch Stole Christmas with the Calgary Philharmonic

What: The Calgary Philharmonic Orchestra plays the score live while the film plays on screen.

Ideal for: Families and anyone ready to start the Christmas season.

When: Nov 27 and 28 (the Nov 27 show is at 7:30 p.m.; check the CPO site for the Nov 28 time) Where: Southern Alberta Jubilee Auditorium, 1415 14 Ave NW Cost: Varies by seat

Horizon Drive-In Holiday Movie Nights

What: Six Christmas films over two nights, shown from your car with audio through your FM radio. Friday's lineup is Elf, Home Alone and Die Hard. Saturday's is How the Grinch Stole Christmas, The Polar Express and National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation.

Ideal for: Families, friend groups and movie lovers who want to stay cozy in the car.

When: Friday, Nov 27 and Saturday, Nov 28. Films at 7, 9:15 and 11:30 p.m. Where: Badlands Parking Lot, 725 9 Ave SW Cost: Car ticket (driver) $16.12; adult passenger $16.12; child $10.74; outdoor viewing pass $10.74

Tips:

• Bring blankets and a full tank, or run the engine in short stints to stay warm.
• Kids are best suited to the early show. Die Hard is a very late, very adult finish.

Grape Escape

What: Premium wine, spirits and beer from more than 125 vendors, with tasting experiences led by experts.

Ideal for: Adults who enjoy wine and spirits, friend groups and date nights.

When: Friday, Nov 20 and Saturday, Nov 21 Where: BMO Centre, 1912 Flores Ladue Parade SE Cost: Varies by session

Tips:

• Book a designated driver or take the CTrain to Stampede Station.
• Eat beforehand and drink water between tastings.

Part 4: Sports

Calgary Flames, Hitmen and Wranglers at the Scotiabank Saddledome

What: This is the final season at the Saddledome, which makes every home game a bit of a farewell. The Calgary Hitmen are celebrating with a season of thank-yous.

Ideal for: Hockey fans of every level and families looking for a classic Calgary night out.

Remaining November home games:

• Flames (NHL): Nov 11, 19 and 21
• Hitmen (WHL): Nov 20, 22 and 25
• Wranglers (AHL): Nov 17, 18, 28 and 29 (Nov 28 is the Indigenous Celebration game; Nov 29 is Hockey Fights Cancer night)

Where: Scotiabank Saddledome, 555 Saddledome Rise SE Cost: Varies by date and seat. Hitmen games are the most budget-friendly, with tickets that have started around $34.

Tips:

• Check Ticketmaster for puck-drop times, which differ by team.
• Take the CTrain Red Line to Victoria Park/Stampede Station.

Part 5: Day Trips and the Surrounding Area

Millarville Christmas Market

What: One of the region's best-loved Christmas markets, with local vendors in a rural setting southwest of Calgary. This is the final weekend.

Ideal for: Gift shoppers and anyone who enjoys a drive in the foothills.

When: Thursday, Nov 12 to Sunday, Nov 15, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Where: Millarville Racing and Agricultural Society, 306097 192 St W, Millarville Cost: $8 general admission (12 and up); children under 12 are free

Tip: It is about a 45-minute drive from the city, so combine it with lunch in Okotoks or Millarville.

Cochrane Light Up

What: The 42nd edition of Cochrane's holiday kickoff. Historic Downtown and The Station at Cochrane Crossing are decorated with festive lights, with an official lighting ceremony, holiday music, horse-drawn wagon rides, hot chocolate and a fireworks finale.

Ideal for: Families, couples and anyone looking for a small-town Christmas feel.

When: Saturday, Nov 28, 5 to 8 p.m. (lighting ceremony about 5:15 p.m.; fireworks about 7 p.m.) Where: Historic Downtown Cochrane (1 St W) and The Station at Cochrane Crossing (360 Railway St W) Cost: Free

Tips:

• The whole event is outdoors, so dress warmly and wear comfortable footwear.
• Bring a reusable mug for the hot chocolate.
• The downtown decorations stay lit every night through early January if you miss the main event.

Granary Road Christmas Market

What: A family-friendly market just south of Calgary with local vendors, Christmas tractor rides, festive goat yoga, photos with Santa and alpacas, pancakes with Santa and outdoor campfires.

Ideal for: Families with young children and animal lovers.

When: Saturday, Nov 28 and Sunday, Nov 29, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. (it also runs Dec 5 to 6 and 12 to 13) Where: Granary Road, 226066 112 St W, Foothills County Cost: Market admission is $10 (included with any experience ticket). Goat yoga is $34.95, pancakes with Santa start at $25, and photos with Santa or alpacas are $59.95 each.

Tip: The experiences are ticketed separately and can sell out, so book online ahead of time.

Banff Christmas Market

What: A European-inspired market at the Banff Train Station, with local artisan stalls, seasonal food and drink, photos with Santa and mountain views. This is the highlight of a Banff day trip.

Ideal for: Couples, families, and anyone wanting a classic mountain Christmas.

When: Nov 19 to 22 and Nov 27 to 29 (and into December) Hours: Thursday 5 to 9 p.m.; Friday 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Saturday 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Sunday 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Where: Banff Train Station, 327 Railway Ave, Banff Cost: Single-day tickets for adults range from about $7.50 to $16.50; a weekend pass for adults is $39.95

Tips:

• Friday or Sunday mornings are the quietest.
• Buy tickets online in advance.
• Pair it with the Hot Chocolate Trail for a full day.

In Search of Christmas Spirit (Banff)

What: A free light trail through the Cascade of Time Garden, with lighting and audio that tell a Christmas story about nature, wildlife and community.

Ideal for: Families and couples who want a free, relaxed evening activity.

When: Nov 12 to 15, 19 to 22 and 26 to 29, 4:30 to 9:30 p.m. Where: Cascade of Time Garden, Cave Ave, Banff Cost: Free, but advance reservation is required

Tip: Reserve your slot early, especially for weekends.

Banff and Lake Louise Hot Chocolate Trail

What: Cafés, restaurants and local businesses across Banff and Lake Louise create limited-time festive hot chocolates. Follow the trail one mug at a time.

Ideal for: Anyone with a sweet tooth, kids and après-adventure fans.

When: Nov 12 to Feb 7, 2027 Where: Participating spots across Banff and Lake Louise Cost: Varies by drink

Tip: The 2026 lineup was still being finalized at the time of writing, so check banfflakelouise.com for participating spots. Bring your own mug or borrow one through Banff Borrows.

A Very Vintage Mountaintop Christmas (Banff Gondola)

What: Festive activities at the top of Sulphur Mountain, with all activities included with gondola admission and a possible visit from Santa.

Ideal for: Families and anyone who wants a big view with their holiday cheer.

When: Select dates from Nov 21 through Dec 31 Where: Banff Gondola, 1 Mountain Ave, Banff Cost: Included with gondola admission

Tip: Check the Banff Gondola website for the exact dates and book ahead for weekends.

Ski Season in the Rockies

What: Skiing and snowboarding are underway earlier than usual. Lake Louise opened on Nov 1, Mt. Norquay on Nov 6, and Banff Sunshine Village was scheduled to open on Nov 7. Nakiska in Kananaskis was also set to open on Nov 7. Terrain is limited at the start of the season.

Ideal for: Skiers and snowboarders eager to get back on snow, and anyone who wants early-season prices and smaller crowds.

When: Now, with terrain expanding as snowfall allows Where: Lake Louise Ski Resort (1 Whitehorn Rd, Lake Louise) and Banff Sunshine (1 Sunshine Access Rd, Banff National Park). Mt. Norquay is in Banff and Nakiska is in Kananaskis. Cost: Varies; check each resort for daily lift ticket prices

Tips:

• Check each resort's conditions page before driving, as early-season terrain changes daily.
• A SkiBig3 pass covers Sunshine, Lake Louise and Norquay, with free shuttles linking them.

Practical Tips for November

• Dress for it. November evenings in Calgary are cold and often icy. Layers, warm boots, a toque and gloves make outdoor events much more enjoyable.
• Use the CTrain. For anything at Stampede Park, including the Grey Cup Festival, Grape Escape and Saddledome games, the Red Line to Victoria Park/Stampede Station is the easiest option. Parking will be scarce and expensive Grey Cup week.
• Book early. Market tickets, ZooLights dates, Granary Road experiences and Banff reservations can all sell out.
• Driving to Banff? The trip takes roughly 90 minutes on Highway 1 in good conditions. Winter tires are strongly recommended, check road conditions on 511 Alberta before you go, and carry a Parks Canada pass if you will be stopping in the national park.
• Check before you go. Dates, hours and prices change. This guide reflects information available on November 11, 2026, so always confirm on the event's official website or ticketing page.
• Looking for more free ideas? Lions Festival of Lights, the Grey Cup Street Festival, Cochrane Light Up, Inglewood Night Market and most of the community craft markets above cost nothing to attend.