November is upon us, friends, which means it’ll only be a matter of time before we’re buying gifts and plane tickets, holding elaborate dinners, and getting dressed up for holiday parties. To put it gently – things are about to get a tad pricey, but that doesn’t mean we can’t still have fun! Here are 12 FREE or cheap things to do this month in and around Calgary!

CATCH THE CANADIAN ONLINE JAZZ FESTIVAL 

For some, the thought of catching a live show – is still pretty intimidating and that’s understandable. Instead, this month, you can toe tap, snap and sway from the comfort of your own home with the 2021 Canadian Online Jazz Music Festival! What’s better than supporting incredible talent from all over the country, while drinking wine straight from the bottle in your PJs? Almost nothing – that’s what!

When: SundayNovember 7th – 19th
Where: Online here
Time: See times here
Cost: Free

BINGE NETFLIX’S NOVEMBER RELEASES

From classics to cult faves and originals, Netflix will be delivering hours of entertainment to get us through the chillier season. This November those who would prefer to stay indoors can binge their way through fall with a ton of new releases!

SHOP THE MILLARVILLE CHRISTMAS MARKET

Even if we’ve got to bundle up, there’s really nothing like a good outdoor market stroll. For only a few days this month, browse through everything from organic foods to household products and check a few things off of your Christmas to-do list!

When: Thursday, November 4th – 7th
Where: 306097 192 Street West, Millarville, Alberta
Time: 9 am – 4 pm
Cost: $5.98

OR VISIT THE ONE IN INGLEWOOD

This holiday season, shop local – after dark! Every Friday between November 12th and December 3rd, Calgarians are encouraged to hit the indoor edition of the Inglewood Night Market! Why not check it out and cross a few things off that growing Christmas gift list early?

When: Friday, November 12th, 19th, 26th, and December 3rd
Where: 880 9th Street SE, Calgary
Time: 4 pm to 11 pm
Cost: $5

TRY TO GET ONE LAST HIKE IN BEFORE THE SNOW REALLY STARTS TO FALL

We don’t know what the weather is going to be like in November but we’re hopeful. For those of you who are committed to getting out and taking one more hike before the mountains are covered in several inches of snow, you could check out the link above for late fall hike ideas. After all – the first day of winter isn’t until December 21st!

STROLL CALGARY’S ZOOLIGHTS

Traditions – we love ’em! Especially when it’ll cost us less than $20 to participate. This November, ogle millions of enchanting lights strung through the trees at the Calgary Zoo,  grab a hot cocoa, a snack and take a seat by the fire – it is tradition after all! Heck, while you’re there, maybe go for a lap or two around their skating rink, or pop a squat with the big man himself.

When: Thursday, November 19th – January 2nd
Where:210 St. George’s Drive NE
Time: 5 pm – 9 pm
Cost: $19.95

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GO GREEN WITH THE GRINCHMAS GOATS

This month check out Calgary’s Granary Road, where they’re putting the  ‘baaaah’ in bah humbug! From November 13th to the 14th, celebrate a beloved children’s classic and cuddle up with their Grinchmas Goats, make candy apples, and enter a frowning contest!

When: Saturday, November 13th – 14th
Where: 226066 112 St W, Foothills County, AB
Time: 9 am – 5 pm
Cost: $13+

CELEBRATE THE UPCOMING SEASON BY CHECKING OUT THE NIKKA YUKO HOLIDAY DISPLAY

Ah, the Nikka Yuko Japanese Gardens – there’s no other place like it! If you’ve never been, let us assure you that it is one of the most beautiful places in not just Alberta, but all of North America and this November, though its best known for its flower gardens, guests can wander through their stunning winter display of magic, lanterns and lights. Don’t miss it!

When: Starts Friday, November 29th
Where: Corner of 9th Ave S &, Mayor Magrath Dr. S, Lethbridge
Cost: $12.50

WANDER ASPEN CROSSING’S CHRISTMAS MARKET

Choo-choose your gifts with love and care when you shop bells, whistles, garlands, and gifts at Aspen Crossing’s iconic Christmas Market! Showcasing over 40 different vendors, this annual holiday stop will get you well into the spirit of things for this holiday season.

When: Friday, November 20th
Where: Aspen Crossing, AB-24, Mossleigh, Alberta
Time: See times at link above
Cost: Free

‘TRAVEL’ THE WORLD AT THE SPRUCE INTERNATIONAL X-MAS MARKET 

Showcasing vendors, stunning decorations, carolers, and more, this particular festivity was sorely missed in the wake of the pandemic – but alas, it’s finally back and in the way, it was intended – in person! From food to their many, many photo ops – guests can get in on the merry fun for two weekends only, so don’t miss out!.

When: November 26th – 28th and December 3rd – 5th
Where: 18011 Spruce Meadows Way SW

CHECK OUT THE NATIONAL MUSIC CENTRE

It’s like Christmas came early! Every weekend this month Calgary’s National Music Centre and ATB are actually offering free admission Saturdays and Sundays in celebration of Studio Bell’s 5th anniversary- check out the link above for more information!

Where: 850 4 St SE, Calgary, AB

NOGG YOURSELF OUT AT THE MIRACLE ON 1ST STREET POPUP 

Serving Xmas-themed cocktails in a variety of Christmas mugs and glasses, Miracle of 1st Street will return again this year to completely transform Calgary’s Proof cocktail bar with over-the-top decorations from floor to ceiling Don’t miss out!

When: Thursday, November 18th – December 24th
Where: 1302 1 St SW, Calgary, AB

Well, there you have it, friends. 12 free and cheap things to do this month in Calgary! Enjoy yourselves out there!