November is nearly here and the holidays are just around the corner. From gifts and flights to decorations, things are about to get expensive – but that doesn’t mean you should have to sacrifice having fun! Here are 10 cheap and free things to do in Calgary this month that will have you laughing, drinking and exploring your way into December.

THE SPRUCE MEADOWS INTERNATIONAL CHRISTMAS MARKET

 

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Showcasing vendors, stunning decorations, carolers, and more, The Spruce Meadows International Christmas Market presented by TELUS is back and better than ever. From food to their many, many photo ops – guests can get in on the merry fun for three weekends this season so check it out!

When: Friday, November 18th-20th, 25th-27th, and December 2nd-4th, 2022
Where: 18011 Spruce Meadows Way SW

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 3rd-6th, 10th-13th, 2022
Where: 306097 192 Street West, Millarville, Alberta
Time: 9 am – 4 pm
Cost: $7

ZOOLIGHTS

The holiday season – we love it! 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!

When: Friday, November 18th until January 8th, 2022
Where: Calgary Zoo, 210 St. George’s Drive NE
Cost: $21.95 for adults, $14.95 for children

INGLEWOOD HOLIDAY NIGHT MARKET

 

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This holiday season, shop local – after dark! Set to kick off on November 4th, 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 4th, 5th, 11th, 12th, 25th, 26th, 2022
Where:  Quonset at Crossroads Market —  1235 26 Avenue SE
Time: 5 pm – 11 pm
Cost: $5

GRANARY ROAD’S CHOCOLATE FEST 

Chocolate is unofficially the official food of romance, so what could be better than Granary Road’s Chocolate Fest? From brownies and cupcakes to hot chocolate and more – this delicious event is going to be the sweetest of the season – so check it out!

When: Saturday, November 12th – 13th, 2022
Where: 226066 112 St W, Foothills County, AB
Cost: $15

MIRACLE POP-UP BAR

 

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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: Wednesday, November 16th, 2022
Where: 1302 1 St SW, Calgary, AB

GRINCHMAS GOATS

This month check out Calgary’s Granary Road, where they’re putting the ‘baaaah’ in bah humbug! From November 29th to the 20th, celebrate a beloved children’s classic by stretching those arms and legs with the Grinchmas Goats.

When: Saturday, November 19th – 20th, 2022
Where: 226066 112 St W, Foothills County, AB
Time: 9 am – 5 pm
Cost: $13+

GLOW HOLIDAY FESTIVAL OF LIGHTS

Showcasing a million bulbs, this unique display will take light-loving Calgarians across the world in 70,000 square feet – and the best part is that you’ll be able to do so without freezing your butt off! Check out the link above for tickets.

When: Friday, November 25th, 2022
Where: 1800 Stampede Trail SE
Cost: $16+

 NIKKA YUKO GARDENS 

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 Wednesday, November 30th
Where: Corner of 9th Ave S &, Mayor Magrath Dr. S, Lethbridge
Cost: $12.50

SIPPIN’ SANTA 

 

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With tropical decorations and Christmas lights from floor to ceiling, guests can enjoy holly sips at the annual Sippin’ Santa Pop-up, a festive event with music, ugly sweaters, and fun mugs.

When: Monday, November 21st, 2022
Where: 1530 5 St SW, Calgary, AB

Well, there you have it, friends. 10 free and cheap things to do this month in Calgary! Enjoy yourselves out there!