Now that the costumes are put away and the candy is sorted, it’s time to start prepping for some early winter activities.
To market, to market
November is when many holiday and night markets start up across the province. Whether you’re looking for a gift, want to support local artists and vendors, or just love to peruse handmade goods, there’s surely a market in your area.
The Banff Christmas Market runs weekends starting with a locals’ night Nov. 14, through to the weekend of Dec. 6-8. The Cochrane MADE Artisan Christmas Market pops up on Nov. 23. You’ll get two chances to visit the longstanding Millarville Christmas Market on Nov. 7-10 and 14-17. And in central Alberta, the Edmonton Christmas Market starts Nov. 28 and runs through December.
Light up the night
Embrace the cold and the beauty of a winter night with a festival. The All is Bright Festival (Nov. 18) and Winter Whyte Light Up (Nov. 25) both take place this month in Edmonton. Join the community in an outdoor celebration of lights, warm drinks and food, music and performances. Admission to both events is free and all are welcome to join in the fun. Don’t forget to bundle up!
Holiday theatrics
There’s something magical about attending the theatre in winter. Lucky for us, November is full of performances. If you’re looking for classic theatrical performances, both Hadestown and Little Shop of Horrors are running at the Citadel Theater in Edmonton this month. And if you’re in the mood for good belly laughs, check out the 11 O’Clock Number—a musical comedy improvised every Saturday at the Grindstone Theatre.
Down in Calgary, the Book of Mormon is taking the stage at the Southern Alberta Jubilee Nov. 26-30. Get swept up in the symphonic holiday soundtrack at Cirque Musica while acrobats, dancers and aerialists dazzle you with their amazing talents at the WinSport Event Centre Nov. 29. And buckle up for a night of laughs as legendary Canadian comedian Colin Mochrie bewitches the crowd with his improv Nov. 30 at the Grey Eagle Resort and Casino. Save on all Broadway Across Canada tickets when you book through AMA Rewards.
The best of bull riding
Take a seat as Canada’s top bull riders get tossed out their saddles at the Canadian National Finals Nov. 8-9 at Rogers Place in Edmonton. Watch some of Canada’s and the world’s best bull-riding pros as they get tossed around the ring by their 2,000-pound opponents. It’s sure to be an exhilarating time for (hopefully) everyone. Tickets are available online.
An absolute lAGacy
Keeping up with very Alberta-themed events, FarmFair International is celebrating 50 years this November. It’s internationally recognized as one of the “most prestigious agriculture and livestock shows in Canada.” Watch 4-H events, learn about ag-tech and innovation, explore the marketplace, and catch a concert with Canadian countryman Dallas Smith headlining. A full list of events can be found online.