Festivals and Events

About 75 Saskatchewan makers fill Remai Modern with handmade goods for holiday gift shopping at the Tiger Lily Artisan Market. Friday, November 13, 2026 from 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM (public entry) and Saturday, November 14 from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Entry is by donation (a donation is suggested but not required), and it includes the galleries. A separate paid VIP early hour runs Friday 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM.

The University of Manitoba Percussion Ensemble and Jazz Orchestra team up with guest artist Rodrigo Munoz for an afternoon concert at Desautels Concert Hall. Sunday, November 22, 2026 at 2:00 PM. Admission is pay what you can at the door, so you can attend for free.

The Nikkei National Museum and Cultural Centre holds its outdoor Remembrance Day ceremony at the Japanese Canadian War Memorial in Stanley Park, near the Vancouver Aquarium, on Wednesday, November 11, 2026 at 10:30 AM. This year marks the newly restored cenotaph and a new plaque honouring Japanese Canadian First World War soldiers. Open to everyone and free, no registration needed, with light refreshments afterwards at the Stanley Park Pavilion. Dress warmly.

Fort Saskatchewan's holiday kickoff with photos with Santa, a petting zoo, fire shows, ice carving, carolers, a model train display and a lights up countdown at 7:30 PM. Friday, November 27, 2026, 5:15 PM to 7:30 PM at City Hall and nearby, including the public library. The holiday activities are free.

Downtown St. Albert lights up for the holidays with sleigh and train rides, Santa, a petting zoo, street hockey, crafts, costumed characters and a Christmas market at Red Willow Place. Friday, November 27, 2026, 5:30 PM to 9:00 PM in the Perron District, around Perron Street, St. Thomas Street and St. Albert Place. Free event; food trucks and restaurants are extra.

Listen to an intimate Christmas concert by the Ensemble lyrique du Saguenay, then make your own holiday cards to give to loved ones, at the Chicoutimi library in Saguenay. Friday December 4, 2026 from 12:00 PM to 3:00 PM. Free library activity for families and friends of all ages.

A free family New Year's Eve with games, ice sculptures, fire dancers, aerial artists, a LEGO display, free skating, snowshoeing, free hot chocolate and s'mores, and fireworks at 8 PM over Broadmoor Lake Park. Thursday, December 31, 2026, 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM, with indoor activities at Festival Place and the Sherwood Park Arena. Activities are free; food bank donations are welcome and the arena concession is paid.

Strathcona County kicks off the holidays with wagon rides with Santa and Mrs. Claus, campfire cooking, crafts, face painting, a winter carnival, hot chocolate and a tree light up at 5 PM. Saturday, November 21, 2026, 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM at Festival Place in Sherwood Park, mostly outdoors. Free for everyone.

Watch the final round of auditions where University of Calgary music students compete to play a concerto with the Calgary Philharmonic Orchestra. Monday, December 14, 2026 at 7:30 PM in Eckhardt-Gramatté Hall at the Rozsa Centre. Admission is free.

University of Calgary chamber and vocal student ensembles, directed by Edmond Agopian, give an evening concert in Eckhardt-Gramatté Hall at the Rozsa Centre. Tuesday, December 1, 2026 at 7:30 PM. Admission is free.

Stories and hands on science experiments in the spirit of the holidays, presented with Parlons sciences at the Chicoutimi library in Saguenay. Thursday December 3, 2026 at 6:30 PM, recommended for ages 6 to 12 with a parent. Free library activity.

University of Calgary dance students present short free lunchtime performances in the University Theatre on campus. Monday November 30 to Wednesday December 2, 2026, at 12:00 noon each day. Admission is free.