November 2025

While Calgary may be a quintessential Cowtown, best known for its Stampede and Rodeo held every July, it also comes alive during the winter—snowflakes, ice sculptures, and lights galore adorn city buildings and add festive notes all the way from Halloween through February. Winter is cold in Alberta, but Canadians and visitors alike take it in stride. Enjoy the magic of outdoor activities and winter festivals in Calgary and in nearby Banff and Lake Louise, and some are the best festivals in Calgary!

Quick List: Calgary Winter Festival Dates 2025/2026

• ZOOLIGHTS - Nov. 14–Jan. 4
• The Lions Festival of Lights - Nov. 22–Jan. 8
• High Performance Rodeo Festival - Jan. 13–31
• Chinook Blast - Jan. 30–Feb. 16
• YYC Hot Chocolate Festival -

Ready to buy your first home in Calgary? You probably have a million questions racing through your mind. How much down payment do you actually need saved up? What's the difference between pre-qualified and pre-approved? And why does everyone keep telling you not to skip the home inspection?

This first-time homebuyer guide cuts through the confusion. You'll learn exactly what steps to take, which programs can help you save money, and which mistakes could cost you thousands.

For informational purposes only. Always consult with a licensed real estate professional before proceeding with any real estate transaction.

Quick First-Time Homebuyer Tips You Can Save Right Now

• Get pre-approved for a mortgage before you start looking at homes to show

Buying a home in Canada comes with plenty of ongoing expenses. Property taxes, mortgage payments, insurance, repairs—the costs add up fast. So when tax season rolls around, you might wonder: "Can I write off any of these expenses?"

Unfortunately, in Canada, the home you live in doesn't give you the same tax breaks you'd get in the United States. Property taxes and mortgage interest on your primary home are NOT tax-deductible in Canada.

But don't close this tab yet.

While you can't deduct your basic homeownership costs, Canada offers several tax credits and deductions that can save you real money. First-time buyers get credits worth $1,500. Work from home? You might deduct thousands in home office expenses. Own a rental property? Now we're

The holiday season is a time for frolicking in the snow, revelling in cheer, and finding fun things to do in Calgary. Those looking for Christmas events in Calgary this year to embrace the warmth the holidays bring should check out these annual festivities, fostering everything Christmas is about. And they're not just in December—plenty of events start in mid-November and take you all the way to the big day.

Heritage Park Once Upon a Christmas

Once Upon a Christmas is by far one of the most cherished holiday traditions in Calgary, and the event transports visitors into an old-fashioned town in the heart of Southwest Calgary. A picturesque Christmas scene through and through, the Heritage Park Once Upon a Christmas Village is the ideal place to

Freezing pipes. Sky-high heating bills. Ice dams that look like they're auditioning for a horror movie.

Winter in Calgary is fun, but the winter weather doesn't mess around. And if you're not prepared, your home might suffer the consequences.

The good news? Most winterizing tasks take an afternoon and basic tools. The better news? They'll save you hundreds on utility bills and thousands on emergency repairs.

Here's how to winterize your home before the cold weather season starts, and what to do if winter causes issues anyway.

Quick Home Winterization Checklist (Save This!)

Before the first freezing temperatures hit, handle these essentials:

• Reverse your ceiling fans to push warm air down
• Book a furnace inspection before techs