Health & Safety
Frequently Asked Questions
A: Following the onset of the global pandemic, the BMO Centre achieved the Global Biorisk Advisory Council ® (GBAC) STAR™. Under the guidance of GBAC, the BMO Centre has implemented international best practices for cleaning, disinfection, and infectious disease prevention. The venue now joins an exclusive group of leaders who have implemented the most rigorous regulations for preparing for, responding to, and recovering from future outbreaks and pandemics.
You can learn more about the BMO Centre’s GBAC STAR™ accreditation by clicking here.
A: Attendees have a shared responsibility in event safety. Entry is not permitted to any attendee showing COVID-19 symptoms, including a fever, cough, shortness of breath, difficulty breathing, sore throat and/or runny nose.
Attendees must self-certify that they do not have symptoms and have not been diagnosed with or had contact with a known or suspected COVID-19 case in the past 14 days.
Violation of any policy will result in removal from the event.
A: Like attendees, staff, volunteers, and vendors must also self-certify that they do not have symptoms and have not been diagnosed with or had contact with a known or suspected COVID-19 case in the past 14 days. Those who interact with attendees at a distance of less than two metres must wear non-medical face masks.
Staff, volunteers, vendors, and performers have access to a separate entrance into and out of the venue for their exclusive use.
A: Attendees are required to maintain at least two metres, or six feet, from attendees that are not within their household.
To enforce physical distancing, attendees will find floor decals, other signage, and physical barriers such as acrylic panels to guide them through the show floor, including points of entry into and out of the venue and all areas where line-ups might occur. To control entry into the event, we are maintaining a single point of entry and enforcing a one-way flow pattern throughout the facility. Our trained staff and volunteers are also monitoring physical distancing during the event.
We are limiting the number of people participating in show activities to ensure that two metres can be maintained between non-household participants. To mitigate time in lineups, we are encouraging attendees to pre-book show activities online.
A: Together with the BMO Centre, Noel Christmas is implementing rigorous cleaning and sanitization, reinforcing social distancing, limiting the number of guests within the festival and working with our guests to ensure they understand their responsibilities as a guest at Noel.
A: We encourage our guests to wear face-masks at all times within the festival, practice patience creating safe physical space between cohorts, practice good hand-hygiene, and stay home if you are sick or feel unwell. If you are required to stay home, our ticket team will work with you to move your tickets to an alternate date or provide a refund.
A: Hand washing and hand sanitizer stations are available throughout the venue. Attendees are required to use hand sanitizer or wash hands upon entry and exit of the venue, exit of bathrooms, and after consuming food.
Our staff is intensifying the cleaning and disinfecting all tables, chairs, and facility equipment. All equipment touched or used by an attendee is cleaned and disinfected before another attendee can use it.
Washrooms are cleaned and disinfected frequently.
Vendors are required to operate “cashless” and no-contact payment is encouraged.
A: To avoid gatherings, food consumption areas are closely monitored by our trained staff and volunteers. Consumption is only allowed in designated food courts, but single-use beverage containers are allowed to leave the food consumption areas.
Safe disposable receptacles are frequently changed and sanitized.
A: To communicate our safety plan at the event, clear and concise signage has been utilized throughout the venue.
Signage messaging includes:
- Physical distancing guidance,
- Hand washing reminders,
- Mask prompts,
- Preventing touching before buying, and,
- Reminding attendees not to gather.
Q: What is Noel Christmas Festival?
Q: What is Noel Christmas Festival?
A: Noel Christmas Festival is a magical holiday experience featuring one million twinkling lights, live carollers and music, a vendor and artisan market, seasonal food and drink options, and so much more all inside and protected from the environment.
Noel is your next holiday tradition, featuring family friendly activities and an indoor holiday experience unlike any other.
Join us in The Nutrien Center at the Stampede Grounds from November 28th - December 31st, 2019 to experience all that Noel Christmas Festival has to offer.
Q: Do you have a lost and found?
A: Yes, visit our ticketing desk during festival hours, or email lost@noelchristmas.ca if you believe you have left something behind at Noel Christmas Festival.
Q: Is the Noel Christmas Festival venue pet-friendly?
A: For the safety of all patrons, only certified service and therapy animals are permitted at Noel Christmas.
Q: How much are seniors tickets?
A: Seniors tickets (65+ years) are available online for $15 plus tax and service fee. ($20 at the box office)
Q: How much are general tickets?
A: Adult tickets (16+) are available online for $20 plus tax and service fee. ($25 at the box office)
Q: How much are student tickets?
A: Student tickets (with valid ID) are available online for $15 plus tax and service fee. ($20 at the box office)
Q: How much are family tickets?
A: Family tickets (two adults, and up to three children aged 6-15) are $60 plus tax and service fee. ($75 at the box office)
Q: Is the venue handicap/stroller accessible?
A: Yes, the entire Noel Christmas Festival venue is accessible for both wheelchairs and strollers.
Q: Will you accept debit and credit?
A: Yes, although some independent market vendors may not. ATMs are available on site.
Q: Will there be a taxi/Uber stand outside of the venue?
A: The Stampede Grounds are both taxi and Uber friendly, with sufficient space to load and unload. Guests can also visit the info booth on-site for assistance in calling a taxi service.
Q: Will there be promotions or specials for tickets?
A: Yes! Follow Noel Christmas Festival (@noelfestival) on social media for up-to-date information on specials, contests, promotions, and the latest ticketing information from the event.
Q: How do I contact someone at Noel Christmas Festival with further questions?
A: Please email info@noelchristmas.ca, message our cheerful Noel Chat Elf on Facebook, or visit our friendly staff at the info booth during festival hours if you have questions. We are happy to help!
Q: What do I need to know about parking at the event?
A: The Calgary Stampede operates all event parking. Visits and drop-offs under 30 minutes are free, while those over 30 minutes are charged $15. We recommend parking inside the Stampede Grounds at the lots directly outside of our venue, there will be ample spots available, including handicap accessible parking spaces near the venue.
Noel Christmas Festival guests are also encouraged to take the Ctrain or public transit, both of which have stops at the Stampede Grounds. For Ctrain access, the closest station to the Nutrien Center is Victoria Park/Stampede. Visit Calgary Transit to find a route to Noel Christmas Festival from anywhere in the city.
Please note that we share the Stampede Grounds with other events, including Calgary Flames home games. If you have further questions about parking please email info@noelchristmas.ca for more information.
Q: How do I unsubscribe from emails?
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Q: How much are kids tickets?
A: Children / Youth tickets (6-15 years) are available online for $15 plus tax and service fee. ($20 at the box office)
Children five and under are free!
Q: Where is Noel Christmas Festival?
A: Noel Christmas Festival is taking place from November 28th - December 31st in the Nutrien Center in the heart of the Stampede Grounds, just a few steps from the Saddledome. Our indoor space means that weather won’t dampen holiday spirits!
Q: Will there be tickets available in person at the box office?
A: Limited tickets will be reserved for box office / walk up sales while inventory lasts. Noel Christmas cannot guarantee entry unless tickets are purchased online prior to the day and time slot.
Q: Does Noel have timed entry and exit?
A: Noel Christmas Festival has recommended time entries and exits to ensure the best possible experience for guests. Tickets are offered in two hour segments. We recommend scheduling your visit in accordance with the start time for the best possible experience. If you are late for your ticket time, you will still be able to enter for the remainder of you time slot.
Q: I am unable to purchase a ticket, what is happening?
A: We apologize for the inconvenience. The ticket you are trying to purchase may be sold out, or there may be technical problems. Please email ticketing@noelchristmas.ca for assistance with your purchase.
Q: How much will food and beverage cost at Noel Christmas Festival?
A: Prices vary depending on the concession item and vendor, but we recommend $5-$10 for a snack, or $10-$15 for a meal.
Q: Will there be photos with Santa?
A: Of course! Photos with Santa and Mrs. Claus are by donation only, and we recommend you bring your own camera. Each night, the proceeds collected from Santa's photo donations will be dedicated to a local charitable cause.
Q: Will there be alcohol for purchase at the event?
A: Yes, alcohol is available for patrons 18 years of age or older, with two pieces of valid ID in accordance with AGLC policies.
Q: What should I wear to Noel Christmas?
A: Noel Christmas will set an indoor temperature between 16 and 20 degrees, so we recommend bringing a sweater (Christmas sweaters are encouraged!). A coat check will also be provided for guests at the front entrance.