If you’re searching for places to travel in the days leading up to the holidays, the Christmas Markets in Calgary, Alberta, should be high on your winter travel list. The Cowtown of Canada embraces the season with Christmas fairs, local markets, and festive events throughout the city.

Bundle up and spend an afternoon browsing stalls, listening to festive music, and warming up with cider toddies and hot chocolate. You can buy handicrafts and artworks created by local artisans and feel good about crossing names off your Christmas shopping list while supporting local businesses and the community.

While Christmas markets may have their roots in Europe, Calgary has fully embraced them with a local spin, bringing together Alberta makers, classic flavours, and holiday cheer. Read on to discover some of the best Christmas markets in Calgary and a few other festive events to stop in at during your trip.

History of holiday markets in Calgary

Calgary’s holiday craft markets trace their origins to European Christmas markets, which date back to Vienna in 1296, when Duke Albrecht I permitted two-week fairs to operate during December. The tradition later expanded to Germany and spread worldwide, inspiring festive markets across Canada, including Calgary, Canmore, and Banff.

Calgary has put its own spin on the tradition over the years, growing from charming farmers’ markets and community centre events into large-scale spectacles featuring professional entertainers, night markets, hundreds of local vendors, and fine food and drinks.

Popular Christmas markets around Calgary

As the largest city in Alberta—and the province’s business and cultural hub—Calgary offers a wide range of holiday craft fairs. You’ll find everything from small events near the foothills to large markets in the city, all within easy driving distance.

Granary Road Christmas Market 

The Granary Road Christmas Market brings festive fun to the foothills just south of Calgary. Located in a scenic learning park and market just 30 minutes south of Calgary, it offers an easy escape from the city with stunning Rocky Mountain views. Guests can savour holiday sweets, meet Santa and his elves, snap photos with alpacas, roast s’mores, marvel at festive lights, and shop for unique crafts from local artisans.

The Saskatoon Farm Christmas Market  

The Saskatoon Farm Market is a collective of local vendors, dedicated to celebrating community and “the gifts of each season.” Running from late November to early December in its South Foothills location, the annual Saskatoon Farm Christmas Market promises to be its usual mix of handmade crafts, holiday carols, and tasty food. 

Previous markets have featured hundreds of local vendors, along with fire pits, Christmas trees, kids’ activities, live performances, and visits from Santa. With hundreds of goods to browse, it’s a great place to pick up a few one-of-a-kind gifts from local artisans and crafters.

Market Collective Holiday 

The Market Collective (MC) is dedicated to presenting the work of local artists, artisans, designers, and musicians while building community spirit. The collective offers two holiday events at the BMO Centre, running Friday through Sunday, December 4 to 6 and 11 to 13. The MC ensures that the artists they represent keep 100% of sales to sustain their practices and small businesses.

Available crafts and unique gifts at this Calgary Christmas market, created by local artists and small-business entrepreneurs, range from bath and body products, ceramics, and pottery to vintage and consignment items, as well as woodworking. Live music, interactive workshops, galleries, festive drinks, and tasty food vendors are also part of the fun after you’ve finished your shopping. 

Little Modern Market Holiday Market 

Little Modern Market brings together a curated mix of local makers and small businesses under one roof. Its holiday markets take place at the Red & White Club at McMahon Stadium and are an easy place to find home goods, accessories, and locally made gifts to get a head start on your Christmas shopping. With a rotating lineup of vendors, there are options for everyone on your list.

Authentically Indigenous Holiday Market

Authentically Indigenous offers a curated craft marketplace featuring the work of Indigenous artists, creators, and makers. This includes handmade goods, crafts, art, jewellery, beadwork, beauty and wellness products, and delicious food.

Held in early December, the holiday market brings together dozens of Indigenous artists and makers. You’ll find unique gifts, live music, seasonal entertainment, and activities for the whole family. 

Spruce Meadows International Christmas Market 

The Spruce Meadows International Christmas Market, sponsored by Telus, has been open since 2001 and has become a staple for holiday shopping in Calgary. Located on Spruce Meadows Way, it runs over four weekends from mid-November to early December.

Hundreds of artisans and specialty vendors fill stalls across the grounds, with twinkling lights, festive music, and seasonal snacks to add to the experience. You can stroll between stalls and discover unique gifts before warming up with winter cocktails, fire-smoked pizza, hearty bratwurst, and other festive feasts.

Millarville Christmas Market 

Hosted by the Millarville Racing & Agricultural Society, southwest of Calgary, this Christmas market runs over two weekends in November. Attractions include food trucks, live music, reindeer viewing, hay rides, photos with Santa, and unique gifts sold by a wide range of local vendors.

A Christmas tradition since 1988, the Millarville Christmas Market offers a Kids Only Shoppe that’s open on Saturdays and Sundays. The shop gives kids ages five to 12 the chance to pick out locally made gifts with help from the market’s elves. 

Other holiday events in Calgary

Beyond its holiday markets, Calgary embraces winter and the cold with Christmas activities for all ages and tastes. These include:

• Christmas light shows: For free family fun, visit one of the city’s many holiday light displays, including ZOOLIGHTS at the Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo. Also, check out Lighten UP Calgary for a guide to some of the best community displays.

• The Nutcracker: The Alberta Ballet presents a multimillion-dollar version of the Christmas classic about a wooden toy that comes to life and battles the Mouse King.

• Go downhill: If you’re feeling more outdoorsy and adventurous, try holiday skiing at one of many nearby ski mountains within driving distance of Calgary, including Lake Louise, Banff Sunshine Village, and Castle Mountain.

Tips for visiting Calgary Christmas fairs

Calgary can be cold and snowy in the winter. So, to enjoy your visit to the Christmas markets (which often involve lots of time outdoors), you’ll want to dress warmly. It’s best to bundle up in an insulated jacket, toque, gloves or mitts, and winter boots. 

Also, bring cash. While more small vendors at markets take bank cards and electronic payment methods these days, some still don’t. And out of appreciation for not paying card fees, some vendors might be willing to negotiate a lower price for items you want to buy.

Whatever you pay for a local handmade item, you can enjoy unique gifts and pieces for your home while supporting local businesses and talent.

Plan your Calgary Christmas market getaway

Whether you want to explore a holiday market, take in the light displays, or catch a seasonal performance, Calgary has festive fun for everyone. Because of the popularity of Calgary’s holiday events, it’s a good idea to book your trip early if you’re travelling from afar. 

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