If you want to make the most out of your Christmas holidays by enjoying the true spirits of Christmas, you can go to a Christmas market in Alberta. The Christmas lights, the appealing carts, the traditional, handmade stuff, and lots of delicacies to indulge in – these markets are filled with utmost joy for everyone, and you will leave with feelings of wholesomeness.
You and your family can have hot chocolate while enjoying the Christmas music and lights as you brace the cold in cozy, warm jackets. You can purchase artwork and handicrafts made by regional artists for you or your loved ones as a gesture of love and, at the same time, help out the local vendors. We have seen Calgary celebrating Christmas’s true colors and culture through several Christmas markets embellished yearly.
Since the shenanigans of Christmas markets are massively popular in Alberta, you can visit them with your loved ones and spend quality time. Here, you will find the Best 12 Christmas markets in Alberta, Canada, which everyone loves and makes the Christmas festivities unforgettable.
Best 12 Christmas markets in Alberta, Canada
Since Calgary is the largest city in Alberta, it carries out several business activities and promotes local business through Christmas markets held yearly in different areas of Calgary. Not just this Christmas festivity is celebrated in the suburbs but also in the metropolitan city and even some are located at a significant distance far from the city. If you want to enjoy a day full of Christmas magic, visit any of these markets, and we assure you that it will be a memorable experience for a lifetime.
A Christmas to Remember
Head over to Calgary’s Granary Road for a fun-filled ride of the Christmas festivity, where several surprises and delicacies await you at A Christmas to Remember market. You can shop from local vendors and take memorable stuff while getting your favorite hot chocolate and taking pictures at your favorite spot.
Where: 226066 112 St W, Foothills County, Alberta
When: November 25th to December 17th
Festival of Crafts
The festival of crafts has been celebrated since 1986 and holds traditional significance. The creative artists tell their stories and showcase their talents, which visitors from different parts of the world love. This Christmas festival takes place for four days every year. You can pick handcrafted items and dive into an unforgettable food ride. If you have kids coming along, you can take them to the Calgary Zoo nearby after visiting the festival to let them peek into their favorite animals.
Where: Stampede Park, BMO Centre, 20 Roundup Way SE, Calgary, Alberta
When: November 2nd to November 5th
Spruce Meadows Christmas Market
This highly amusing Christmas market in Calgary is ranked among the most festive Christmas markets in the world due to the large selection of handcrafted and delectable food that appeal to thousands of visitors. The colorful and exquisite stalls depict the Christmas shenanigans, where you can pick lots of cute surprises for your family. More than 300 local vendors are showcasing their stalls. The Friday evenings are popular as “date nights,” when couples enjoy flickering lights and crackling flames. A petting zoo and Christmas crafts are available at the Winter Wonderland, which is highly popular among the kids.
Where: 18011 Spruce Meadows Way SW, Calgary
When: November 17th to December 3rd
The Calgary Farmer’s Market
Calgary Farmer’s Market is popular for turning into a brightened Christmas market every year where thousands of visitors come to relish local goods. You will find creative jewelry makers and tomato farmers whom you will like to befriend and listen to their stories. There is a Food Hall inside the market, which is a favorite for those who want to munch on some delicious delicacies. If you are lucky, you can get a chance to enjoy breakfast with Santa or meet the reindeer.
Where: 510-77th Ave SE, Calgary, AB
When: November 16th to December 23rd
Millarville Christmas Market
Millarville Racing & Agricultural Society organizes this festive Christmas market every year, where you will find many attractions to enjoy. There are food trucks, fan moments with Santa, unique stuff to purchase, reindeer sightings, and live music. As a symbol of traditional celebration, a Kids Only Shoppe is held in the Millarville Christmas Market, where the products are sold at $15 or even less. You will be surprised to know that the money raised by the vendors goes to the charity in support of lunch programs for six local schools.
Where: Millarville Racetrack — 306097 192nd Street, Millarville
When: November 2nd to November 5th, November 9th to November 12th, 2023
Inglewood Night Market
Inglewood Christmas Market is a modern holiday market in Calgary where you can find a variety of handmade products that are locally sourced. The diversity of Calgary is showcased through the interior of this market, where you can get your hands on delectable items, antique pieces, clothing, and much more to take along. When you are done strolling around the market and want to unwind your mind, you can sit down to enjoy live music while having the hot beverage of your choice.
Where: Quonset at the Crossroads Farmers Market, 1235 26 Ave SE, Calgary, Alberta
When: November 24th & 25th, December 1st & 2nd
Bowness Holiday Craft Fair
In addition to starting your Christmas shopping early at the Bowness Holiday Craft Fair, you can also get excited for this Christmas market for raffle tickets, and that too, at a lucrative discount. There are concessions offering breakfast, lunch, and refreshments, so you won’t be hungry while you shop. Visit other neighboring sites, including Bowness Park, after shopping at this amazing holiday market fair if you have kids with you. The park is popular for winter skating, which will amuse your kid.
Where: 7904 43 Avenue NorthwestCalgary, AB, T3B 4P9, Canada
When: November 18th & 19th
Saskatoon Farm Christmas Market
Every year, the Saskatoon Farm in Alberta, which is situated just south of Calgary, conducts an indoor and outdoor Christmas market. Almost 400 regional small enterprises showcase their products over three weekends, ensuring that everyone finds something relevant to their needs. Every weekend will include a distinct lineup of regional manufacturers and artists, so you are not supposed to find all 400 vendors in the market at the same time. You can take pictures with Santa, get your favorite drink and desserts, and just go with the vibes of Christmas at the Saskatoon Farm. If you are visiting with your kids, they will have fun with the farm animals and pets.
Where: 80181 338 Ave E #20, Foothills No. 31, AB
When: December 1st to 3rd, December 8th to 10th, 2023
Authentically Indigenous Holiday Market
At this Holiday, you will find a showcasing of various creative artists, craftsmen, and creators whose work tells their own stories. Delicious food, handcrafted items, artwork, jewelry, beading, beauty and wellness products, and crafts are available to shop at the market. There are one-of-a-kind items up for grabs from skilled indigenous artists.
Where: 1133 7 Ave SW, Calgary, Alberta
When: December 10th & 11th, 2023
Art Market Christmas Craft Sale
They say, ‘Art is valued in Calgary,’ and we see it demonstrated through this Christmas Market, where there are numerous artistic pieces to keep an eye on. Bringing together a multitude of local artists, including over 200 Canadian artisans, in one place, it’s one of the city’s top Christmas markets, offering unique gifting ideas. A four-day shopping experience is organized yearly, where you can enjoy live music, artist demos, freebies, and some of the best arts and crafts. Sipping your favorite drinks will calm down your shivering nerves. You can pick anything from elegant ceramics, eye-catching jewelry, classic furniture, festive décor, and personalized apparel. You can visit the Calgary Tower, which is close to the venue, after spending hours shopping. The Telus Spark Science Centre and Wonderland Sculpture are also nearby, both at a short distance.
Where: 20 9 Avenue SE, Telus Convention Centre, Calgary, AB
When: November 16th 19th, 2023
Banff Christmas Market
Nestled amongst the snow-capped Banff Rockies, this European-style Christmas market looks right out of a Hallmark film. The market features Santa’s residence, reindeer stables, and a cozy fire lounge to warm up by. This is a perfect family spot where you can have the best of your time getting into an unforgettable experience of munching on your favorite food and shopping local products for your family and friends. There is something for the whole family, including over 100 local vendors, live music, an outdoor fireplace, Santa’s House, Christmas snacks & hot beverages to enjoy.
Where: Warner Stables, 100 Sundance Road, Alberta
When: November 17th to 19th, 24th to 26th, December 1st to 3rd, 2023
Heritage Park Historical Village’s Once Upon A Christmas
This iconic Christmas celebration is held every year, where the families enjoy various entertaining activities, eat their favorite food, and pick the exquisite stuff for their loved ones. Take the family on traditional indoor and outdoor Christmas activities like horse-drawn rides, Santa visits, crafts, live music, entertainment, and much more.
Where: Heritage Park
When: November 25th to December 17th, 2023
Bottom line
The hand-selected food items are a great way to give friends and coworkers a memorable Christmas gift, especially when visiting a Christmas market. The occasional indulgence in fine, exclusive cuisine, particularly during the holidays, will always stay with you like a delicious Christmas memory. We hope that among the Calgary Christmas markets mentioned above, you’ll discover one or two that will help you get into the holiday spirit you will never forget.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the purpose of Christmas markets?
The Christmas Market aims to promote local businesses to generate revenue. There are seasonal items to purchase under the intricately designed stalls, along with traditional dancing and singing and an exhibition of artistic crafts.
Where did the first Christmas market hold?
The first-ever Christmas market was held in 1298 in the city of Vienna. The city now holds almost 25 Christmas markets that attract an unlimited number of tourists every year.
Is it free to enter a Christmas party in Alberta?
Most Christmas parties have free entry in Alberta, but you have to pay for the activities you take part in.
John Davis is a passionate content writer with a knack for crafting engaging narratives across various subjects. With a keen eye for detail and a love for storytelling, John brings ideas to life through the power of words. His dedication to delivering high-quality and informative content has made him a trusted voice in the digital realm. When he’s not at his desk, you’ll find John exploring new hobbies and seeking inspiration in the world around him.
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