To Market to Market

Feeling the pressure of the holiday season yet? We hope not. With seven weeks before the big day, there’s plenty of time to get your shopping, cooking and decorating finished in time to enjoy the long list of activities in and around Calgary with your family.

In fact, holiday shopping can be part of the fun (if you do it early). Starting this weekend, holiday markets crop up in community centres, farmers markets and schools—transforming ordinary spaces into venues for local artists, entrepreneurs and bakers to sell their wares the old-fashioned way.

The Millarville Christmas Market takes place this weekend on the site of the summer market and features delicious baking, seasonal decorations (fresh wreaths anyone?) and local farm products. Take a free hay ride, check out Santa’s workshop (with drop-off option) and try out the pony rides. (November 5–7, $5 admission)

If we had to choose just one market this season, we would visit the indoor Spruce Meadows International Christmas Market. You’ll love shopping at the over 200 vendors of local and imported products and your children will love the petting zoo, pony rides and show-jumping demonstrations. (November 12–14 and 19–21, $8 admission)

Leave the kids at home and head downtown to the Telus Convention Centre, which welcomes artists from across the country at their annual Art Market. You’ll find kid-friendly vendors such as Patouche, Cici Art Factory and Mally Bibs. (November 18–21, $9 admission) 

The Calgary Waldorf School brings a taste of Europe to the West at their annual ‘faire’. Purchase handcrafted gifts, enjoy old-world mulled wine and delectable baked goods. Children can make crafts and get schooled in ‘olden days’ celebrations. (November 20, $2 admission)

The mountains are beautiful any time of year, but they are even more special during the holidays (think wood-burning fireplaces and snowy peaks). Canmore and Banff are a haven for many local artists which makes the Canmore Christmas Artisans’ Market a great place to go. (November 27–28, $2 admission)

Banff’s Christmas in the Rockies Craft Show is the cherry on top of the WinterStart Festival and features activities for kids, live holiday music, wagon rides and visits with Santa. Stick around and enjoy the Santa Claus parade following the market. (December 4, free admission)

And finally, visit the Calgary Farmers’ Market one more time before Christmas. The last market day at the Currie Barracks is December 23 before it moves to its new digs on Blackfoot Trail.

Mark-et our word, and take a pass on the mall this season.

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