Calgary Christmas Market: The Complete Guide
Calgary is probably one of the best places to experience a true winter, especially if you’re looking for an authentic white Christmas. From incredible Christmas displays to fun-filled festive events and outdoor skating rinks, you won’t run out of things to see and do in this cosmopolitan Alberta city.
One of the seasonal events you don’t want to miss this holiday season is the Calgary Christmas market. It’s a charming destination to shop, sample local treats, and discover what the city has to offer. The area is also close to some of Alberta’s premier craft and artisan shows, including the Millarville Christmas market, just 35 minutes southwest of Calgary.
Ditch the malls and head to the city’s buzzing Christmas markets and crafts fairs to pick up some unique gifts. Not only do they provide exciting shopping opportunities, but they also deliver family-friendly adventures you’ll only find in the winter holiday.
If you plan to arrive early to make the most of the festivities at the holiday market, leave your bags at a luggage storage facility in Calgary. With zero bags to drag around, you can take your time browsing through the stalls and food trucks hands-free.
Spruce Meadows International Christmas Market
Spruce Meadows Christmas Market is one of the most beloved Christmas markets in Calgary. Established in 2001, this international Christmas market is a fantastic holiday shopping destination boasting an impressive lineup of unique gifts and treats for the entire family. It features over 300 carefully handpicked local businesses that will show off their products over three weekends from November 18th to 20th, November 25th to 27th, and December 2nd to 4th, 2022.
Kick off the festive season by spending time with family and loved ones at Spruce Meadows International Christmas Market. This annual Christmas market will include booths in the Courtyard, Gallery on the Green Congress Hall, Equi-Plex, Twin Peaks Pavilion, Founders Plaza, and Horizons Pavilion. It’s your chance to see and admire Spruce Meadow’s winter wonderland, buy exquisite gifts, and taste artisan food.
Tickets are available at the Christmas market’s official website, ranging from about $10 to $35. When you buy a ticket, you don’t have to worry about parking, as it’s already included in the ticket price.
What to do near Spruce Meadows International Christmas Market
You’ll probably be busy exploring the many booths at the International Christmas market. But if you want to venture further, head to Telsec Farms, just two kilometers from Spruce Meadows, with regular horse shows and show jumping.
Festival of Crafts
One of Canada's biggest holiday shopping events is the Festival of Crafts. If you're someone who enjoys art, this is the perfect place for you to spend your holiday.
The Festival of Crafts is an annual tradition in Calgary, where local vendors, artists, designers, and artisans gather to showcase their works. It first started in 1986, and since then, it has been a much-awaited event of the year that not only locals but also visitors from all over the world come to visit.
The Festival of Crafts will run for four days, from November 3rd to November 6th, 2022. It will be located at the BMO Centre at Stampede Park. It will open from 10 AM to 9 PM on its first and second days and close at 6 PM and 5 PM on Saturday and Sunday, respectively.
What to do near Festival of Crafts
If you get tired and hungry shopping at the market fair and want to see something new, plenty of restaurants are available nearby. If you want to visit scenic spots and tourist attractions, you can go to Calgary Zoo, just a short drive from the area.
Bowness Holiday Craft Fair
To get a head start on your holiday shopping, consider stopping by the Bowness Holiday Craft Fair. It will feature many shops and local stalls selling their unique handcrafted items. Doing your Christmas shopping here will not only provide you with a wealth of choices for Christmas gifts but also allow you to help local businesses.
Visit the Christmas craft market in the Bowness Community Association Center located at Avenue Northwest, Calgary. It will open on Saturday, November 12th, 2022, from 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM. Another great thing about this event is that it is free to attend, and pre-registrations aren't even required. Plus, there are raffle tickets and concessions available for sale.
What to do near Bowness Holiday Craft Fair
After shopping at this fantastic holiday market fair, you can see more attractions like Bowness Park. It is one of Calgary's most popular parks, perfect for ice skating on the lagoon during winter.
Art Market Christmas Craft Sale
Calgary is, for sure, a place that knows how to appreciate its art. This year, the world is yet to witness another premier craft event, the Art Market Christmas Craft Sale. It’s one of the city’s best Christmas markets, presenting a lineup of local artists, including over two hundred craftspeople from Canada.
This festive market has everything from unique jewelry, handmade clothing, and fashion to porcelain and woodwork. It will be a four-day craft sale at the Calgary Telus Convention Centre from November 17th to November 20th,2022.
What to do near Art Market Christmas Craft Sale
Surrounding this Calgary Christmas market are different tourist attractions to see. You can visit the Calgary Tower, which is just a stone’s throw away from the venue. There's also Wonderland Sculpture and the Telus Spark Science Centre, which only take minutes to get there.
Inglewood Holiday Night Market
The Inglewood Holiday Night Market is a modern market with plenty of products. You can find all sorts of local crafts and handmade goods, from vintage clothes, collectibles, and antiques to exquisite food and drinks. There is also live music and a licensed bar service serving delicious beers and wine.
If you want to visit the market, it is located at the Quonset at the Crossroads Farmers Market in Calgary. It will open every Friday and Saturday from November 4th to November 26th, 2022, from 5 to 10 PM.
What to do near Inglewood Holiday Night Market
Stop by the Beach YYC while in the area. It’s an indoor beach recreation center, a short walk from the Inglewood Holiday Night market venue. You can take your kids or compete with your adult friends.
Soak in the Festive Atmosphere in Calgary
Whether you’re looking for an artisan Christmas market or a holiday fair selling everything local, you’ll find it in Calgary. As the temperatures get colder and snows start falling, you’ll feel the holiday cheer and fun, festive spirit by discovering the city’s bustling markets.
