10 Holiday Markets You Need to Visit in Alberta

The holidays are fast approaching, and markets are a perfect way to kick off the season and get in the festive spirit. There are countless holiday markets in Alberta, from large-scale extravaganzas to smaller community events, but they all celebrate talented local artisans and provide holiday fun for all ages. You can find gifts for everyone on your list while supporting local businesses, and maybe even pick up something special for yourself.

Many of the markets require advance tickets, so be sure to check each website for more information. Here are 10 of the best holiday markets to visit across Alberta.

Calgary & Area

Spruce Meadows International Christmas Market

This world-renowned market, modelled after the traditional Christmas markets in Europe, is an annual favourite for locals and visitors alike. More than 300 vendors gather for the Spruce Meadows International Christmas Market to showcase their wares, and it’s been a tradition on holiday calendars for more than 20 years. Vendors are carefully curated to offer a lineup of businesses that offer products that are either locally made or locally designed.

The market’s warm, family-friendly atmosphere blends cozy indoor spaces and inviting outdoor areas, all decked out in holiday finery. Kids — and kids at heart — will be treated to visits from Santa’s reindeer on Sundays, and Santa himself will visit Candy Cane Lane.

There’s also some festive fun for adults when they’re done browsing the market. On Friday evenings, friends and family are invited to gather for long-table dinners — each with a distinct theme and flavours, like Rustic Italian, Elegantly English and Cozy in the Canadian Rockies.

You’ve likely heard of aprés-ski, but what about aprés market? Adults can gather for cocktails, mocktails and small-plate food stations when they need a break from shopping (someone will even watch your bags). Finally, on Saturday and Sunday afternoons, all ages are invited to partake in Long Table Afternoon High Tea, which is back by popular demand.

When: November 15 - 17, November 22 - 24, November 29 - December 1, 2024

Once Upon a Christmas at Heritage Park

A Christmas market is just one facet of this sought-after all-ages event. Once Upon A Christmas brings the holidays to Heritage Park, Calgary’s living history museum, for a day of fun indoor and outdoor activities. The indoor offerings include visits with Santa, children’s Christmas crafts, holiday storytime, a reindeer scavenger hunt, a model train display, a Christmas village display and a kids’-only store where volunteers help children choose gifts for family and friends.

Outside, explore the children’s maze, listen to Christmas carolers, snap pictures at festive photo-ops, visit friendly farm animals and stroll through the historic streets and exhibits of the park.

Millarville Christmas Market

The Millarville Racetrack comes alive with holiday cheer for eight days every winter. The market started in 1988 and has become known as one of the top craft and artisan shows in the province. Beyond browsing the abundance of locally crafted products, you’ll be treated to live music, tasty eats from food trucks, hay rides and daily reindeer viewings.

On Saturdays and Sundays, there are special offerings for kids, too. They can get their photo taken with Santa, express their creativity with face painting and visit the Kids Only Shoppe. Mrs. Claus and her elves will be ready to help children between the ages of five and 12 choose Christmas gifts for their family members. All the items in this specially designed shop are under $15 and supplied by vendors at the market. The gifts selected will be wrapped and tagged to keep the surprise until Christmas, and proceeds will be donated to schools in the Foothills School Division to support hot-lunch programs.

Tip: Dress in layers as the market incorporates indoor and outdoor spaces.

When: November 7 - 10 and November 14 - 17, 2024

The Saskatoon Farm Annual Christmas Market

What started as a simple venture with a few Saskatoon berry bushes 37 years ago has become a year-round attraction, bustling working farm and event space. The Saskatoon Farm is a vibrant hub of activity, and the Annual Christmas Market is one of five hosted there each year. More than 200 vendors will be on hand, along with roaring fires to cozy up by, holiday decor, plenty of food to try and fresh-cut Christmas trees to purchase. You may even spot Santa and Mrs. Claus.

When: November 29 - December 1, December 6 - December 8, 2024

Christmas at the Nation Holiday Market

Now in its fourth year, the Christmas at the Nation Holiday Market features more than 165 Indigenous and local artists over three days. The indoor market, hosted on the Tsuut’ina Nation in partnership with the Seven Chiefs Sportsplex, Chief Jim Starlight Centre and Taza, is an opportunity to get acquainted with talented artisans while enjoying dance performances, an Indigenous craft corner (you’ll have an opportunity to create your own ornament), live holiday characters — including Santa — and delicious food.

When: December 13 - 15, 2024

Banff National Park

Banff Christmas Market

There’s nothing quite like winter in the Canadian Rockies, especially with a dose of holiday cheer added to the snow-covered natural beauty. The Banff Christmas Market spans 13 days, and it’s a much-loved holiday tradition for many. More than 150 artisans gather at the historic Banff Heritage Train Station, and visitors will also be treated to live music, an outdoor fire lounge, holiday-themed treats and warm drinks. Don’t forget to stop by Santa’s House to snap a photo together.

The market becomes even more magical after dark. Catch the tree-lighting ceremony with Santa every Friday at 4:30 p.m., which kicks off an evening illuminated by countless twinkling lights. Adults can also start their Friday evenings with happy hour at the market’s North Pole Station Lounge & Bar before shopping under the stars.

When: November 14 (Locals’ Night), November 15 - 17, November 22 - 24, November 29 - December 1, December 6 - 8, 2024

Edmonton & Area

Edmonton Christmas Market at Fort Edmonton Park

Modern holiday traditions and history converge in a historic setting for the Edmonton Christmas Market at Fort Edmonton Park. One of the city’s favourite attractions, which shares the area’s history and culture through interactive exhibits, hosts more than 100 local vendors and entertainment for a fun-filled winter wonderland. Plenty of local food vendors will be ready when you need a break from browsing, and two farm-to-fork dinners led by one of the province’s top chefs will celebrate culinary excellence and farm-fresh ingredients.

When: December 4 and December 5, 2024

A Very Indigenous Holiday Market

This market offers a double dose of intrigue — a diverse lineup of Indigenous artists and a venue that shares the evolution of flight in Alberta. Hosted at the Alberta Aviation Museum Event Hanger, A Very Indigenous Holiday Market (presented by the Indigenous Artist Market Collective) is the longest-running Indigenous market in Alberta. More than 170 vendors, artists and entertainers gather to share their unique talents.

The market is also collecting donations of new and gently used clothing, outerwear and footwear.

When: December 6 - 8, 2024

Métis Crossing Annual Holiday Market

The holiday market may only last two days, but Métis Crossing is a destination in its own right. It’s the first major Métis cultural interpretive destination in Alberta, situated on lots first settled in the 1800s. Today, visitors can explore the Historical Village, hear stories from Métis interpreters, try their hand at Métis crafts and workshops, enjoy seasonal outdoor activities and even extend their stay in a luxury boutique lodge or sky-watching dome.

The market, which is free to attend, shares the distinct talents of Indigenous artisans, from jewelry to artwork and more.

When: November 23 and November 24, 2024

River Cree Holiday Market

Now in its fourth year, the River Cree Holiday Market is back with a roster of First Nations, Métis and Inuit artisans and vendors sharing creative gift ideas for everyone on your list. Presented by the Enoch Cree Nation, the holiday market is packed with live entertainment, opportunities to sample Indigenous food, daily gift basket giveaways and free photos with Santa. Admission is by donation for the Helping Hands Initiative, so don’t forget to bring new personal hygiene and toiletry items.

When: November 21 - 23, 2024