If you’re anything like us, you’ll want your gifts to mean more. 

That’s why holiday shopping from local small businesses and artisans can be a great choice over everyday retailers. Because who doesn’t want a gift that keeps on giving?

We’ve rounded up the crème de la crème of Christmas markets to check out around Calgary for the whole gang, family, and kiddos.

So get in the festive spirit, explore your city, and enjoy local eats and live music all the more while you find one-of-a-kind gifts to match the loved ones in your life.

1. Calgary Christmas Market

Watch your favourite farmer’s market transform into a Christmas village that even Hallmark would be proud of. With over a hundred of the very best local vendors to choose from, you’re bound to cross everything off your list. Shop ‘till you drop, pick up your Christmas tree, and get your fill of delicious local fare at the dining hall.

When: Thursday–Sunday, Nov. 18–Dec. 23, 9 am–5 pm

Where: Calgary Farmers Market, 510 77 Ave SE

How much: Free

2. Spruce Meadows International Christmas Market 2021

Feel like a kid again: indulge in candy apples and roasted chestnuts, enjoy reindeer rides and crackling fire under festive Christmas lights, and snap a photo with Santa. Spruce Meadows brings its A-game every holiday season, featuring live entertainment and nearly 200 boutiques, designers, and local businesses with handcrafted goods and world-imported items to scratch your itch. 

When: Nov. 26–28, Dec. 3–5

Where: Spruce Meadows, Spruce Meadows Way SW

How much: $6–$12

3. Inglewood Holiday Night Market

What makes a good Calgary Christmas market even better in 2021? Escaping those unforgiving winter chills. Bring the festivities inside with this cozy indoor night market in Calgary’s oldest but most charming neighbourhood. Discover handmade crafts, vintage finds, local clothing, antiques and collectibles – all in a warm, inviting space.

When: Nov. 12, 19, 26, Dec. 3, 4–11 pm 

Where: South Bank Building, 880 9 St SE

How much: $5

4. Market Collective Holiday Markets

Whether you’re on the hunt for stocking stuffers or under-the-tree worthy gifts–and feeling the stress of making your deadline–Market Collective is one step ahead of you. Delight in three back-to-back weekends of live performances, interactive workshops, tasty food and drink, and over 150 local vendors to choose from. 

When: Dec. 10–12, 17–19, Friday 4–9 pm, Saturday and Sunday 10 am–6 pm

Where: BMO Centre, Roundup Way SW

How much: $6, free for under 12

5. Saskatoon Farm Christmas Market

As far as Christmas markets go around Calgary, this one might be our favourite tradition. Celebrate the most wonderful time of the year with a community of over 240 local makers, bakers, growers, and small businesses. There’s something for everyone at this market, even those who are the hardest to shop for! Chow down on kettle corn, warm your toes by the fire, and feel great supporting local.

When: Dec. 3–5, 10–12, 9 am–5 pm

Where: The Saskatoon Farm, 338 Ave East, Foothills County

How much: $6

6. Century Downs Weihnachtsmarkt 

Wanna switch things up this year? Try German street food and mulled wine–barn style. Century Downs’ traditional winter market offers a rich variety of local artisans and craft vendors. So round up your family and friends for a weekend of festive fun. And best of all–it’s free!

When: Dec 4–5, 11 am–4 pm

Where: Century Downs Racetrack and Casino, 260 Century Downs Drive, Rocky View County

How much: Free

7. Heritage Park’s Once Upon a Christmas

Wagon rides, Santa, and hot cocoa. Need we say more? How about 10 days of local artisans as far as the eye can see? That’s what you’re in for at Heritage Park’s Once Upon a Christmas market. Experience the magic of Christmas past with this historical village decked out for the festive season. Get your holiday photo ops, Christmas carolling, and shopping all done in one place. It doesn’t get any more local than this.

When: Dec. 4–5, 11–12, 18–19, 20–23, 10 am–4 pm

Where: Heritage Park Historical Village, 1900 Heritage Drive SW

How much: Children (3–15) $14.95, General (16+) $19.95

Keep the local spirit alive this holiday

Shopping local is the gift of giving back. 

Make this holiday season extra special for your loved ones and community by choosing to put your hard-earned dollars towards local makers and artists whose livelihood depends on your generosity.

Because when you buy a gift from a small business, you’re helping to support the generations of family behind it and Calgary’s local economy. 

And for some, buying from a local business is just as good as a Christmas miracle.

Discover how you can support small businesses and artisans near you through Locate Local, the only marketplace that matches your values-based shopping with local vendors.

Join our waitlist to be the first to connect with local vendors and make a difference this holiday.