There’s something magical about Calgary’s holiday markets. As someone who looks forward to them every year, I can tell you they’re the perfect antidote to cold winter evenings—full of twinkling lights, handcrafted treasures, and that unmistakable festive energy. Here are five markets you absolutely can’t miss this season.
Spruce Meadows Christmas Market
Dates: November 14–16, 21–23, and 28–30, 2025
Location: Spruce Meadows at 18011 Spruce Meadows Way SW)
Pricing: $12 to $20 per ticket
This year, Spruce Meadows’ is hosting their 20th-annual Christmas Market, which runs over three weekends: November 14-16, 21-23, and 28-30. Each year, this family-friendly market welcomes almost 100,000 visitors. Attendees can expect over 300 local businesses, artisans, and food vendors, as well as fun activities like children’s crafts with Pinnovate, a petting zoo, visits with Santa, caroling, and more. This is the closest you’ll get to a European-feeling Christmas Market in Alberta, and they have something for each member of the family to enjoy. The best part is they have tons of parking, so you don’t have to worry about the hassle of finding a spot!
Market Collective Holiday Series
Dates: December 5–7 and 12–14, 2025
Location: BMO Centre, Hall D, Stampede Park at 1912 Flores Ladue Parade SE
Pricing: $10 weekend admission, with kids 12 and under free
Market Collective has been a holiday market staple in Calgary for over 15 years. Known as the place where many local brands first got their start (like Milk Jar Candle Co.!), this one’s all about supporting local artisans and entrepreneurs to create a thriving community in Calgary. In a time of heavy online shopping, I love this market because it’s a chance to connect with the people who bring each brand to life, and the fam and I can see everything in person. Every year, they engage Calgary creatives to help make the market special, and this year, visitors can make their own holiday cards and gift tags, take photos with Santa, customize ceramics, and try out some new foods. Kids can even participate in some mini puppet shows! Many people in my network look forward to this one all year long because they discover their new favourite artists.
Inglewood Holiday Night Market
Dates: November 14–15, 21–22, and 28–29
Location: The Quonset at Crossroads Market, 1235 26 Ave SE
Pricing: $5 entrance fee with those under 12 and over 65 free
Each weekend, the Inglewood Holiday Night Market brings together a rotating selection of over 50 local artists, artisans, and creatives. In the past, their vendor lineup featured everything from handmade candles, to vintage sellers, to the city’s best snacks. Their spring and summer markets are amazing, and the holiday version is no different. This one’s always fun because of the live music that’s playing in the background – bringing out the Christmas spirit. You can see the full vendor list here, and for downtown or inner-city folks, this one is fun and convenient.
Saskatoon Farm Christmas Market
Dates: November 28–30 and December 5–7
Location: Saskatoon Farm near Okotoks (15 minutes south of Calgary)
Pricing: $11.20 with kids 10 and under free
The Saskatoon Farm is a magical place, no matter the time of year. Whether you’re stopping by in the summer to u-pick or dropping by the Holiday Market to look for special gifting items, it always feels like a whole different world. Now in its 9th year, it is boasting 200 local vendors housed in three heated greenhouses (beautiful!). Outside of the shopping, guests can enjoy festive food and drinks, horse-drawn sleigh rides, picking up a freshly cut Christmas tree, and some live ice carving. Kids will love the visit too, with kids’ play place, face painting, a bouncy castle, and live performances. This one is special and unique way to spend the day outside of the city.
I hope that you’re able to enjoy these markets this holiday season – they really are a special treat. This is also your yearly reminder to invest back in our local community and to keep those finances balanced. Buying some of your Christmas gifts now (and even future occasion gifts) can help to even out the spending. In case you need a refresher, I have included my Holiday Balance Not Budget blog here for you to check out before you head out on your excursion.