23 Christmas and holiday craft markets in Calgary

Christmas is fast approaching, and even though we’ve only just waved goodbye to Halloween now is the perfect time to start shopping for presents.

Fortunately Calgary is home to a whole host of Christmas craft markets that help to take the pain out of present buying. So to help you choose where to do your seasonal shopping, here’s our guide to some of the best holiday craft markets you’ll find in Calgary in the run up to Christmas:

Okotoks Christmas Festival

What: Marking the beginning of the Christmas season, this fun Christmas Festival is a host to Santa, live caroling, entertainment, food, and, of course, a wide variety of all things hand-made from over 110 vendors.

Where: Foothills Centennial Centre – 204 Community Way, Okotoks

When: Friday, November 6 from 4 to 9 p.m., Saturday, November 7 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday, November 8 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Cost: $5 at the door and free for children under 12; $8 for the weekend pass

Arbour Lake Craft and bake Fair

What: A host to wonderful and lovingly homemade gift-giving and holiday decorating items.

Where: 12 Arbour Lake Drive NW, Calgary

When: Saturday, November 7 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Cost: Free

Millarville Christmas Market

What: Established in 1988 it is one of the premier craft and artisan shows in Alberta. Have fun eating roasted chestnuts, going for hay rides, looking at lights, watching glass blowing demonstrations, and shopping at an abundance of vendors.

Where: Millarville Racing and Agricultural Society – 306097 192 Street

When: Friday, November 6 from noon to 8 p.m., Saturday, November 7 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Sunday, November 8 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Cost: $5, free for children under 12

Chestermere’s Christmas Craft Sale: Crazy 4 Crafts

What: Over 80 vendors will be present at this years Christmas Craft Sale in Chestermere. With more space there will be plenty of room to roam around and once you enter there will be free door prizes of “CrazyBucks”.

Where: Chestermere Regional Recreation Centre – 201 West Chestermere Drive

When: Saturday, November 7 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Cost: Free with Food Bank donation

Bowness Christmas Craft Sale

What: Hosting a wide variety of vendors such as, woodworking, glassblowing, crochet, Baking, jewellery and more, the 4th annual Bowness Christmas Sale is sure to be a hit.

Where: 7904 – 43 Avenue NW, Calgary

When: Saturday, November 7 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Cost: Free

10th Annual Holiday Fair

What: Supports made from this Holiday Fair go towards women who face obstacles when furthering their education. Purchase home-baked goods, handmade quilts, jewellery, antiques, kitchen goods, and more from community merchants and crafters. A hot lunch is available for $5.

Where: 1008 14 Street SE in Inglewood, Calgary

When: Saturday, November 7 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Cost: $2 which includes a free entry for door prizes

Annual Holiday Peace Fair

What: Everyone is welcome to the 31st year of the Holiday Peace Fair. Each of the 30 vendors working at this event promote peace, social justice and environmental integrity.

Where: Parkdale United Church – 2919 8 Avenue NW

When: Saturday, November 7 from 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Cost: $5, $3 for students and seniors, and free for children under 12

Calgary Show and Sale Christmas Market 2015

What: There will be over 40 vendors participating at this Christmas Market along with face painting, balloon animals, glitter tattoos and more. The Calgary Show and Sale is also asking for help in supporting our Veterans & Canadian Military Personnel by bringing non-perishable food items, or giving monetary donations to the Veterans Food Bank of Calgary (the poppy fund).

Where: Acadia Recreation Complex – 240 90 Avenue SE

When: Saturday, November 7 and Sunday, November 8 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Cost: Free

Crestmont Christmas 2015

What: Coming into its 9th annual year this Christmas Market will be hosting 24 wonderful and unique businesses and artisans as well as live music performed by children.

Where: Crestmont Community Hall – 12400 Crestmont Boulevard SW

When: Friday, November 13 from 3p.m. to 8 p.m., and Saturday, November 14 and Sunday from November 15 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Cost: Free; accept donations to the Food Bank

Spruce Meadows International Christmas Market

What: The International Christmas Market is presented by TELUS and is held over three weekends. Over 250 vendors will be spreading Christmas cheer and selling everything from world-imported to hand-crafted items. Stop by even if it’s just to listen to their choir and instrumental performances.

Where: Spruce Meadows – 18011 Spruce Meadows Way SW

When: November 13 to 15, November 20 to 22 and November 27 to 29; Fridays from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Sundays from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Cost: $12; free for seniors and children under 12

20 Canmore Christmas Artisans’ Market

What: Entertaining over 80 artists, artisans, and makers of fine foods from Canmore and surrounding areas, the Canmore Christmas Market will likely have what you are looking for. Some items that you can find are jewellery, photography, pottery paintings, furniture, body products, clothing, foods and more.

Where: Saturday, November 14 and Sunday, November 15 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

When: Canmore Collegiate High School – 1800 8 Avenue

Cost: $3

Bragg Creek Artisans 39th Christmas Sale

What: Enjoy fine art and unique handicrafts including pottery, jewellery, paintings, woodwork, fibre arts, country crafts and more from over 65 local artists. If you get hungry their kitchen cafe will be serving a home style lunch and snacks.

Where: Bragg Creek Centre – 23 White Avenue, Bragg Creek

When: Saturday, November 14 and Sunday, November 15 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Cost: Free

Mrs Claus’ Shop

What: Back for its 4th year there will be over 55 vendors and local crafters selling items like baking, jewellery, clothing, and more.

Where: The Town and Country Centre – 275 Jensen Drive

When: Saturday, November 14 and Sunday, November 15 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Saturday

Cost: Free

Christmas Art Market and Craft Show

What: With over 200 professional artisans offering a wide variety of Christmas shopping and professional collecting, you are almost guaranteed to find something at this art market.

Where: 2nd level of the Calgary TELUS Convention Center – 136 8 Avenue SE

When: Thursday, November 19 to 20 from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m., Saturday, November 21 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sunday, November 22 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Cost: $10; $8 for students or seniors; once you pay you can return everyday free

Banff Christmas Market

What: A shopping experience that allows for unique fashions and handcrafted gifts as well as live entertainment and delicious food.

Where: 100 Sundance Road – Warners Stables, Banff

When: Friday, November 20 from 5 to 8 p.m., Saturday, November 21 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sunday, November 22 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Cost: Free

Handmade Here Collective 2015 Boutique Christmas Sale

What: Enjoy all things that are handmade at Handmade Here Collective where there will be 25 artists in one location for your convenience.

Where: Triwood Community Hall – 2244 Chicoutimi Drive NW

When: Saturday, November 21 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday, November 22, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Cost: Free

Christmas Craft and Marketplace

What: Catch your opportunity to support your community and purchase Christmas gifts in time for the holidays.

Where: Auburn House – Gymnasium 200 Auburn Bay Blvd SE, Calgary

When: Saturday, November 21 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Cost: Free; accepting donations for the Calgary Food Bank

Festival of Crafts

What: Known as one of Canada’s largest holiday handcrafted shopping events, Festival of Crafts runs four days showcasing items from fashion to gourmet treats from over 250 talented artisans, artists and designers.

Where: BMO Centre at Stampede Park – 20 Roundup Way SW, Calgary

When: November 26 to 29; Thursday and Friday from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m., Saturday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Cost: $7 for adults, $5 for youths aged 13 to 17 and seniors, and free for children under 12

Annual Holiday Market and Book Sale

What: Check out TRUCK Gallery’s 2nd annual Holiday Market and Book sale, where you can purchase handcrafted artisanal products created by some of Calgary’s most talented artists.

Where: TRUCK Main Space – 2009 10 Avenue SW

When: Friday, November 27 from 4 p.m. to 11 p.m. and Saturday, November 28 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Cost: Free; accepting donations of art books in good condition

Market Collective: Holiday Dates

What: Market Collective will be showcasing a roster of artists and musicians during each weekend and you can follow them along on social media.

Where: Chinese Cultural Centre – 197 1 Street SW

When: November 27 to 29, December 4 to 6, December 11 to 13, December 18 to 20; Fridays from 4 to 9 p.m. and Saturdays and Sundays from 10 to 6 p.m.

Cost: $5; free for kids

The Ranch Christmas Market

What: Symons Valley Ranch will be hosting The Ranch Christmas Market where there will be plenty of vendors to go and enjoy. A free skating rink will be available for visitors if the weather permits.

Where: Symons Valley Ranch – 14555 Symons Valley Road NW, Calgary

When: Friday November 27 to Sunday, November 29

Cost: Free

4th Annual Marda Loop Christmas Market

What: This event is held to support the Calgary Interfaith Foodbank and is a host to many vendors.

Where: Marda Loop Communities Association – 3130 16 Street SW, Calgary

When: Saturday, December 12 at 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Cost: Free; accepting donations at the door

Etsy’s Winter of Artsy: An Oz Themed Holiday Market

What: See your local Etsy shops and get some christmas shopping in without having to pay shipping fees while you’re at it. Create your own custom ornaments at the Do-It-Your-self Crafting Stations. Feeling lucky? Enter the Etsy door prize for a twoonie for your chance to win $100 Etsy Gift Card.

Where: Foothills Centennial Centre – 4 204 Community Way, Okotoks

When: Sunday, December 13 from 1 p.m. to 9 p.m.

Cost: Free