Holiday markets for everyone on your list
By Cassie Weiss, Contributor
Holiday decorations are going up around the city, the snow is sporadically falling, and — unless you are one of those people who have all their gift shopping done months in advance — Christmas lists are being scribbled onto napkins as you try and decide what to buy and where to buy it.
Luckily, we live in a city that has so much in the form of holiday markets from now until the day the man in the red suit himself shows up.
If you’re lost on what to buy, these markets have a little something for everyone. The last one is even in the mountains, so if you can’t find anything to buy, at least you’ll have spent a snowy mini get-away in Banff — who would complain about that?
Calgary Christmas Market
Nov. 14 until Dec. 23, (Thursday to Sunday 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.)
Free
Held at the Calgary Farmers Market, this market boasts to be Calgary’s most festive destination for everything on the table and under the tree. From fresh grown vegetables from B.C. and Alberta, handcrafted gifts and a multitude of other items, this market is completely free and full of cheer.
Calgary Expo Holiday Market
Nov. 30
$10 admission
For all those nerds out there (don’t worry, I play Dungeons & Dragons more than I do anything else), we’ve got a market for you. The BMO Centre will host all things nerdy, scientific and fun. With local retailers, artists, makers and others, you can find that perfect piece for the gamer in your life. Cosplay dress up highly recommended.
Spruce Meadows International Christmas Market
Nov. 22 to Nov. 24, Nov. 29 to Dec. 1
$10 admission
Held at Spruce Meadows, the equestrian venue and home of Calgary’s new soccer team, transforms into a winter wonderland brimming with entertainment, music and over 300 different vendors to shop from. To make matters even better, there are fun areas for children, a beautiful lane of Christmas lights and an outdoor skating rink. The Spruce Meadows website boasts stress-free shopping featuring everything from imported items from around the world, handcrafted gifts and even groups of traditionally dressed carollers.
Calgary Night Market (Holiday Edition)
Friday’s Nov. 22 to Dec. 20
Free
The downtown beauty of Eau Claire Market will showcase over 40 vendors of handmade and vintage goods, body and bath wonders, baked items and much more. There will also be a DJ so you can shake your booty (exercise guys, it’s important) while you shop. Admission is free, so you can spend your money on gifts instead.
Banff Christmas Market
Nov. 22 to 24
Free
Take a short trip out to Banff and hit up this beautiful celebration, featuring mountains, sleigh rides and bonfires. Held at Warner Stables, market attendees might even catch a glimpse of the stable kitty if they’re lucky.
No matter where you find your feet this holiday season, happy shopping!