10 Events that you can’t miss this Holiday Season

It’s finally time to get into the spirit of all things Christmas while avoiding big crowds and chaos! The most mesmerizing time of the year has arrived, but how do you want to spend it?! Thanks to our friends at Foothills Tourism, there are a ton of incredibly festive (and COVID-friendly) markets, tours and displays happening this winter within a short drive from the big city. Get ready to mark up your calendars, Alberta, because here are 10 Foothills events you can’t miss this holiday season!

**NOTE: Due to COVID-19, all of these events are subject to change. Be sure to visit their websites before going to ensure you are aware of any procedures, practices, or closures.

CHRISTMAS SHOPPING TOURS

Holiday Shopping can be overwhelming! This season, Foothills Tourism is helping you guys out big time with their 2020 Christmas Shopping Trip Tours. Head over to their website and choose from self-guided itineraries mapping out the best in “Wine, art and shopping in the Foothills,” “Cool Little Town Christmas Shopping,” and Antiques, Uniquities and Gifts” (among others). Enjoy the experience, without all the “where do I go?!” stress!

When: Saturday, November 5th – January 3rd
Where: Foothills, Alberta in Calgary’s backyard
Time: Anytime
Cost: Free

SHOP NANTON’S ONLINE HOLIDAY MARKET

Looking for something one-of-a-kind for a special someone this season? Check out Nanton’s Online Holiday Christmas Market! The Nanton & District Chamber of Commerce has created their first ever online market so that vendors can still sell their beautiful local wares. For more information, check the link above!

When: Until December 31st
Where: Online
Time: Pick up dates in Calgary on December 14th and January 4th between 12 pm to 5 pm and in Nanton on December 13th, 20th and January 3rd between 10 am to 2 pm

CHRISTMAS IN THE COUNTRY ART SALE

Spruce up your home, give an unforgettable gift, or just “ooh and ahh” at works created by over 100 incredible local artists during the Christmas in the Country Art Sale! Unreal Rocky Mountain views included, of course.

When: Until Wednesday, December 23rd
Where: Leighton Art Centre – 282027 144 Street West, Foothills, Alberta
Time: Wednesday to Sunday 10 am – 4 pm
Cost: Free

GRANARY ROAD CHRISTMAS MARKET

This month, Granary Road is putting on an enchanting Christmas celebration. Stunning 40-foot vaulted ceilings, exposed trusses, and lighting reminiscent of days gone by. Christmas carols playing throughout the Market, beautifully decorated trees, strings upon strings of lights, and other festive décor make Granary Road a destination for holiday shoppers, foodies, and families alike. Plus, you can get a photo with their Christmas Alpacas! This is the perfect magical market to get you in the festive spirit – don’t miss it!

When: Until December 20th, every Saturday and Sunday
Where: 226066 112 St W, Foothills County, Alberta
Time: 9 am – 5 pm
Cost: Free to attend

SASKATOON FARM CHRISTMAS MARKET

This holiday season, support your community by shopping locally! From goods made by Alberta artists, bakers and pro crafters, the 2020 Saskatoon Farm Holiday Market will fill your shopping bags and your hearts with some serious Christmas spirit. Meet and greet special guests, including Santa Claus and the Grinch and indulge in fresh mini donuts, kettle corn, soft pretzels, and cinnamon buns (just to name a few). Yum!

When:  Friday, December 4th – Sunday, December 6th and Friday, December 11th – Sunday, December 13th
Where: 80181 338 Ave East Foothills, Alberta
Time: 9 am – 8 pm
Cost: $6.50 admission

SPIRIT HILLS FLOWER WINERY CHRISTMAS 

Come one, come all to tour, taste and shop in a cozy Christmas atmosphere. Spirit Hills Flower Winery is an award-winning winery just 30 minutes from Calgary. This holiday season they have gone above and beyond to make a safe winter country experience with social distancing and limited occupancy for all tours. Outside, warm yourself by the fire pits while roasting a marshmallow or two. Make sure you book ahead to reserve your spot! 

When: Now until Saturday,  January 2nd
Where:240183 – 2380 Drive West, Millarville, Alberta
Time: Every hour from 11 am to 4 pm
Cost: $10

FOOTHILLS SLEIGH RIDES

Grab a cup of hot cocoa, bundle up and enjoy the sights and sounds of a horse-drawn sleigh ride through the backcountry! This season Foothills Tourism is offering 3 different adventures, each just as uniquely festive as the other.

When: All season long
Where: Anchor D. | Horsepowered Adventures | Moose Mountain Horseback Adventure
Time: Various times
Cost: Prices vary

OKOTOKS SHOP LOCAL & WIN

Make the trip out to Okotoks to do your Christmas shopping this season and you could win big by shopping locally. Entering is a SNAP! Simply snap a selfie with your local purchase and tag #shopwinokotoks to win $250. 

When:Now until Friday, December 18th
Where: >Okotoks, Alberta
Time:Each draw for $250 will be Friday at 12 pm. Draws Nov 27th, Dec 4th, Dec 11th & Dec 18th
Cost: Free

LIGHT UP GEORGE LANE PARK

There’s nothing that’ll get you into the Christmas spirit quite like a winter stroll after dark. This year, hit up Downtown High River for their stunning display of lights, and experience all of the magic, sights and fun that you’ll need to fuel your holiday season!

When: Friday, November 27th – December 24th
Where: 343 Macleod Trail SW, High River, Alberta
Time: After dark
Cost: Free

CHRISTMAS IN THE FOOTHILLS PHOTO SCAVENGER HUNT

Now that you know of all the amazing things happening in the Foothills this holiday season, don’t miss out on the opportunity to win prizes while you are here! That’s right folks, Foothills Tourism is offering weekly prizes – simply post a photo on social media of yourself or your surroundings using the hashtag #FoothillsXmasHunt. So snap that extra photo or two of your adventures next time you are in the Foothills. For more details check out the link above. 

When: Until Monday, January 4th
Where: Foothills, Alberta
Time: Each draw will be on Monday. Draws December 7th, 14th, 21st, 28th, and January 4th
Cost: Free

There you have it, Alberta! 10 Foothills events you can’t miss this holiday season – because we think it might be nice to get out of the big city for a while! Be safe, be smart and enjoy yourselves, folks! It is the most wonderful time of the year, after all!

For more information about holiday events organized by Foothills Tourism visit their website here!