12 can’t-miss Christmas markets & events in Calgary this holiday season

It’s officially the season of peppermint, Michael Buble albums, bright lights, and Christmas markets! When you’re not sipping on some rum and eggnog, curled up on the couch attentively watching the fireplace channel, your going to want somewhere to spread your holiday cheer. It’s the most wonderful time of the year, so here are a few Christmas events, markets, and shows around Calgary to help you celebrate the holiday season! Cheers.

Calgary Christmas Farmers Market

Whether you need something for under the table or on top of the table, the Calgary Farmers’ Market will have you completely covered. If you’ve been dreaming of sugar plums, you’ll definitely find them here!

When: November 14
Where: Calgary Farmers Market – 510 77 Ave SE, Calgary
Cost: FREE

International Christmas Market

The incredible Spruce Meadows international market is one of the best Christmas markets in Calgary. Bringing the sights, sounds, lights, over 300 vendors and infinite Christmas spirit to Calgary, yet again!

When: November 16
Where: Spruce Meadows
Price: $10+

Once Upon a Time at Heritage Park

Ahh, the magic! At Heritage Park’s old-timey holiday experience guests can enjoy wagon rides, visit with the big man himself, and join a Christmas carols sing-along.

When: November 22
Where: Heritage Park
Cost: $5.70+

ATCO Christmas Cookie Exchange

Get in on the fun! The ATCO Blue Flame Kitchen is hosting a hands-on holiday cookie exchange! How do Swiss gingerbread, chocolate snowballs, and vanilla kipferl cookies sound? If you answered with anything other than “omg delicious”, you’re wrong. Bring your cookie creations to your next holiday or Christmas party or use them as gifts for your friends and family, their taste buds will thank you!

When: November 30
Where: ATCO Blue Flame Kitchen – 5302 Forand St SW
Cost: $95

Calgary Expo Holiday Market

Batman, Santa, the Deathstar and Rudolph all in one place? It sounds like a Christmas miracle – Or the Calgary Expo Holiday Market. Pop-culture is at it’s best when it’s wrapped in bows and garland.

When: November 30
Where: BMO Center

Calgary Holiday Night Market

It’s date night! Snuggle in close and shop through over 40 handmade vendors showing off their holiday goods, and tasty treats from local businesses. You can enjoy live music, arts and crafts, entertainment and a ton more!

When: November 22 and December 6
Where: Eau Claire Market

Calgary Zoo Lights

It’s Tradition! Grab your closest friends and family for a familiar evening of Christmas magic and bright lights. Enjoy special guests and kid-friendly activities at this year’s Zoolights.

When: November 22 – January 4
Where: Calgary Zoo
Cost: $14.95+

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Noel Christmas Light Market 

This is going to be huge. Calgary’s’ only indoor Christmas lights display and market will practically take over the Stampede grounds this holiday season. Ooh and awe at 4 different light parks, a giant 250-foot interactive light tunnel and wander Santas market.

When: Nov 28 – Dec 31
Where: Stampede Grounds – 1410 Olympic Way SE
Cost: $14.99+

Market Collective Holiday Series

Two whole weekends of live music, interactive workshops, galleries, AND food? Market Collectives Holiday series will feature over 150 local vendors and a ton of special surprises. You won’t want to miss it!

When: December 6-8, 13-15, 20-22
Where: BMO Centre
Cost: $6

Downtown Christmas Market

Cross a couple of those unique gift ideas off of your shopping list, without even going very far. They’re bringing the Christmas market to the people. The busybodies of downtown can check out the city centers’ very own event.

When: December 10
Where: Gulf Canada Square
Cost: FREE

Alberta Ballet presents: The Nutcracker

Pyotr Tchaikovsky’s classic two act-ballet is another “don’t miss this” show. The beautiful story of The Nutcracker will be brought to life by over 120 professional dancers, a live orchestra, and incredible choreography.

When: December 13-15 and 20-24
Where: Southern Jubille Auditorium
Cost: $67+

A Christmas Carol

Is it really even Christmas until you’ve seen this classic at least once? Join Scrooge on a soul searching journey through his humble past, troubled present and uncertain future.

When:  Now until December 28
Where: Max Bell Center
Cost: Prices Subject to Change

There you have it, Calgary! Shows, events and markets you can’t miss this holiday season!