A warm fire, savoury smells from the kitchen, your hands wrapped around a steaming mug of hot chocolate and the comfort of knowing that everyone’s perfect present is wrapped and waiting beneath the tree...this is the stuff that Christmas memories are made of.
For generations, the dream of escaping to the country has been a cherished one: think sleigh rides, log cabins covered with new-fallen snow, and the joy of welcoming your loved ones home for the holidays. These are far more than simple traditions - they represent the very fabric of our souls.
Wouldn’t it be wonderful if you could capture all of this with every gift you give?
We’ll let you in on a little secret - you can. And it’s all waiting for you in the Foothills. By shopping at our local Christmas markets, you are supporting local vendors while ensuring that each person will receive a unique gift that comes straight from the heart.
So bundle up, jump in the car, and join us as we take you on a Christmas Market tour across the Foothills!
To learn more about each event, click on the links embedded below.
Bragg Creek
Our first market stopover is Bragg Creek, located just 30 minutes west of Calgary. Nestled amongst the tall evergreens, this charming hamlet hosts unparalleled views of the Rocky Mountains along with some of the best artisanal shopping in the Foothills.
The Bragg Creek area hosts at least three Christmas markets each year, beginning with the Bragg Creek Artisans Christmas Sale on November 16th-17th, and the Kananaskis Christmas Market (in Rocky View County) that very same weekend.
Oops, did you miss these ones? Don’t worry - the Bragg Creek Spirit of Christmas Market will be held on November 29 - December 1st. From fresh baked goods to beautiful artwork for your home or office, Bragg Creek will help you kick off an amazing Christmas season.
Priddis
Priddis, at the junction of Highways 22 and 22x west of Calgary, is a lovely little Foothills community with enormous character. November 30th welcomes the The Priddis Community Christmas Market, features more than 20 vendors and a concession, so you’re sure to find a great stocking stuffer for this holiday season!
Guests from across the province will also be visiting Azuridge Estate Hotel on November 30th and December 1st for the Magic & Merry Christmas Market. WIth stunning creations by Master Chef Yoshi, Magic & Merry will make you feel like you’ve discovered a real-life Christmas wonderland.
Granary Road
Many Calgarians - especially those with kids - will be familiar with Granary Road, located a short drive southeast of Priddis or west of DeWinton. For those who aren’t, let us introduce our next Christmas Market destination!
Granary Road is a unique and fascinating year-round active learning park with an agricultural theme - and with so many things to do, one visit won’t be enough! Our local vendors will help you find a special gift for that very special someone, get your photos taken with Santa (or an Alpaca!), check out the petting zoo, and fill your heart with holiday cheer.
Granary Road’s Annual Christmas Market is held over three weekends, from November 30 - December 1st, December 7th - 8th, and December 14th - 15th. You’ll want to arrive early, however - this is one of the most popular attractions in the Foothills!
Millarville
If you’re looking to add some local artistry to your (or anyone’s) Christmas season, the Leighton Art Centre’s annual Festive Foothills Art Sale is held daily from November 9th - December 20th (Closed Mondays). Explore handmade art, crafts, and home decor produced by over 125 local Alberta artists and artisans, and give your loved ones a spectacular gift that comes from the heart.
Travelling south along Highway 22, your next stop is the historic Millarville Racetrack and the annual Millarville Christmas Market. With over 300 vendors and visitors from all over Alberta, the Millarville market is a must-see holiday event in the Foothills, with handcrafted gifts, baked goods, produce and more.
The Millarville Christmas Market runs over two weekends, from November 7th - 10th and November 14th - 17th, and tickets must be purchased in advance - click on the link below to ensure you don’t miss out on this iconic Christmas tradition!
Diamond Valley
The town of Diamond Valley is truly a gem of holiday shopping in the Foothills region. This community is pleased to again host two Christmas markets this year, starting with the Diamond Valley Legion Ladies Auxiliary Christmas Market on November 30th.
The Diamond Valley Christmas Market is held the following weekend on December 7th, with proceeds going to the High Country SPCA. Then, when you’ve found your Christmas gift, you can usher in the season with the annual Light Up Diamond Valley event, starting at 5:00pm on December 7th.
Nanton
Turning east to Highway 2, the town of Nanton, located about an hour south of Calgary, has a wonderfully eclectic selection of local businesses, museums, attractions and a scenic and walkable downtown core that is well worth the visit.
The Distinctly Nanton Christmas Market, held on November 30th, is a marvelous non-profit event in support of a number of amazing local causes. Vendor table fees cover the venue costs, with any additional vendor table fees going to local charities and youth groups.
High River
The town of High River - backdrop to some of your favourite tv shows and films - is a beautiful Foothills community that completely embraces the holiday spirit.
The High River Christmas Market will be held on November 16th, and hosts an array of all-age family activities along with gift ideas from many local vendors and businesses. You can follow this up with an authentic sleigh ride through the twinkling lights of nearby George Lane Park, which is open to the public on a daily basis.
The High River Winter Market will be held December 6th & 7th at Highwood Centre! Get in a festive mood at the Winter Market, finding treasures for pampering family, friends, and yourself. Make it a fun-filled kick off to the holiday taking in the Annual Santa Claus Parade on December 6th - a warm and cozy outdoor family event complete with themed floats, entertainment, and yes, Santa Claus himself, direct from the North Pole!
Cavalry FC Regional Field House - Aldersyde Area
Located on Highway 2A between High River and Okotoks, this citadel of soccer in the Foothills is hosting their 3rd annual Cavalry FC Regional Field House Christmas Market on December 7th. Find everything on your list - from sweet to stylish - as more than 50 local vendors proudly display their wares and help you kick off the Christmas season.
Okotoks
Calgary’s skyline is on the horizon - but our Christmas drive through the Foothills still has plenty of magic in store!
The town of Okotoks, just fifteen minutes south of the city, is home to the breathtaking Old Towne Plaza and calendar of Christmas events that will keep you coming, starting with the annual Okotoks Christmas Market on November 8th - 10th and November 15th - 16th. Tickets are available online at www.themarketsquare.ca.
The annual Light Up Okotoks event arrives on November 22nd, complete with wagon rides, warm fire pits, local shopping, the lighting of the big tree, and much, much more.
You’ll also want to be here from November 30th - December 1st for the Local Love Co Christmas Market, a celebration of local artisans and small businesses in the Foothills.
De Winton
Closest to Calgary, but tucked away from the hustle and bustle is the charming De Winton Community Christmas Market. November 16th head down to De Winton Community Hall for some early season holiday shopping for gifts, decor and homewares by local artisans!
Saskatoon Farm
No holiday trip through the Foothills would be complete without a visit to The Saskatoon Farm, one of southern Alberta’s premier destinations for family fun that captures the spirit of an old-fashioned Christmas on the farm.
The Saskatoon Farm Christmas Market is held over two weekends, from November 29th to December 1st, and December 6th to 8th - and there’s so much to see and do, you’ll want to come down for both - and bask in the joyful glow of the Christmas season.
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