Christmas Shopping, Cocktails and Reindeer: Inside the Spruce Meadows International Christmas Market 2026

There’s something about Spruce Meadows at Christmas time.

Twinkling lights glow across the grounds, Christmas music drifts between the buildings and the scent of seasonal treats fills the air. Fires crackle along the pathways, decorated trees light the way and hundreds of makers and vendors fill cozy shopping halls and charming European-inspired stalls.

The Spruce Meadows International Christmas Market returns November 13 to December 6, 2026, bringing four weekends of Christmas shopping, food and entertainment to one of Calgary’s most recognizable settings.

And this year, there’s even more to discover.

Following a record 2025 season that welcomed more than 100,000 visitors, the Market is expanding to four weekends and 12 full days for the first time. More than 330 businesses and vendors will fill the grounds, a brand-new shopping pavilion is opening and new Friday Adults Nights are joining the lineup.

Step Into a European-Inspired Christmas Market

For more than two decades, the International Christmas Market has transformed Spruce Meadows into a Christmas destination filled with the sights, sounds and flavours of the season.

Wander between European-inspired market stalls and cozy indoor shopping halls, warm up beside a crackling fire and stop for something delicious along the way. Christmas music, glowing lights and decorated trees fill the grounds, while tiny shops and heated spaces make it easy to settle in and stay awhile.

More Than 330 Vendors to Discover

Shopping is at the heart of the Market, and there’s a lot of it.

More than 330 businesses and vendors will take part in 2026, bringing together local makers, artists, independent businesses and specialty vendors from across Alberta and beyond.

Expect handcrafted jewellery, pottery and original art alongside clothing, home décor, Christmas ornaments, artisan chocolates, specialty foods and one-of-a-kind gifts.

There’s even more room to explore this year with the addition of the new Riding Hall Circle Pavilion, which adds 30+ vendors to the Market.

And while you shop, keep an eye out for the Spruce Meadows Exclusives logo. These vendors offer special items available only at the International Christmas Market, making them worth seeking out if you’re looking for something a little more unique.

With hundreds of vendors spread throughout the grounds, this is one Christmas shopping trip that’s better enjoyed without rushing.

Friday Nights Are Getting a New Twist

One of the biggest additions for 2026 arrives when the sun goes down.

Every Friday from 6–9 p.m., the Market shifts into Adult Night, a new 18+ way to experience the Christmas Market after dark.

The lights are glowing, the shops stay open and visitors can spend the evening browsing with a holiday cocktail in hand. A live DJ, an on-site portrait artist and adult crafts with Pinnovate join the lineup, while an exclusive vendor passport offers curated tastings to discover throughout the Market.

Friday ticket holders can also enter for a chance to win one of two $500 Christmas Market shopping sprees simply by purchasing early!

And then there’s Miracle at the Meadows, in collaboration with Proof Cocktail Bar.

The Christmas-themed pop-up cocktail bar returns with bold holiday flavours, over-the-top garnishes and a cabin filled with nostalgic Christmas décor. Colourful, playful and unapologetically Christmas, it feels right at home among the lights and holiday atmosphere of the Market.

Friday daytime hours remain open to all ages from 12–6 p.m., before Adult Nights begin at 6 p.m.

Taste Your Way Through the Market

Come hungry.

Throughout the grounds, visitors can find international Christmas market favourites, local food vendors, sweet treats, specialty foods and seasonal drinks to enjoy between shopping stops.

Grab something warm before heading back outside, settle in for lunch or pick up a few edible gifts to take home. On Friday evenings, holiday cocktails and Miracle at the Meadows give the drink side of the Market an adults-only spin.

Take time to wander the Market with a warm drink in hand, hundreds of vendors are waiting around every corner.

Sundays Bring a Little Extra Christmas Wonder

For families, Sundays bring one of the Market’s most-loved seasonal visitors.

Real reindeer return every Sunday, adding an extra dose of Christmas wonder to an afternoon spent exploring the grounds.

Santa will also be welcoming families at Santa’s Cozy Corner powered by ATCO Energy, where photos are available for a $10 donation to Habitat for Humanity Southern Alberta.

Add Christmas music, roaming entertainment and family activities throughout the grounds, and there’s plenty for younger visitors to discover between shopping stops.

As the afternoon gets later and the lights begin to glow, the whole Market takes on a different feel — one that makes it very easy to stay for just one more wander through the shops.

Four Weekends of Christmas

For the first time, there are four weekends and 12 full days to experience it all.

The 2026 Spruce Meadows International Christmas Market runs:

November 13–15November 20–22November 27–29December 4–6

The additional December weekend was added following record attendance in 2025, giving visitors even more time to shop, explore and soak up the Christmas atmosphere.

Whether your ideal visit is a Friday evening with friends, a full Saturday of Christmas shopping or a Sunday afternoon with family and the reindeer, there are plenty of ways to make the Market part of the season.

Know Before You Go

The Spruce Meadows International Christmas Market runs every weekend from November 13 to December 6, 2026.

Fridays: 12–6 p.m. — All Ages

Friday Adult Nights: 6–9 p.m. — 18+

Saturdays: 10 a.m.–7 p.m.

Sundays: 10 a.m.–6 p.m.

Early Bird pricing is available through November 12 for Saturday and Sunday admission. Friday pricing remains the same throughout the season.

For more than 20 years, the International Christmas Market has been part of the holiday season at Spruce Meadows. With an extra weekend, more than 330 vendors and new ways to experience the Market in 2026, there’s even more to discover this year.

Come for the Christmas shopping. Stay for the glowing lights, warm drinks, crackling fires and that unmistakable feeling that Christmas has arrived.

Find tickets and full event details at sprucemeadows.com/christmasmarket