The Ultimate Holiday Market Guide in the Foothills 2026
A warm fire, the scent of something delicious in the oven, a mug of hot chocolate in hand, and gifts waiting under the tree, this is what Christmas memories are made of.
For generations, we've dreamed of country holidays filled with snowy cabins, sleigh rides, and loved ones gathered close. Now, you can capture that same magic with every gift you give.
By shopping at local Christmas markets in the Foothills, you're supporting local makers and finding one of a kind treasures that come straight from the heart.
So bundle up and join us on a Christmas Market tour across the Foothills! Click the links below to explore each event.
Bragg Creek
Just 30 minutes west of Calgary, Bragg Creek is a cozy mountain hamlet tucked among tall evergreens, the perfect spot to start your Christmas shopping adventure. With stunning Rocky Mountain views and a welcoming small town charm, it’s home to some of the best artisanal shopping in the Foothills.
Mark your calendars for these festive favourites:
Bragg Creek Artisans Christmas Sale on November 21 to 22
Redwood Meadows Christmas Market on November 21 to 22
Bragg Creek’s Spirit of Christmas on December 4 to 6
Horse-drawn wagon rides, visits with Santa, and a full indoor holiday market make this one of the most festive weekends in the Foothills. Here’s how the weekend unfolds:
Friday, December 4, 4 to 8 p.m.: Sneak a peek and shop early at the Indoor Holiday Market, held at the Bragg Creek Community Centre.
Saturday, December 5, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.: The Indoor Holiday Market, wagon rides (11 a.m. to 4 p.m.), visits with Santa at The Snowbirds Chalet, and activities at local businesses.
Sunday, December 6, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.: All of Saturday’s fun, plus visits with Santa at Ida May’s Ice Cream (11 a.m. to 4 p.m.) and a Kids Only Shopping Store at The Post House (11 a.m. to 4 p.m., with timed tickets to guarantee a space).
Pick up a daily map for the full list of business activities. The Community Centre is at 23 White Ave.
From fresh baked treats to handcrafted art and décor, Bragg Creek’s markets are filled with heartwarming finds that make gift giving extra special this season.
Priddis
Tucked at the junction of Highways 22 and 22X, Priddis is a charming Foothills community with big heart and beautiful scenery. It's the perfect place to enjoy a cozy day of holiday shopping and small town hospitality.
Mark this date:
Magic & Merry Christmas Market at Azuridge Estate Hotel on November 13 to 15
Experience a festive celebration filled with sparkle, wonder, and one of a kind gifts in a truly enchanting setting.
Granary Road
Just a short drive southeast of Priddis or west of De Winton, Granary Road is a favourite destination for many Calgarians, especially families. If you haven't been, it's time to discover this one of a kind holiday experience!
Granary Road is a year round agricultural learning park filled with charm, creativity, and festive fun. Shop from local vendors, snap a photo with Santa (or an alpaca!), visit the petting zoo, and soak up the holiday magic.
Granary Road's Annual Christmas Market on November 28 to 29, December 5 to 6, and December 12 to 13
Arrive early, this beloved Foothills tradition is one of the most popular holiday spots in the region!
Millarville
If you're looking to add a touch of local artistry to your Christmas season, the Leighton Art Centre's Festive Foothills Art Sale is the perfect stop. Explore handmade art, crafts, and home décor from Alberta artists and artisans, and find gifts that truly come from the heart.
Festive Foothills Art Market on November 7 to December 20
Continue south along Highway 22 to the historic Millarville Racetrack, home to one of Alberta's most beloved holiday traditions. The Millarville Christmas Market features vendors offering handcrafted gifts, baked goods, local produce, and plenty of festive cheer.
The Millarville Christmas Market on November 5 to 8 and November 12 to 15 (Tickets required)
Nanton
About an hour south of Calgary along Highway 2, Nanton is a charming small town known for its eclectic mix of shops, museums, and historic downtown, the perfect place for a leisurely holiday stroll and some unique gift finds.
The Distinctly Nanton Christmas Market on November 28
A wonderful non-profit event supporting local charities and youth groups. Vendor fees go directly toward community causes, so every purchase gives back to Nanton in a meaningful way.
High River
Famous as the backdrop for many beloved TV shows and films, High River is a beautiful Foothills community that fully embraces the magic of the holiday season.
Mark these dates:
High River Winter Market at the Highwood Centre on December 4 to 5
Discover festive treasures for family, friends, and yourself while soaking in the joyful atmosphere.
Annual Santa Claus Parade on December 4
High River hosts the only nighttime Santa parade in the region, held the first Friday in December. A cozy outdoor family event filled with themed floats, live entertainment, and a visit from Santa himself, straight from the North Pole!
Okotoks
With Calgary's skyline just on the horizon, the Foothills still have plenty of Christmas magic to share. The town of Okotoks, only fifteen minutes south of the city, is home to a festive lineup of events that make it a must visit this holiday season.
Mark these dates:
Okotoks Christmas Market on November 6 to 7 and November 13 to 15 (15th year!)
Okotoks' favourite Christmas market returns across two locations and two weekends. Tickets available at themarketsquare.ca.
Light Up Okotoks on November 20, 5:30 to 9:00 p.m.
Enjoy wagon rides, cozy fire pits, local shopping, fireworks, and the lighting of the big tree downtown.
Local Love Co. Christmas Market on November 22, Crystal Ridge Golf Club
10FOLD Regional Field House
Santa is coming to town, and he loves soccer! The 10FOLD Regional Field House is getting into the holiday spirit with a festive family event and a Christmas market to match, so it’s a great stop if you’re shopping with kids in tow.
Young ones can play soccer with Santa, bounce around the bouncy castles, and visit the Little Elves craft corner, with hot chocolate and cupcake decorating adding to the fun. This is a family event, so a parent or guardian needs to accompany children. Pre-registration and payment in advance are required, and the cost is $18 per family.
The Field House Christmas Market on December 12, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. (5th year!)
The market’s fifth year features dozens of local, small business vendors, from artisan bakeries and handmade jewellery to quilting, knitting, and pet treats. Admission is free.
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. This year marks the farm's 10th Annual Christmas Market.
The Saskatoon Farm Christmas Market on November 27 to 29 and December 4 to 6
With so much to see and do, plan to visit both weekends and soak in the joyful glow of the season.
Spruce Meadows
For the full European Christmas market experience, Spruce Meadows adds an extra weekend to its International Christmas Market this year. Twinkling lights, festive music, mulled wine, and charming stalls staffed by hundreds of unique artisans and specialty vendors make this one of the Foothills' biggest holiday draws.
Spruce Meadows International Christmas Market on November 13 to 15, November 20 to 22, November 27 to 29, and December 4 to 6
With four weekends to choose from, it's easy to build a visit around whatever else you have going on that month.
Looking for more ways to Explore Foothills? Browse our town guides, event listings, and local favourites at explorefoothills.com/blog, and keep the Foothills Events Calendar bookmarked all season long.
Have an event or local story to share? Send it to us at events@explorefoothills.com, we love hearing from the communities that make this region so special.
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