Tis the season of snowy nights, hot cocoa, Christmas lights and tons of holiday festivities to indulge in. Christmas is fast approaching and Calgarians are gearing up for their favourite annual tradition – holiday markets. With tons of seasonal vendors, family-friendly activities, and possibly a surprise visit from Santa, holiday markets are a perfect and inexpensive way to get yourself into the Christmas spirit. If you want to get a head start on the holiday festivities, or you’re just looking for an affordable place to do your Christmas shopping, here are Calgary’s must-see Christmas markets for 2019.

1. Calgary Christmas Market

The Calgary Christmas Market is a staple in the city during the holiday season, and it's back again offering another amazing experience packed with tons of activities for the whole family. From November 14th – December 22nd, you can shop from your favourite market and seasonal vendors – offering everything from Yuletide gifts and festive treats to clothing and décor. This year’s Calgary Christmas Market will also feature cookie decorating and photos with Santa!

2. Spruce Meadows Christmas Market

Every year, the Spruce Meadows Christmas Market gives Calgarians an exquisite holiday experience filled with lots of festive entertainment, scrumptious food, and of course, ample shopping opportunities. Stop by from November 22nd – 24th, and November 29th – December 1st to browse over 300 incredible vendors spreading Christmas cheer. That’s not all! Market goers will also get to enjoy some lively entertainment to get them into the Christmas spirit.

3. Noel Christmas Light Park and Market

The Noel Christmas Light Park and Market is a new addition to Calgary’s Christmas market experiences. Arriving at the Stampede Grounds from November 28th to December 31st, this month-long Christmas festival will feature live music, shopping, nearly one million lights, and an appearance from the man of the hour – Santa Claus! Come along to the Nutrien Center at the Stampede Park to experience this winter wonderland with festive activities for people of all ages. Visit the Claus family at Santa’s Village, sing along to Christmas carols, and shop one-of-a-kind seasonal finds.

4. Calgary Make It Show Holiday Market

The Handmade Revolution’s “Make It Holiday Market” is another fresh face in Calgary’s holiday market line-up. If you love unique handmade goods, then this one’s just for you! Find your favourite “Makies” at Northland Village Mall’s Do What You Love Space, and discover a wide variety of accessories, décor, clothing, art and other thoughtfully crafted items. If this sounds like the gathering for you? Then be sure to buy your tickets here.

5. Granary Road Christmas Market

The Granary Road Christmas Market is back again with its spectacular permanent vendors who offer everything from culinary merchandise and themed gifts, to handmade trinkets. Not only are there lots of shopping opportunities at this holiday market, but there are also tons of unique experiences to take part in! You can take fun Christmas photos with their Alpacas, or paint ornaments, sip on some hot cocoa and make mini gingerbread houses at Santa’s Workshop. Be sure to make time in your calendar from December 6th -22nd for this amazing holiday experience.

6. Calgary Comic Expo Holiday Market

For all the comic book fanatics out there, the Calgary Comic Expo is the one-day holiday shopping extravaganza you’ve been dreaming of! Stop by the BMO Centre at the Stampede Park on November 30th to take part in this festive fandom celebration fit for the entire family. Market goers can explore aisles of toy dealers, commission professional comic book art, and of course, take selfies with your favourite cosplayers! The Calgary Comic Expo is a nerdy dream you won’t want to wake up from.

The holiday period brings tons of opportunities to get out and have some fun with the whole family, and these Christmas markets are the perfect way to kick-off the seasonal festivities!