Travelling to Calgary for some Christmas Market Fun?
Visiting Calgary during the holidays is the perfect way to get into the festive spirit. The city lights up with Christmas markets, cozy cafés, and snowy streets that make everything feel a little more magical.
If you’re coming in for a winter getaway and doing some shopping at one of the chritmas markets, staying somewhere that’s close to all the action makes things way easier.
Calgary Short Term Stays has boutique rentals in Marda Loop and Killarney, two of the city’s most walkable inner-city neighbourhoods. You’ll have easy access to the best markets, restaurants, and seasonal events—all while enjoying a space that feels warm and homey after a chilly day out.
It’s the kind of stay that makes a Christmas trip feel like more than just a quick visit.
Calgary Christmas Market Overview
Calgary’s Christmas markets are the heartbeat of the city’s holiday season. Twinkling lights, warm drinks, and festive stalls create the perfect winter vibe for locals and visitors alike.
A few highlights:
- Spruce Meadows – The classic and biggest international Christmas market in town
- Market Collective – Trendy, local makers and live music – this Christmas market is more of a vibe
- ZooLights – A glowing winter wonderland with vendors – this christmas market is outdoors so plan accordingly
Read below for more festive spots worth adding to your holiday list.
Spruce Meadows International Christmas Market – A Holiday Classic
If there’s one market that embodies Calgary’s Christmas spirit, it’s Spruce Meadows. This iconic event has been running for decades and draws visitors from all over Alberta (and beyond). Picture cobblestone-style paths, European-inspired stalls, hand-crafted goods, and the smell of cinnamon and roasted nuts in the air, and maybe a horse.
This Christmas market is perfect for the holiday season and is huge, so give yourself time to wander. Go early in the day or during weekdays if you want to skip the big crowds. Parking is organized but busy, so consider ride-sharing or shuttle options if you can. And yes—there’s plenty of hot chocolate.
Although this Christmas market is quite big, it still has local makers and local vendors for your holiday season shopping. Shopping local is always best, and this market will help you with that. It also has an international flavour to it that is special. As a holiday market, you will find lots of ideas for Christmas presents and maybe something special for yourself as well.
Market Collective – Artsy, Local, and Full of Surprises
For a more creative, urban vibe, head to Market Collective at the BMO Centre. This is where Calgary’s coolest makers and artists gather to showcase their work. You’ll find everything from handcrafted ceramics and candles to streetwear and prints, all made by local talent.
What makes this market stand out is the atmosphere. There’s live music, a food and drink section that always delivers, and a photo-worthy setup that’s perfect for your holiday Insta moments. If you love unique finds and supporting local artists, this one’s a must.
Granary Road Christmas Market – Rustic Charm Meets Festive Cheer
A short drive south of the city takes you to Granary Road, a rustic, open-air Christmas market that feels straight out of a holiday movie. Wooden stalls are filled with handmade ornaments, baked goods, and cozy crafts, while strings of lights twinkle overhead.
This one’s great if you want a quieter, more laid-back vibe. Families love it for the festive activities and kids’ play areas, but it’s just as sweet for a couples’ day trip. Grab a warm cider, stroll through the market, and breathe in that crisp country air.
At this market you will see Christmas lights, Christmas carols, unique homemade baking and of course handmade crafts. Local businesses provide their wares, and it really provides some family fun.
Heritage Park’s “Once Upon a Christmas” – Nostalgia in Every Corner
If you’re craving old-fashioned Christmas charm, Heritage Park delivers in spades. “Once Upon a Christmas” brings classic holiday traditions to life with horse-drawn wagon rides, live carolers, and cozy heritage buildings decked out in wreaths and garlands.
It’s a slower, sweeter kind of festive fun—perfect for families, couples, or anyone who secretly wishes they lived in a Hallmark movie. Bundle up, bring your camera, and be prepared to fall in love with the nostalgia.
ZooLights at Calgary Zoo – More Than Just a Market
This one’s not technically a full market, but it’s too magical to skip. ZooLights at the Calgary Zoo transforms the entire zoo into a glowing winter wonderland with more than a million lights. You can wander through themed areas, warm up with cocoa, and even pick up a few festive goodies at their vendor stalls.
It’s perfect for an evening stroll after a day of shopping at the other markets. And if you’re a sucker for twinkling lights (who isn’t?), this will be your happy place.
Pro Tip – The Zoo also has a special penguin exhibit in the winter called the penguin walk, and you can get more info about it on the Zoo website.
Don’t Miss These Smaller Holiday Pop-Ups
Alongside the big names, Calgary has dozens of smaller pop-up markets tucked into community halls, breweries, and art spaces. These are where you’ll often find the most unique treasures—small-batch candles, hand-knit scarves, quirky ornaments, and specialty foods.
Keep an eye on local listings and social media to find them. Some of the best gems are one-day-only events, and that’s part of the fun.
Inglewood Night Market — seasonal holiday editions featuring 50+ artisans, crafts, vintage, and designer goods. Inglewood Night Market
Little Modern Market – Holiday Edition — ~85 small shops, free parking, local makers, in suburban Calgary. To Do Canada
Citadel Community Holiday Market (Citadel Community Association) — local artisans, crafters, bakers. Calgary’s Child Magazine
AUArts Show + Sale Winter Market — art students, unique gift works, demos at AUArts campus. Calgary’s Child Magazine
Bowness Holiday Craft Fair — held at Bowness Community Association, handmade goods, crafts by locals. Calgary’s Child Magazine
Where to Stay for the Perfect Holiday Getaway
If you’re planning a holiday trip to Calgary, where you stay can make a big difference. Being close to the markets and festive events means spending less time driving in the cold and more time enjoying everything the city has to offer.
Calgary Short Term Stays has boutique-style rentals in Marda Loop and Killarney, both with easy access to downtown and major holiday attractions. As you enjoy your holiday from these locations, you can get to Christmas markets, restaurants, and light displays in just minutes by car or rideshare, and sometimes even on foot.
For larger groups, the Grand Retreat is a great option:
- Combines two side-by-side luxury homes, “The Anna” and “Empire,” under one booking
- Sleeps up to 16 guests with 8 bedrooms and 8 bathrooms
- 2 full kitchens for shared meals
- 4 living rooms, including a media room with a wet bar
- 2 double garages with extra driveway parking
- Private patios and BBQ areas for group gatherings
It’s a simple, comfortable way to enjoy Calgary during the holidays without the hassle of hotel crowds or long commutes. After exploring the markets, you can come back to a warm, spacious home base that fits everyone.
Making the Most of Your Visit
A little planning goes a long way. Bring a warm jacket, gloves, and a good hat—it’s Calgary, after all. Wear comfortable boots since you’ll be on your feet a lot. If you’re hitting multiple markets in one day, plan your route ahead of time to make the most of it. For some of those interactive workshops be ready to get in the action and have that join us attitude. Unique holiday gifts and Christmas shopping may mean you also need some space in the trunk.
Public transit and rideshares are great options when parking is hectic. And don’t forget to bring a tote or backpack for all those festive finds. It will also feel good to support local businesses and add to that holiday cheer.
Calgary truly shines in winter. The Christmas markets here aren’t just about shopping—they’re about creating moments. Sipping something warm, hearing laughter in the air, watching lights reflect on fresh snow. Whether you’re here for a weekend or a week, the city’s holiday spirit will pull you right in.
So grab your mittens, your sense of wonder, and maybe an extra suitcase—you’re going to need it for all those local goodies. 🎄✨
Christmas Market in Calgary FAQ
What makes Calgary’s Christmas markets so special?
Calgary’s annual Christmas market season brings together the city’s creativity, community, and festive charm. Each holiday market transforms local venues into lively destinations filled with cheerful music, bright lights, and friendly faces. With dozens of local vendors, these events offer something for everyone — from gourmet treats to handmade art — making holiday shopping both personal and memorable.
One of the highlights of the season is the Grand South Christmas Market, a major event that draws crowds from across Alberta. This grand south christmas market features hundreds of local vendors offering everything from home décor and fashion to festive foods. The variety of local vendors makes it easy to find something unique for everyone on your list, while supporting small businesses that give Calgary its distinctive local flavour.
Visitors can also enjoy the city’s beloved christmas craft market, a warm and welcoming space dedicated to creative artisans and local vendors who pour their passion into every item they sell. Meanwhile, the uniquely Canadian handmade marketplace celebrates national craftsmanship, offering authentic, high-quality goods that reflect Canada’s creative spirit.
Whether browsing gifts, savoring treats, or soaking in the joyful atmosphere, Calgary’s annual Christmas market scene captures the magic of the holidays. With festive energy, countless local vendors, and endless holiday shopping opportunities, these markets continue to grow as a cherished seasonal tradition for families and visitors alike.
What is the Grand South Christmas Market?
The Grand South Christmas Market is a large community event held in the holiday season at the Mahogany Beach Club in southeast Calgary. It takes place on Saturday, November 15, 2025, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., and brings together local vendors, residents from Mahogany, Mackenzie Towne, Cranston, New Brighton, Seton, and surrounding areas. The Grand South Christmas Market is a new market in Calgary and is creating lots of festive fun.
This holiday market features more than 80 vendors offering handcrafted goods, local art, gourmet treats, and festive décor, making it one of the biggest seasonal shopping events in south Calgary, where you can shop local. The market also includes lots of Christmas treats and a fun “market passport” program, where visitors can collect stamps from participating communities for a chance to win prizes valued at over $3,500. This market is held at the Mahogany Beach Club, and includes interactive workshops, an outdoor fire lounge
Admission is free, with guests encouraged to bring donations for the local food bank. The Grand South Christmas Market celebrates community spirit, supports small businesses, and provides a vibrant holiday experience for families looking to enjoy the season and shop local.