Photograph courtesy of Saskatoon Farm
With the weather cooling and the holidays creeping up, one thing is inevitable: the need to do some shopping. Whether you’re preparing for a family gathering, looking for that perfect gift or wanting to indulge for yourself, there’s no shortage of markets offering handmade and local products from across Alberta.
Markets in October
Lethbridge Handmade Market
October 22, 2022
Get ready to get spooky at the Lethbridge Handmade Market. The fall event will host more than 100 artisans, and to get visitors into the Halloween spirit, it will also feature trick-or-treating at participating booths, a costume contest, a scavenger hunt and more. This unique shopping experience will be fun for the whole family.
Exhibition Park South Pavilion, 3401 Parkside Dr. S., Lethbridge, lethbridgehandmademarket.ca
Markets in November
Millarville Christmas Market
November 3 to 6 and 10 to 13, 2022
Established in 1988, this premier craft and artisan show is still going strong today. The eight days of festivities include food trucks, music, pictures with Santa and, of course, plenty of vendors to help you get your holiday shopping done. There’s even shopping for kids! The Kids Only Shoppe, which is open Saturdays and Sundays, is an area where children can select Christmas gifts for $15 or less. Tickets to the Millarville Christmas Market must be purchased in advance, so don’t miss out.
306097 192 St. W., Millarville, 403-931-3411, millarvilleracetrack.com
Spruce Meadows International Christmas Market
November 18 to 20, November 25 to 27 and December 2 to 4, 2022
The Spruce Meadows International Christmas Market has been a holiday tradition for families since 2001. Located on the outskirts of Calgary, this market features more than 200 independent local businesses and vendors, as well as a festive atmosphere that includes both indoor and outdoor booths, live performances, reindeer and more. This event is about more than just shopping — it’s about the experience.
18011 Spruce Meadows Way, S.W., Calgary, sprucemeadows.com
Made in Alberta Fall Market
November 23 to 24, 2022
The Made in Alberta Market features past winners and runners-up of the Made in Alberta Awards. There will be vendors selling drinks, beauty products, food items and more. Celebrate these award-winning artisans and treat yourself in the process.
Bow Valley Square, 205 5 Ave. S.W., Calgary, madeinalbertaawards.ca
Little Modern Market
November 25, 2022
Little Modern Market was launched six years ago when founder Melissa Gaylard felt that one-day markets were lacking on the Calgary shopping scene. Her vision is still going strong today. This market will feature clothing, accessories, food, health and beauty products, decor items and more.
FAC Deerfoot Campus, 12345 40 St. S.E., Calgary, littlemodernmarket.com
Royal Bison Art & Craft Sale
November 25 to 27 and December 2 to 4, 2022
This Edmonton-based favourite is back for the holiday season with two weekends of shopping opportunities to find the perfect gift. Top-notch creators have been coming together to sell and showcase their work at the Royal Bison Art & Craft Sale since 2007.
Old Strathcona Performing Arts Centre, 8426 Gateway Blvd., Edmonton, royalbison.ca
Saskatoon Farm Christmas Market
November 25 to 27, December 2 to 4 and December 9 to 11, 2022
Few things feel as festive as a holiday market. Put that holiday market on an operating farm near Okotoks and you have an experience that’s sure to get just about anyone in the Christmas spirit.
80181 338 Ave. E., Foothills, saskatoonfarmmarkets.com
Markets in December
Signatures Butterdome Craft Sale
December 1 to 4, 2022
Browse the handiwork of more than 200 artisans from coast to coast at Alberta’s largest craft show. This premier shopping event is an Edmonton tradition and has been ringing in the holiday season for over 30 years.
University of Alberta, Butterdome, 87 Avenue and 114 Street, Edmonton, signatures.ca
Holiday Market Collective Series
December 9 to 11 and 16 to 18, 2022
One of Calgary’s largest markets returns for two weekends, just in time for the holidays. Along with enjoying workshops and live music, guests can shop for food products, ceramics, home decor and more.
BMO Centre (Hall B and C), 20 Roundup Way S.E., Calgary, marketcollective.ca
Cardston Christmas Market
December 10, 2022
From the same team who brought you the Taber Fall Market comes the Cardston Christmas Market. This annual event, now in its 11th year, brings together local creators from all across Southern Alberta. Admission is free.
Civic Centre, 67 3 Ave. S.W., Cardston, allevents.in//cardston