The Christmas market season is upon us and there are several large-scale markets taking place in the Foothills over the next few weeks.
Here are details on four of the biggest markets this holiday season:
Millarville Christmas Market
Established in 1988, the Millarville Christmas Market at the Millarville Racetrack grounds is one of the premier craft and artisan shows in Alberta.
Hundreds of new and returning seasonal vendors will exhibit in indoor and outdoor areas over eight days along with food trucks, music, photos with Santa, face painting and more. There’s reindeer viewing daily as well as hay rides and a Kids Only Shoppe on weekends.
Dates for 2024 are Nov. 7 to 10 and Nov. 14 to 17. The market is open on Thursdays from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., on Fridays and Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. and on Sundays from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Entry Fee: $7.50 + GST (12 and under free) and tickets must be purchased in advance.
For more information and tickets, visit https://www.millarvilleracetrack.com/christmas-market.
Okotoks Christmas Market
The 13th annual Okotoks Christmas Market runs from Nov. 8 to 10 and Nov. 15 and 16 at both the Viking Rentals Centre and the D’Arcy Ranch Golf Club.
The market will boast 150-plus local makers, creators and artisans, with a different lineup each weekend.
Times for opening weekend are as follows: Friday, Nov. 8 from 2 to 6 p.m., Saturday, Nov. 9 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Sunday, Nov. 10 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
On the second weekend, the hours are 2 to 6 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 15 and 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 16.
Tickets are $5 for a single weekend or $8 for both weekends.
Tickets are available at themarketsquare.ca or at the door. Tickets come with an entry to win one of two grand prizes: a brewery tour and tasting for 10 at Hub Town Brewing or a local shopping spree.
Spruce Meadows International Christmas Market
The Spruce Meadows International Christmas Market takes place over three weekends: Nov. 15 to 17, Nov. 22 to 24 and Nov. 29 to Dec. 1.
The market will feature more than 300 vendors plus a range of festive experiences to transport visitors into an immersive European Christmas wonderland.
Additions to this year’s market include elevated gastropub delights in the beautifully decorated Congress Hall, entertainment at the brand-new outdoor Scotiabank Stage and more unique decorations than ever before.
There will also be Long Table Dinners, High Teas, a KIDS’ Zone, carolers, Santa in Candy Cane Lane and Sunday visits by Santa’s reindeer.
Admission is $15 for adults and $10 for children and seniors.
For tickets or more information, visit sprucemeadows.com.
Christmas Market at Saskatoon Farm
The eighth annual market, which runs over two weekends, will feature over 200 local vendors as well as many seasonal activities at the popular destination just east of Okotoks on 338 Avenue.
The market will run from Nov. 29 to Dec. 1 and Dec. 6 to 8. It’s open from noon to 8 p.m. on Fridays and from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays.
In addition to a wide range of vendors inside three heated greenhouses, the market will feature performers and artists, hot food and drinks, outdoor fires with complimentary marshmallows, horse-drawn sleigh rides, fresh-cut Christmas trees, live ice carving and more. There will also be crafts, games, face painting, a bouncy castle and petting zoo for the kids as well as special guest appearances by Santa Claus and others.
Tickets are $10 and available at https://www.showpass.com/o/saskatoon-farm/ where guests will choose a half-hour time slot to arrive and then stay as long as they'd like.
