Calgary’s best holiday craft markets

By VITA Daily

Get a head start on your holiday shopping at one of these unique, local markets. —Sara Samson

• Market Collective Cheer

  By VITA Daily

  This is Market Collective’s ninth consecutive holiday market and each year it seems to be getting bigger and better. This year the market will include 200 local artists over four weekends. Many of the city’s much-loved local artisans will be setting up booths, providing ample opportunity to shop for everyone on your list such as your new niece or nephew to your impossible-to-shop-for dad. November 25 to 27, December 2 to 4, December 9 to 11 and December 16 to 18, marketcollective.ca.

• The Millarville Christmas Market

  By VITA Daily

  Take a little drive just outside the city to this classic Christmas market to partake in four days of lights, hay rides, visits with Santa, carolers and more. There are tons of vendors to shop from selling everything from stained glass and pottery to scarves and jewelry, and, of course, lots of delicious homemade goodies to feast on. November 10 to 13, millarvilleracetrack.com.

• Banff Christmas Market

  By VITA Daily

  This is another market outside the city, but it’s well worth the trek. The Banff Christmas Market is held at the town’s Warner Stables and features more than 60 vendors. Visitors can also expect live entertainment and delicious food, and Santa Claus is scheduled to make an appearance all day Saturday. November 25 to 27, banffchristmasmarket.com.

• Art Market

  By VITA Daily

  A local tradition for 30 years, Art Market host more than 200 artisans from across the country for this weekend-long event at the Calgary Telus Convention Centre. There is a huge selection of items to choose from including home décor, leather goods, one-of-a-kind clothing and artwork. November 17 to 20, artmarketcraftsale.com.

• The International Christmas Market

  By VITA Daily

  This market, held at Spruce Meadows, is sure to get you in the holiday spirit. Not only are there some 250 vendors to shop, there’s also live entertainment to enjoy including dancers and singers, reindeer to hang out with, outdoor fire pits to keep warm and plenty of beautiful lights to admire. November 18 to 20, November 25 to 27 and December 2 to 4, sprucemeadows.com.