Where can you find New Year's markets or holiday fairs?
The warm aromas of mulled wine, thousands of lights, and the sound of Christmas carols transform wintertime Calgary into a fairy-tale bazaar. Every year, the city hosts more than two dozen Christmas and New Year's markets, from huge festival pavilions in the center to cozy fairs in the suburbs. Below is a comprehensive overview of the locations, dates, and features of each fair to ensure that your festive outing is perfect.
Large city fairs
| Name | Dates 2025 | Location | Prices | Features |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Market Collective Holiday Market | December 5–7 and 12–14 | BMO Centre, Hall D | $7, free for children under 12 | 150+ local artists, concerts, workshops, food court |
| Christmas at the Nation | December 12–14 | Seven Chiefs Sportsplex (Tsuut’ina Nation) | $10, free for children under 12 | 150+ Indigenous and local vendors, Tsuut’ina dancing, free skating in the outdoor arena |
| Granary Road Christmas Market | Nov. 29–Dec. 14 (weekends) | Granary Road (SW neighborhood) | Free | Wagon rides, bonfires, alpacas, festive Goat Yoga |
| BIG Winter Classic Market Zone | Jan. 30–Feb. 2, 2026 | Stephen Ave & neighboring clubs | Included in festival ticket | Indie beer, vinyl, band merch, festival stage |
Themed and farmers' markets
| Market | Dates | Location | Format | Highlights |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Saskatoon Farm Christmas Market | Nov. 28–30, Dec. 5–7 | 20 min south of town | 200+ vendors | Live ice carvers, horse-drawn sleighs, group caroling |
| Mahogany Grand South Market | Nov. 15 | Mahogany Beach Club | 75+ vendors | “Market Passport” with a $2,500 prize for visiting 5 areas |
| ECA Winter Market | Nov. 16 | Edgemont Community Center | 70 tables | Admission by donation to Christmas Hamper, coffee & live jazz |
| Granary Road Night Market | Fri-Sat evenings, December | Same dates | Nighttime format | Light show in greenhouses, fire walk |
Historic holiday villages
3.1 Heritage Park: “Once Upon a Christmas”
Saturdays and Sundays, December 6–21, 10:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m.
Tickets: adults $19.95, children $14.95, under 3 – free
What's there: vintage fair in Gasoline Alley, Kids' Only store, wood-fired cookies, horse-drawn carriages, carolers.
3.2 ZOOLIGHTS Holiday Market
November 15–January 5, 5:00 p.m.–9:00 p.m.
Admission included with ZOOLIGHTS ticket (starting at $21.95)
20+ shops with themed merchandise, artisan booths, Snow Globes private domes with a 4-course dinner ($180 + package).
Boutique pop-up formats in the center
| Location | Date/time | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Lot 6 Pop-Up Rink Holiday Bazaar | December, 12:00 p.m.–8:00 p.m. | Food trucks + craft market next to the new ice rink (311 8 St SW) |
| Central Commons Winter Village | December–January, evenings | U/District: 30 tents with handmade goods, next to a 400-foot ice trail and fire pits |
| Stephen Avenue Artisan Alley | February 1–16 (Chinook Blast) | Daytime open-air street market: fur products, maple treats, live glass blowing |
Last-minute shopping calendar
| Date | Event | Life hack |
|---|---|---|
| Nov. 29 – Black Friday | About 20 micro-market pop-ups on 17th Ave SW | Follow the hashtag #17thAvenueHoliday |
| Dec. 20 | Marda Loop Last-Minute Shopping Party | Free admission, gift bag for the first 25 guests |
| Dec. 22 | Christmas at the Plaza Downtown night market | Seasonal cocktails, DJ, open fire |
Practical tips
- Tickets in advance. Market Collective and Once Upon a Christmas often sell out; buy online at least a week in advance.
- Cash vs. card. 90% of vendors accept contactless payment, but it's a good idea to have small change for farm stands (Saskatoon Farm).
- Parking. BMO Centre – paid, but after 5 p.m. there is a flat rate of $8; Seven Chiefs Sportsplex – free, but there are lines.
- Warmth. Most pavilions are heated, but the walkways between them are open to the elements (especially Granary Road, Saskatoon Farm).
- **Family days.Heritage Park and ZOOLIGHTS offer a Family of 4 discount; children under 12 are always free at Market Collective.
- Transit. If traveling by public transportation, take the C-Train to Victoria Park/Stampede (for BMO) or routes 302/17 to Eau Claire (Chinook Blast).
Location map
Downtown Core
├─ BMO Centre (Market Collective)
├─ Stephen Ave Pop-ups
├─ Lot 6 Pop-Up Rink Bazaar
└─ Olympic Plaza (near ZOOLIGHTS pick-up)
Southern Corridor
├─ Granary Road (20 min SW)
├─ Saskatoon Farm (Okotoks Hwy 2A)
└─ Mahogany Beach Club (SE)
North-West Arc
├─ Edgemont Community Market
└─ Heritage Park (Once Upon a Christmas)
Summary
Calgary offers Christmas shopping for every taste: bustling city pavilions with thousands of visitors, indigenous markets with unique crafts, atmospheric farmers' markets, and the vintage village of Heritage Park, where time seems to stand still to the jingle of horse-drawn sleigh bells. All these locations are united by high-quality local products, a rich cultural program, and a true holiday spirit. Choose a few events from the list, plan your route, and immerse yourself in the magic of winter Calgary, where every light leads to a new discovery.