It’s finally time to get into the spirit of all things Christmas while avoiding big crowds and chaos! The most mesmerizing time of the year has arrived, but how do you want to spend it?! Thanks to our friends at Foothills Tourism, there are a ton of incredibly festive (and COVID-friendly) markets, tours and displays happening this winter within a short drive from the big city. Get ready to mark up your calendars, Alberta, because here are 10 Foothills events you can’t miss this holiday season!
CHRISTMAS SHOPPING TOURS
Holiday Shopping can be overwhelming! This season, Foothills Tourism is helping you guys out big time with their 2020 Christmas Shopping Trip Tours. Head over to their website and choose from self-guided itineraries mapping out the best in “Wine, art and shopping in the Foothills,” “Cool Little Town Christmas Shopping,” and Antiques, Uniquities and Gifts” (among others). Enjoy the experience, without all the “where do I go?!” stress!
When: Saturday, November 5th – January 3rd
Where: Foothills, Alberta in Calgary’s backyard
Time: Anytime
Cost: Free
OKOTOKS CHRISTMAS MARKET
Give back to the community and shop local from now until November 15th! The 9th annual Okotoks Christmas Market has had to make a few changes, but that doesn’t mean it’ll be anything short of magical! With a ton of vendors, seasonal goodies, and tasty treats, there’s no doubt that this event will put you into that holly-jolly, ’tis the season mood.
When: Until Sunday, November 15th
Where: 204 Community Way #4, Okotoks, Alberta
Time: Friday 12 pm to 4 pm – Saturday and Sunday 9 am to 4 pm
Cost: Free
NANTON SHARE THE SPIRIT CHRISTMAS MARKET
Looking for something one-of-a-kind for a special someone this season? Check out the Nanton Share The Spirit Christmas Market! Take a walk downtown and pop into unique shops, grab a bite to eat, and enter your name for a chance to win some incredible prizes! For more information, check the link above!
When: Friday, November 27th – 29th
Where: 2204 – 18 Street Nanton, Alberta
Time: Friday 5 pm – 9 pm and Saturday and Sunday 10 am – 4 pm
Cost: Free
CHRISTMAS IN THE COUNTRY ART SALE
Spruce up your home, give an unforgettable gift, or just “ooh and ahh” at works created by over 100 incredible local artists during the Christmas in the Country Art Sale! Unreal Rocky Mountain views included, of course.
When: Until Wednesday, December 23rd
Where: Leighton Art Centre – 282027 144 Street West, Foothills, Alberta
Time: Wednesday to Sunday 10 am – 4 pm
Cost: Free
GRANARY ROAD CHRISTMAS MARKET
This month, browse through everything from organic foods to household products at the Granary Road Christmas Market! Shop to the sounds of carols, among the trees and garland. Get a photo with their Christmas Alpacas, and decorate your own tree or candy apple! This market will be just as fun as it is productive – Don’t miss it!
When: Friday, November 27th – December 20th, every Saturday and Sunday
Where: 226066 112 St W, Foothills County, Alberta
Time: 9 am – 5 pm
Cost: $10.00
SASKATOON FARM CHRISTMAS MARKET
This holiday season, support your community by shopping locally! From goods made by Alberta artists, bakers and pro crafters, the 2020 Saskatoon Farm Holiday Market will fill your bags and your hearts with some serious Christmas spirit. Meet and greet special guests, including Santa Claus and the Grinch and indulge in fresh mini donuts, kettle corn, soft pretzels, and cinnamon buns (just to name a few). Yum!
When: Friday, November 27th – 29th, December 4th – 6th and 11th – 13th
Where: 80181 338 Ave East Foothills, Alberta
Time: 9 am – 8 pm
Cost: Free
POLAR EXPRESS TRAIN AND CHRISTMAS MARKET
All aboard the Aspen Crossing Polar Express! Just outside the Calgary city limits, a magical experience inspired by the beloved motion picture awaits! See appearances by Jolly Old Saint Nick, as well as other characters from the story. Guests are in for a treat with Christmas carolling, hot chocolate and cookies!
While you’re there, shop bells, whistles, garlands and gifts at their 2020 Christmas Market! Showcasing over 40 different vendors, this annual holiday stop will get you well into the spirit of things for this holiday season.
When: Friday, November 27th – December 24th
Where: Aspen Crossing, AB-24, Mossleigh, Alberta
Time: See times above
Cost: Please call in to purchase at (403) 534-2129
FOOTHILLS SLEIGH RIDES
Grab a cup of hot cocoa, bundle up and enjoy the sights and sounds of a horse-drawn sleigh ride through the backcountry! This season Foothills Tourism is offering 3 different adventures, each just as uniquely festive as the other.
When: All season long
Where: Anchor D. | Horsepowered Adventures | Moose Mountain Horseback Adventure
Time: Various times
Cost: Prices vary
LIGHT UP LONGVIEW
Get out of the city, breathe in some fresh air and sip on a coffee or a hot chocolate while you take in thousands of lights, sights, and a ton of Christmas spirit under the stars! Light Up Longview does Christmas right, friends!
When: Sunday, November 29th
Where: 98 Morrison Road, Longview, Alberta
Time: 5 pm
Cost: Free
LIGHT UP GEORGE LANE PARK
There’s nothing that’ll get you into the Christmas spirit quite like a winter stroll after dark. This year, hit up Downtown High River for their stunning display of lights, and experience all of the magic, sights and fun that you’ll need to fuel your holiday season!
When: Friday, November 27th – December 24th
Where: 343 Macleod Trail SW, High River, Alberta
Time: After dark
Cost: Free
There you have it, Alberta! 10 Foothills events you can’t miss this holiday season – because we think it might be nice to get out of the big city for a while! Be safe, be smart, and enjoy yourselves, folks! It is the most wonderful time of the year, after all!
For more information about holiday events organized by Foothills Tourism visit their website here!
