6 Top Christmas Markets in the West

Bets holiday markets in Vancouver, Victoria, Kelowna, Calgary and Edmonton.

November is almost gone, and you’ve probably already visited some of the most popular holiday markets across the West, but here’s a list of the best Christmas markets that you can visit in December.

Vancouver

Vancouver Christmas Market

When: Nov. 21 to Dec. 24Where: Jack Poole Plaza, 1055 Canada PlaceAdmission: General admission $10; youth $5; seniors $9A classic and one of our favourite holiday events: the Vancouver Christmas Market. Warm with the traditional German beverage for the holidays, glühwein (red wine heated and spiced with cinnamon sticks, vanilla pods, cloves, citrus and sugar). Enjoy some treats from Das Kuchen Haus (The Cake House) and find authentic, handcrafted gifts for all your loved ones from more than 80 artisan huts—many straight from Germany. 

Aurora Winter Festival

When: Nov. 23 to Dec. 30Where: Concord Pacific Place, 811 Carrall St.Admission: General admission $20; Children and seniors $15With a tube park, a skating rink, light displays and a spot where Santa and his elves share their Yuletide stories, the Auorora Winter Festival is like the North Pole for kids. There’s also a Main Street market where brands like Zaleska Jewelry, Vancouver Fashion and Ardillas Unites sell their gifty wares, and the Food Gardens for treats from A Sweet Mind or Urban Wood Fired Pizza. 

Calgary

Calgary Christmas Market

When: Nov. 15 to Dec. 23Where: Calgary Farmer’s Market, 510 77^th Ave. SoutheastAdmission: FreeAnother classic and a holiday tradition for Calgarians. Seasonal vendors join the regulars for a farmer’s market with holiday flare, a little something extra—from visits with Santa and cookie decorating, Tea with Mrs. Claus, live ice carving, viewing Santa’s Reindeer, and more. 

Edmonton

 

Hand2Hand Christmas Market

When: Dec. 1Where: 1751 Towne Center Blvd.Admission: FreeThe non-profit artisan society Hand2Hand—a group of 8 local artisans—hosts this handmade market where over 60 local artists showcase their one-of-a-kind products. Fulfill your gift list with a unique item or five— think pottery, jewelry, greeting cards, hardwood cutting boards and more—while supporting the city’s top artisans. 

Victoria

Christmas at the Market

When: Nov. 23 to Dec. 24Where: Public Market, 1701 Douglas StreetAdmission: FreeFor a month local artisans will be selling their goods at this sweet market. Each Friday it opens until 8 pm—grab dinner and shop while live music plays. Join the Christmas movie night where they will be playing The Holiday (the excellent Cameron Diaz and Kate Winslet vehicle, Nov. 28, 7 pm) and take an Instagram-worthy picture with Santa. 

Kelowna

 

 

Downtown Kelowna Winter Street Market

When: Dec. 1Where: Stuart Park, 1414 Water St.Admission: FreeDowntown Kelowna Winter Street Market is back with more than 30 vendors, an ice rink and live music. Enjoy some festive sweets and street food, and stay till the end of the night for the spectacular annual lighting celebration.