A Christmas market where you can shop for handmade gifts, sip festive cocktails, warm up beside outdoor fires and possibly encounter real reindeer is getting considerably bigger this year.
Spruce Meadows
The Spruce Meadows International Christmas Market in Calgary is expanding to four weekends for the first time in 2026, following a record season that attracted more than 100,000 visitors last year.
Running from November 13 to December 6, the market will feature more than 330 vendors across European-inspired outdoor shops, indoor shopping halls and heated tents. The event has been a Calgary Christmas tradition since 2001.
What is New at the Christmas Market in 2026?
The biggest change is an additional weekend, December 4 to 6, giving you 12 days to explore the market.
A new Riding Hall Circle Pavilion will accommodate more than 30 vendors, expanding the selection beyond the existing shopping areas.
Miracle at the Meadows, a Christmas-themed pop-up cocktail bar created in collaboration with Calgary’s Proof Cocktail Bar, is another addition for 2026. You can enjoy seasonal cocktails in a cabin-inspired setting filled with festive decorations.
Friday evenings are also changing. From 6 p.m. to 9 p.m., the market will become an adults-only event for visitors aged 18 and older. These evenings offer couples and groups of friends an opportunity to combine Christmas shopping with food, cocktails and a night out.
What Can You See and Do at Spruce Meadows Christmas Market?
Shopping is the main attraction, but the grounds offer more than rows of merchandise.
- Browse hundreds of market stalls: Explore handcrafted jewellery, original artwork, ceramics, Christmas ornaments, home décor and gifts from local artisans and Canadian small businesses.
- Find Spruce Meadows Exclusives: Look for vendors displaying the special Exclusives logo. These stalls carry products available only at the Christmas Market.
- Enjoy Christmas lights and entertainment: Decorated trees, festive lighting, holiday music and outdoor fire pits add to the atmosphere.
- See real reindeer: Live reindeer are scheduled to appear on select days, though they are not guaranteed to be present throughout the market.
- Explore the new pavilion: The Riding Hall Circle Pavilion adds more than 30 vendors to the market’s shopping selection.
- Enjoy festive food and drinks: Food options include international Christmas market favourites, local food trucks, artisan chocolates, seasonal sweets and festive beverages at Miracle at the Meadows. You can make a meal of your visit rather than limiting the outing to shopping.
Why Consider Visiting?
Spruce Meadows
With more than 330 vendors, Spruce Meadows is particularly appealing to those who enjoy browsing handmade gifts, discovering Canadian artisans and finding Christmas presents beyond the usual retail stores.
Families can enjoy the festive decorations, entertainment, seasonal treats and opportunities to see real reindeer. Regular daytime hours are open to all ages, including visitors with strollers.
For couples and groups of friends, the new adults-only Friday evenings offer a more relaxed Christmas shopping experience, with festive food and cocktails adding to the night out.
The combination of indoor shopping halls, outdoor market stalls, Christmas lights and seasonal food makes it more than a quick shopping trip. Visitors interested in exploring the full market should allow several hours, while those primarily coming for the lights and atmosphere can plan a shorter visit.
Visitors can browse the 2026 vendor directory before arriving. It includes business descriptions, shopping categories and vendor locations, making it easier to find specific gifts.
What Should You Know Before Buying Tickets?
The market combines indoor and outdoor shopping. Most vendors are housed in buildings, heated tents and small market shops, but you will still need to walk between areas. Warm clothing and comfortable winter footwear are essential.
The event operates rain, snow or shine, and tickets are non-refundable. Exchanges or transfers may be possible through the ticketing platform, subject to its terms and availability.
General parking is included with admission. Accessible parking is available in Lots 7 and 8 for vehicles displaying a valid permit. Major walkways and accessible washrooms are available, although outdoor conditions may affect some pathways.
Wheelchairs and strollers are welcome, but rentals are not provided. Visitors with disabilities may bring a personal care attendant without purchasing an additional admission ticket.
Pets are not permitted. Personal photographs and videos are welcome, while professional or commercial photography requires advance permission.
Tickets are available online or at the gate, subject to availability. Given the record attendance in 2025, booking ahead is sensible, particularly for families arranging a visit on a specific weekend.
What You Need to Know – Spruce Meadows International Christmas Market
Spruce Meadows
What: Spruce Meadows Christmas Market boasts an enviable line-up of exquisite gifts and treats for the whole family. With over 300+ independent local businesses hand-picked by our team, the market prides itself on a unique shopping experience. Begin the festive season by enjoying a day out with family and friends, shop for exquisite gift ideas, purchase artisan food, and stroll through the winter wonderland of Spruce Meadows.
When: November 13–15, 20–22, 27–29 and December 4–6, 2026
Hours:
- Fridays: Noon to 6 p.m. (all ages)
- Fridays: 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. (adults 18+ only)
- Saturdays: 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.
- Sundays: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
How Much:
- Adults: $20 plus GST
- Children aged 3–12: $12 plus GST
- Seniors aged 65+: $12 plus GST
- Children aged 2 and under: Free
Early Bird pricing is available until November 12. Check the ticketing page for applicable discounts.
Where: Spruce Meadows, 18011 Spruce Meadows Way SW, Calgary, Alberta
Parking: General parking included with admission. Accessible parking in Lots 7 and 8.
Spruce Meadows International Christmas Market