Christmas markets across Calgary and around the region

Whether you're looking for a handcrafted holiday item, something unique or a last-minute gift idea,theshopping season is getting into full swing with annual Christmas markets opening their doors in Calgary and a number of surrounding communities.

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Spruce Meadows International Christmas Market

More than 250 vendors will be spreading holiday cheer in the Riding Hall, Equi-Plex, Gallery on the Green, Reindeer Alley and Candy Cane Lane, featuring everything from items imported from around the world to homemade, handcrafted gifts.

Enjoy choir and musical performances over three weekends: Nov. 19and 20, Nov. 25to 27and again Dec. 2 to 4.

The market will be open from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Fridays, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Saturdays and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sundays.

Pets are not permitted.

Canmore Christmas Artisan's Market

Started in 1996 as a fundraiser for the Canmore Preschool Society, the Canmore Christmas Market has become known for its offerings of high quality, handmade items.

This year's market goes Nov. 20 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Canmore Collegiate High School (1800 8th Ave, Canmore).

Admission is $3.

Calgary Rock and Lapidary Club Artisan Sale

Gems, jewels, metalwork and crystals will be on display at the annual Calgary Rock and Lapidary Club Artisan Sale, 3650 19th St. N.E.

The event runs from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Nov. 20.

Aspen Crossing Christmas Market

More than 60 different vendors will be displaying their wares at the Aspen Crossing Christmas Market on Nov. 20 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. It's southeast of Calgary on Highway 24, one kilometre west of Mossleigh.

Admission is free.

Also running from Nov. 25to Dec. 24, The Polar Express will transport passengers to the North Pole where they will be entertained by a reading of the holiday story of the same name. Children will be greeted by Santa and given their own sleigh bell. Families are encouraged to wear pajamas for the ride and hot chocolate and cookies will be served.

Tickets start at $57 for economy class seat and go up to $75 for dome class seating. There is an additional $5 charge for the Christmas Eve performance.

Market Collective Cheer

Market Collective Cheer goes over the next four weekends: Nov. 25 to 27, Dec. 2to 4, Dec. 9to 11and Dec. 16to 18.

The eventwill feature a number of offerings, from photography to clothing, jewelry, woodworking, leather work, pottery, paper goods, knit wear and food and beverages.

The event go from 4 to 9 p.m. on Fridays and from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m .on Saturdays and Sundays at the Chinese Cultural Centre, (197 1st St. S.W.)

Admission is $5 for the weekend.

Moe-Shelly's Holiday Market and Craft Sale

It's the same popular holiday sale in a new venue, featuring two floors of handmade art and crafts.

Moe-Shelly's Holiday Market and Craft Sale goes Dec. 4at 10:30 a.m. at the Palomino Smokehouse and Social Club (109 7th Ave. S.W.)

Brunch will be served until 3 p.m. and BBQ and cold beer will be available all day.

Admission is free.

Jingle and Mingle TRUCK Contemporary Art Annual Holiday Market

Skip the lines and headaches usually associated with holiday shopping and head to the TRUCK Contemporary Art annual holiday market.

The event runs Dec. 2from 5 to 9 p.m. and Dec 3from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. (2009 10th Ave. S.W.).

Returning this year is the TRUCK Photo Booth, a super sweet yet psychedelic installation by Calgary artist Sasha Foster.

Artist and vendors this year include Kiarra Albina and Stacey Watson, Ann Thrale and Yvonne Mullock, Kelsey Fraser, Jade Nasogaluak Carpenter, TechArt, Kens Way Woodcrafts, Lam Jam, Ink Smashed Artists, Phillip Ty-Le Ha, Renee Wehring, Avalanche! Institute of Contemporary Art, Connective Threads, Alberta Printmakers, Lowell Smith, Tom Brown, John Gerrard, and Marlee Watts.

Admission is $5.

Banff Christmas Market

Visit a one-of-a-kind Christmas market in the heart of the majestic Rocky Mountains.

The third annual annual Banff Christmas Market runs Nov. 25from 5 to 8 p.m., Nov. 26from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Nov. 27from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., at Werner Stables (100 Sundance Road).

The event will feature more than 60 vendors and Santa himself is scheduled to be there throughout the day on Nov. 26.

Admission is $2 and children 10 and under are free.

Distinctly Nanton Market

Found a 40-minute drive south of Calgary on Highway 2, the fifth annual market is being held in conjunction with Nanton Lights the Way on Nov. 26 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Admission is free.

Calgary Christmas Market

Whether you're looking for something to go on the table or under the tree, the Calgary Farmers' Market will feature all your favourite vendors along with a few holiday additions.

Running from Nov. 18to Dec. 11, the market will be open Thursday to Sunday each week from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Admission is free.

• Is there a Christmas or holiday market we're missing? Let us knowin the comment section!