How to Shop the Okotoks Christmas Market

The Okotoks Christmas Market is a good place to knock out holiday shopping with local makers. Here’s a simple way to approach it. 

Know the basics first
It runs two weekends at two locations (Viking Rentals Events Centre at 204 Community Way and D’Arcy Ranch Golf Club at 376 D’Arcy Ranch Drive). Both spots are open both weekends.  
- Weekend 1: Nov 7 (4–8 PM) & Nov 8 (9–4)  
- Weekend 2: Nov 14 (4–8 PM), Nov 15 & 16 (9–4)  

Tickets are $5 for one weekend or $8 for both. Kids 12 and under are free. Get them at Market Square or at the door. Vendors change each weekend, so the selection is different the second time around.

What to look for
Focus on handmade items you won’t find in big stores: jewellery, candles, woodwork, soaps, pottery, baked goods, kids’ clothes, and décor. Check the quality of the materials and finish. Ask the maker how something is made or cared for — most are happy to talk. Look for pieces that match what you actually need rather than grabbing the first shiny thing.

Can you bargain? 
Usually no. These are fixed-price artisan markets, not flea markets. Prices are set by the makers and generally stay that way. Being polite and chatting is fine, but don’t expect to haggle the price down. If something is out of budget, just move on.

Simple shopping tips  
- Go with a short list so you don’t wander aimlessly.  
- Bring cash as a backup even though most take cards.  
- Hit both locations if you can — they have different vendors.  
- The second weekend often has a fresh lineup, so it’s worth going again if you missed something the first time.

The full walk-through video of this year’s market is here:  
Okotoks Holiday Market 2025

It shows the setup, the kinds of stalls, and the overall vibe so you know what to expect before you go.

Video by KassDays

Saskatoon Farm South of Calgary Alberta

 

 

Discovering the Charm of Saskatoon Farm: A Foothills Gem Near Calgary

Tucked away in the rolling Foothills of Alberta, just 15 minutes south of Calgary and a quick 10-minute jaunt east of Okotoks, lies The Saskatoon Farm, a family-owned haven that's equal parts garden paradise and community heartbeat. What began over 30 years ago as a humble barley field planted with saskatoon berry seedlings by Paul and Karen Hamer has blossomed into a vibrant destination that draws thousands of visitors each season. For those seeking a serene escape from the urban hustle, this isn't just a farm; it's a slice of prairie magic where the air smells of fresh earth, blooming flowers, and warm baked goods. At its core, Saskatoon Farm shines as a garden centre, open from mid-April through October and boasting an impressive array of greenhouses filled with annuals, perennials, fruit trees, and ornamental shrubs. Specializing in hardy Prairie varieties like sour cherries, seabuckthorn, plums, apples, haskaps, and, of course, saskatoons, it's the go-to spot for anyone looking to cultivate their own backyard oasis. The farm's signature hanging baskets, grown on-site, are a standout, bursting with colour and ready to elevate any porch or patio. Stroll the old-fashioned main street lined with eclectic boutiques, or wander the tortoise sanctuary for a quirky, feel-good detour. Year-round perks include the on-site bakery's flaky treats, a Mexican fusion restaurant for casual bites, and the Buffalo Room Boutique stocked with local treasures, perfect for impulse buys that feel anything but ordinary. But Saskatoon Farm's allure goes beyond retail therapy. Summers buzz with U-pick berry adventures, where families harvest sun-ripened saskatoons and currants amid lush orchards. Seasonal farmers' markets showcase Alberta's finest artisans, from handmade crafts to artisanal jams. It's these unique touches, tree-lined lanes, fire-pits for toasting marshmallows, and a sense of stepping back in time, that make it unforgettable. As one longtime fan puts it, it's "not too far from Okotoks and always has unique things," a place where the simple joy of connecting with nature and neighbours feels effortlessly grand. As the holiday season approaches, Saskatoon Farm transforms into a winter wonderland with its 9th Annual Christmas Market, running November 28–30 and December 5–7, 2025. Held at the farm's cozy indoor spaces (80181 338 Ave E #20, Foothills No. 31, AB), expect over 200 local vendors peddling everything from handcrafted ornaments to gourmet treats. Festive highlights include horse-drawn sleigh rides, kids' activities, Santa visits, hot drinks by crackling fire-pits, and live performances that amp up the cheer. Fridays run from 12–7 p.m., while Saturdays and Sundays are 9 a.m.–5 p.m.—an ideal family outing to kick off the holidays with that authentic country charm. Whether you're reminiscing over old videos from a sunny afternoon visit or planning your next trip, Saskatoon Farm reminds us why Alberta's Foothills are worth the drive: it's where green thumbs, good food, and heartfelt gatherings collide. Head out soon—the magic awaits.