As the Christmas countdown kicks off, there is no shortage of opportunities to purchase unique gifts from local artisans, shop local or take in some festive cheer to get into the swing of the season.
Nov. 25 - 27
The second annual Bearspaw Countdown to Christmas Art & Craft Market runs from 3-8 p.m. on Friday and 10:30-4:30 p.m. on both Saturday and Sunday at the Bearspaw Lions Hall, 25240 Nagway Rd. N.W.
The newly renovated space will feature 20 rotating artisans and vendors each day offering up arts, trinkets and snacks aplenty.
Dec. 2 & 3
Christmas Around the Corner Art & Craft Market will take place 3-8 p.m. on Friday and 10:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. on Saturday, to be held at Frank Wills Memorial Hall. This market boasts 35 booths of local artists and crafters.
The annual Kids’ Christmas shopping event will take place Dec. 3 from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. at Cochrane Home Treasures. Give your 12 and under the gift of giving, where volunteers will help kids pick five gifts for $5. All proceeds go toward the Home Treasures Christmas Wish program and a special guest will be on deck to surprise little shoppers.
Dec. 10
The annual Cochrane Farmer’s Last Minute Christmas Market ramps up at 9 a.m., offering up some familiar samplings from summer market merchants at the Spray Lake Sawmills Family Sports Centre.
The Cochrane Humane Society Christmas Party open house is the perfect place to peruse for pet presents this holiday season. Purchase a little something from the shelter store, Norm’s Nook, to be placed under the shelter wish tree; nibble on bake sale goodies; or get your pet’s photo with Santa. The event runs from noon-5 p.m. at 62 Griffin Industrial Point.
Historic Downtown will be lit up with the Holiday Parade of Lights, beginning at 6 p.m. Entry is free and open to all community groups, businesses or organizations within Rocky View County.
Dec 12 - 16
Santa will be coming to a community near you. Visit cochranesantaclaus.ca to learn which communities St. Nick will be visiting, which days and what times.
Dec. 12
The CP Holiday Train makes it Cochrane stop this year with bands The Odds and Dallas Smith performing at 2:45 p.m. behind the provincial building. Donations to the Activettes Food Bank are encouraged.
Dec. 17
The annual Local Artisan Christmas Market will be held at Frank Wills featuring one-of-a-kind creations looking to find a new home under someone’s lucky Christmas tree.
