If you are looking for Christmas gift ideas, Cochrane has a wide variety of holiday markets to get you on your way.

From unique, handcrafted, upcycled, and creative gifts, most markets have something for everyone. 

Cochrane Farmers' Market, Market Organizer, Valerie McCracken says they see upwards a few thousand people come through the door at SLSFSC looking for unique, locally handcrafted, made items.

"We know every year it has grown and gets great support from the community and area. We are very focused, not only as our Farmers' Market but especially with our Christmas Market, really showcasing handcrafted, made, baked, or grow vendors."

McCracken says 2016 will be an interesting year, as there seems to be no shortage of markets to choose from. The question begs is there a time and place for all markets to be profitable and does it keep the Cochrane community supporting local?

"It will be interesting, I will be trying to get some feedback from vendors who will be attending multiple ones. It is an interesting trend, if we're shopping local and supporting these local small vendors and the products they're selling that's great."

McCracken's market is invitation only and says every year the selection process gets tougher and tougher.

"What breaks my heart, is how do you pick which one? The hard part is the fact there are some really wonderful, talented, creative people out there and I don't have room for them."

If you are looking to support our local artisans and small businesses; you can take in any one of these markets for unique treasures:

  • November 12- Maker's Market Local Artisan Market, Frank Wills Hall, 12-5:30pm
  • November 19- Cochrane Lioness Market, Christmas Craft Market, St. Andrew's United Church, 10am-3pm, $2 admission
  • November 19- King's Gate Church Annual Christmas Craft Fair, King's Gate Church, 53 West Aarsby Road, 10am-4pm
  • November 19- Beaupre Community Christmas Craft Sale, Beaupre Community Hall, 10am- 4pm
  • November 20- Christmas Market, Cochrane RancheHouse, 10am-5pm, more than 70 vendors, $2 admission, donations to food bank accepted as well
  • November 25-27- Bearspaw Christmas Art and Craft Market, Beasrspaw Lions Community Hall, November 25 3pm-8pm, November 26 and 27, 10:30am-4:30pm
  • November 27- 3rd Annual Bearspaw Christmas Market, RockePointe Church, November 26 10am-4pm
  • December 2 and 3- Christmas Around the Corner Art and Craft Sale, Frank Wills Memorial Hall, Friday 3pm-8pm Saturday 10:30am-4:30pm
  • December 3- Kids Christmas Shopping event, Home Treasures, 10am- 3pm, Volunteers help children 12 and under pick up to 5 gifts for a $5 donation. Donations Support Home Treasures Christmas Wish Program
  • December 10- Cochrane Farmers' Market 6th Annual Last Minute Christmas Market, SLSFSC, 9am-4pm, around 70 vendors
  • December 17- Maker's Market Local Artisan Market, Frank Wills Hall, 12-5:30pm