What is old again becomes fashionable. Before the mega shopping centers and monolithic shops, there was a form of exchange based on a community spirit during the holiday season. And even during the biggest waves of mercantilism during the cold season, the Christmas markets have survived. Here are 10 of these fairs that will take place across Canada.

Banff – AB

What could be more rustic and romantic than rubbing shoulders with the magnificent Rockies in the background? Every year at this time, stables are transformed into Christmas market in Banff , an event time of community celebrations with over 60 vendors selling everything from art objects to furniture, through Health foods and cleaning products, plus shows that go hand in hand with the festive mood of the season. (November 25-27, Warner Stables, $ 2 admission)

Calgary – Alberta

The equestrian center Spruce Meadows , the obvious place in Canada for everything related to the equestrian world, converts its field competitions international Christmas market , with activities that include the way candy canes in the driveway and reindeer. In the shopping area, take a look at the merchandise provided by over 250 merchants and choose from an assortment of seasonal foods and unique gifts. Or, take a break with your children and enjoy a hot chocolate in the area of the homes. (From November 18 to 20 and November 25 to 27, and from December 2 to 4, Spruce Meadows, $ 12 entry)

Edmonton – Alberta

The majority of the year, the Universidad Pavilion at the University of Alberta residents nicknamed the Butter dome , is a training place for some of the best athletes in the country. However, for a weekend, the spacious interior is transformed to become the craft sale Butter dome , with some 260 artists and merchants from across Canada. You will find an art mine, with practical gift ideas and even enough to fill your stockings. (December 1 to 4, Universidad Pavilion, $ 7 admission)

Halifax – Nova Scotia

Some of the best craft creators of this Atlantic province converge on the fair Nova Scotia Designer Crafts Council Christmas Show for a unique perspective on visual art, glassware, metalwork and woodwork, among other arts. Discover how some of these items are made because a rotating schedule features workshops and demonstrations by artists throughout the event, held at the Conrad Centre . (November 18 to 20, Conrad Center at Pier 23, $ 7 entrance)

Mississauga – Ontario

Expect a winter festival outside Toronto with the market Holiday Street , a short-lived event conducive to the spirit of Christmas. To that end, vendors gather at the site of the celebrations for the fair, selling Christmas gifts in addition to their specialties ranging from hot cider apple through gingerbread. In addition, expect to see a carousel, Santa’s workshop, a zoo where you can flatter reindeer, a fireplace to grill your marshmallows and a heated bar / lounge to escape the winter, culminating with the festivities Light Up the Square . (November 19, Celebration Square, free admission)

Montreal, Quebec

Be on the look of a giant inflatable tent where the Christmas market at the Place des Arts allows young people to go visit Santa in his cabin and walk in the enchanted forest, while adults s ‘Provide gifts for the holidays. There are a ton of options in this market from kits cheese company U Main to Tabasco candles , through articles CBC and wine and spirits SAQ. Finally, the shows vary every day. (From 2 to 4, from 8 to 11, and from December 14 to 24, Place des arts, free admission)

Ottawa – Ontario

The capital is hosting its eternal Christmas market of the Ottawa Farmers’ Market at Lansdowne Park , where about 100 dealers focus on local and regional products. Expect a wide variety of items ranging from ingenious gift ideas to fresh foods that are probably the ingredients you’ll need for Christmas dinner. A calendar of rotating events offers a wide variety of entertainment and activities for children. (From 2 to 4, from 9 to 11, and from 16 to 18 December, Aberdeen Pavilion, free entry)

Saskatoon – Saskatchewan

This festival which calls itself greater Saskatchewan crafts festival strives for fair Sundog Arts and Entertainment , which continues to add merchants over the past 40 years to the point where the festival now attracts over 200 exhibitors. With an emphasis on crafts handmade, all that can fill Christmas stockings is sold here, inside the Pastel Centre . While you decide what to buy, enjoy continuous entertainment or food court with multiethnic food.(December 2 to 4, Pastel Center, $ 10 entrance fee)

Toronto – Ontario

Known as one of the best in international markets, and having received an honorable mention in the newspaper USA Today , the Christmas market in Toronto in the heritage Distillery District welcomes guests with a mix of traditional and modern thinking about the Spirit of giving. It is the emphasis on the Old World that attracts the most attention, whether it be gingerbread, chocolate fondant, poutine, shortbread, Oktoberfest sausages, works Lumberjack, furniture or interior decorations. For more modern items, start by taking a look at the soy-based wax candles. (From November 18 to December 22, Distillery Heritage District, free admission per week, $ 6 per weekend)

Vancouver – British Columbia

Just search the Olympic cauldron and you will come close to the Christmas market in Vancouver , a perfect German-inspired paradise for you to get into the Christmas spirit. The market is designed so that people mingle with each other, offering traditional, convivial drinks and dishes, while being family-friendly. Enjoy the Christmas carousel or examine the stands of all merchants throughout the Jack Poole instead offering handicrafts such as wood carvings, toys, clothing, nutcracker and pottery. (From November 26 to December 31, Jack Poole Plaza, $ 8 admission)

One of the best things about the goods you buy at these fairs is that they are not chain items, but unique gifts made with lots of love by passionate artists. Adding this extra element of passion contributes greatly to better enjoy the spirit of giving.