SAAG Holiday Market is back

By Lethbridge Herald on November 14, 2025.

Joe Manio
Lethbridge Herald
Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

With the holidays right around the corner, ‘tis the season for Christmas markets galore leading up to Christmas Eve; including the annual Southern Alberta Art Gallery (SAAG) Holiday Market happening today and Saturday.

“Shoppers have the chance to get artwork, handmade items all from local vendors and independent businesses. So it’s a great chance to finish off your holiday list or buy something for yourself,  says SAAG program and events co-ordinator Heather Kehoe. “We have the chance to support and host a bunch of really fantastic local artists, and then artists themselves have a chance to sell their work in the gallery space.”

The SAAG Holiday Market will take place from 5-9 p.m. today and 10-5 p.m. Saturday inside SAAG at 601 3 Avenue South.

Shopping at the market supports local and regional artists while offering handmade holiday gifts that aren’t typically available in retail stores.The 2025 SAAG Holiday Market will feature 20 vendors. 

“This year, we have a bunch of returning vendors, so folks that have visited us before will be happy to see some returning vendors like Knothole Photography, Nicole Reed Mueller as well as other longtime gallery partners like Eric Dick,” says Kehoe.

Typical items you can find there include (but are not limited to): ceramics and pottery; handmade candles; photography prints and artwork; hand-sewn items and textiles; clothing and accessories confectionery and specialty food items; jewelry and beadwork.

New for 2025 is SAAG’s partnership with business neighbor Cookie Crimes, who will be doing the hot beverage booth and providing ice cream and cookies.

“This year we’re also really thrilled to have some art activities that people can drop in and do while they’re here; or maybe drop your kids off at the art table while you go shopping,” says Kehoe.

The gallery itself will also be free once again during the market, so shoppers can also spend some of their time not only shopping, but checking out SAAG’s exhibits too..

“And then we’re also really excited to be once again aligning with Christmas at Casa, so it’s a great chance to hit up both (markets) and visit even more vendors,” she says.