Calgarians flocking to markets with local vendors for Christmas Shopping [Video]

As Christmas is on the horizon, Calgarians headed to the markets across the city on Saturday to get some shopping done while also supporting local businesses.

The Marda Loop Business Improvement Area kicked off its annual Spirit of the Loop holiday event. People who made their way there were able to meet Santa, enjoy roaming carolers and shop at more than190 stores.

“We’ve got hundreds of people showing up,” said Bob Van Wegen, Executive Director for the Marda Loop Business Improvement Area. “We’ve been doing these events for years and these events have become more and more important to us lately.”

The event helps by giving stores like Slow Burn Books a bit of Christmas rush.

“Christmas shopping has been great,” said co-owner of Slow Burn Books Shannon MacNaughton. “It’s a good time of year for Christmas shopping. The GST rebate is about to kick in on December 14th, so …