Anne Elliott's photos with the keyword: Christmas Market

All three photos posted today were taken yesterday, 19 November 2017, when I spent a few very enjoyable hours out with my daughter. This is the time of year, of course, when Christmas Markets and Fairs spring up everywhere, within the city and in various hamlets outside the city. There were two that we ended up going to - Granary Road and Bragg Creek. The scenery in one of today's photos was taken during the drive between the two places. This was the very first Christmas for the newly opened Granary Road. Bragg Creek market has been held for many years, but we had never been out there to one before. Both felt calm and were far less densely packed (at least when we were there) than some of the bigger markets in various towns. I had been hoping to get over to Granary Road all summer and fall, but it just didn't happen. This is a brand new market garden, SW of the city, with an active learning park, too. I was very disappointed months ago, when I first saw what was being planned for that particular area. Most of all, I and many other photographers, were horrified when we discovered that the row of five, old, red granaries/sheds had been removed from the landscape. Some of you may remember my photos of these granaries, which I called "The Famous Five". They have been replaced by five new, red sheds which, I have to say, looked better yesterday than I had previously thought. The huge main building is full of various permanent, carefully chosen vendors, and a restaurant. Very nicely designed, I thought. Three huge greenhouses stand next to the main building - fresh produce is sold from them and from local farmers. A small petting Zoo was being held in one of the greenhouses - Alpacas, goats and bunnies, all very cute. The huge, outdoor educational area looks like a lot of fun, and I want to go back next summer to wander round it, when it reopens for the season. www.granaryroad.com/ Thank you, Rachel, for an enjoyable few hours spent with you! Always the best kind of day. See you in December.

Two days ago, 7 November 2015, I was out all day with my daughter. She had asked if I wanted to go to several Christmas Fairs south of Calgary, including Millarville and Okotoks. Then, in the evening, I was out at the annual 'Banquet' for the nature group I belong to. So, the whole day was most enjoyable. I think half of Calgary as well as everyone from the surrounding areas were there at the same Christmas markets. Everywhere was absolutely packed! Normally, I don't go to any Christmas fairs any more, but it does make a lovely day out with my daughter. Each Christmas, I treat myself to one new thing, and this year was no exception : ) Also bought a Bison and roast vegetable pie from the Canadian Rocky Mountain Ranch exhibit, the first time I had ever tried anything from them. At one of the fairs, Santa's reindeer were patiently waiting in a pen outdoors. No sign of Rudolph, though : ) Our drive in between fairs took us through some beautiful scenery. I absolutey love our rolling hills with the Rocky Mountains in the distance. Love them at any time of the year, but I especially love to see them in fall and when covered in snow. How dfferent everywhere will be looking today, though - a winter wonderland! It has been snowing since last night and today, 9 November 2015, everywhere is under a blanket of snow. The temperature this morning is 0C (windchill -3C). We have been so lucky to have enjoyed an amazing fall season, so we really shouldn't complain.

Just a very quick shot to remind myself of an enjoyable evening with my youngest daughter yesterday, 15 November 2013. We took the Red Arrow Shuttlebus from south Calgary out to Spruce Meadows for their Christmas Market. I used to love going to Christmas fairs and markets many years ago, when the kids were young, but ever since they became adults and said they would prefer money or gift cards instead of "things", I no longer go to them. Spruce Meadows is the only one I go to, and that's only because I go with my daughter. Anyway, the Christmas lights were very pretty and I liked seeing this statue among the colourful trees. One of the highlights is the chance to see Santa's Reindeer - such beautiful animals. No sign of Santa, of course - he'll be busy preparing for Christmas Eve.