East Village Holiday Shopping Guide

The holiday season is here, and there’s no better place to find unique gifts and festive vibes than East Village. With over 100 retailers, restaurants, cultural gems, and businesses, our community has everything you need to make your holiday shopping a joy. From one-of-a-kind finds to delicious treats, the East Village Holiday Shopping Guide is your ultimate companion for discovering the hidden treasures these local shops have in store. So, grab your list, check it twice, and get ready to explore East Village while supporting incredible local businesses this season!

Check out our Map & Directory for a full list of businesses in East Village.

8 Cakes bake shoppe & cafe

Step into 8 Cakes, where dessert dreams come true and every treat feels like a little piece of magic! Famous for their signature desserts and custom cakes, this charming East Village gem is the ultimate stop for holiday indulgence.

This season, 8 Cakes is sleigh-ing the festive game with Christmas-inspired delights that are as delicious as they are dazzling. From cakesicles and cookies to their signature Holiday Chunkie Chocolate Bars—crafted in flavors like Gingerbread Caramel, Bailey's Hot Chocolate, and Pistachio Knafeh—every bite is pure joy. Packaged in adorable gingerbread house boxes, these treats make perfect gifts for teachers, colleagues, or the ultimate stocking stuffers.

Ready to add some sweetness to your season? 8 Cakes has you covered!

529 Riverfront Ave SE | 8 Cakes

8 Cakes is one of the few places in Calgary where you can find the viral Dubai filled chocolate bars. Try one in a festive flavour!

Get into the holiday spirit with their locally-made gingerbread house and cookie kits!

Cake-pop + popsicle = cakesicle. This sweet treat is an 8 cakes signature, with festive themed options this holiday season! Vegan and gluten free options are also available.

WILD RABBIT VINTAGE

Looking for unique gifts for that special someone that you won't find anywhere else? Check out Wild Rabbit's assortment of one-of-a-kind vintage and pre-loved pieces from the 1950s - 1970s. Their collection is carefully curated and each piece hand selected by owners Lianna and Mark. They also have a selection of candles, locally foraged teas, honey and apothecary items made by local artists.

Discover the magic of nostalgia at Wild Rabbit Vintage, where preloved fashion and handmade goods come together in perfect harmony. This East Village shop is a haven for vintage enthusiasts, curating true vintage gems from the 1950s to the 1970s alongside gently loved second-hand treasures.

But it doesn’t stop there. Wild Rabbit Vintage celebrates local creativity by featuring handmade goods, home décor, and apothecary items crafted by Alberta artisans. With a commitment to upcycling and using environmentally conscious materials, this shop is all about style that feels good and does good.

Whether you’re hunting for a unique holiday gift or a one-of-a-kind piece with history and heart, Wild Rabbit Vintage is your East Village destination for sustainable style.

112, 535 8 Avenue SE | Wild Rabbit Vintage

Artisan jewelry and bolo ties made by Wild Rabbit Vintage are on display ready to pair with the perfect Western outfit.

Give the gift of experience: Wild Rabbit features artisan monthly pop up workshops and classes ranging from ceramics, candle making, perfume making and writing classes.

Shop their collection of artisan goods made by local artists including: candles, locally foraged teas, local honey, apothecary and self care goods.

ALT HOTEL

Treat yourself—or someone special—to the ultimate staycation at Alt Hotel. A night (or two!) here is more than a getaway; it’s an experience wrapped in comfort and style.

Start your day with a delicious brunch at CHIX Eggshop, just steps from your room, before heading out for a crisp winter stroll along RiverWalk. As evening falls, indulge in an unforgettable dining experience at NUPO, the acclaimed restaurant from celebrity chef Darren MacLean.

Whether it’s a gift for a loved one or a well-deserved treat for yourself, Alt Hotel is your cozy headquarters for a holiday season to remember.

635 Confluence Way SE | Alt Hotel East Village

Enjoy sweeping views of the Bow River from the comfort of your cozy room.

The Alt Hotel lounge is spacious and modern with a pool table and lots of spots to hang out.

CHIX Eggshop is a cozy, retro diner that features all-day brunch, mimosas, and adult milkshakes.

STUDIO BELL, home of the national music centre

Give the gift of music and discovery this holiday season with a membership to Studio Bell, home of the National Music Centre. A stunning architectural gem built around the historic King Edward Hotel, Studio Bell features five floors of exhibitions that bring the story of Canadian music to life.

For the music lover in your life, it’s a dream come true. Explore 450 years of music history through rare instruments, artifacts, and memorabilia. Dive into interactive instrument installations, celebrate legends at four Canadian Halls of Fame, and marvel at one of North America’s most diverse collections of musical instruments.

A membership offers unlimited access to all this and more, plus discounts on unforgettable events.

840 4 Street SE | Studio Bell

Designed by Allied Works Architects of Portland, Oregon, Studio Bell was imagined as both a living instrument and a destination.

One of NMC’s permanent exhibits, The Kimball Theatre Organ, is an instrument that takes up an entire room!

Who Cares? Wear

Refresh your holiday wardrobe and gift list at Who Cares? Wear, where fashion meets fun in the heart of East Village. Known for their carefully curated collections and next-level customer service, this boutique is your go-to for stylish surprises—or a little treat for yourself.

This season, they’re bringing all the festive vibes with adorable Grinch slippers, Christmas PJs for both you and your furry friends, cozy mugs, and holiday-scented candles that make perfect stocking stuffers.

549 Riverfront Ave SE | Who Cares? Wear

Check out their holiday PJs, slippers, mugs and more!

Who Cares? Wear also offers complementary styling services. Book an appointment or walk in, and their talented stylists will help you find the perfect pieces.

cōchu chocolatier

No holiday shopping trip is complete without chocolate, and cōchu takes indulgence to the next level. Crafted by internationally acclaimed chocolatier Anne Sellmer—these premium artisanal chocolates are as stunning as they are delicious.

From festive seasonal bonbons to decadent holiday candy bark, every treat is a masterpiece. And trust us, one taste will have you grabbing extras just for yourself!

429 8 Ave SE | cōchu chocolatier

Don’t miss out on cochu’s signature candy bark.

Check out their seasonal creations including this adorable hippo.

Seasonal bon bons at cochu make the perfect gift.

charbar

Treat the food lovers on your list (or yourself!) to an unforgettable dining experience at charbar, where Argentinian-inspired cuisine and cozy vibes come together in the historic Simmons Building along the Bow River.

From table-side service for their signature Ceviche Mixto to succulent wood-grilled steaks and fresh west-coast seafood, every dish is crafted to impress. Pair it all with a half-bottle of rosé or prosecco for the perfect holiday toast. And don’t forget their weekend brunch menu—because festive mornings deserve something special too.

Whether it’s a gift card, a romantic date night, or a spot at their fabulous New Year’s Eve party, charbar is the ultimate destination for celebrating the season in style.

618 Confluence Way SE | charbar

Phil & Sebastian

A true East Village staple, Phil & Sebastian is your destination for expertly sourced, roasted, and brewed coffee perfection, all from their cozy home in the historic Simmons Building.

This holiday season, discover the East Village Roast, exclusively available through the East Village Merch lineup. Bold, innovative, and unapologetically real—just like East Village, it captures the vibrant spirit of our neighbourhood. With notes of chocolate, caramel and toasted almond, each sip embodies our rich history and the future we’re building together.

Swing by Phil & Sebastian and make your holiday coffee ritual extra special with a local touch!

618 Confluence Way SE | Phil & Sebastian Coffee Roasters

EAST VILLAGE MERCH GIFT BUNDLES

Still can’t find what you’re looking for? Get your hands on one-of-a-kind East Village merch that also gives back!

In East Village, we believe in supporting local and look for opportunities to make a positive impact in our community, and we’re glad you do too. This line of wearables and wares celebrates our city and our neighbourhood and were created in partnership with local artists and entrepreneurs. All proceeds from sales go to support the Urban Society for Aboriginal Youth (USAY).

Just in time for the holidays, our gift bundles are back featuring some of our favourite items but there are only a limited number of each so get them before they are gone!