Ignite your festive spirit and watch the town of Banff come alive during the famous Santa Claus Parade of Lights in November. The Banff Christmas Market is another great way to enjoy the festive atmosphere, indulge in culinary delights, and find one-of-a-kind treasures.
Whether you’re looking to indulge in Christmas shopping, relax in the crisp mountain air, or enjoy a winter adventure, there’s truly something for everyone in Banff and Lake Louise.
Feature Christmas Events
The holidays are a time for wonder and joy, so gather your friends and family together for some of Banff and Lake Louise's Feature Christmas events.
Photos With Santa
Date: Saturday, November 17, 2018
Time: 10 a.m. - 12 p.m. and 1.30 p.m. - 4 p.m.
Cost: $10 donation
Address: Banff Train Station
Santa Claus Parade
Date: Saturday, November 17, 2018
Time: 6 p.m.
Cost: Free
Address: Banff Avenue
Banff Christmas Market
Dates and Times:
Thursday, November 22, 2018: 5 p.m. - 10 p.m.
Friday, November 23, 2018: 10 a.m. - 8 p.m.
Saturday, November 24, 2018: 10 a.m. - 8 p.m.
Sunday, November 25, 2018: 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Cost: $5 per person day entry, $8 per person for the weekend. Free for children (12 and under)
Address: 1 Sundance Road, Banff (Warner Stables)
Christmas and New Years on the Ski Hills
Embrace the holiday season like a true Canadian and ski with Santa at Banff Sunshine, Lake Louise Ski Resort, and Mt. Norquay.
Banff Sunshine
Santa on the Mountain
Date: December 15 - 23
Time: 11 a.m. - 2 p.m.
Cost: Free with lift ticket
Details: Find Mr. and Mrs. Claus at Banff Sunshine Village for a photo before he heads out on Christmas Eve.
Christmas Eve Torchlight Parade
Date: December 24 & 31
Time: 7 p.m.
Cost: Free with lift ticket
Details: Watch specially trained skiers put on nighttime show for guests.
Lake Louise Ski Resort
Ski with Santa
Date: December 23 & 24
Time: 11 a.m. - 2 p.m.
Cost: Free with lift ticket
Details: Santa will be skiing with his elves and Griff the Grizzly on the frontside runs. Take a picture with Santa or ski a few runs with him.
A Postcard-Perfect Christmas Itinerary
There's nothing more Canadian than spending a few days in the Rocky Mountains over the holidays. See what a perfect two-day vacation in Banff and Lake Louise could look like.
As you wake up and gaze at the breathtaking views, you sip your first morning coffee by the warm glow of a cozy, crackling fireplace. Wrapped in blankets, it's easy to savour the moment watching small snowflakes fall outside your window. Then, you realize there’s nowhere else you’d rather be.
You stroll along quaint streets while the sun rises over the mountaintops. Hopping from shop to shop you're welcomed by the sound of holiday carolers and greeted with unique stores that line historic Banff Avenue; it’s the perfect place to find that special gift for under the tree.
With your Christmas list checked twice, it's time to give your feet a rest and enjoy a sleigh ride through the fresh snow. The crisp mountain air cools your cheeks and you warm your hands on a cup of hot chocolate as you glide through the shimmering trees.
When the sun goes down, the streets, and your holiday spirit, come alive as you indulge in an authentically Canadian meal in downtown Banff. After a night under the lights of Banff Avenue and the stars in the sky, you retreat to your cozy cabin, ready to start tomorrow's adventure.
To experience the pure joy of the holidays, there’s nowhere better than Banff and Lake Louise—it’s the perfect place to escape the hustle and bustle and gather with friends and family.
Amazing Places to Stay
Decked with ornate decorations and surrounded by snow-capped mountains, Banff and Lake Louise has a range of accommodation that is guaranteed to get you into the holiday spirit.
Hotels, Lodges, and Inns
The historic hotels, luxury lodges, and boutique inns in Banff and Lake Louise truly come alive with the spirit of the holidays and are the perfect place to enjoy a festive mountain getaway.
Bed & Breakfast
Plan a stay at one of the charming B&Bs in Banff this festive season to finish your Christmas shopping, enjoy a cozy mountain escape, or a romantic weekend.
Cozy Cabins
Staying in a classic mountain cabin is a great way to enjoy the winter playground that is Banff National Park. Whether you’re looking for outdoor adventure, or a cozy retreat, these frontcountry lodges are the perfect place to celebrate an alpine Christmas.
Where to find Cozy Fireplaces
Some of the best moments during the holiday season revolve around curling up under a blanket, next to a wood-burning fireplace with a cup of hot chocolate. These moments are elevated even further in Banff and Lake Louise when this fireplace is next to a window overlooking mountain vistas. Here are some accommodations that offer these rejuvenating moments.
The Rimrock Resort Hotel
Top feature: The indoor fireplaces are next to huge windows that overlook the Bow Valley. The outdoor one is a perfect winter retreat with stunning vistas of the surrounding mountains.
Buffalo Mountain Lounge
Top feature: The fireplace is located in a beautiful lounge right next to the Sleeping Buffalo bar. Order a signature cocktail and appetizer before your hand-crafted meal is served in the restaurant.
Storm Mountain Lodge
Top feature: Book your own cabin that features its very own wood-burning fireplace. It's the intimate getaway you've been dreaming of.
The Juniper Hotel & Bistro
Top feature: The Juniper Bistro boasts a cozy indoor fireplace where you can cuddle up with your friends and enjoy Canadian cuisine. The outdoor fireplace is just as relaxing, which also offers a unique view of the town of Banff.
