Bridget Ryan: A Local's Guide to Christmas in Banff and Lake Louise
- Oct 3, 2025|
- Events & Festivals
A Local’s Guide to Christmas in Banff and Lake Louise
There’s Christmas, and then there’s Christmas in Banff and Lake Louise: a magical spectacle of snow-dusted mountain peaks, glistening frozen lakes and twinkling lights unlike anything else.
It can feel like there’s so much to see and do but not enough time to pack it all in.
With so many choices, it’s hard to know which Christmas traditions are truly worth your time.
We’ve sought some local expertise to help you decide which festive traditions and community events to take in during Christmas in Banff and Lake Louise.
Local Christmas expert Bridget Ryan is a longtime Bow Valley local, co-owner of the popular Carter-Ryan Gallery, the creative force behind A Christmas Carol at the Fairmont Banff Springs and is also greatly involved in the In Search of Christmas Spirit event.
She loves Christmas. In fact, her tree goes up on September 26 (on her birthday).
I love it because it’s this one time of year where all of a sudden we lean into greetings, we lean into goodwill, we lean into all these charitable moments,” says Bridget, who has called the Bow Valley home since 2018. “It’s one of the most meaningful times of the year because we all focus on the celebration of just being together.
- Bridget Ryan
Here are Bridget Ryan's top recommendations for must-see Christmas experiences in Banff and Lake Louise this holiday season.
A Classic Tale in a Castle
A Christmas Carol is beloved by all ages, and going to watch the Charles Dickens’ classic live is a Banff holiday tradition for many families.
Bridget, whose background is in television and theatre, has been leading the production at the Fairmont Banff Springs since 2018 (through Carter-Ryan Productions).
Here’s what makes it special:
- The familiar characters are brought to life by only five cast members, bringing a unique flair to the story that’s exclusive to Banff.
- The show is performed in a real-life castle decked out from top to bottom for Christmas (Santa even visits).
- The perfect start to a new family tradition in the mountains.
When: December 5 to December 28, 2025
Where: Fairmont Banff Springs Theatre
Entry Fee: $26 - $38
There are lots of things we’ve done with just magic, bringing in some of the best set designers and getting them to build these set pieces that create that instant sense of wow.
- Bridget Ryan
A Musical Love Letter To ABBA
For Bridget, the magic of Christmas doesn’t stop on December 25th and extends into early January.
“Christmas in the mountains, it's extraordinary,” Bridget says. “It’s also longer than what we think.”
Bridget is referring to visitors who plan their Christmas vacation in the mountains from Boxing Day until after New Year’s Eve. So, she created a production that captured the vibrancy of the holidays while catering to a new audience.
“Last year, as a tester, I ran a show called The ABBA-solutely Fabulous Holiday Show,” she adds. “It was sold out the entire run.”
Here’s what makes it special:
- It’s a family-friendly love letter to the legendary musical group, including all of their hit songs.
- Dress in your best ABBA-inspired outfit to be part of the nightly costume contest.
When: December 6, 2025, to January 4, 2026
Where: Fairmont Banff Springs Theatre
Entry Fee: $26 - $38
Both shows are perfect for families, they’re perfect for music-lovers, they’re perfect for people who want to experience professional theatre in the mountains.
- Bridget Ryan
Visit In Search of Christmas Spirit
Christmas celebrations looked different in 2020, but the unprecedented situation encouraged creativity around seasonal celebrations. The Santa Claus Parade couldn’t take place, so Bridget was tasked with creating an alternative that welcomed visitors back to the mountains safely.
In Search of Christmas Spirit was the result, and it’s still going strong six years later.
“It’s probably one of the most unique offerings in a mountain town, ever,” Bridget adds of the production. “It goes above and beyond. I don’t think there’s a person that walks through that is not somehow changed for the better on many levels,” Bridget says.
Here’s what makes it special:
- The story crafts a compelling narrative told through the perspective of the animals that call Banff National Park home.
- Visitors walk through an immersive outdoor experience complete with storytelling, music and larger-than-life canvas light sculptures.
- The sculptures are designed by Indigenous artist Jason Carter, the other half of the Carter-Ryan Gallery.
When: November 13 to December 31, 2025
Where: Cascade of Time Gardens
Entry Fee: The event is free to attend, but registration is required to limit the number of visitors each day and minimize the impact on the natural surroundings.
Explore the Hot Chocolate Trail
If you like getting in the festive spirit early, Bridget recommends sampling creations along the Hot Chocolate Trail. It gets underway in mid-November, and popular restaurants and cafés in Banff craft inventive takes on the classic winter beverage, including some adults-only varieties.
One of Bridget's favourite hot chocolates in recent memory came from Nourish, which offered a vegan version to sip. She also recommends stopping by St. James Gate and Whitebark Cafe.
Here’s what makes it special:
- More than 30 restaurants and cafes get in on the fun, and you’re sure to find your new favourite hot chocolate creation.
- The event supports sustainability. Everyone is encouraged to bring their own reusable mug (unless dining in) or borrow on through the Banff Borrows program.
When: November 13, 2025, - February 8, 2026
Where: Various locations throughout Banff and Lake Louise
Have a Holiday Meal at Local Restaurants
Ryan and Carter, who are also partners outside of work, enjoy visiting plenty of restaurants during the holiday season.
It’s a perfect opportunity to gather with friends and family while sharing some delicious local fare.
“The culinary scene in Banff is sensational,” Bridget says.
Bridget’s Restaurant Recommendations:
Don’t be afraid to embrace the snowy surroundings and get cozy on a patio. Yes, even in the winter.
There’s something about having a warm or cold cocktail around an outdoor fire in Banff with the full moon bouncing off the snow, the mountains in the shadows and seeing your breath as you’re putting a beverage up to your lips. I love eating outdoors in the winter.
- Bridget Ryan
Stroll Downtown Banff
Bridget recommends taking some time to stroll Bear Street and Banff Avenue.
Local businesses go all out decorating their storefronts, creating a setting that looks straight out of a postcard, with no shortage of photo opportunities.
“Bear Street is perhaps one of the most beautiful streets,” she says, adding a stop at the Spirit of Christmas shop is a must for any fellow Christmas lover.
Explore the Banff Christmas Market
The Banff Christmas Market is a hub of activity during the holidays, and it’s been a favourite tradition for more than a decade.
“It looks like a movie set,” Bridget says of the market.
Here’s what makes it special:
- It delivers the tradition and feel of a European holiday market in the Canadian Rockies.
- Browse more than 175 artisanal vendors, visit Santa’s house, sample holiday treats and drinks, catch live music and stop by the outdoor fire lounge
When: Friday, Saturday, and Sunday | November 21 - December 14, 2025
Where: Banff Heritage Train Station
Entry Fee: $15.00 + 5% GST. Children 2 & under are free.
Start Planning Your Christmas Getaway in Banff National Park
A mountain Christmas is unlike any other, and it’s never too early to start planning your getaway this winter in Banff and Lake Louise.
It’s one of the most beautiful places in the world, because you have this spirit that is literally tucked inside, and it’s almost like the mountains are caring for it. It’s a time when the community just leans in.
- Bridget Ryan
Many popular Christmas events fill up early, so be sure to plan ahead.
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