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Guide To Christmas Events in Banff and Lake Louise

Published
Nov 14, 2023|
Last Updated
Oct 4, 2024|
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Events & Festivals
Kids sit with Santa at the Banff Christmas Market.

In Banff and Lake Louise, the holidays bring a diverse array of outdoor experiences and festivities for all. Here are all the must-visit holiday happenings in Banff National Park this season.

In Search of Christmas Spirit - A Live Christmas Story

This enchanting experience will help you find that unbeatable sense of Christmas spirit that we are all seeking in this year of uncertainty. Bundle up for a walk through the Cascade of Time Garden, where you’ll witness a live Christmas story told by the animals of Banff National Park.

The story is delivered by illuminated puppets, dazzling sculptures, and ingenious sound effects. It’s a tale of hope and unity that will strike a chord with everyone this Christmas in Banff and Lake Louise. 

Book your free tickets and get ready for a totally transformed walk through the park.

Where: Cascade of Time Garden

When: Select dates from Nov 15 - Dec 31, 2024

Time: 4:30 p.m. - 9:30 pm

Cost: Free

*Tickets and registration required

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A couple walks through In Search of Christmas Spirit.A couple walks through In Search of Christmas Spirit.A couple walks through In Search of Christmas Spirit.

Banff Christmas Market

The Banff Christmas Market is inspired by the Old World and influenced by the New. It captures all of the tradition, heritage, and romance of these European Markets while showcasing the best artisanal products of the Bow Valley and its surrounding regions.

Boasting unique products, family-friendly entertainment, and a festive menu of cocktails, pretzels, mulled wine, and sweets, The Banff Christmas Market creates a warm and inviting environment for families of all ages during the day and an adult atmosphere in the evening.

Where: Banff Train Station

When: November 15-17, 22-24, 29-December 1 and 6-8, 2024

Hours: Kicks off at 10 am

Entry Fee: $15.00 + 5% GST. Children 2 & under are free.

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Children visit with Santa at the Banff Christmas Market in Banff National Park.Children visit with Santa at the Banff Christmas Market in Banff National Park.Children visit with Santa at the Banff Christmas Market in Banff National Park.

Mountaintop Christmas

Jump aboard the Banff Gondola and visit Santa's Workshop at the summit of Sulphur Mountain. Enjoy Christmas delights, pose for a photo with Santa, and explore the Above Banff Interpretive Centre.

Where: Banff Gondola

When: Check the Banff Gondola Page for updates

Cost: All activities are free with gondola admission. 

Buy Tickets

Nightrise at the Banff Gondola

At Nightrise, Sulphur Mountain’s summit is transformed after dark through four digital art installations. Vibrant lighting, multimedia effects, video projections and music bring the mountaintop to life in new and unexpected ways.

Where: Banff Gondola

When: Starting November 2024

Cost: All activities are free with gondola admission.

Buy Tickets

A photo of the Nightrise Event held at the Banff Gondola in Banff National ParkA photo of the Nightrise Event held at the Banff Gondola in Banff National ParkA photo of the Nightrise Event held at the Banff Gondola in Banff National Park

Country Christmas Dinner

The evening begins with a short sleigh ride transfer from the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise over to the Brewster Dance Barn where a live country and western band will welcome you.

All decorated for the Christmas season, featuring a 16-foot-tall horseshoe Christmas tree, the Dance Barn is a place for families to kick back and enjoy some Western hospitality.

Where: Brewster Barn

When: December 23, 26 & 28, 2024

Depart: Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise

Price: $145.00 Per Adult/ $100 Per Child (6-12 Years Old)

Buy Tickets

A Christmas Carol at the Fairmont Banff Springs

A Christmas Carol At Fairmont Banff Springs returns for it's 6th year! Do not miss this timeless, heartwarming tale of Scrooge who is visited by the three ghosts of Christmas Past and learns what the true meaning of Christmas is all about! Produced and created at one of the most beautiful places on earth.

Where: Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel

When: December 5 - 29, 2024

Entry Fee: Check the Fairmont site for prices

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Santa on the Mountain at Banff Sunshine Village

Ski or snowboard with Mr. and Mrs. Claus on the slopes as they take a break from the Christmas rush. Find them in the village and skiing around the mountain and take a photo with them!

Where: Banff Sunshine Village Ski Resort

When: TBD

Entry Fee: Cost of a lift ticket.

Find out more

Christmas on Skis

Looking to hit the slopes for Christmas? Gather your gear and your nearest and dearest and experience the winter wonderland of Banff National Park’s ski resorts.

Before you go, book your lift ticket ahead of time, and check for operational changes at the resorts this ski season.

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Santa hits the ski slopes, gliding through powder at a ski resort in Banff National Park in the winter.Santa hits the ski slopes, gliding through powder at a ski resort in Banff National Park in the winter.Santa hits the ski slopes, gliding through powder at a ski resort in Banff National Park in the winter.

For more information about Christmas in Banff and Lake Louise, please visit Christmas in Banff and Lake Louise.

Or to plan your trip around Banff National Park, have a look at our Trip Builder tool. It'll help you find activities, accommodation and places to eat for your upcoming trip!

Plan Your Trip to Banff and Lake Louise

Start planning your dream trip to Banff and Lake Louise today with our easy to use Trip Builder. Curate you perfect trip from start to finish with accommodation, dining, activities, sightseeing adventures and more!

Banff & Lake Louise Tourism

Banff & Lake Louise Tourism

Real Banff is an inside look at the events and activities around the park, brought to you by Banff & Lake Louise Tourism. Our mission is to have a post on pretty much everything that is available for you to do in Banff, Lake Louise and beyond.