Guide To Christmas Events in Banff and Lake Louise
- Published
- Nov 14, 2023|
- Last Updated
- Sep 18, 2025|
- Events & Festivals
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. 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 13 - Dec 31, 2025
Time: 4:30pm - 9:30pm
Cost: Free
*Tickets and registration required
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: Friday, Saturday, and Sunday | November 21 - December 14, 2025
Hours: Kicks off at 10am
Entry Fee: $15.00 + 5% GST. Children 2 & under are free.
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.
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 2025 - March 2026
Cost: All activities are free with gondola admission.
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 19, 23, 26, and 29, 2025
Depart: Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise
Price: $145.00 Per Adult/ $100 Per Child (6-12 Years Old)
A Christmas Carol at the Fairmont Banff Springs
A Christmas Carol at the Fairmont Banff Springs returns for its 8th 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 - 28, 2025
Entry Fee: $26 - $38
Hot Chocolate Trail
Embark on a flavourful adventure through Banff National Park with the Hot Chocolate Trail.
Follow one of these five trails to discover a treasure map of more than 30 restaurants and cafes each offering a limited-time festive-themed hot chocolate.
When: November 13, 2025, - February 8, 2026
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: December 15, 16, 21, and 22, 2025
Entry Fee: Cost of a lift ticket.
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.
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!
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