Skip to main content

Where to Eat For Christmas in Banff and Lake Louise

Published Date
Dec 13, 2022|
Themes
Food & Drink, Events & Festivals
Banff Springs Hotel, Santa Suite, Christmas, Banff National Park

Waking in a quiet little mountain town as the snow gently drifts its way to the ground on Christmas Day is like stepping into a Hallmark movie. There's no more Canadian way to spend the season than a magical holiday getaway, especially when it's complete with sleigh rides, ice skating on natural lakes, and last-minute shopping for handcrafted gifts.

But, no matter the friends and family you're surrounded by, Christmas isn't truly festive without a shared feast. We've got you covered for a belt-loosening meal - without the cleanup! Be sure to make a reservation, so you are gaurenteed a seat in your restaurant of choice.

Traditional Christmas Feasts

Ready to celebrate the holidays with a quintessential Canadian Rockies Christmas celebration? Plenty of locations are ready to serve traditional offerings with a few local twists.

Located in the heart of downtown Banff, The Maple Leaf is open from 5:00 pm on December 25th for a special house-roasted turkey dinner with all the fixings. You can find the regular a la carte menu as well. Enjoy this Canadian-inspired experience featuring Alberta beef, game, fresh fish, and seafood.

Gather at Chuck's Steakhouse this December 25th for an Alberta-inspired Christmas meal with all the seasonal fixings. They will also have the a la carte menu available and the celebrations begin at 5:00 pm.

Restaurant interior with a snowy winter day outsideRestaurant interior with a snowy winter day outsideRestaurant interior with a snowy winter day outside

You have a plethora of wonderful dining options to try after exploring beautiful Bear Street on Christmas Day. Reserve your table at The Bison for a festive, regionally inspired dinner. You'll find a house-roasted turkey with all the seasonal fixings. Celebrations begin at 5:00 pm.

Restaurant InteriorRestaurant InteriorRestaurant Interior

The Juniper Bistro also invites you to gather in the festive spirit with locally inspired dining at Banff's best viewpoint. You can find a Christmas Day Brunch featuring a grazing table of nibbles and treats and your choice of a hot main dish served at your table. Brunch runs from 8m to 2 pm.

Or, indulge in a specialty three-course Christmas dinner menu celebrating the best quality ingredients from local producers. Centred on the classic turkey dinner, the meal also includes a delicious starter and your choice of two decadent desserts. For those not loving turkey, they also have delectable fish or hearty vegan options. Dinner celebrations get underway at 5 pm and run until 9 pm.

A family enjoying festive drinks with brunch and a snowy landscape with Christmas lights in the backgroundA family enjoying festive drinks with brunch and a snowy landscape with Christmas lights in the backgroundA family enjoying festive drinks with brunch and a snowy landscape with Christmas lights in the background

Christmas Brunch on a Mountain Top

Want to get on top of the world for your Christmas Day celebrations? Then the Banff Gondola is where you want to be. A 7-minute gondola ride above a snowy forest that leads to a winter wonderland atop Sulphur Mountain, complete with sweeping mountain vistas and beautiful Christmas decorations. The Northern Lights Alpine Kitchen is the perfect place to go for your Christmas brunch. The menu has something for everyone (including vegan and gluten-free), and each table comes with mountain views.

Santa Clause waves at a gondola car as it passes by on its way into the Banff Gondola station on Sulphur Mountain in Banff National Park.
Mini cupcake deserts with chocolate and sprinkles on top at the Banff Gondola in Banff National Park.

Distinctive Dishes

If you're not craving the usual turkey dinner with all the trimmings, you will still be spoiled for choice when dining on Christmas Day. Create new holiday traditions surrounded by loved ones at the following locations.

Park Distillery specializes in holiday spirit. Visit from 12:00 pm - 10:00 pm for an all-day dinner menu featuring campfire-inspired cooking and spirits distilled in-house.

An aerial view of a group of people dining together and enjoying a large shared feastAn aerial view of a group of people dining together and enjoying a large shared feastAn aerial view of a group of people dining together and enjoying a large shared feast

Three Bears Brewery & Restaurant offers Christmas cheer(s) starting at noon with their a la carte menu featuring pizzas, sandwiches, salads, and beer made in-house.

Restaurant InteriorRestaurant InteriorRestaurant Interior

Hello Sunshine is also shedding some light on unique Christmas offerings. Stop by from 5:00 pm for the a la carte menu, including bao buns, sushi, grilled yakitori skewers, and more! Plus, test out your lungs with some Christmas karaoke in a private room.

The interior of the restaurant Hello Sunshine in Banff in the Canadian Rockies.The interior of the restaurant Hello Sunshine in Banff in the Canadian Rockies.The interior of the restaurant Hello Sunshine in Banff in the Canadian Rockies.

Lupo, Banff's newest Italian eatery, is offering its handmade pasta and wood-fired-oven pizzas from 5:00 pm to help you celebrate on Christmas Day. Enjoy their a la carte menu and perfect wine pairings all evening long.

Interior of the restaurant Lupo, inspired by an Italian market. In the Banff townsite in Banff National Park.Interior of the restaurant Lupo, inspired by an Italian market. In the Banff townsite in Banff National Park.Interior of the restaurant Lupo, inspired by an Italian market. In the Banff townsite in Banff National Park.

Looking for something a bit warmer or inspired by places warmer on your Christmas Day? Try the Magpie & Stump for Mexican-inspired cuisine of tacos and nachos. Magpie opens for celebrations at 5 pm with their a la carte menu.

Perhaps something a bit more Canadian matches your needs. If that's the case - Eddie Burger and Bar are open from 5 pm and serve up burgers inspired by Canada with specialty game meats like elk and bison.

If cozy comfort is what you are after, Banff's Bluebird is open from 5 pm for your Christmas dinner celebrations. Wood-fired hearth, cozy foods, and a big central fireplace make this a warm, comfy vibe perfect for families celebrating.

Interior of Bluebird in Banff National Park.Interior of Bluebird in Banff National Park.Interior of Bluebird in Banff National Park.

If you're looking for more party and activity than sit-down-meal, High Rollers is where you will want to go. The pizza pub and bowling alley is hosting two DJ parties on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.

On December 24th, the pub is open from noon until the late hours of the night with a DJ Party starting at 9 pm.

On December 25, the celebrations get going at 5 pm, and DJ Raven appears at 9 pm to really crank things up.

Perhaps this is your new Christmas tradition. Pizza, brews, and bowling with friends and family.

Interior of a red and white bowling alley called High Rollers on Banff Ave in Banff National Park.Interior of a red and white bowling alley called High Rollers on Banff Ave in Banff National Park.Interior of a red and white bowling alley called High Rollers on Banff Ave in Banff National Park.
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.