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. So whether you celebrate on December 24 or 25, we’ve got you covered for a belt-loosening meal - without the cleanup!
Don't forget to share photos of your meal with #MyBanffChristmas for your chance to win a trip to Banff and Lake Louise!
Baker Creek Mountain Resort
This heart-warming lodge is found along the Bow Valley Parkway; one of the most stunning drives in Banff National Park. Its log cabins are nestled in amongst pine trees on a property dotted with outdoor fire pits and an outdoor skating rink.
Experience it yourself between December 1 - January 5 (2 - 10 pm) and indulge in their seasonally inspired menu featuring a three-course meal.
Banff Gondola
Disembarking from the gondola ride you may feel as though you’ve been transported to the north pole itself.
Join them from December 20 - 31 for a festive dinner buffet at the Northern Lights Cafe between 4:30 - 6:30 pm. The dinner lineup includes chef-carved beef brisket, sage & honey-brined turkey, and baked salmon with delicious sides, salads and desserts.
Banff Hospitality Collective
If you’re feeling starved for choice, the Banff Hospitality Collective restaurants will be open to serve you delicious meals on Christmas day. Whether you’re craving an Albertan steak, fresh tacos, gourmet pizza or even a game of bowling - they’ve got you covered.
The Bison, Maple Leaf, Chuck’s Steakhouse, Park Distillery, High Rollers, Magpie & Stump, Bear St. Tavern, and Eddie Burger will all be open on Christmas Day. Pick your favourite and check out their menu online (fixed-price or a la carte). Hours vary per restaurant.
See all of the restaurants, menus & hours
Buffalo Mountain Lodge
After a decadent, locally sourced three-course meal for two the night before, you’ve woken on December 26 wondering if anyone could still be hungry. But the smell of fresh brewing coffee and the promise of an equally delicious breakfast remind your stomach there’s always room for a well-prepared meal.
The best news? All you had to do was show up and everything was included in one bundled package.
Deer Lodge
Moments from the shores of Lake Louise, Deer Lodge is what postcards aspire to be - a picture-perfect winter wonderland. The lodge transforms with its extravagant decor into the perfect backdrop for next year’s holiday card.
Kick your feet up and truly relax with this overnight special for two including a three-course Christmas dinner and breakfast the following morning. Everything is taken care of, so all you have to worry about is picking the perfect sweater for your photo.
Elk & Oarsman
Perched above Banff Avenue, this welcoming pub offers some of the best views of the twinkling lights lining the main street.
The cozy restaurant is a local’s favourite for après-ski, so after donning your Santa suit on the hill, come by for a hearty meal and beverage.
Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel
If Christmas is your favourite time of year, a visit to the Banff Springs Hotel is a must! The castle serves up festive dining options throughout the whole month of December, especially around the big day.
From December 24 - 26 enjoy buffet-style meals at several of their restaurants or start your morning off on December 25 & 26 with a holiday-themed brunch.
Reservations are strongly recommended and can be made online.
The Juniper Bistro
Spend Christmas Day with the Juniper Bistro. Start your morning (no matter how late) with a buffet brunch from 9 am - 3 pm. Loaded with all of the trimmings, it includes holiday specials along with Bistro favourites.
In the evening, drop in for a gourmet buffet dinner. Their attention to seasonal, local bites doesn’t waver throughout the year and you can taste it for yourself from 5 - 8 pm.
Lake Louise Ski Resort
Start Christmas off right with a turkey feast at Lake Louise Ski Resort on December 24 from 5:30 - 9 pm. After a full day of fun on the slopes, join them at the Lodge of Ten Peaks for a buffet with hot chocolate and a cash bar. Following dinner, enjoy a visit from Santa Claus, a magician, and nighttime snow tubing.
Free shuttles are available for Lake Louise hotels.
Continue the festivities on New Year's Eve with a buffet, cash bar, night snow tubing and a dance party with One Nite Band from 6 pm - 1 am. They’ll keep you and your family dancing right up until the midnight champagne toast.
Free shuttles are available to Lake Louise and Banff.
Nourish Bistro
Banff’s favourite vegetarian restaurant, Nourish Bistro, has your plans covered on December 24, 26 and 31. They’ll be serving up a four-course meal, fixed-price cocktails and the musical stylings of Alanna J Brown & Andy Loops from 6 - 10:30 pm.
The Rimrock Resort Hotel
If you believe celebrations deserve a special dress code, the Rimrock is your place. With casual, semi-formal and elegant dress codes, you’re sure to find an evening to suit.
The Primrose begins seating at 4 pm with a four-course traditional Christmas feast, Eden begins seating at 6 pm with a high-end five-course meal, or join them for a traditional Christmas buffet starting at 5 pm!
