In Search of Christmas Spirit

Discover the wonder of Christmas in Banff National Park this holiday season with In Search of Christmas Spirit. 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.

Dec 2-8 Tickets Dec 12-31 Tickets Event Details

Event Overview

When: Select dates from Nov. 14 - Dec. 31, 2024
Time: 4:30pm - 9:30pm
Location: Cascade of Time Garden
Cost: Tickets required - free event

Outdoor Event Details

Spread throughout the Cascade of Time Garden, In Search of Christmas Spirit is an outdoor Christmas experience available on select nights of the holiday season. The experience follows an enchanted trail and is delivered by illuminated sculptures, an engaging story and captivating sound effects. It tells the story of the wildlife of Banff National Park and their appreciation for the safe space that Banff National Park has gifted them.

Local Indigenous Sculptor/Painter, Jason Carter is responsible for designing the animal sculptures that make this live Christmas story come to life. His incredible illuminated creations inspired by the animals of Banff National Park produce an immersive experience that feels authentic and magical.

As the creative director for the project, Bridget Ryan has played an instrumental role in bringing this experience to life. Bridget collaboratively wrote the story behind In Search of Christmas Spirit and managed the production of the Jason Carter designed animals. She also worked with local and regional talent to design and produce the custom soundscape specially designed to incorporate all senses into the experience.

Jason Carter - Artist

Jason Carter is one of Canada’s most exciting and accomplished contemporary Aboriginal visual artists; celebrated for both his paintings and his carvings.

His work has been acquired into dozens of private collections and he has had several exciting public shows, including the Royal Alberta Museum, Art Gallery of Alberta, The Art Gallery of Calgary and The Indian and Northern Affairs Public Art Display in Ottawa, Ontario. You can even find Jason’s work in The Moose Hotel in Banff, where he hand painted 174, 6ft Moose, and created three giclée prints for each room.

Visit The Carter-Ryan Gallery in Banff or Canmore to see Jason’s work or view his creations online.

Bridget Ryan - Creative Director

Bridget Ryan is an actor, singer, playwright, director, and producer. Bridget has performed at theatres all over Canada and was also part of several national tours before getting off the stage to work alongside a number of notable producers. In 2017, she adapted and directed a five-person version of Christmas Carol which plays every year at Fairmont Banff Springs Theatre.

Bridget has written four children’s books to date: WHO IS BOO: 1, 2 & 3 all illustrated by Jason Carter as well as Urban Animals.

In 2012, Bridget and Jason opened up The Carter-Ryan Gallery and Live Art Venue in Canmore Alberta on Main Street, a place where art and live performance exist happily under the same roof. In 2017 a second location was opened in Banff.

Please note: In the event of extreme weather conditions, In Search of Christmas Spirit may be modified or cancelled. Ticketholders will be communicated in advance of their booking, through email if the event is modified.

Event Location

Distance from Banff:: < 1km
Distance from Lake Louise:: 58km

Walking

The Cascade of Time Garden is an easy walk through downtown Banff from most hotels.

Public Transit

Use Roam Transit Route 1 to the Banff Park Museum and then walk across the bridge to the Cascade of Time Garden.

Parking

Parking is not available at the event site. Paid parking is available at Central Park and then it's just a short walk over the bridge to the Cascade of Time Garden.