Get involved with Christmas Events

We are excited to share our upcoming festive season line up between November 17-December 31, 2023.

This year, we've strategically transformed our Christmas season approach to compel visitors to extend their stay and experience more while visiting. The festive period begins on November 17-19, featuring the early launch of In Search of Christmas Spirit and an enhanced, full-day Santa Claus Celebration of Lights. This aligns with other seasonal experiences including the Banff Christmas Market and the Hot Chocolate Trail, forming a robust kickoff weekend. It not only invites longer overnight visits but also sets the stage for the entire winter, giving visitors compelling reasons to return. Details on how your business can get involved, and be apart of these exciting opportunities are detailed below.

Participation Information for Members:

Celebrate the start of Christmas season with a full day of festivities on Banff Avenue from 11:00AM to 7:00PM! The reimagined Santa Claus Celebration of Lights (formerly known as the Santa Claus Parade of Lights) will capture the nostalgic spirit of the event without the parade.

This all-day event during the Christmas season opening weekend will create a compelling reason for visitors to stay longer, and experience more. Additionally, shifting away from an engine powered 40-minute parade aligns with our commitment to the Nature Positive and Climate Action Trail. This proposal had unanimous support from the Events & Animation Advisory Group's member and community representatives. Join us and help bring this special day to life.

Ways for Members to get involved:

Temporary "Pop-up" Patio/Sidewalk Seating Café Area – If your business has a valid Town of Banff Sidewalk Seating/Café permit on the 100-200 block of Banff Avenue, 200 block of Bear Street, and portions of Caribou and Wolf Street, register through BLLT to set up a patio/seating café area for the day. This area can be any level of service type (eg. Counter, Table or Full Service).
Animate Banff Ave for the Day: With moving away from an engine-powered parade, we invite you to instead create what we are calling, “stationary moments of engagement” or other contributions on the 100-200 block of Banff Avenue during the event. Help us make Banff Ave engaging and vibrant. Examples of participation may include:
- Stationary Float Photo Op Station – develop a festive backdrop or interactive structure (eg. Banff Trail Riders Carriage, or Sunshine TV Photo Frame).
- Interactive Christmas Station - create a pop up station to spread holiday joy.
- Brand Mascot – does your company have a mascot, or other fun “roving” contribution to the event. Let us know.
Be a part of "Light up Banff”: All members are encouraged to decorate storefront displays with lighting and festive cheer. Help us “Light Up Banff” by turning on your festive lights on Nov. 18, 2023. We thank you in advance for respecting our Veterans and Remembrance Day by waiting to turn on your festive lights until the Santa Claus Celebration weekend.
Santa’s Workshop Contributions: Be a part of the workshops where children can come and work with Santa's ‘elves’ to create presents at a crafting tent. Does your business have small items that can be offered in the Santa's Workshop tent? We will use these small items to make little brown paper gift bags for their loved ones. Contributions may include product you no longer need, or you have made too much of such as:
- Swag, samples, soaps, tea, candles, stickers (minimum 50 quantity is preferred)

Register here to participate by October 23. If you have questions, email Lindy Mullen, Production Associate, Rabbit in the Yard Productions.

Add your event to our Events Calendar

We encourage members to take advantage and add your event to our Events Calendar to share special holiday offerings, activities, and programming.