Get Involved: Christmas Events

November 14 - December 31, 2024

In Search of Christmas Spirit (ISOCS) is a unique, multisensory outdoor experience through which the animals of Banff National Park share an uplifting story of hope and joy.​ It is the only event that runs across the entire festival season and is tentatively set to begin on November 14 and run through December 31, 2024 (Parks Canada permit pending). The event has grown to be well-known regionally.

Hotels have two options to leverage ISOCS tickets; an exclusive pre-sale ticket access, and an experience and ticket package, detailed below. You can participate in both or either ticketing option.

What You Need to Know:

• This is a key event to use in your marketing initiatives as it runs through the entire Christmas season and gives an extended opportunity to visit and stay overnight.
• The event has shifted from Wednesday – Saturday to Thursday – Sunday to better align with arrival and departure times.
• The target audience is predominantly families, followed by spouses and partners.
• Historically, this event has grown in popularity, becoming a beloved tradition of both locals and visitors, with tickets booking up very quickly once released.
  

Hotel Participation:

Hotel Exclusive Pre-Sale Ticket Access

• To drive overnight visitation, participating hotels will receive exclusive early access for guests to book ISOCS tickets ahead of public ticket sales. Hotels will be provided with an ISOCS booking link with all available event dates and times.

Experience & Ticket Package

• Hotels are invited to package additional programming, events, or offers with ISOCS tickets for select dates.
• Hotels will be required to submit an outline of their unique experience package, and the requested block of dates, times, and ticket volumes. Once reviewed, these ISOCS tickets are held in a separate inventory to protect the tickets from selling out to the general public or other member hotel guests.
• Example Experience Package: A Holiday Girls Getaway Package for groups of three or more - available on Friday or Sundays. Attend ISOCS at 5:00pm followed by complementary Happy Hour drinks at the Thirsty Reindeer, dinner reservations, and a massage and pedicure combo.

The deadline for member participation during this event has passed, however if you are still interested please email rphillips@banfflakelouise.com

November 14 - 17, 22 - 24 & December 1, 6 - 8, 2024

Sponsored by BLLT, the Banff Christmas Market is inspired by the “Old World” and influenced by the new. The event captures the tradition, heritage, and romance of European Holiday Markets with a mountain twist.

With the popularity of this event, predominantly with women between the ages of 25-44, there is a great opportunity for members to leverage the Banff Christmas Market by engaging with and creating offerings for this audience. Examples of offers include promotions for three or more people, or events that would appeal to groups of women.

What You Need to Know:

• The event has changed location and will be held at the Banff Train Station for 2024.
• Tickets go on sale September 1, 2024.
• All locals can attend for free on Local’s Night Thursday, November 14, 2024 – this date also aligns with the tentative opening of In Search of Christmas Spirit.
• Member businesses also have the opportunity to be vendors at the Banff Christmas Market.

Become a Vendor

November 21 - 23, 2024

Sponsored by BLLT, the Banff Craft Beer Festival (BCBF) exclusively features Albertan craft breweries. As an alcohol and food-based event, with the main audience visiting from Calgary, it creates the perfect reason for attendees to stay overnight in Banff.

What You Need to Know:

• BCBF attracts a younger audience who are predominantly women looking to have a night or weekend in Banff.
• Tickets go on sale September 9, 2024.
• This year, there is a change in ticketing strategy. Ticket prices for the event remain the same but are automatically packaged with $40 worth of food and drink coupons (40 coupons). Thursday night packages are $65. Friday night, and Saturday afternoon and evening sessions are $75.