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Guide To Christmas Events in Banff and Lake Louise

Published Date
Nov 14, 2023|
Themes
Events & Festivals
Kids sit with Santa at the Banff Christmas Market.

In Banff and Lake Louise, the holidays bring a diverse array of outdoor experiences and festivities for all. Here are all the must-visit holiday happenings in Banff National Park this season.

In Search of Christmas Spirit - A Live Christmas Story

This enchanting experience will help you find that unbeatable sense of Christmas spirit that we are all seeking in this year of uncertainty. 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.

The story is delivered by illuminated puppets, dazzling sculptures, and ingenious sound effects. It’s a tale of hope and unity that will strike a chord with everyone this Christmas in Banff and Lake Louise. Book your free tickets and get ready for a totally transformed walk through the park.

Where: Cascade of Time Garden

When: November 17, 2023 - December 31, 2023

Time: 4:30 p.m. - 9:30 pm

Cost: Free

*Tickets and registration required

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A couple walks through In Search of Christmas Spirit.A couple walks through In Search of Christmas Spirit.A couple walks through In Search of Christmas Spirit.

Banff Christmas Market

The Banff Christmas Market is inspired by the Old World and influenced by the New. It captures all of the tradition, heritage, and romance of these European Markets while showcasing the best artisanal products of the Bow Valley and its surrounding regions. Boasting unique products, family-friendly entertainment, and a festive menu of cocktails, pretzels, mulled wine, and sweets, The Banff Christmas Market creates a warm and inviting environment for families of all ages during the day and an adult atmosphere in the evening.

Where: Warner Stables, 100 Sundance Rd

When: November 17-19, November 24-26, and December 1-3, 2023

Hours: Friday & Saturday 10 am - 8 pm, Sunday 10 am - 4 pm

Entry Fee: $10.00 + 5% GST. Children 10 & under are free.

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A couple sits at a campfire at the Banff Christmas Market.A couple sits at a campfire at the Banff Christmas Market.A couple sits at a campfire at the Banff Christmas Market.

Mountaintop Christmas

Jump aboard the Banff Gondola and visit Santa's Workshop at the summit of Sulphur Mountain. Enjoy Christmas delights, pose for a photo with Santa, and explore the Above Banff Interpretive Centre.

Where: Banff Gondola

When: Weekends December 2 to December 24, 2023 & Daily December 25 - 30, 2023

Cost: All activities are free with gondola admission. Kids travel free with each paying adult when you visit before 12 noon.

Buy Tickets

Nightrise at the Banff Gondola

At Nightrise, Sulphur Mountain’s summit is transformed after dark through four digital art installations. Vibrant lighting, multimedia effects, video projections and music bring the mountaintop to life in new and unexpected ways.

Where: Banff Gondola

When: Weekends November 18, 2023 - March 30, 2024

Cost: All activities are free with gondola admission.

Buy Tickets

A photo of the Nightrise Event held at the Banff Gondola in Banff National ParkA photo of the Nightrise Event held at the Banff Gondola in Banff National ParkA photo of the Nightrise Event held at the Banff Gondola in Banff National Park

Country Christmas Dinner

The evening begins with a short sleigh ride transfer from the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise over to our Dance Barn where a live country and western band will welcome you into the warm and cozy Dance Barn.

All decorated for the Christmas season, featuring our 16 foot tall horseshoe Christmas tree, the Dance Barn is a place for families to kick back and enjoy some western hospitality.

Where: Brewster Barn

When: December 23, 27 & 30, 2023

Depart: Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise at 6 pm and 6:30 pm

Buy Tickets

A Christmas Carol at the Fairmont Banff Springs

A Christmas Carol At Fairmont Banff Springs returns for it's 6th year! Do not miss this timeless, heart warming tale of a man named Scrooge who is visited by three ghosts and learns what the true meaning of Christmas is all about! Produced and created at one of the most beautiful places on earth

Where: Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel

When: December 7 - 31, 2023

Entry Fee: $26-$38

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Santa on the Mountain at Banff Sunshine Village

Ski or snowboard with Mr. and Mrs. Claus on the slopes as they take a break from the Christmas rush. Find them in the village and skiing around the mountain and take a photo with them!

Where: Banff Sunshine Village Ski Resort

When: December 9 - 10, 2023

Entry Fee: Cost of a lift ticket.

Christmas on Skis

Looking to hit the slopes for Christmas? Gather your gear and your nearest and dearest and experience the winter wonderland of Banff National Park’s ski resorts.

Before you go, book your lift ticket ahead of time, and check for operational changes at the resorts this ski season.

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Santa, Mount Norquay, Banff National ParkSanta, Mount Norquay, Banff National ParkSanta, Mount Norquay, Banff National Park

For more information about Christmas in Banff and Lake Louise, please visit Christmas in Banff and Lake Louise.

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.