Christmas In Banff
Spirit Is In The Air
Banff is magical in the winter with a fresh blanket of snow over the mountain peaks and frosted forests. We love spending Christmas in the Canadian Rockies and highly recommend that travelers consider visiting during the holidays.
Craggy peaks feel even grander than in the summer, but perhaps it’s simply the crisp air. With its magnificent hikes and sparkling blue lakes, summer may get all the glory in the Canadian Rockies, but the holidays are a magical time to visit. There are some wonderful events that everyone will love!
November may be the quietest time for international visitors, but the town continues with wonderful events that local families will love. It’s also the start of the ski season and a good time to get a deal at the restaurants and hotels. The festive events begin around mid-November and wrap up just after the new year.
Magical Ways To Spend Christmas In Banff
Sure, December is cold in Banff, but who cares when it looks like the inside of a snow globe! From ice skating and skiing to cozy fireside dinners and holiday markets, there is something for everyone to enjoy in Banff. And with the charming mountain town filled with festive lights and decorations, it’s easy to get into the holiday spirit.
Banff In December
If you’re visiting in December and curious about what to expect and what to do, we share more in this post.
Ice Skating In Banff
November and December are the best months for wild ice skating. In this post, we share our favorite spots and tips for skating safely.
Skiing In Banff
November kicks off the ski season, and conditions are looking pretty great by December. We’re never more excited than when we strap on our snowboards.
Festive Events
Not everyone wants to go skiing, but that doesn’t mean you can’t have a blast in the winter. While the summer crowds are gone, it’s a great time for locals to embrace the town and enjoy some events around the Rockies. Of course, visitors around this time will be happy to enjoy scenic views alone, better hotel deals, and some great Christmas events.
Taste for Adventure
- What: Prix-fixe restaurant deals
- Where: Banff
- When: October 24th – November 7th
In Search Of Christmas Spirit
- What: Multimedia art show
- Where: Cascade of Time Garden
- When: Select dates from Nov 15 – Dec 31, 2024
- Time: 4:30 p.m. – 9:30 pm
- Cost: Free *Tickets and registration required
Hot Chocolate Trail
- What: Specialty hot chocolates at participating shops.
- Where: Town Of Banff
- When: Select dates from Nov 15 – Dec 31, 2024
- Time: Varies
- Cost: Hot Chocolate
Alberta Beer Festival
- Where: Cave & Basin
- When: November 21-23, 2024
- Time: 5:00 pm – 10:00 pm
- Cost: Tickets $65
Santa Claus Celebration of Lights
- Where: Banff Avenue
- When: November 16th (17th)
- Time: 12:00 pm – 7:00 pm
- Cost: Free
Banff Christmas Market
- Where: Banff Train Station
- When: November 15-17, 22-24, 29-December 1 & 6-8, 2024
- Time: 10:00 am – 6:00 pm
- Cost: $15.00 + 5% GST. Children 2 & under are free.
Mountaintop Christmas
- Where: Banff Gondola
- When: Saturday & Sunday starting Dec 2. Daily 25-30
- Time: 10:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m
- Cost: Adults $66 (One child free with every adult)
Country Christmas Dinner
- Where: Brewster Barn (Chateau Lake Louise)
- When: December 23, 26 & 28
- Cost: $100-145
A Christmas Carol at the Fairmont Banff Springs
- Where: Fairmont Banff Springs
- When: December 5-29
- Time: 7:30pm & 2:00 pm (weekends)
- Cost: $100-145
Where To Stay In Banff Around the Holidays
Winter is a great time to have a comfy room with a fireplace and a hot chocolate. Quite a few hotels and stays around the Banff offer a comfy room with a fireplace. We recommend the Moose Hotel, Buffalo Mountain Lodge, Canoe & Suites, and Tunnel Mountain Resort if you’re seeking a room with fireplace.
Check out Baker Creek, Castle Mountain, and Storm Mountain cabins if you’d like a cozy cabin. For those who want a luxurious stay with incredible decorations and history, it’s tough to beat the Fairmont Banff Springs.
Check Out These Tours
Banff Gondola
Head to the top of the Sulphur Mountain on a scenic gondola ride. The views from the top are unreal!
Snowshoe Tour
Hit the trails on a guided snowshoe tour in the alpine from the Banff Sunshine ski resort.
Ice Walk
A guided ice walk through the magical Johnston Canyon.
Wildlife Tour
Head out to see some of Banff’s most magical spots in search of wildlife.
What To Pack for the Winter?
You can come to Banff National Park in whatever you want, but remember this is an outdoor destination, and you need to be prepared for the wilderness. I’m not saying you need to know how to start a fire from scratch, survive in the woods for three days, and spear your own fish, but things like a hat, gloves, and jacket will come in handy.
Yes, it’s Alberta, and yes, it gets freezing here. You can find our full Banff packing list here. Leave the high heels and fancy dresses at home. There is nowhere to wear them unless you’re attending a wedding or event!
In general, some items you need for winter:
Some Helpful Posts:
Need help planning your winter trip?
Let us craft the perfect trip to the Canadian Rockies. We know all the ins and outs to the Canadian Rockies and can save you a ton of time and money with our insider tips. We’ll customize an itinerary to your liking and help you have an incredible trip.
