In Search of Christmas Spirit
In Search of Christmas Spirit is an event in Downtown Banff that we enjoy yearly around the holidays. This walking light experience show, presented by Jason Carter Ryan Gallery, tells a full Christmas story through illumination displays, lights, sounds, and some light reading.
The walking tour starts at the end of Banff Avenue at Cascade Gardens. It typically takes about 45 minutes to walk; the event runs on select dates from Nov. 12, 2026 – Jan 3, 2027. Although it is a free walking tour, you still need tickets to enjoy it, and they do sell out, so it’s important to pay attention to the release date. If you can’t find tickets, continue checking back for cancellations, as they happen, especially the day of. This is an entirely outdoor event, so dress warm!
In Search of Christmas Spirit will be held at the Cascade of Time Gardens on select dates from Nov. 12, 2026 – Jan 3, 2027.
- When: Select dates from Nov. 12, 2026 – Jan 3, 2027
- Operational Dates:
- November 12 – 15, 2026
- November 19 – 22, 2026
- November 26 – 29, 2026
- December 3 – 6, 2026
- December 10 – 13, 2026
- December 17, 2026 – January 3, 2027 nightly
- Operational Dates:
- Time: 4:30 PM – 9:00 pm
- Where: Cascade of Time Garden (GPS Point)
- How Long Does This Take? Plan to spend between 30-60 minutes on this walk.
- How much does it cost? This event is free, but all members still require tickets, excluding children under 2.
- Where to get tickets: BanffLakeLouise Tourism website, closer to the dates.
- 2026 Ticketing Release Dates:
- TBD
- Accessibility: This walking tour is not accessible as there are some stairs. The walkway can also get quite icy in the winter, so microspikes might come in handy.
- Good to Know:
- The event is relatively well lit, but in case you have trouble seeing a flashlight may some in handy.
- It is very cold around this time in Banff, especially at night, so dress warm. This includes a hat, gloves, scarf, and thermals. See our winter packing list for Banff.
- No pets are allowed in Cascade Gardens.
- Public Transit: You can use Roam Transit Route 1 and 2, get off at the Banff Park Museum, and walk to the gardens. However, Cascade of Time Gardens are an easy walk from Banff Avenue. Parking is not available at the gardens.
