Snow-covered mountains, festive storefronts and the glow of Banff Christmas lights make Christmas in Banff a pretty special time to visit. Add in events like In Search of Christmas Spirit, fresh snow around town and the chance of a white Christmas, and Banff feels especially festive in the weeks leading up to Christmas Day.
As Canmore locals, we spend a lot of time in Banff throughout the winter, and Christmas is one of our favourite times to be there. There’s plenty happening over the holiday season, but there are also a few things worth knowing before you plan your trip, especially when it comes to event dates, reservations, winter weather and what will actually be open over Christmas.
In this guide, we share our favourite things to do in Banff at Christmas, along with the Christmas events, winter activities and local tips we think are most useful when planning your visit. Whether you’re coming for Christmas week or visiting earlier in December, our goal is to help you make the most of this festive time in Banff and Lake Louise.
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Christmas in Banff: Quick Guide
Christmas in Banff combines snowy mountain scenery with festive events, Christmas markets, lights, outdoor skating, skiing, sleigh rides and visits with Santa. Most holiday events begin in mid-November, while Christmas week adds special dining and seasonal activities in Banff and Lake Louise.
Some of the best things to do in Banff at Christmas include:
- Experience In Search of Christmas Spirit
- Visit the Banff Christmas Market
- See Santa at the Banff Gondola
- Follow the Banff Hot Chocolate Trail
- Go ice skating at Lake Louise
- Take a horse-drawn sleigh ride
- Ski at one of Banff’s three ski resorts
- See the Christmas lights on Banff Avenue
- Enjoy Christmas brunch or dinner
- Visit the Fairmont Banff Springs at Christmas
Best Things to do in Banff at Christmas
You’ll love visiting Banff in December and spending Christmas in Banff National Park. The soft blanket of snow around the town of Banff and on the mountaintops of the Canadian Rockies makes you feel like you are in a real-life snow globe. In downtown Banff, it seems like everyone is in the spirit with Christmas lights and decorations everywhere you look.
In addition to the festive atmosphere, there are plenty of fun things to do in Banff at Christmas! Here are all our favourite Banff Christmas activities:
Let Me Help with Your Banff Itinerary!
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1. In Search of Christmas Spirit
In Search of Christmas Spirit is a live Christmas story told by the Banff wildlife portrayed as lit sculptures. You experience this Banff Christmas activity while walking through Cascade of Time Garden at night with a lantern.
It’s not only a magical Banff Christmas experience, but it’s a fun activity for the whole family. There’s actually something quite peaceful about this easy Banff walk in the dark of the winter evening. We’d argue that this is one of the best free things to do in Banff at Christmas.
You will need to book tickets through Banff and Lake Louise Tourism for a time slot to take part in this Banff Christmas event. It’s completely outdoors, so dress warmly for a winter evening. We recommend dressing warmer than you think you’ll need to, as it’s a nice slow stroll.
In 2026, In Search of Christmas Spirit runs from 4:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. on select evenings from November 12, 2026 to January 3, 2027. It runs Thursday through Sunday before Christmas, then nightly from December 17 through January 3
Read More
Not sure what to pack for Banff at Christmas? Our Banff Winter Packing List covers everything you need to stay warm and comfortable while exploring the Canadian Rockies in winter.
2. Mountaintop Christmas at the Banff Gondola
The Mountaintop Christmas at the top of the Banff Gondola does an excellent job at spreading festive cheer for anyone visiting Banff for Christmas.
You can enjoy the Mountaintop Christmas on Saturdays & Sundays starting mid-November, then daily from December 22 to December 31st. A trip up the Banff Gondola to the top of Sulphur Mountain is the perfect way to celebrate Christmas in Banff National Park.
If you’re wondering where to get pictures with Santa in Banff, you can get pictures here. In fact, more than half of our family pictures with Santa have been taken at the Mountaintop Christmas. It’s one of our favourite family Christmas traditions in Banff.
From decorating cookies to enjoying a hot chocolate next to a cozy fire, there are plenty of other ways to get into the Christmas spirit. Mountaintop Christmas programming is included with Banff Gondola admission.
While we know there are plenty of things to do in Banff at Christmas, don’t forget to take some time to walk the Sulphur Mountain Boardwalk for some of the most incredible views from the Sulphur Mountain summit!
As you’d imagine, Mountaintop Christmas is a very popular event and we highly recommend you make reservations in advance. If you are visiting Banff with kids, note that one child rides free per paying adult when visiting before noon.
Read More
For more information on this top Banff attraction, we have a complete guide to visiting the Banff Gondola.
3. Warm Up on the Banff Hot Chocolate Trail
Is there anything more enjoyable at Christmas than sitting by a fire with a hot chocolate? While we know a Christmas holiday in Banff will be jam-packed with activities, don’t forget to take some time to slow down and take it all in!
Indulge with the incredible creations found along Banff’s hot chocolate trail as you take in the lights in Banff on Christmas Day. The perfect way to warm up after a snowy adventure.
Get the full list of participating restaurants for the Banff Hot Chocolate Trail.
Like many of Banff’s Christmas activities, the Hot Chocolate Trail starts mid-November. It will run until the end of the SnowDays Festival on February 7, 2027. With over 30 limited-time hot chocolates with a holiday theme available to try from the participating Banff restaurants and cafes, it will be hard to choose just one festive hot chocolate!
4. Visit the Banff Christmas Markets
The Banff Christmas markets are the perfect way to get some Christmas shopping done while letting your excitement for the holidays grow! Whether you plan to stay in Banff over Christmas or not, save some room for the local artisanal items you’ll want to splurge on at the Banff Christmas Market.
If you have the time during your Banff winter vacation, take some time to visit both the Banff Christmas Market and the Canmore Christmas Artisans Market.
The Banff Christmas Market is held over four weekends, typically starting late-November until mid-December. The 2026 Banff Christmas Market runs Thursday through Sunday from November 19 to December 13. It’s held at Banff Train Station and pre-purchased tickets are required.
The annual Canmore Christmas Artisans Market typically takes place mid-November at the Canmore Recreation Centre. Admission is $5. The 2026 Canmore Christmas Artisans’ Market takes place November 21–22 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Local Tip
If you miss the Banff Christmas markets, but still want to shop local then Alberta’s Own Market in Canmore is full of locally crafted goods!
5. Get Pictures with Santa
It’s not really Christmas unless you get to see Santa and even better if you can get a picture with the man in red. Add to your collection of memories of Christmas in Banff with a picture with Santa.
Your best options to see Santa in Banff during the holiday season are up the Banff Gondola or at the Banff Christmas Market.
Read More
Want even more ideas for your winter trip? Our guide to the best things to do in Banff in winter covers our favourite winter activities, scenic spots and local experiences to help you make the most of your time in Banff.
6. Take a Christmas Sleigh Ride
If you aren’t up for more walking after a day of skiing or snowshoeing, treat yourself to a sleigh ride through Banff or at Lake Louise. Enjoy the peacefulness of this experience as you sit in awe of the stunning mountain views surrounding Banff or Lake Louise.
Find out how to geta 5% discount on this Banff sleigh ride on our Banff Deals page.
For a Lake Louise Christmas sleigh ride, book one of the 15-passenger horse drawn sleigh rides that departs from the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise and takes you along the beautiful Lake Louise. Get bundled up and enjoy an evening sleigh ride after a delicious Christmas dinner.
7. See the Banff Christmas Lights
Is there anything more Christmas-y than twinkling lights?
Take your own Banff Christmas lights tour during an evening stroll through the streets of downtown Banff. An easy walk in Banff with hot chocolate in hand is the perfect Christmas Eve activity in Banff!
8. Visit The Spirit of Christmas Store
If you’re looking for the perfect Christmas souvenir, this is where you’ll find it!
While browsing through the shops along Banff Avenue at any time of year, it’s worth a stop in the Spirit of Christmas store. This store spreads Christmas cheer all year long and visiting this Banff Christmas store is bound to put you in the holiday spirit. For the perfect Banff souvenir, we recommend purchasing an ornament to remind you of your trip to Banff in Christmas!
9. Enjoy a Country Christmas Dinner
For a fun thing to do in Lake Louise at Christmas, take part in a Country Christmas Dinner. Enjoy a sleigh ride from the Chateau Lake Louise to a cozy rustic barn where you will savour a delicious Christmas feast.
Along with dinner, enjoy live entertainment and dancing. For Christmas 2026, the Country Christmas Dinner & Sleigh Ride is offered December 23, 26, 28 and 30.
10. See A Christmas Carol
A Christmas Carol is a holiday classic that is fun to see every Christmas! This family friendly Christmas event takes place at the Fairmont Banff Springs hotel. Tickets are available throughout December with special performances on Christmas Eve and on Christmas Day.
Get tickets for A Christmas Carol here.
11. See the CPKC Holiday Train
The CPKC Holiday Train comes through Banff in all its decorated glory every other year. The CPCK Holiday Train raises food, money and awareness for people who go hungry.
The CPCK Holiday Train is next schedule to visit Banff in 2026.
12. Visit the Rotary Festival of Trees in Canmore
The Rotary Club of Canmore puts on several festive events! There are events for all ages including The Spirits of Christmas Tasting Experience for an adults night out or Breakfast with Santa for the kids.
The events take place at The Malcolm Hotel in Canmore. For more information, please visit the Rotary Club of Canmore’s Festival of Trees website.
13. Have a Christmas Day Brunch
Start your Christmas Day with a Christmas brunch. There are several places around Banff that offer an incredible Christmas Day brunch. If you are a guest at the Banff Springs Hotel, their Christmas Day Brunch is pretty amazing.
Make sure you have one of our other Banff Christmas activities planned for the day, or you won’t have any room for Christmas dinner!
14. See Santa on the Slopes
Skiing in Banff at Christmas is the perfect way to get some Christmas cheer! All three Banff ski resorts are open on Christmas Day. If skiing in Banff on Christmas Day doesn’t make for some incredible memories, I don’t know what will!
Check each of the Banff ski resorts resort websites to see what events they have planned for Christmas Day:
In years past, dressing like Santa on Christmas Day could get you a free day of skiing!
New to downhill skiing? There are tons of great ski runs for beginners at Sunshine Ski Resort and easy green runs at the Lake Louise Ski Resort.
15. Go Ice Skating in Banff
One of our favourite Christmas Day activities! Seriously, if you are looking for things to do on Christmas in Banff, this is it. Imagine ice skating with a mountain backdrop then warming up with a cup of hot chocolate. That feels like Christmas!
If you are lucky with your timing, you might have the opportunity to skate on a frozen Banff lake before it’s covered in snow. If your timing isn’t right, don’t worry as there are other opportunities for ice skating in Banff National Park!
If you are in Lake Louise at Christmas, then lace up your skates for skating on the cleared ice on the lake. For skating at Lake Louise, the Fairmont typically maintains a cleared skating area once conditions allow.
If you’d like a memorable activity to do after Christmas dinner in Banff, ice skating is a great option. Check out the best places to go ice skating in Banff.
16. Have Christmas Dinner in Banff
If you are looking to go all out, then look at the Christmas Day dining options at the Banff Springs Hotel. The 360 Dome offers panoramic views along with a six-course Christmas dinner. This will be unlike any Christmas dinner you’ve had before.
Christmas at the Castle dining also has buffets as an alternative dining option at a fraction of the price above.
For other dining options, there are many incredible restaurants in Banff and area that serve up a Christmas dinner. The Banff Collective is a good place to start looking for Banff restaurants open on Christmas Day.
17. Go Tobogganing in Banff
Say what? That’s what we Canadians call sledding and it’s the perfect Canadian Christmas tradition! Grab a sled and head to one of the local hills for some fun in the snow.
Adults will feel like kids again, guaranteed! Don’t forget to have a snowball fight and make some snow angels! Your Banff Christmas memories will be filled with smiles and laughter!
18. See a Holiday Performance at Banff Centre
The Banff Centre for Arts and Creativity is the perfect place to look for holiday performances or concerts to get you in the Christmas spirit for the holiday season in Banff. Check the Banff Centre events page to see what’s on during your Banff Christmas vacation.
19. Visit the Fairmont Banff Springs
We’ve mentioned the Fairmont Banff Springs several times already, but there’s no better place to get into the festive spirit. Marvel at the Banff Springs Hotel Christmas decorations while taking a leisurely walk (with hot chocolate in hand) through the stunning Banff Springs Hotel.
20. Go Snowshoeing in Banff
There’s nothing quite like snowshoeing through a winter wonderland, with snow-covered treetops all around you, to get into the Christmas spirit. Make it even more cheerful by singing Christmas carols as you walk through what feels like a snow globe.
Snowshoeing in Banff is the ideal activity to work off your Christmas brunch before indulging in Christmas dinner. You’ll have no trouble finding a Banff snowshoe trail to suit your ability level.
If you’re visiting Banff without your own snowshoes, joining a guided tour is one of the easiest ways to try snowshoeing without worrying about gear, route-finding or winter conditions on your own.
Two excellent options are the Sunshine Meadows Snowshoeing Experience, which is a great choice if you want big mountain scenery, and Snowshoeing to the Paint Pots, a good option if you prefer a guided forest outing with an interesting destination along the way.
For an easy snowshoe in Banff National Park, head over to the Johnson Lake hike which makes an excellent beginner snowshoe. For something that’s a little longer, you can snowshoe to the Ink Pots. We also really enjoy the Stoney Lookout snowshoe at Mount Norquay.
If it happens to be one of those years where there just isn’t enough snow at Christmas in Banff, enjoy one of these best winter hikes in Banff. The Surprise Corner to Hoodoos trail is a very enjoyable easy hike right from the town of Banff, as is the popular Tunnel Mountain hike.
Alternatively, you can usually find excellent snow by doing one of these easy snowshoes in Kananaskis.
21. Go Cross Country Skiing
Cross-country skiing is a great alternative to snowshoeing, depending on what your family enjoys more. There are plenty of great cross-country ski trails in Banff for the whole family to enjoy.
Even if cross-country skiing is a new sport to your family, that’s the perfect way to make some wonderful Christmas memories in Banff National Park.
22. Go Snow Tubing
If giant smiles are what you’re after during your Banff Christmas holiday, then a stop at one of the Banff tube parks will make that happen.
Both Lake Louise Ski Resort and Mt Norquay have tube parks for some of the most fun you can have in Banff in winter. If you just don’t want the fun to end, Norquay has night tubing.
Need Help Planning Your Banff Winter Itinerary?
The Banff & Jasper Planning Hub includes our 7-Day Banff Winter Itinerary, built from years of exploring Banff in winter to help you plan a realistic, well-paced trip.
23. Take an Ice Walk
If you’re looking for a unique winter experience while visiting Banff at Christmas, an ice walk is well worth considering. Walking through a frozen canyon surrounded by snow-covered cliffs and frozen waterfalls is a completely different experience from seeing these places in summer.
Two of the best options are Johnston Canyon in Banff National Park and Grotto Canyon near Canmore. Both can be done on your own if you’re comfortable walking on icy winter trails and have proper traction devices, but conditions can be slippery and winter route-finding is not always as straightforward as it looks.
If you’d rather have someone else handle the gear and the logistics, a guided ice walk is an easy option. We especially like the Johnston Canyon Icewalk for visitors staying in Banff, while the Grotto Canyon Icewalk is a great choice if you’re staying in Canmore or want to explore somewhere outside Banff National Park. A tour is also a good option if this is your first time hiking in winter conditions and you’d simply feel more comfortable going with a guide.
24. Go Dog Sledding
Dog sledding is another fun way to enjoy the stunning winter scenery around Banff and Lake Louise at Christmas. Treat the family to a fun outing like dog sledding.
Dog sledding can be done either from Lake Louise or Canmore. If you plan to spend Christmas at Lake Louise, contact Kingmik Dog Sled Tours.
For Canmore, contact Snow Owl Dog Sled Tours. The Canmore dog sledding tours take place in the Spray Lakes Provincial Park just outside of Canmore.
25. Try Fat Biking
All these activities for visiting Banff at Christmas are about keeping a smile on your face and enjoying all that Banff National Park has to offer. There are so many fun Banff winter activities and fat biking in Banff is one of our favourites!
Whether you decide to rent a fat bike and go on your own or join a fatbiking tour, we are sure you are going to enjoy every minute of it!
26. Visit the Banff Upper Hot Springs
After all those Banff Christmas activities that got you out playing in the snow, it’s time to warm up in the Banff Hot Springs!
What better place to relax after a day of fun than at the Banff Upper Hot Springs. You will love a dip into the hot pools with large snowflakes falling around you and your sore muscles will thank you for it!
27. Walk Along Vermilion Lakes
After your Christmas dinner in Banff, take an easy Banff walk along Vermilion Lakes Road for some fresh air and stargazing.
28. Enjoy Afternoon Tea
An Afternoon Tea in Banff is the perfect afternoon activity after a morning out exploring or on a particularly cold day. Both the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise and the Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel offer Afternoon Tea in Banff.
As part of Christmas at the Castle, the Banff Springs Hotel offers a holiday-themed afternoon tea starting in mid-November.
29. Ride the Lake Louise Sightseeing Gondola
If seeing the spectacular mountain peaks from the Banff Gondola isn’t enough, you can also take the Lake Louise sightseeing gondola for a stunning winter view of Banff National Park.
While the sightseeing gondola still operates at Lake Louise in winter, it’s important to note that the services and restaurants at the top aren’t open in the winter.
30. Look for Banff Wildlife
There are so many things to do in Banff in winter that it might feel difficult to fit them all in. Seeing Banff wildlife is one of the highlights of visiting Banff National Park, even in winter. Take the time on a scenic drive in Banff to spot wildlife on your own or join a wildlife safari tour.
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Best Places to Stay in Banff at Christmas
Banff Springs Hotel
There are few places more magical than the Banff Springs Hotel at Christmas. One of Banff’s best hotels, this 5-star luxury Banff hotel is incredible any time of year, but when it is decorated for Christmas it’s a place you won’t soon forget.
The Banff Springs Hotel goes all-out at Christmas. The Christmas at the Castle package offers guests a variety of special Christmas events including Bedtime Stories with Mrs. Claus, private photo sessions with Santa, Holiday Crafts with Mrs. Claus and the Snowflake Scavenger Hunt.
Worried about how much it costs to stay at the Banff Springs Hotel? Check out our review of a Fairmont Room, the most affordable room at the Fairmont.
Chateau Lake Louise
Lake Louise in December is incredible. Between the Lake Louise ski resort, the cross-country ski trails, the cleared skating rink on Lake Louise, snowshoeing and dog sled tours, there are simply too many excellent winter activities to choose from.
The best place to base your visit to Lake Louise in December is the iconic Chateau Lake Louise. Special Christmas experiences at the Chateau Lake Louise include sleigh rides, sipping a cocktail at the Ice Bar, toasting s’mores at the lakefront campfire and decorating gingerbread houses.
Get all the details in our full review of the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise hotel.
Stay in a Cozy Banff Cabin
Stay in a cozy Banff cabin during your Banff Christmas vacation! While you’ll be further away from Banff town and restaurants, you’ll enjoy you’ll enjoy a quieter, more peaceful Banff winter experience.
Baker Creek Mountain Resort and Castle Mountain Chalets are both found along the Bow Valley Parkway scenic drive. Still a short drive from the Banff townsite, you can enjoy a rustic cabin feel in these cozy Banff cabins in the winter.
If you want to stay closer to the action, the Banff Log Cabin is a fun alternative in town. Our list of the best Banff cabins for rent gives you all the options you need to enjoy staying in Banff during Christmas!
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Dan Brewer, a life-long Alberta resident, calls Canmore home along with his wife and two kids. He is the co-owner of Travel Banff Canada, where he gets to share his passion for the Canadian Rocky Mountains. Dan, along with his family, love being outdoors doing one of the many activities they enjoy in the mountains: hiking, mountain biking, paddleboarding, skiing, snowshoeing and cross-country skiing.
When he's not in Canmore enjoying one of his favourite local hikes, you can find him hopping on a plane to explore a new country with his family or working on one of their other two travel sites: Family Can Travel and Baby Can Travel.