All the magical things to look forward to in Banff this winter
With the Christmas season right around the corner, what place is more magical than Banff during the winter months?
It’s not just the charming European-style architecture set against a backdrop of fluffy snow and cascading mountains that makes Banff a go-to spot over the holidays, but the long list of special events that take over the mountain town.
The town has just announced six weeks of jam-packed programming to get visitors into the holiday spirit, and we honestly can’t wait. Here are all the incredible, magical events to get excited about this year!
Santa Claus Celebration of Lights
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This annual Christmas street celebration is returning to Banff this winter, and there is so much for the whole family to do! There will be musical performances, a chance to visit Santaās Workshop and write letters to jolly old St. Nick, and holiday crafts. At dusk, Santa and Mrs. Claus will lead their dancing elves and additional performers down Banff Avenue, and Santa will light up the mountain town.
Where:Ā Banff Avenue between Wolf Street and Buffalo Street
When: November 18, 11 am to 7 pm
Price: Free
In Search of Christmas Spirit
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Local Indigenous artist Jason Carter designed a unique multi-sensory light trail for visitors to enjoy. It’s an immersive storytelling experience that tells the story of the wildlife of Banff National Park. The trail is complete with illuminated sculptures and captivating sound effects.
Where:Ā Cascade of Time Garden – Cave Avenue,Ā Banff
When: Select dates from November 17 to December 31, 4:30 to 9:30 pm.
Price: Free, but tickets are required and can be purchased online here.
Hot Chocolate Trail
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If you’ve got a sweet tooth and are looking for a way to stay warm during the cold winter months while you walk through Banff, you’ll want to grab one of the incredible limited hot chocolates offered this year. For a full list of participating spots and hot chocolate offerings, click here.
Where: Restaurants and cafƩs throughout Banff
When: November 17 to December 31
Price:Ā Varies
Banff Christmas Market
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Over three weekends, visitors to Banff can check out the holiday Christmas market. Inspired by similar European markets, this is a must-see for Christmas lovers! There will be over 100 vendors and an outdoor fire lounge where you can get festive cocktails, pretzels, and mulled wine. There will also be photo ops at the reindeer stables.
Where: Warner Stables, 100 Sundance Road
When: November 17 to December 3. Fridays and Saturdays from 10 am to 8 pm and Sundays 10 am to 4 pm.
Price: Adults $15, seniors $12, and kids 10 and under get in for free
Mountaintop Christmas
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The Gondola in Banff is getting even more magical this winter with Christmas surprises waiting at the top of Sulphur Mountain. This special Christmas ride features a Santa Claus photo op on top of the world, holiday crafts and cookie decorating, holiday movie screenings, and more.
Where:Ā BanffĀ Gondola Upper Terminal
When: Saturdays and Sundays from December 2 to 24, and daily from December 25 to 30.
Price: Tickets are around $60, kids ride free before noon. You can book your tickets here.
Christmas at the Castle
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Fairmont Banff Springs is throwing its annual Christmas at the Castle programming for both guests and visitors to the world-famous hotel. There will be holiday events, activities, exclusive dining experiences, and a performance of A Christmas Carol. Visitors who aren’t staying at the hotel can purchase tickets for the Journey to the North Pole event, with all proceeds going to charity.
Where:Ā FairmontĀ Banff Springs, 405 Spray Avenue
When: November 26 to December 31. Christmas programming begins November 17 for hotel guests
Price: Tickets to the Journey to the North Pole can be purchased online here
- You might also like:
- An Alberta lake was just named an international winter wonderland
- Skate on a glowing rink with over 300,000 Christmas lights in Sylvan Lake
- A magical winter circus is coming to Calgary this month
Christmas at the Banff Centre
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Comedy lovers will want to head to the Banff Center for “merry making” this year. The Debaters Live on TourĀ will be at the Jenny Belzberg Theatre at the end of the month.
Where:Ā TheĀ Banff Centre for Arts and Creativity – 107 Tunnel Mountain Drive, Banff
When: November 25 at 7 pm
Price: $58.50 per person and can be purchased online here
Santa Claus Skis
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Santa will be visiting the Lake Louise Ski Resort on Christmas where he will be “skiing with his elves and Griff the Grizzly, stopping for pictures and handing out candy to everyone on the Nice List.” If you stop by on the 23rd you’ll also be able to warm up in the lodge with a giant Christmas feast!
Where: Lake Louise Ski Resort – 1 Whitehorn Road, Lake Louise
When: December 23 to 25 with a Christmas Feast on December 23
Price: Tickets to the hill vary and can be purchased online here
Santa Skis at Sunshine Village
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Shred some snow with Santa this Christmas at Banff’s Sunshine Village. Guests who dress up in their best Santa outfit can ski for a special ticketed window rate. Proceeds from ticket sales go to a charity of BanffĀ Sunshine’s choice.
Where:Ā BanffĀ Sunshine
When: December 25
Price:Ā The price of a lift ticket, which can be purchased online here
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