The holiday season is a magical time in the Alberta Rockies! Snow capped mountains, the sweet smell of evergreens, and the warm glow of holiday lights abound. From festive events a top a mountain to holiday markets and tasting experiences, enjoy the sights and sounds of a mountain Christmas. Here are 6 ways to celebrate the holiday season in Canmore and Banff.
Bear Street Holiday Market
Stroll through the new Bear Street Holiday market located in the heart of downtown Banff. Browse through ten rotating market stalls featuring local artisans, retailers, and food vendors. Be sure to check back over multiple weekends, as the stall offerings will continuously change. After visiting the holiday market, be sure to check out the surrounding art galleries, shops, and restaurants.
Where: Bear Street, Banff
When: November 19 – December 31, 2021
Cost: Free
Details: Bear Street Holiday Market
Hot Chocolate Trail
Banff and Lake Louise’s Hot Chocolate Trail is a treasure map of restaurants each offering a limited-time, holiday-themed hot chocolate. From boozy and decadent to vegan and exotic, try over 20 different gourmet hot chocolates!
Where: Various Restaurants, Banff and Lake Louise
When: November 20, 2021 – January 1, 2022
Cost: Varies
Details: Hot Chocolate Trail
A Christmas Carol
Through the use of puppets, an incredible soundscape with beautiful singing, and magical moments, Carter-Ryan Productions presents this Christmas classic, perfect for families of all ages.
Where: Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel, Banff
When: December 9 – 26, 2021
Cost: Adults $38 | Children 3 -12 years $26
Tickets & Details: A Christmas Carol
Banff Gondola Mountaintop Christmas
Find Santa’s workshop, ice sculptures, carollers, holiday cocktail bar, and other Christmas treats at the Banff Gondola.
Where: Banff Gondola, Banff
When: Weekends November 20 – December 19, 2021 | Daily December 20 – 30, 2021
Cost: One free child admission for each paying adult when you visit before 12 noon.
Tickets & Details: Banff Gondola Mountaintop Christmas
Festival of Trees
Celebrate the season with a variety of activities and events! Explore Candy Cane Lane alongside Spring Creek then venture inside the Malcolm Hotel to view a forest of decorated trees. Enter the Gingerbread House Contest or enjoy a tasting experience of fine wines, scotch, spirits, and craft beer. Join Santa for breakfast or take the family to the Kids Holiday Extravaganza for crafts, games, goodies, and stories.
Where: The Malcolm Hotel, Canmore
When: December 3 – 31, 2021
Cost: Free to Varies
Tickets & Details: Festival of Trees
New Year’s Eve
Ring in the New Year with a family-friendly Party at the Park with live music, local food vendors, and low-level fireworks at 8 pm. Reserve your spot for the Party at the Park and the midnight fireworks viewing at the Canmore Golf and Curling Club.
Where: Millenium Park and Canmore Golf and Curling Club, Canmore
When: December 31, 2021
Cost: Free
Reservations & Details: New Year’s Eve