Banff and Lake Louise Launch Seven Weeks of Festivities to Ignite the Holiday Spirit

Banff & Lake Louise Tourism have announced a lineup of new and beloved holiday festivities running from Nov. 14 – Jan. 5. Twinkling lights and a snow-globe-inspired atmosphere will transform Banff and Lake Louise into a festive wintery playground, offering family-friendly events and activities. Create lasting memories and start new traditions in the heart of the breathtaking Canadian Rockies. 

Festive season highlights in Canada's flagship national park include:  

SANTA CLAUS CELEBRATION OF LIGHTS  
This legacy event brings a weekend packed with holiday activities and entertainment to kick off the festive season in downtown Banff. Enjoy a full day of celebrations on Saturday, with local and Albertan artists performing on the Cascade Main Stage and in The Bear's Den, whimsical performers roaming throughout the event site, the Kids Craft Cabin with crafts galore, and more for you and the family to enjoy. Stay the night for the ultimate Christmas weekend and secure your tickets for Storytime with Santa on Sunday, where Santa and his elves will host a cozy Christmas morning. No tickets are required for any Santa Claus Celebration of Lights activities except Storytime with Santa.

Where: Banff Ave., Caribou Street and Bear Street 
When: Nov. 16, 12 p.m. – 7 p.m. | Nov. 17, 9 a.m. – 2 p.m. 
Price: Free | Complimentary tickets required for Nov. 17 for Storytime with Santa 

IN SEARCH OF CHRISTMAS SPIRIT 
In Search of Christmas Spirit is a multi-sensory outdoor experience that tells the story of Christmas by the wildlife of Banff National Park. Follow an enchanted trail in the Cascade of Time Garden with illuminated sculptures and captivating sound effects. The trail is designed by local Indigenous artist, Jason Carter.  For the first time, guests staying at one of 19 participating hotels in Banff will have exclusive early access to tickets. 
Where: Cascade of Time Garden - Cave Avenue, Banff   
When: Select dates from Nov. 14 – Dec. 31, 4:30 p.m. - 9:30 p.m. 
Price: Free, tickets required 

HOT CHOCOLATE TRAIL 
Make your winter experience even sweeter by indulging in limited-time holiday-themed hot chocolates from a record number of 30 participating local restaurants and cafés. Cozy up inside or bring a reusable mug to reduce waste. Or, ask select stores about Banff Borrows. Several Banff cafes and restaurants are participating for the first time. 

Where: Restaurants and cafés throughout the town of Banff  
When: Nov. 14–Dec. 31 
Price: Varies 

BANFF CHRISTMAS MARKET  
Taking place over four weekends for the first time, the charming Banff Christmas Market captures the tradition, heritage, and romance of a European market. Its new location at the Banff Train Station near the heart of Banff will offer festive charm in a historic setting. With more vendors than ever - over 150 - visitors can shop for the best unique and artisanal products of the Bow Valley and surrounding regions. Family and friends can enjoy all-ages entertainment at an outdoor fire lounge, and indulge in a festive menu of cocktails, pretzels, mulled wine, and sweets. Kids can visit Santa's House and Reindeer Stables for a photo-op (limited hours). 
Where: Banff Train Station 
When: Nov. 15-17, 22-24, Nov. 29-Dec. 1, Dec. 6-8 | Fridays & Saturdays 10 a.m. – 8 p.m., Sundays 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. 
Price: Adults: $15; Seniors (65+) $12; Child (aged 3-10) $5 | Children 2 & under free. All child ticket sales will be donated to the Shine Foundation.

MOUNTAINTOP CHRISTMAS 
Christmas activities galore can be found atop Sulphur Mountain at the Banff Gondola's Mountaintop Christmas, featuring a Santa Claus photo-op on top of the world, holiday crafts and cookie decorating, holiday movie screenings, and more.  
Where: Banff Gondola Upper Terminal 
When: Saturdays and Sundays from Dec. 2-24, and daily from Dec. 25-30 
Price: Varies; kids ride free before noon 
 
CHRISTMAS AT THE CASTLE
Fairmont Banff Springs' annual Christmas at the Castle programming for guests features a magical lineup of holiday events, activities and exclusive dining experiences. Visitors not staying at the hotel can still immersive themselves in the festive spirit by attending a Tree Lighting Ceremony on Nov. 23 or enjoying a live performance of A Christmas Carol. For only its second year, Christmas at the Castle is opening its doors to day guests for its Journey to the North Pole event, with all ticket proceeds going to charity. 

Where: Fairmont Banff Springs  
When: Nov. 15 – Jan. 5 
Price: Varies 

SANTA SKIS AT BANFF SUNSHINE

Families are invited to join in the festive fun with Santa on the Mountain. Enjoy some turns and a photo opportunity with Mr. and Mrs. Claus as they take a break from the Christmas rush. Find them in the village or on the mountain. Banff Sunshine will also be hosting torchlight parades on Dec. 24 and 31 – keep an eye on their website for details. 
Where: Banff Sunshine 
When: Dec. 14, 15, 21 and 22 
Price: Lift ticket 

TORCHLIGHT PARADE  
Add a dash of magic to your New Year's traditions with Mt. Norquay's Torchlight Parade. A select group of Norquay instructors and staff will illuminate the North American run from the Big Chair, creating a breathtaking light display you won't want to miss. The best viewing spot is from downtown Banff, so bundle up the family, grab a hot chocolate and enjoy the show. Additionally, from Dec. 18-23, 9 – 3:30 p.m., Mt. Norquay will offer a Shred Instead gift wrap program—simply drop off your holiday gifts at Cascade Lodge, and they'll be beautifully wrapped while you hit the slopes.

Where: Torchlight Parade is from town looking towards Mt. Norquay  
When: 7 p.m., Dec. 31 
Price: Complimentary  

 
The most up-to-date information on Banff's Christmas programming can be found here

ENDS

High-resolution Christmas images can be accessed here

Christmas b-roll can be accessed here 
Winter b-roll can be accessed here  

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Media Enquiries:
Lizzie Doyle
lizzie@pr-marketing.com.au

ABOUT BANFF AND LAKE LOUISE  
Banff and Lake Louise offer incredible experiences that reconnect people to the natural world. Situated in the stunning Canadian Rocky Mountains in Banff National Park, within a UNESCO World Heritage Site, accessible year-round adventure and wellness are cultivated every day of the year. Home to three ski resorts, countless glacier-fed lakes, two vibrant townsites, and authentic Canadian culture and cuisine, this place is unforgettable.