18 Banff Christmas Activities For a Magical Christmas in Banff – 2023!

Spending the holidays in Banff? Amazing! I can’t think of anything more magical than Christmas in Banff. It’s stuff The Elf, Santa Claus and Home Alone dreams are made of with the Banff Christmas trees, the beautiful Christmas lights Banff displays and of course, the endless snow.

Read on for 18 Banff Christmas activities that you can do while visiting Banff in November/December because Banff during winter feels as though you’ve stepped into a real-life snow globe! After all, Banff is definitely a top contender for the best Christmas town in Canada!

Disclosure: This blog post may contain affiliate links, meaning, at no extra cost to you, I may earn commission if you click through and make a purchase. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. When you see a link or banner, this could take you to that product/service website. For more information, see my Privacy Policy and Terms & Conditions. Please see here for Land Acknowledgement of Banff.

Last Updated: 1 November 2023, Christmas in Banff 2023

Jump to…

Quick Banff Info

• Banff is a national park in the province of Alberta in Canada and an extremely popular place in Winter.
• The average weather in Banff in December is lows of -14 degrees celsius and highs of -5 degrees celsius. But it always feels colder. For example, it says -14 but feels like -25!! It gets cold!
• When does Banff decorate for Christmas? Mid-November is the start of Banff Xmas Market, Banff Fairmont Christmas Activites, Christmas Walks and Downtown Banff Christmas Parade.
• The Banff Canada closest airport is Calgary International Airport (YYC), just 1.5 hours away (see How to Get From Calgary to Banff) and Edmonton International Airport (YEG), 3.5 hours away.
• Find Banff’s best hostels or your own accommodation here:

Booking.com

---

How to Spend Christmas in Banff: 18 Banff Christmas Activities!

---

1) Ski / Snowboard

One of the most incredible places to spend Christmas in Canada is Alberta. Especially Banff National Park with lots of opportunities to go snowboarding or skiing in Banff during Christmas as well as being the most popular things to do in Banff in December overall.

Choose between Sunshine Village, Norquay or Lake Louise (aka the Big Three) to hit the slopes and enjoy apres-ski at one of the many restaurants/bars at the hill.

Rent your ski equipment here (including delivery)!

2) Banff Christmas Parade 2023

2023 date: Nov 18th 2023, 11am-7pm

For traditional things to do in Banff Christmas is a great time of year to get out and about with the locals. The Banff Parade is an annual festival, also known as Santa Claus Celebration of Lights, which is a free, all-day event down Banff Avenue to kick off the festive season.

Mr and Mrs Claus will lead the parade full of cheer, watch the banff light show, listen to local artists and partake in magical activities.

3) Wild Ice Skating

There’s nothing more dreamy for me than getting the opportunity to ice skate on a frozen lake. And I’m no skater at all but the idea is wonderful!

Banff in Christmas is the most magical time to do this because of the many places to do it, the access to rent equipment from Banff town and the perfectly aligned weather to have a glass rink with snowflakes falling – wow!

Places to go wild skating include Lake Louise, Lake Minnewanka and Vermillion Lakes. Although Banff weather in December is usually in the negative, always think of safety first.

4) Visit The Spirit of Christmas Banff Shop

The Banff Christmas Store is called The Spirit of Christmas right on the main street which is open all year round but of course is at its most glorious during a Banff Christmas. Visiting the Christmas Store Banff is a must-do activity when in town and will give you Christmas-y vibes like no other.

On arrival you can turn right for a wide selection of personalised baubles before heading into many themed shelves, compartments and areas such as The Grinch, Animal-themed, hobbies, colours, specific Banff Christmas ornaments, Banff snow globe and more to make it the most magical Christmas store in Banff.

5) Follow The Banff Hot Chocolate Trail

2023 dates: Nov 17 – Dec 31

Twenty of Banff cafes and restaurants are participating in the Hot Chocolate Trail Banff creating festive-themed, hot beverages for us all to enjoy. Most are boozy hot chocolates but you can definitely find alcohol-free hot chocolates along the way.

This is how to enjoy different things in Banff at Christmas! How many will you try?

Find all the details for the 2023 trail here.

And don’t forget you can visit the Chocolate Store Banff has: Banff’s Mountain Chocolates, The Fudgery, Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory and Banff Sweet Shoppe.

6) Banff Christmas Market

2023 Dates: Nov 17 – 19, Nov 24-26, Dec 1-3

The Banff Christmas markets only run for three weekends which is such a shame because they are so fun and cosy. Head there for crafts, local stalls and vendors, live music, Santa and reindeers, beverages, food and campfires. The market is held at the Banff horse stables near Cave and Basin.

Christmas Market Banff Price: $15 plus tax per ticket, get tickets here

Address: Warner Stables, 100 Sundance Road, Banff, AB

7) Eat a Cheese Fondue for Christmas in Mountains!

While it’s a fun activity all year round, getting a Cheese fondue during Christmas in Banff Canada has a much more special feel to it. Especially when you see your cheese dripping at the same time as looking out the window at the snow falling! Magnificent.

Some of the best places in Banff for a Cheese Fondue is:

• The Banff Grizzly House
• Ticino on Banff Avenue (best fondue in Banff, imo)
• Waldhaus Restaurant at Fairmont
• Alternatively you can go to the best Mexican restaurant, Anejo, for a Fundido Tradicional, which is one of the best cheese medley I’ve ever had!

8) Soak in Banff Hot Springs

Banff Upper Hot Springs is the most relaxing activities at Banff Christmas time. After a long day of hitting the slopes, rest yourself in one of these natural, warm, outdoor baths while looking out to the mountains.

One of the best days to go is when it is lightly snowing so you can fully immerse in the hot water while light snowflakes drop on you! Lush.

It’s easy to get to by taking the Roam Bus Route 1 which takes you right to the foot of Sulphur Mountain and you can pay for a session (you can also rent swimwear and towels).

9) Do a Canyon Ice Walk: Things to do in Banff during Christmas

Johnston Canyon is just half an hour away from Banff town and the waterfall completely freezes during Winter providing an excellent route for a Banff ice walk. You can join this Johnston Canyon guided tour which includes equipment, round-trip transfers, beverage and snack and knowledgable guide.

You can also do the above Johnston Canyon tour at night which is pretty cool too if you’d prefer more of a challenge (and a hot chocolate and maple cookies are included too).

Guided Johnston Canyon Ice Walk:

10) Hike Tunnel Mountain 

Tunnel Mountain is located in the town centre so the most accessible mountains to hike in the area. It’s open all year round so makes for a brilliant snow hike in Winter.

The mountain is one of the smallest in the park and will take around 2 hours round trip to hike for epic views and a sense of achievement during Christmas. Don’t forget your cramp-ons as it can become slippery.

Read my full guide to hiking Tunnel Mountain here!

11) Experience Banff Gondola Christmas Events

Nightrise at Gondola

Riding the Banff Gondola has never been so immersive. During Banff Gondola Nightrise, as you ascend Sulphur Mountain, your Gondola car will be transformed into a sensory wonder of lights, sounds, narration and music. Once you leave your cabin, you’ll be taken on a journey through the ‘Four Wonders’ telling the stories and honouring the magic of sacred mountains. Buy tickets here.

Afterwards, grab some lunch at Sky Bistro or Northern Lights Alpine Kitchen at the top of the mountain.

Mountain Top Christmas Banff at Gondola

While at the top of Sulphur Mountain, enjoy the wonders of Christmas at Banff through the events the Gondola have going in Winter. These include meeting the Banff Gondola Santa, taking photos with the Christmas decorations, getting incredible Canada Christmas views over the town of Banff and Rocky Mountains, drinks at the festive bar, Christmas crafts and movie screenings.

This is one of the best Banff Christmas activities for kids in Banff. Book your Gondola ride here.

12) Visit Lake Louise

Lake Louise is one of the most beautiful places in all of Canada and Christmas in Lake Louise exceeds this beauty!

For things to do in Lake Louise at Christmas think of wild skating on the frozen lake, snowshoeing, hikes around the lake, spiked hot chocolates around a campfire, mulled wine at the ice bar Banff, see some of the best Banff Christmas lights in the Fairmont and judge ice sculptures and castles on the lake.

Read Next: How To Go Banff Snowmobiling Near Banff!

13) See The Northern Lights in Banff

You know that epic, natural light show in the sky that everyone dreams of seeing? Well it doesn’t get much better than catching the Aurora Borealis in Banff.

During December, the nights are long so there’s an even better chance of seeing the auroras Banff can provide you with it’s minimal light pollution and mountains for stunning backdrops.

The best places to see the Northern Lights on a Banff Alberta Christmas trip include Lake Minnewanka, Vermillion Lakes, and along the Icefields Parkway road.

14) Banff Sleigh Rides

You’ve got the snow, the setting, the Christmas feeling. What else is needed? A sleigh ride of course! This is one of the best things to do in Banff at Christmas so be sure to book your spot.

In Banff you can find horse-drawn sleigh rides while enjoying the views of The Rockies, looking out for wildlife in the forest before surrounding a campfire. Find your group or private tour here:

15) In Search of Christmas Spirit Banff

2023 Dates: 17th November – 31st December

Banff’s tourism board hold this event every year in the Cascade Gardens at the top of Banff Avenue and you can’t miss it at night with the many Christmas lights and Christmas trees illuminating the gardens.

If visiting Banff during Christmas, you’ll enjoy taking this walking tour in Banff Gardens that consists of lots of Christmas lights and decor. The walk follows the animals of Banff telling a magical, Christmas story including the Owl, Bison, Wolf and Moose. You’ll be given a lantern to follow the trail as a lantern tour Banff while reading at each stop, enjoy the 3D wildlife and hear the immersive sounds. It lasts 30 minutes and tickets are free here from October 23rd.

This is a free event that will definitely get you in the mood for your Banff Canada Christmas!

16) Christmas at The Castle Banff

Experience Christmas at Banff Springs Hotel, known as the Fairmont Hotel, and also known as the fairytale Castle in the Rockies when you have a Fairmont Banff Christmas!

They hold several Banff Christmas events at the Fairmont including carols, photo-ops with Santa, decorating Ginger Bread houses, renting campfires, cocktails at Rundle bar, North Pole, candy-cane hunting, wilderness walking and stargazing. Don’t miss this beautiful place. Check here for latest availability and prices for Christmas in Banff Springs Hotel.

If you want to stay at Fairmont Banff Springs Christmas is definitely the best time to do it.

17) See Bubbles Through a Frozen Lake

Abraham Lake Banff is one of the best places to visit in Winter because it gets completely frozen over with the ice bubbles, cracks and water totally visible underneath. You can walk over it, ice skate or play a game of hockey (providing it’s safe)!

This is one of those once in a lifetime things to see and while it’s a few hours away from Banff town, it’s one of the free Banff December events.

See My Full Guide to Finding the Frozen Ice Bubbles Here

18) Stay in a Log Cabin

To stay in a Banff log cabin is one of the best ways to enjoy Banff for Christmas with the wooden interior, cosy fire, enjoyable decking and incredible surroundings. There are so many to choose from and most are between epic views of the Rocky Mountains and some within walking distance of Banff town.

• The best self-catering accommodation is The Hidden Ridge Resort with mountain-style furnishings, outdoor hot tub, gym facilities, balconies, kitchen, wifi, wood-burning fireplaces and incredible views of the mountains. Find the best prices here.
• The Tunnel Mountain Resort Banff is the best accommodation option near the hike. It has chalets and suites to choose from with facilities like an indoor pool, free wifi, fireplaces. Reception also provides excellent excursion options for hikes, day trips and cruises. Click here for latest prices and availability.
• Baker Creek Mountain Resort is an option for a bit of seclusion and located in Lake Louise or Storm Mountain Lodge and Cabin which is 30 minutes outside of Banff town.

More Banff National Park Christmas Things to Do

There’s more to do than this list including:

• Visiting the Wolfdog Sanctuary just outside of Banff
• Choose your most beautiful Banff Christmas tree while walking through the town
• Go on a guided snowshoeing tour
• Finding an ice castle Banff around town
• Find a delicious Christmas dinner in Banff from one of the dozens of restaurants
• Join a historical walking tour of Banff
• Visit the Cave and Basin
• Go to the Banff Christmas shop one last time 😉

Hope this list will help you have the most wonderful time in Banff at Christmas time! & A Happy New Year!

Canada Blog Posts

• Banff Guide to Walking the Marsh Loop Trail
• How to Work in Canada for 2 Years
• Arrival in Canada Checklist
• 1 Day Itinerary in Calgary
• Guide to Float the Red Deer River
• How to Find Larch Trees in Banff in Fall
• The Last of Us Filming Location Near Banff
• All my Quebec Posts
• All my British Columbia Posts

Christmas Banff Guide: Pin it!