Christmas is right around the corner, but there’s still plenty of time to get in the holiday spirit, especially if you are planning a visit to the Rockies.
In particular, there’s no shortage of magical merriment in Banff and Jasper.
Here are a few ways to enjoy an unforgettable Christmas in these charming towns!
In Search of Christmas Spirit (ONGOING)
If you or someone you know feels like a Grinch, take them to Banff’s In Search of Christmas Spirit, a live Christmas story.
In Search of Christmas Spirit is a tale of hope and unity told by the animals of Banff National Park. Don’t worry, you won’t encounter any real animals.
Beautiful sculptures, illuminated puppets, and incredible sound effects resembling the park’s animals are used instead.
The story will unfold as visitors walk through the Cascade of Time Garden between 4:30 and 9:30 PM.
Tickets can be booked online for free.
The event is currently underway and will run until December 31.
Banff Christmas Market (UPCOMING)
Your holiday celebrations aren’t complete until you’ve checked out the Banff Christmas Market!
The market is brimming with family-friendly entertainment and a festive menu of mulled wine, sweets, cocktails, pretzels, and more.
Visitors also have the chance to check out and purchase artisanal products made in the Bow Valley and surrounding areas.
There’s something for everyone at the Banff Christmas Market, which will run from December 1 to December 3 at the Warner Stables at 100 Sundance Rd.
The market will be open from 10 AM to 8 PM on Friday and Saturday and 10 AM to 4 PM on Sunday.
Tickets can be purchased online and cost $15 for adults and $12 for seniors before tax. Tickets for children ten and under are free.
Nightrise (ONGOING)
Take your Christmas celebrations to new heights at the summit of Sulphur Mountain.
The summit has been transformed through four digital art installations that shine after dark.
The interactive experience, Nightrise, was created by Moment Factory in partnership with the Stoney Nakoda Nation.
A combination of vibrant light displays, multimedia effects, video projects, and music connects visitors with the mountain.
Nightrise will run until March 30 and can be reached via the Banff Gondola. All activities are free with gondola admission.
Mountaintop Christmas (UPCOMING)
In addition to Nightrise, visitors to Sulphur Mountain can enjoy Mountaintop Christmas.
The summit celebration includes photos with Santa Claus, crafts, holiday brunch and dinner, holiday films, cookie decorating, and more.
Mountaintop Christmas kicks off on December 2 and will be held on Saturdays and Sundays.
From December 25 to 30, Mountaintop Christmas will be celebrated daily.
Children can attend the event for free before noon.
All activities are included with gondola admissions, except food and beverages.
Hot Chocolate Trail (ONGOING)
If you’re looking for a warmer Christmas experience, the Hot Chocolate Trail is for you!
The Hot Chocolate Trail is a map of more than 20 restaurants and cafes, each offering a limited-time festive-themed hot chocolate.
If you’re a hot chocolate enthusiast, the Hot Chocolate Trail is the perfect opportunity to indulge in chocolate concoctions.
Take on The Boss, made with Brown Ale Syrup and Park Chili Vodka, at Three Bears Brewery & Restaurant.
Or if you feel like a classic, Wild Flour Bakery’s Brownie Bauble Hot Chocolate is just what you need.
You might discover your new favourite restaurant or cafe on the Hot Chocolate Trail, which is available until December 31.
Festival of Christmas (UPCOMING)
If you are looking for a one-stop shop for Christmas festivities, the Festival of Christmas at Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge fits that bill.
The lodge features various Christmas attractions, including Santa’s Cabin.
Visitors can meet Santa and Mrs. Claus in their beautifully decorated Christmas cabins.
Other attractions include Gingerbread Village, a collection of professionally decorated gingerbread houses.
Visitors can also enjoy sledding, skating, pool parties, smores under the stars, and more.
If you want a more mature experience, adults can enjoy sparkling wine, whiskey, and beer tastings that can be booked online.
The Festival of Christmas is accessible to guests staying at the Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge between December 15 and December 31.
Breakfast with Santa (UPCOMING)
Santa is coming to Jasper, and he’s bringing more than just gifts; he’s bringing his appetite.
The big man will stop for a bite to eat at The Birch Kitchen and Bar in Jasper on December 3.
Breakfast with Santa is a great event for children hoping to take photos with Santa.
The event runs from 9:30 to 11:30 AM. Tickets cost $20 per person and can be purchased online.
Each ticket includes a waffle breakfast with a choice of eggs, bacon, or sausage.
Kids Christmas Colouring & Christmas Photoshoot (UPCOMING)
The Banff Jasper Collection brings Christmas cheer to Jasper through its hotels and resorts.
Guests staying at participating hotels can enjoy Kids’ Christmas Colouring and Christmas Photoshoots.
Kids Christmas Colouring provides children with the Banff Jasper Collection’s Jasper Christmas colouring sheets and crayons.
Even sweeter, children can show their colouring sheets to the front desk for a holiday cookie.
If the perfect backdrop for a Christmas photo is more your style, check out the Christmas Photoshoot.
Each participating hotel has a decorated backdrop in the hotel lobby to capture the perfect holiday memory.
Kids Christmas Colouring and Christmas Photoshoots are available to all guests at participating hotels from December 23 to January 2.
Christmas Dinner (UPCOMING)
There’s no better way to celebrate Christmas than with a festive meal. But some of us aren’t cut out for cooking.
Thankfully, there are many restaurants in Jasper offering Christmas feasts.
For $70 a person, Aalto at Pyramid Lake Lodge offers a three-course lakeside dinner from December 24 to December 26.
The meal features Turkey Roulade, Fried Kabocha Squash, Apple Quark Torte, and more.
If you’re looking for a less expensive option, Terra on Jasper’s main street offers a Festive Butchers Board from December 24 to December 26.
The board comes with Turkey Sage Sausage, Sautéed Winter Greens, Late Season Pickles, and more for $34.
Forest Park Hotel offers three different Christmas dinners for the indecisive folks, including plated, buffet, and takeout meals.
The hotel’s plated Christmas dinner costs $68 per person and includes Kuterra Salmon, Festive Wellington, Turkey, Festive Cake, and more.
Forest Park Hotel’s Christmas dinner runs from December 24 to December 26. The Christmas buffet is available on December 25.
