With travelers increasingly looking to reconnect with their loved ones, Banff and Lake Louise are giving families more reasons to celebrate the festive season. Christmas programming kicks off on Nov. 19, and the young and young-at-heart can enjoy an extended holiday season creating new traditions and embracing classic favorites.

Enjoy a warm festive beverage on the Hot Chocolate Trail starting Nov. 19, do all your holiday shopping at two artisan markets, and wander through Banff’s newest family-friendly experience, In Search of Christmas Spirit, free and open to everyone, beginning Nov. 24. These are just a few highlights to get people into the holiday spirit.

New this year is the Bear Street Holiday Market (open on select dates from Nov. 19 – Dec. 31) where visitors can embrace the festive season and shop for handcrafted gifts from 10 local artisans. Stocking stuffers can also be found at the Banff Christmas Market at Warner Stables (Nov. 19-21 and 26-28). Additional authentic Canadian gifts can be found at one of Banff’s many unique retailers.

Also taking place on Bear Street for the first time is the Banff Craft Beer Festival. The Bear Street Holiday Market and Banff Craft Beer Festival are the first major events to take place on the newly revitalized Bear Street.

Banff and Lake Louise holiday highlights:

IN SEARCH OF CHRISTMAS SPIRIT
Discover the true meaning of connection and love through this magical outdoor illuminated experience that is told by the wildlife of Banff National Park.
Where: Check-in at Banff Park Museum, collect a lantern, and head to the nearby Cascade Gardens
When: Departures are every 10 minutes from 5 – 10:30 p.m. Wednesday through Sunday evenings (Nov. 24-18) and every day between Dec. 22 – Jan. 1
Price: Complimentary. Reservations essential
Learn more

HOT CHOCOLATE TRAIL
Adventure with your taste buds and sample limited-time, holiday-themed hot chocolates – both alcoholic and child-friendly – at one of Banff’s restaurants. A couple of examples:
• Try one of seven hot chocolate offerings at The Juniper Bistro, including a Coconut Cloud vegan option and the Maple Nut, made with Park Distillery’s Maple Rye Whiskey.
• One of Banff’s newest restaurants, Three Bears Brewery and Restaurant, is serving up a Boozy Hot Chocolate with espresso vodka and banana liquor.
Where: 13 restaurants and coffee shops in Banff
When: Nov. 20 – Jan. 1
Learn more

BEAR STREET HOLIDAY MARKET
Grab a hot chocolate and embrace the holiday spirit as you browse the market stalls featuring 10 local artisans and retailers for holiday gifts. Round off your experience with a bite to eat at a food stall or one of Bear Street’s many cozy restaurants. Additional authentic Canadian gifts can also be found at one of Banff’s many retailers.
Where: Bear Street, Banff
When: Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays from Nov. 19 – Dec. 31
Learn more

BANFF CHRISTMAS MARKET
Discover one-of-a-kind treasures inspired by mountain culture and crafted by more than 60 Alberta and B.C. artisans. Enjoy festive entertainment and culinary delights while holiday shopping at this charming market at the transformed Warner Stables.
Where: Warner Stables
When: Nov. 19-21 and 26-28
Price: $7.50 (children 12 and under are free). Tickets must be pre-purchased.
Learn more

BANFF CRAFT BEER FESTIVAL
Back after a year of hiatus and taking place at a new location on Bear Street for the first time, the Banff Craft Beer Festival is the only craft beer festival featuring exclusively Alberta craft brewers. Treat your taste buds to craft beer from over 30 vendors from across the province, including Banff Ave. Brewing Co. and Three Bears Brewery and Restaurant, and regional cuisine at market stalls.
Where: Bear Street
When: Dec. 3, 4, 5 and 10, 11, 12
Price: $29.99
Learn more

Additional ways to get into the holiday spirit are by experiencing Mountaintop Christmas at the Banff Gondola from Nov. 20 and Christmas at the Castle at Fairmont Banff Springs from Nov. 22. The most up-to-date information on our Christmas programming can be found at banfflakelouise.com/Christmas.

Planning your visit ahead of time is crucial. Before heading out on your trip to the mountains, know where you are going to park and how best to get around. For information on how to explore Banff National Park responsibly, please see our Travel Information page.

Start planning your dream vacation using our new Trip Planner tool.