Celebrate Christmas in Banff
When: Banff Christmas Market runs from November 21 to December 14; In Search of Christmas Spirit runs from November 13 to December 31
There are a lot of ways to enjoy the holiday season in the mountains, especially in the town of Banff. Shop at the Banff Christmas Market, which runs on weekends from November 21 to December 14. You’ll find vendors selling craft beer, wines and spirits, home decor, food, jewellery and more. You can also visit In Search of Christmas Spirit, an outdoor holiday experience at the Cascade of Time Garden in Banff that features a walking trail with twinkling lights, illuminated sculptures and a live Christmas story. The free event requires tickets and runs on select dates from November 13 to December 31.
Banff Christmas Market, 327 Railway Avenue, Banff, banffchristmasmarket.com; Cascade of Time Garden, Cave Ave., Banff, banfflakelouise.com
Check out the Banff Gondola Mountaintop Christmas
When: Mountaintop Christmas runs Saturdays and Sundays starting on November 22, and then runs daily from December 22 to December 31
Visit Santa and decorate cookies on top of a mountain for an added thrill this holiday season. Take the gondola up Sulphur Mountain for this family-friendly holiday celebration that features Santa visits (until December 24), cookie and ornament decorating, marshmallow roasting, movie screenings, a Christmas bar and more.
Banff Gondola, 1 Mountain Ave., Banff, 1-866-756-1904, banffjaspercollection.com
Visit a new pub serving Central European-inspired fare in Canmore
When: Opens November 28
The team behind The Uprising Bake Shop and Espresso Bar is opening a new pub in the business’s former Canmore storefront. The Corner Pub draws on the owners’ Czech and Slovak roots, promising a menu with Central European-inspired food and flavours. And if you were a fan of the bakery, don’t worry — you can still buy Uprising’s fresh sourdough and other bread products straight from its production space at 735 9 Street.
The Corner Pub, 804 6 St., Canmore, @thecornerpub.canmore
Take a photo at the Banff sign’s new location
The “Banff” sign on Mount Norquay Avenue that has welcomed residents and visitors into the Banff townsite since 2017 has a new home. As of late November, the Banff sign has been moved to a new spot located by the historic Banff train station. Visit the new spot now to get a fresh photo at the sign’s new location.
327 Railway Ave., Banff
Experience holiday festivities in Kananaskis
When: December 1, 2025 to January 4, 2026
The Pomeroy Kananaskis Lodge is bringing the magic of the holiday season to visitors and guests alike with a slate of events and activities this month and into the new year. Experiences open to non-hotel guests include a ride aboard the Kananaskis Express Train, viewing all of the indoor and outdoor installations, partaking in the outdoor firepit fireside moments (a hosted social mixer around the firepit), entry to dining establishments and more. More details about activities, experiences and participation information are available online.
Pomeroy Kananaskis Lodge, 1 Centennial Dr., Kananaskis, 403-591-7711, lodgeatkananaskis.com
Attend Banff events about a new film inspired by Fogo Island
When: Events on December 3 and 4; exhibit runs until January 7, 2026
The Walter Phillips Gallery at Banff Centre for Arts and Creativity has opened the exhibition titled Sharon Lockhart, a film and photography series by Lockhart that’s inspired by Fogo Island in Newfoundland and Labrador. Created over four summers that she spent on the island, Lockhart’s film, Windward, showcases the island’s geographic formations, climate and beauty. Her photograph series, Fogo Island Portrait Studio, profiles the young residents of the island. Guests can attend the exhibit celebration on December 3 and check out a conversation with the artist and Kitty Scott, strategic director, Shorefast/Fogo Island Arts, on December 4. Both events are free and open to the public. The exhibit is on display until January 7, 2026.
Banff Centre for Arts and Creativity, 107 Tunnel Mountain Dr., Banff, 403-762-6100, banffcentre.ca
Watch a classic holiday play at the Fairmont Banff Springs
When: Multiple dates between December 5 to 28
Step into the festive Fairmont Banff Springs to see a performance of A Christmas Carol by Carter-Ryan Productions this month. Featuring both actors and puppets, this annual production is a great way to spend time together as a family.
Fairmont Banff Springs, 405 Spray Avenue, Banff, 403-762-2211, banff-springs-hotel.com; eventbrite.ca