Things To Do In Canmore & Banff | Christmas & New Years Activities | 2024 Guide

Richard Greaves

Dec 5, 2024

2 min read

Canmore & Banff comes alive during the holiday season with festive activities, stunning mountain scenery, and plenty of opportunities to make magical memories. Whether you’re visiting or a local looking to soak up the Christmas spirit, here’s your guide to the best things to do in Canmore this holiday season:

Festive Christmas Events In Canmore 🎄

Festival of Trees (Dec 7–31)Marvel at beautifully decorated trees at The Malcolm Hotel, where every corner feels like a winter wonderland.
Photos with Santa (Dec 8, 9AM–1PM)Capture the magic with Santa and make it a moment to remember!
High Tea at The Malcolm Hotel (Dec 13, 1–3PM)Indulge in a luxurious holiday-themed high tea experience.
CP Holiday Train (Dec 15, 6–6:30PM)Head behind Save-On-Foods to see the iconic Holiday Train light up the tracks with festive tunes and cheer.
Gingerbread House Making (Dec 19, 6:30–8:30PM)Get creative at Lovely Ice Cream with this fun, family-friendly activity!
A Canmore Christmas Eve (Dec 24, 6:30–7:30PM)Celebrate Christmas Eve at The Malcolm Hotel with a magical evening of holiday joy.

Ring in the New Year In Canmore🎉

Ring it in at the Rink (Dec 31, 5–8PM)Enjoy skating, music, and fun at the Canmore Recreation Centre.
Midnight Fireworks (Dec 31, 12AM)End the year with a bang at Millennium Park, where fireworks light up the night sky in true Canmore style.

Festive Christmas Events in Banff🎄

Banff Christmas Market (Dec 6–8)Start your day at 10AM and shop for unique holiday gifts while enjoying local treats and festive vibes.
In Search of the Christmas Spirit (Nov 14–31, 4:30–9:30PM)Experience a heartwarming storytelling event at the Cascade of Time Garden, perfect for families.
Hot Chocolate Trail (Nov 14–Dec 31)Savor the best hot chocolates in Banff as you follow this delicious self-guided trail around town.
Mountaintop Christmas & Nightrise at the Banff Gondola (Starts November 2024)Take your holiday celebration to new heights with breathtaking views and immersive experiences at the Banff Gondola.
CP Holiday Train in Banff (Dec 15, 7:15–7:45PM)Catch the festive CP Holiday Train at the Banff Train Station, bringing music and holiday cheer to town.
ABBA-Solutely Fabulous Holiday Show (Dec 27–Jan 5)Get your groove on at the Fairmont Banff Springs Conference Centre with this fabulous ABBA-themed holiday performance!
- Showtimes: Tuesdays–Saturdays at 7:30PM, Sundays at 3PM.

Ring in the New Year in Banff 🎉

Celebrate in the Park (Dec 31, 6PM–12AM)Join the community for an evening of family fun, live entertainment, and celebrations in Banff Central Park.
Midnight Pyrotechnics (Dec 31, 12AM) Count down the last minutes of 2024 and celebrate the arrival of 2025 with low altitude, low noise pyrotechnics.

Why Spend the Holidays in Canmore & Banff?

With breathtaking mountain views, cozy holiday activities, and plenty of winter adventure options, Canmore and Banff are the perfect destination to celebrate Christmas and New Year’s. Whether you’re looking for family fun or a festive night out, both mountain towns has something for everyone.