Banff Christmas Market 2026 at the Banff Train Station

There’s a reason Calgarians make the 90-minute drive west for this one. The Banff Christmas Market sets up wooden stalls, fires and twinkle lights around the historic Banff Train Station, with Cascade Mountain as the backdrop. It’s the closest thing to a European Christkindlmarkt in Alberta, and it pairs perfectly with a night in the mountains.

The 2026 market runs four long weekends between November 19 and December 13, Thursday evening through Sunday. Here’s how to plan the trip.

More markets closer to home are in our Christmas markets in Calgary calendar.

Banff Christmas Market 2026: Quick Facts

Hours

• Thursdays: 5:00 to 9:00 PM (November 27 has no Thursday session)
• Fridays: 11:00 AM to 9:00 PM
• Saturdays: 10:00 AM to 9:00 PM
• Sundays: 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM

The market is prettiest after dark, which in Banff in December means after about 4:30 PM.

Tickets

Tickets are sold on the official Banff Christmas Market website. Prices and ticket types weren’t listed on the tourism page when we checked; in 2026 the market offered early-bird pricing on adult, senior and weekend passes through mid-September. Buy ahead for Saturdays, which are the busiest days.

What You’ll Find

Outdoor stalls with handcrafted gifts from Bow Valley and Alberta artisans, seasonal food and warm drinks, and photos with Santa. For 2026 the market has added new experiences, including Thursday community evenings and an après-ski style lounge with raclette, so expect a bigger food scene than in past years.

Know Before You Go

• It’s outdoors in the Rockies. Expect real winter: warm boots, a hat and mitts.
• Check the highway. The Trans-Canada between Calgary and Banff can change fast in snow. Check 511 Alberta before you leave.
• You’re in a national park. Stopping in Banff requires a Parks Canada pass for your vehicle or group.
• Go on Thursday or Friday for smaller crowds.

Getting There and Parking

Banff is about 90 minutes west of Calgary on Highway 1. The market is at the train station on Railway Avenue, a short walk from Banff Avenue. Parking in downtown Banff is paid in many lots during the day, and the train station lot fills on market weekends, so consider parking farther out and walking, or using Roam Transit if you’re staying in town.

Make a Weekend of It

• After dark: walk the free, ticketed In Search of Christmas Spirit light trail in the Cascade of Time Garden, a few minutes from the station.
• The full Banff plan: our Christmas in Banff, Canmore and Lake Louise guide covers the Hot Chocolate Trail, the Banff Gondola and Lake Louise.
• Train watching: the CPKC Holiday Train stops at the Banff station on December 15.
• Back in Calgary: the Spruce Meadows Christmas Market runs four weekends from November 13.

For the whole season, start with the Calgary Christmas Guide 2026.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the Banff Christmas Market in 2026?

November 19–22, November 27–29, December 3–6 and December 10–13, 2026.

Where is the Banff Christmas Market?

At the historic Banff Train Station on Railway Avenue, a short walk from downtown Banff.

What are the hours?

Thursday 5 to 9 PM, Friday 11 AM to 9 PM, Saturday 10 AM to 9 PM and Sunday 10 AM to 6 PM.

Do I need tickets?

Yes. Tickets are sold on the official Banff Christmas Market website.

Is Santa at the market?

Yes, there are photos with Santa on market days.

Do I need a park pass?

Yes. Stopping in Banff National Park requires a Parks Canada pass.

How far is Banff from Calgary?

About 90 minutes west on the Trans-Canada Highway.

Related: Christmas markets in Calgary 2026, In Search of Christmas Spirit.

Part of: Calgary Christmas Guide 2026 › Christmas Markets in Calgary 2026