Christmas in Banff, Canmore & Lake Louise 2026

Ninety minutes from Calgary, Banff does Christmas like a postcard: snow on Cascade Mountain, lights on Banff Avenue, a European-style market at the train station and a free story walk through the woods. Here’s everything happening in Banff, Canmore and Lake Louise for the 2026 season, which runs from November 12 to January 3.

Banff Christmas 2026 at a Glance

Banff Christmas Market

Wooden stalls, fires and local makers at the historic Banff Train Station, November 19–22, November 27–29, December 3–6 and December 10–13. Thursday 5–9 PM, Friday 11 AM–9 PM, Saturday 10 AM–9 PM, Sunday 10 AM–6 PM. Santa photos on market days.

In Search of Christmas Spirit

A free illuminated story walk in the Cascade of Time Garden, told by Banff’s wildlife, 4:30 to 9:30 PM on select nights. Tickets are required and release on November 2 (for dates to December 6) and November 30 (for December 10 to January 3).

Hot Chocolate Trail

Cafés and restaurants in Banff and Lake Louise create signature hot chocolates from November 12, 2026 to February 7, 2027. Grab a map and drink your way down Banff Avenue.

Banff Gondola: A Very Vintage Mountaintop Christmas

Christmas at the top of Sulphur Mountain, with Santa and vintage-style festivities on select dates from November 21 to December 31.

Lake Louise

Lake Louise is quieter and more alpine: sleigh rides, dog sledding, guided snowshoeing and, once it freezes, skating on the lake in front of the Fairmont Chateau. The ski resort is a classic place to spend Christmas week.

Canmore

Canmore is 20 minutes closer to Calgary and makes a cheaper base for the Banff events. The CPKC Holiday Train also stops in Canmore on its way to Banff on December 15.

Getting There

• Drive: about 90 minutes west of Calgary on the Trans-Canada Highway. Check 511 Alberta for road conditions.
• Parks pass: required to stop in Banff National Park.
• In town: Roam Transit connects Banff, Canmore and Lake Louise.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the Banff Christmas Market in 2026?

Four weekends: November 19–22, November 27–29, December 3–6 and December 10–13.

Is In Search of Christmas Spirit free?

Yes, but you must reserve a free ticket.

When does the Holiday Train stop in Banff?

Tuesday, December 15, 2026.

How long is the drive from Calgary to Banff?

About 90 minutes.

Banff Guides

• Hot Chocolate Trail
• Banff Gondola at Christmas
• Christmas at Lake Louise
• Fairmont Banff Springs
• Banff Santa Claus Parade
• Canmore Festival of Trees

Related: Banff Christmas Market, Christmas markets in Calgary.

Part of: Calgary Christmas Guide 2026