Frequently Asked Questions
When is the 2026 Banff Christmas Market open?
2026 Dates & Times:
November 19 – December 13
Thursday – Sunday
Thursday: 5pm – 9pm
Friday: 11am – 9pm (Indoor shopping zones close at 8pm)
Saturday: 10am – 9pm (Indoor shopping zones close at 8pm)
Sunday: 10am – 6pm
Please visit our Schedule page for full details.
Where is the market located?
Banff Heritage Train Station, 327 Railway Ave, Banff AB – a short 5 minute walk from downtown Banff!
Will there be entertainment?
Absolutely! Enjoy live music throughout the day in the Fire Lounge, visit Santa in his cozy house, and keep an eye out for a surprise appearance from a certain grouchy green mischief-maker.
As dusk falls, gather around for our magical animated Tree Lighting + Holiday Light Show with Santa. Be sure to visit our Schedule page for the full lineup of entertainment and activities happening throughout the Market.
Do you offer workshops?
Yes! We are excited to announce that this year we will be offering 3 workshops:
- Holiday Swag Creation Workshop
Thursday, November 26 6pm – 7:30pm - Holiday Paint Night
Thursday, December 3 5:30pm – 7:30pm - Christmas Card-Making Workshop
Thursday, December 10 6pm – 7:30pm
Workshops will be charged separate to Community Thursday Admission (by donation). Click here to learn more!
Why does the Banff Christmas Market charge an admission fee?
We appreciate your curiosity! Our event is a locally owned business that operates independently. The admission fee is essential to cover various operational costs, ensuring a magical experience for all our guests. From venue rentals to labor (we employ over 120 elves!), decorations, and supporting local vendors, your attendance helps us create a festive atmosphere that everyone can enjoy. We’re committed to providing a joyful and memorable experience, and your support through the admission fee is a vital part of making it all happen!
How does the timeslot booking work?
All single day ticket purchases are arranged through timeslot bookings to help manage the Market’s capacity. When purchasing tickets online, you will be prompted to choose a 20-minute timeslot based on available dates and times. Guests must arrive on their chosen date within their timeslot to ensure smooth Market entry, but are welcome to stay as long as they like! Single day market tickets permit one entry only. Entrance is subject to event capacity.
If you miss your timeslot, we will do our best to accommodate, however, we cannot guarantee availability.
Weekend Pass holders and Season Pass holders are not required to pre-book a timeslot.
Can I buy tickets at the gate?
Yes, you can absolutely purchase tickets at the gate! However, we highly recommend securing your tickets in advance so you can guarantee your desired timeslot and avoid waiting in line.
What organizations get proceeds from admission tickets?
At the Banff Christmas Market, giving back to our community is an important part of what we do. Each year, proceeds from youth ticket sales are donated to organizations making a meaningful difference in the lives of children, youth, families, and community members.
This year, 100% of proceeds from youth tickets will support three incredible organizations: Shine Foundation, Banff YWCA, and Star 6 Ranch Foundation.
We are also proud to support local organizations through Community Thursdays. With the exception of Twinkle Night, admission on Thursday evenings will be by donation with a suggested donation of $5/person. All proceeds go directly to a featured local organization:
November 26: Santa’s Anonymous
December 3: Rocky Mountain Adaptive
December 10: The Day Care Society of Banff
Can I leave and re-enter the market?
Due to capacity management, we cannot permit re-entry for single day ticket holders. Once at the market you are welcome to stay as long as you like!
Weekend Pass holders have unlimited market entries for the duration of their reserved weekend. Season Pass holders have unlimited market entries for the duration of the market (16 days total).
Can I change my timeslot after I’ve booked my tickets?
Yes! You are able to change the time and/or date of your Banff Christmas Market ticket one time through our online ticketing platform, Showpass.
To make a change, please visit the Showpass website for a step-by-step process. We are unfortunately unable to make this change on your behalf.
Tickets cannot be changed with less than 24 hours notice. Some tickets may be non-transferable.
I am no longer able to attend the market. Can I transfer my ticket to a friend?
Yes! You are able to transfer your Banff Christmas Market Single Day ticket one time to another person through our online ticketing platform, Showpass.
To make a change, please visit the Showpass website for a step-by-step process. We are unfortunately unable to make this change on your behalf.
Tickets cannot be transferred with less than 24 hours notice.
Twinkle Night Tickets, Friday Daytime Tickets, Multi Ticket Packages, Weekend Pass and Season Pass are non-transferable.
I bought tickets online but didn’t receive them…
Please use our contact form to get in touch. Be sure to include the name, email address and phone number you used to purchase your tickets.
Additional Fees
All tickets are subject to 5% GST, credit card processing fees, Showpass processing fees, and a $1 environmental fee.
Community Thursday admission by donation is only subject to credit card processing fees.
The Environmental Fee helps support the Market’s waste-reduction and sustainability initiatives, including our reusable cup program. This small contribution helps us reduce single-use waste and operate a more environmentally responsible event.
How does the Banff Christmas Market Keepsake Mug Program work?
This year, all hot beverages will be served in our exclusive Banff Christmas Market ceramic souvenir mug — inspired by the iconic mugs found at Christmas Markets throughout Europe.
When you purchase a hot drink, a $5 refundable deposit will be added to your order.
At the end of your visit, you have two options:
- Keep your mug as a special souvenir of your visit to the Banff Christmas Market.
- Return your mug to any designated Mug Return Station and receive your full $5 deposit back.
Every returned mug is professionally washed and sanitized before being reused, helping us reduce single-use waste while preserving the authentic Christmas Market experience.
For small children, we have reusable polypropylene cups available for a $2 refundable deposit.
How can I pay at the market?
Most vendor accept cash, credit & debit. We have ATM machines available within the Market for your convenience.
Are dogs allowed?
Dogs are permitted at the Market but must be kept on a leash at all times. Owners are responsible for cleaning up after pets. The Banff Christmas Market accepts no responsibility for the actions of pets.
The Banff Christmas Market is a very busy environment with many indoor shopping options and experiences. To ensure your pets’ enjoyment, we highly encourage visitors with pets to select non-peak times to partake in the festivities (Friday 11am – 3pm).
Is there a place to park my stroller?
Yes, free stroller parking is available at the market. Please note that no attendant will monitor the stroller parking.
Is the market wheelchair accessible?
The Market is wheelchair accessible and there is a wheelchair accessible washroom on-site. Please note, outdoor areas of the Market may be snowy and/or icy.
I lost something at the Market. Who should I talk to?
Please use our contact form to get in touch and a member of our team will check our lost and found.
What is the Market's weather policy?
The Banff Christmas Market is both an indoor and outdoor event and operates rain, snow, or shine. Mountain weather can change quickly, so guests are encouraged to check the forecast and dress warmly for the conditions.
Tickets are non-refundable due to weather. In the unlikely event that the Market must delay opening, close early, or cancel for safety reasons, updates will be shared through our website and social media channels.
I'm a caregiver. Do I have to pay admission?
To make the Market as welcoming and accessible as possible, we provide complimentary admission for support persons and caregivers.
Guests may purchase their own ticket in advance, while their designated caregiver does not need to buy a separate ticket. Upon arrival, the caregiver can present a valid registered caregiver card at the entrance to receive complimentary admission.