Community
Working with our Community, Protecting the Environment
The Banff Christmas Market is a small, locally owned business that believes in working with and working for our community. We employ local, showcase local, and give back to local organizations and non-profits wherever possible. We are proud to welcome hundreds of visitors to our town every year from Calgary, greater Alberta, and beyond.
Land Acknowledgement
The Banff Christmas Market respectfully acknowledges that we are gathered on the traditional lands of the Indigenous Peoples of Treaty 7 Territory. This includes the Îyârhe Nakoda Nations (Chiniki, Bearspaw, and Wesley), the Blackfoot Confederacy (Siksika, Kainai, Piikani), and the Tsuut’ina Nation, as well as the Métis Nation of Alberta, Region 3.
We recognize and honor the enduring presence, knowledge, and traditions of the First Nations and Métis Peoples who have lived in and cared for these mountains, valleys, and rivers for generations. We are grateful to gather, celebrate, and share in community on this beautiful and sacred land.
Local Partners and Sponsors:
Organizations We Support
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 (suggested $5 donation), with all proceeds going directly to a featured local organization:
November 26: Santa’s Anonymous
December 3: Rocky Mountain Adaptive
December 10: The Day Care Society of Banff
Sustainability
We have the great privilege of operating in a national park and with that comes great responsibility. Each year the Banff Christmas Market sets new sustainability goals to ensure we are minimizing our environmental footprint and protecting our park.
This year, all hot beverages will be served in our exclusive Banff Christmas Market ceramic keepsake mug—inspired by the iconic mugs found at Christmas Markets throughout Europe.
When you purchase a hot drink, a small deposit will be added to your order. At the end of your visit, you have two options: keep your mug as a special holiday souvenir, or return it and receive your full deposit back.
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Other steps the Banff Christmas Market is taking to align ourselves with the Town of Banff’s 2050 Zero Waste goal:
Providing reusable shopping bags to guests for a small fee of $2 + GST
Providing water refill stations for vendors & guests (located in Train Station)
Providing reusable options, instead of single-use, whenever possible
- Create & build décor from repurposed & up-cycled products
Providing clearly labelled and accessible Waste Stations throughout the Market
Visit the Town of Banff website to learn more about Banff’s Zero Waste goals
What can you do as a visitor?
Protecting & preserving the environment is everyone’s responsibility! You can reduce your environmental footprint at the market with just a few simple actions:
Live locally? Walk to the market (5 mins from downtown!) or take public transit.
Not from Banff? Carpool with friends & family – ‘tis the season to spend more time with those we love!
Bring your own travel mug so you can enjoy a hot drink while shopping.
Lots of shopping planned? Bring a reusable shopping bag or purchase one on-site!
A safe space, for everyone.
The Banff Christmas Market values diversity, inclusivity and is a welcoming space for all.