More Magic, More Music and More Market Days: What’s New at the Banff Christmas Market
A Bigger and Brighter Tree Lighting Experience
Our beloved Tree Lighting Ceremony is getting an exciting upgrade.
Each Friday, Saturday and Sunday at dusk, Santa will help us officially light the Christmas tree as part of a new musical light show. The ceremony will last several minutes, with the lights on the tree “dancing” along to festive music.
Miss the ceremony with Santa? The magic is not over. The musical light show will repeat periodically throughout the evening, giving visitors several opportunities to experience it after dark.
Traditional Christmas Market Mugs
This year, all hot drinks will be served in reusable Christmas Market drinkware.
Adult beverages and hot drinks will be served in a festive ceramic Christmas Market mug with a $5 deposit. Return your mug to one of the designated collection points to receive your deposit back, or keep it as a souvenir from your visit.
A lightweight reusable polypropylene cup will also be available for children and other guests who prefer it, with a $2 deposit.
Inspired by the traditional mug programs found at Christmas markets throughout Europe, this new program will help us reduce single-use waste while bringing even more authentic Christmas Market charm to Banff. Learn more about how the Banff Christmas Market is reducing its environmental impact here.
More Time With Santa, Mrs. Claus, the Grinch and Banff Photo Booth
Some of the most popular characters and experiences at the Market will be available for longer this year.
Santa, Mrs. Claus and the Grinch will all be spending more time at the Market, giving families additional opportunities to visit, take photos and enjoy a little holiday mischief.
Banff Photo Booth will also return with extended hours for complimentary professional photos with Santa on select days.
Be sure to check the daily schedule before your visit for appearance times and photo hours.
A New Season Pass
Can’t get enough Christmas magic? Neither can we.
For the first time, guests can purchase a Banff Christmas Market Season Pass for $99.
With new vendors, entertainment and experiences to discover throughout the season, the Season Pass makes it easier to return again and again. Stop by for Christmas shopping one weekend, bring the family to visit Santa the next and come back for an evening of food, drinks and live music. Get yours now!
Youth Tickets Supporting More Local Organizations
Giving back to the community continues to be an important part of the Banff Christmas Market.
In previous years, proceeds from Youth Ticket sales were donated to the Shine Foundation. This year, those proceeds will be shared among three wonderful organizations:
Each organization provides meaningful support and experiences for children, youth, families and members of our community. We are proud to help further their work through every Youth Ticket sold. To learn more about how your attendance at the Market helps local initiatives, visit our website.
More Market Days and Longer Hours
There will be even more time to shop, sip and celebrate this season.
The Banff Christmas Market will now be open every Thursday throughout the season, beginning with Twinkle Night and continuing with three special Thursday evening events featuring festive food and drinks, live music and creative workshops.
We are also extending our hours, with the Market open until 9:00 PM Thursday through Saturday and until 6:00 PM on Sunday. That means more time to explore the vendor booths, gather around the fire, enjoy live entertainment and experience the Market beneath thousands of twinkling lights.
The atmosphere becomes especially magical after sunset, so be sure to leave time to experience the Market after dark.
For full Market dates and hours, please visit our website.
Happy Hour All Night at Twinkle Night
Twinkle Night, our special sneak-a-peek opening evening, is becoming even more festive.
Guests can be among the first to experience this year’s Market, explore the vendor booths, admire the lights and enjoy Happy Hour pricing throughout the entire evening.
It is the perfect opportunity to raise a festive glass and celebrate the official beginning of the Banff Christmas Market season. Did we mention tickets are 50% off?! Spaces are limited so reserve your tickets today!
Sip, Savour, Create! Festive Thursday Evenings at the Market
Following Twinkle Night, the Banff Christmas Market will open for three additional Thursday evenings from 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM.
These special evenings will offer a different Market experience, focused exclusively on festive food and drinks, live music and creative workshops. While the shopping areas will be closed, all outdoor gathering spaces will remain open, including the bars, food areas, fire pits and entertainment spaces.
Guests can spend the evening beneath the twinkling lights, gather around the fire and take part in workshops led by local artists. Planned workshops include:
Wreath making
Christmas card making
Christmas paint nights
Workshop spaces will be limited and require separate registration. Click here to learn more!
Admission for these three Thursday evenings will be by donation, with a suggested contribution of $2 per person. Each evening’s proceeds will support a local non-profit organization, giving guests the opportunity to enjoy a festive night out while supporting organizations that make a meaningful difference in the Bow Valley community. Learn more.
New European-Inspired Food and Drinks
A visit to the Banff Christmas Market would not be complete without something delicious.
This year, guests can look forward to several new food and drink offerings, including traditional raclette. This warm and comforting Alpine dish features melted cheese served over hearty accompaniments and is perfect for enjoying on a chilly evening.
We will also be introducing Feuerzangenbowle, a festive German-style cocktail traditionally made by preparing mulled wine beneath a flaming, rum-soaked sugarloaf. It is as much an experience as it is a holiday drink. Get inspired!
Experience More Christmas Magic This Season
Whether you are joining us to shop from local vendors, visit Santa, enjoy a festive drink, take part in a workshop or simply gather around the fire with friends and family, there are more reasons than ever to visit the Banff Christmas Market this year.
With more days, longer hours and plenty of new experiences, the magic of Christmas will be waiting for you all season long.
