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 shining brighter than ever with an exciting new addition – the Holiday Light Show!
Each Friday, Saturday and Sunday at dusk, Santa will help us officially light our giant 24′ Christmas tree as part of a new musical holiday light show. During the ceremony, the tree’s lights will dance in time with festive music, creating a magical experience for guests of all ages.
Miss the ceremony with Santa? The magic is not over. Our Holiday 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 our Holiday Collection Ceramic Mug.
Adult beverages and hot drinks will be served in a special edition ceramic Christmas Market mug with a $5 deposit. Keep it as a souvenir from your visit or return your mug to our designated collection point to receive your deposit back.
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 Magical Moments with Santa & Mrs. Claus
Make your visit even more memorable with two enchanting new experiences for little ones!
Spend some special one-on-one time with Santa during our private Santa experience, A Magical Moment with Santa. This magical 10-minute visit includes hot chocolate and cookies, professional photos and a personalized copy of The Night Before Christmas signed by Santa himself. With only five private visits available each Saturday, advance booking is highly recommended.
On Fridays & Sundays, join Mrs. Claus for Cookie Decorating in the Whoville KidZone. Each child will decorate three festive cookies and receive a take-home box for their delicious creations. Two sessions are available at 4:00pm and 4:30pm, with space for just 12 children per session.
Visit our Workshops & Experiences page to learn more — spaces are limited and expected to fill quickly!
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 our community remains at the heart of the Banff Christmas Market.
This year, proceeds from Youth Ticket sales will be shared among three wonderful local 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 an après-ski party with festive food, drinks, and live music.
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 schedule of events.
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! Creative Christmas Workshops at the Market
Thursday evenings are getting a little more hands-on at the Banff Christmas Market! This season, join us for a series of festive workshops where you can sip, create, and soak up the holiday atmosphere. From wreath making and holiday painting to Christmas card making, each workshop includes all the materials you’ll need, plus a festive drink to enjoy while you create.
Workshops take place Thursday evenings and are ticketed separately from Market admission. Workshop spaces will be limited and require separate registration. Click here to learn more!
Admission for these Thursday evenings will be by donation, with a suggested contribution of $5 per person. Each evening’s proceeds will support a local 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.
