A luxurious Christmas in Banff means sparkling lights, gourmet dining, castle celebrations, and effortless ski days. This guide brings together the most elevated experiences for a holiday you’ll never forget. With world-class skiing across Banff Sunshine, Lake Louise Ski Resort, and Mt. Norquay, plus Banff’s signature boutique hotels and festive culinary scene, Christmas in the Canadian Rockies is the perfect mix of alpine glamour and warm, small-town magic.
Banff Fairmont Spring | Photo Credit: Banff Fairmont
No luxury Christmas in Banff is complete without stepping inside the Fairmont Banff Springs, where the entire hotel transforms into a glowing holiday village as part of their annual Christmas at the Castle programming. Fairmont Banff Springs offers an official Christmas at the Castle Package, available for stays between December 14, 2025 and January 5, 2026.
· Santa meet and greet at the Riverview Lounge, where guests can share their Christmas wishes and snap a photo with Santa while overlooking the Bow Valley.
· Gingerbread House Workshops includes pre-made gingerbread panels, royal icing piping bags, and trays of candies perfect for decorating.
· Live festive performances, including events like “A Christmas Carol” theatre show.
· Festive Fine Dining such as the hotel’s multi-course Christmas Eve menu.
· Cookie decorating, craft workshops, and ice rink skating for families who want cozy downtime away from the slopes.
The entire hotel is decorated top-to-bottom with bright lights, themed trees, and alpine holiday décor, giving guests a true luxury Christmas experience.
Christmas at The Kenrick | Photo credit: The Kenrick
For modern luxury with personalized touches, The Kenrick Hotel offers one of Banff’s most surprising holiday perks: in-room Christmas tree setups.
When guests arrive, they are welcomed by:
· Guests staying in Deluxe Rooms and Suites receive a fully decorated Christmas tree inside their room- warm lights, ornaments, and all.
· Walking distance to the Banff Christmas Market, plus downtown dining and shopping.
· Thoughtful room design with spa-style details, modern alpine décor, and cozy customizable bedding.
The Otter Hotel offers clean, comfortable accommodation on Banff Avenue. Guests benefit from central access to downtown restaurants, shops, and the town’s winter activities. Good Folk, the stylish on‑site restaurant at Otter Hotel, serves modern Canadian cuisine in an intimate, upscale setting.
Baker Creek by Basecamp is a cabin-style resort located near Lake Louise along the Bow Valley Parkway. Guests can stay in cozy log cabins or suites with fireplaces and private decks. The property offers a peaceful, nature-oriented setting with opportunities for winter walks, wildlife viewing, and a quiet alpine escape while still within reach of ski areas and local attractions.
In room rental fittings | Photo credit: Jill Scarpato
Luxury in Canmore is all about ease, so SkiBig3’s In-Room Rental Fitting delivers exactly that with in-room equipment fitting and delivery.
What This Premium Service Includes:·
· A ski technician arrives directly at your hotel room or short term rental at a pre-booked time.
· Choose from top-tier brands like Rossignol, Nordica,, and Blizzard.
· At checkout, simply leave the gear behind, and SkiBig3 picks it up for you.
· Currently available for guests staying Canmore.
It’s one of the easiest—and most luxurious—ways to start your ski vacation this winter.
Apres dining | Photo credit: Jill Scarpato
Banff has no shortage of fine dining, but during Christmas the culinary scene becomes even more magical, offering alpine-inspired dishes, cozy candlelit rooms, and curated holiday menus.
· Waldhaus Restaurant’s Alpine Cheese Fondue is a cozy winter favorite, served with fresh baguette and classic accompaniments, with optional additions like truffle mushrooms, seasonal vegetables, or bratwurst for a heartier experience.
· The Maple Leaf serves elevated Canadian cuisine in a cozy, lodge‑style setting in downtown Banff. Their menu highlights Alberta beef, seafood and game, paired with an award‑winning Canadian wine list, which is ideal for a fine dining evening after skiing or exploring the town. Enjoy Christmas brunch and roast turkey dinner on December 25, 2025.
· Enjoy Chef Joe’s special family-style Christmas menu. Featuring your choice of slow-roasted porchetta or prime rib, served with garlic-whipped mashed potatoes, Brussels sprouts with cheddar cheese sauce and chives, roasted celery root with green apple salsa verde, and honey-roasted carrots. For dessert, enjoy Chef Erin’s lemon ricotta zeppole – light, golden Italian doughnuts kissed with citrus.
· Bluebird is a wood‑fired steakhouse in Banff known for hearty steaks, comfort food, and a warm, rustic atmosphere that suits winter evenings well. Bluebird offers a comforting mix of flame‑grilled meats, warming drinks, and relaxed ambiance, and is a solid choice for travelers wanting quality without ultra‑formal dining.
These restaurants book out extremely fast during the holidays, so reservations are essential.
Skiing Santa | Photo credit: Jill Tester
Whether you’re admiring your in-room Christmas tree at The Kenrick, sipping mulled wine inside the Banff Springs, or indulging in fondue after a big day on the slopes, Banff offers a luxury Christmas experience unlike anywhere else in the world. Enjoy world-class skiing, festive alpine traditions, and exclusive SkiBig3 holiday promotions that will make your trip unforgettable.
