It's never too early to start planning your winter vacation, and we're ready to help. Winter and the holiday season are where Banff and Lake Louise thrive. Not only are the ski resorts ready for prime skiing and snowboarding, but the Town of Banff and the Village of Lake Louise come alive with sights, sounds, and flavours you can only find in the winter season. Take a look at some of the events and excitement you'll only find in Banff and Lake Louise. Come ready to experience the holidays, while also following health & safety protocols for the continued safety of both our visitors and local community.

Bear Street Holiday Market

Bear Street Holiday Market

Friday (4-9 pm), Saturdays and Sundays (10 am - 6pm) from Nov 19 - Dec 12

Daily Dec 17 - 24 (10am - 6pm) and Dec 26-31 (10am - 6pm)

Bundle up and grab a hot chocolate and enjoy a stroll through the all-new Bear Street Holiday Market this festive season. Located in the heart of downtown Banff, the Bear Street Holiday Market features local artisans, retailers and food stalls. Embrace the holiday spirit as you browse the market stalls for holiday gifts and delights and round off your experience with a bite to eat at one of Bear Street's many cozy restaurants.

Banff Christmas Market

Saturday, November 20 - Sunday, November 21, 2021 & Saturday, November 27 and Sunday, November 28, 2021

Normally home to the Banff Trail Riders, Warner Stables will be transformed into the Banff Christmas Market for the weekends of November 20 - 21 and 27 - 28. Local and regional artisans will be selling their one-of-a-kind wares influenced by Banff's rocky mountain culture and aesthetics. You can find something for everyone on your list — and yourself!

Banff Christmas Market, photo by Devaan Ingraham and Banff & Lake Louise Tourism.

Banff Craft Beer Festival

Friday, December 3, 2021 - Saturday, December 11, 2021

The Banff Craft Beer Festival is back in 2021. As the only craft beer festival featuring exclusively Alberta craft brewers, treat your taste buds to delicious samples of craft beer from over 30 vendors from across the province, share stories with local brewmasters, and discover Banff's amazing food and craft drink scene!

Banff Craft Beer Week: Dec 3 - 11, 2021

Banff Craft Beer Festival: Dec 3, 4, 9, 10 & 11

Banff Craft Beer Festival, photo by Noel Hendrickson

Hot Chocolate Trail

Saturday, November 20, 2021 - Saturday, January 1, 2022

What could be better than hot chocolate on a winter day? Banff and Lake Louise's Hot Chocolate Trail is a treasure map of restaurants, each offering a limited-time specialty hot chocolate. All hot chocolates are available to take out, so order ahead and enjoy.

Lake Louise Audi FIS Ski World Cup

Saturday, November 27, 2021 - Wednesday, December 5, 2021

The Lake Louise Audi FIS Ski World Cup is back on track to host the world’s fastest downhill and super-G racers in the first speed events of the 2021/22 World Cup season. Lake Louise is one of the select few destinations to host the men and women back-to-back and is the only event of its kind in Canada.

Lake Louise World Cup, photo by Devaan Ingraham

Christmas at the Castle

November 2021 - January 2022

Christmas at the Castle, photo by Fairmont Banff Springs.

In the heart of Banff National Park, you will find a historic castle that truly comes alive with the spirit of Christmas. At Fairmont Banff Springs, the festive season is celebrated with international flavour, blending Christmas's traditional sights and sounds into a magical festival. Hotel guests can experience a magical outdoor spaces with a skating rink, private fire pits, s'mores and a curling rink. The North Pole magically been relocated to the Gatehouse Foyer for festive activities designed for the whole family.  For those over 18, stop by Santa's Bar with over-the-top holiday decor to enjoy a festive hand-crafted cocktail.

In Search of Christmas Spirit

Wednesday, November 24, 2021 - Saturday, January 1, 2022

Banff & Lake Louise Tourism's In Search of Christmas Spirit is back by popular demand for another year. This interactive holiday story is told by the wildlife that calls Banff National Park home in a sensory extravaganza of light and sound.

Ice Magic International Ice Carving Competition

Wednesday, January 19. 2021 - Sunday, January 30, 2021

The Ice Magic International Ice Carving Competition is a perfectly magical winter experience that awaits you in Lake Louise, where ice serves as a fascinating medium of artistry and architectural design. Watch incredible ice carvings take shape under the precise hands of an all-Canadian cast of skilled artists.

SnowDays

Wednesday, January 19. 2021 - Sunday, January 30, 2021

Banff Snow Days, photo by Devaan Ingraham

Celebrate winter at SnowDays! Snowfall always feels like a sprinkle of magic in Banff and Lake Louise. No matter how the world has changed, a snowball fight will fill you with a thrill of adrenaline. Skating across an alpine lake will make you feel like you’re starring in a fairy tale, and your snow angel will always be a masterpiece. How will you indulge your sense of adventure on your SnowDays holiday?

Ready to see what the holidays are all about in Banff and Lake Louise?

While this winter will continue to look a bit different with health & safety guidelines in place and subject to change, the people of Banff & Lake Louise are working hard to make your winter experience one to remember. Contact our reservations team today and we’ll help you build a customized vacation to suit your style and budget. They’re happy to help with their local knowledge of all three resorts, and the ins and outs of Banff National Park. Online Ski & Stay Packages for the 21/22 season are already available.