Banff is such a beautiful winter destination. With the Rocky Mountains as a backdrop, surrounded by stunning snow-capped peaks and pristine wilderness, it offers a unique blend of outdoor activities and cultural attractions.
Banff Christmas Market is one of the highlights. This guide provides updated dates, the new location and opening hours for 2024.
Banff Christmas Market 2024
Dates – Confirmed
Banff Christmas Market dates: 14th November to 8th December 2024 (confirmed).
Update: Dates were announced in June. Sign up for our newsletter for future updates.
Source: Dates are obtained directly from the organiser, available here.
Plan Your Visit
Location and Times
Location: Banff Heritage Train Station.
Opening times:
Opening day: 5pm to 9pm.
Friday and Saturday: 10am to 8pm.
Sunday: 10am to 4pm.
Christmas Day: Closed.
Travel and Accommodation
Recommended tour: Discover Banff with this historical walking tour.
Public transport: Buses are available. It’s a 5 minute walk from downtown Banff.
Parking: Please take public transport to help limit congestion. Parking is available at the Train Station Public Parking Lot.
Where to stay: Mount Royal Hotel is nice hotel with excellent facilities, located in central Banff.
Amenities and Attractions
Admission: $5 to $15. Children 2 and under are free.
Tickets: Available online from 1st September.
Santa: Yes.
Ice skating: No.
Reason to visit: Events for the kids like Santa’s House and live music.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian: Yes, plenty of options.
Vegan: Yes.
Gluten-free: Limited. Ask individual vendors, but beware of cross-contamination.
Specialties: Locally distilled spirits, pierogies, tacos and mulled wine.
Accessibility
Accessible: Yes.
Pet-friendly: Yes, but not recommended during busy periods.
Convenient Hotels
Banff is a resort town within the stunning Banff National Park. I recommend staying somewhere central to be within walking distance of places to eat out, entertainment, and access to the mountains.
The Mount Royal Hotel is an excellent choice for its location and lovely facilities.
Discover more winter events with my Canadian Christmas Markets guide. Get ideas for where to go, things to do and the best ways to experience Canadian food, history and culture.
Event Location
Captured a moment that embodies the holiday season? Tag your photos with #UltimateChristmasMarkets — we can’t wait to see your festive finds!
What to Expect
The Christmas market in Banff features activities for all ages, including live music, local artisans, food and drink vendors, visits with Santa and a variety of holiday-themed activities.
There is something for everyone, from the children’s train rides and carousel to the gingerbread house workshop and Christmas-themed games.
At the Food Stalls
- Pierogis are a popular Canadian dish with Eastern European roots. They’re always delicious and filled with potato, cheese, or meat and served with sour cream.
- Bison burgers: Available at the central grill stations.
- Alberta stew: What better way to keep the winter chill at bay than a bowl of hearty Alberta beef stew or vegetable stew?
- Nanaimo bars: These no-bake bars, named after the city of Nanaimo in British Columbia, are a popular Canadian treat.
- Butter tarts: Another Canadian classic.
- Bratwurst: This classic German sausage is often found grilling at the market stalls.
- Roasted almonds: Your nose might lead you to the aromatic stall of roasted almonds or chestnuts.
- Pretzels: Look out for the twisted shapes of soft pretzels, another German specialty.
- Turkish delight: These small, fragrant jelly cubes, often flavoured with rosewater, lemon, or mint and dusted with icing sugar, are a light, sweet treat.
- Glühwein: Round off your culinary adventure with a warming cup of glühwein, a mulled wine brimming with spices. Mulled cider and hot chocolate are typically available, too.
Sustainability Tips
- Renewable energy: Many hotels in Banff are committed to sustainability and use renewable energy sources.
- Support local: In line with the principle of ethical consumption, make a conscious decision to support local artisans and small businesses during your visit.
- Food waste: When dining out, be mindful of the amount you order to avoid unnecessary waste.
- Plant-based meals: A great way to promote a sustainable diet is to choose plant-based meals more often than not.
- Public transport: Reduce your carbon footprint by taking advantage of Banff’s excellent public transport system. ROAM Transit provides service throughout the town and surrounding area, including to popular spots such as Lake Louise and Johnston Canyon.
- Rent a bike: Banff is bike-friendly, and renting a bike can be a fun and eco-friendly way to explore the town and nearby trails.
Comment below if you want to leave a Xmas review, have any questions or would like to report any inaccuracies.
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Recommendations are independently chosen based on personal travel experiences and extensive research. While we make every effort to provide accurate information, the dates and details listed here should not be relied upon. Please consult the official website before booking your trip or planning a visit.
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