December 4, 2020 (BANFF AND LAKE LOUISE, ALBERTA) – In this time of uncertainty we are constantly adapting and have made some changes to planned programming in Banff and Lake Louise to ensure the safety of our guests and community. Those looking to find Christmas cheer should look no further than Banff National Park.

In Search of Christmas Spirit, a new locally-designed immersive outdoor storytelling experience “told” by giant illuminated animals of the park, will continue on select nights during the holiday season. Visitors can expect a full sensory experience of light and sound. Two years in the making, the concept for the lighting experience was developed by Banff & Lake Louise Tourism's events team and brought to life with the support and creativity of a variety of talented individuals - predominantly locals.

We have worked closely with Alberta Health Services on ensuring this experience is held to the highest safety standards, including reservations-only attendance to ensure physical distancing. The experience, which was initially set to launch on November 27 to the public, will open on December 10 to locals. It will open to the public on December 24 and will run until January 2, 2021.

In order to protect and support our community, the previously announced Hot Chocolate Trail and Christmas Artisan Trail are no longer going ahead.

“We are disappointed to have had to cancel some of our plans for the Christmas season, but it was the responsible thing to do,” said David Matys, Director, Events & Animation, Banff & Lake Louise Tourism. “We are truly delighted to move forward with our exciting new outdoor lighting experience. This live Christmas story with a message of hope is something we believe the world needs right now, and we anticipate that this experience will become a beloved holiday tradition for our residents and visitors this year and for many years to come.”

Banff and Lake Louise holiday highlights:

IN SEARCH OF CHRISTMAS SPIRIT

Immerse yourself in a live outdoor Christmas story delivered by a sensory extravaganza of light and sound. Discover the true meaning of connection and love through this magical outdoor illuminated experience that is told by the wildlife of Banff National Park.

Where: Check in at Banff Avenue Square, collect a lantern and head over to the nearby Cascade Gardens
When: Departures are every 15-minutes from 5 – 9:30 p.m. on Thursday, Friday and Saturday evenings (December 10, 11, 12, 17, 18, 19) for locals and daily from December 24 – January 2 for the public. “Locals” are residents of Banff, Canmore, Kananaskis, Lake Louise, Exshaw, Morley, Harvie Heights and Yoho National Park.
Price: Complimentary
Reservations: For the comfort and safety of guests, reservations are essential and strongly encouraged to avoid being turned away if the trail has reached capacity at your preferred time. Reservations open on Dec. 7 for locals and Dec. 17 for the public.
Learn more

MOUNTAINTOP CHRISTMAS

Soar to where Christmas delights and Santa visits await at the top of the Banff gondola. Decorate cookies in the bakeshop, take photos with Santa, roll your own maple taffy and watch a film in the theatre.

Where: Banff Gondola
When: December 19-30
Price: All activities are free with gondola admission
Learn more

SANTA ON THE MOUNTAIN

Looking to hit the slopes for Christmas? Share some festive-fun turns with Mr. and Mrs. Claus at Banff Sunshine's “Santa on the Mountain.”

Where: Sunshine Village and Sunshine Mountain Lodge
When: 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. on December 12-13, 19-20
Learn more

TORCHLIGHT PARADE

Add a little light show magic to your New Year's traditions with Mt. Norquay's Torchlight Parade. A select number of brave Norquay instructors and staff will take on the North American run from the Big Chair with torches in hand for a light spectacle you do not want to miss. The best spot to view is from downtown Banff, so, bundle up the family, grab a hot chocolate and enjoy the show.
Where: From town looking towards Mt. Norquay
When: 7 p.m. December 31
Price: Complimentary
Learn more

The most up-to-date information on our Christmas programming can be found at banfflakelouise.com/Christmas.

Banff and Lake Louise are in “enhanced” status and new public health measures are in place and will be until at least December 15. If you are travelling to Banff National Park, know that businesses have made adjustments based on health and safety and the enhanced measures.  Be sure to call the individual businesses ahead to ensure you understand any changes.

Planning your visit ahead of time is crucial. Before heading out on your trip to the mountains, know where you are going to park, how best to get around and how to stay safe. For information on how to explore Banff National Park responsibly, please see our Travel Information page and visit Banff.ca/COVID.