Why You Need To Experience Christmas at the Castle

Christmas in Banff National Park is as Magical as can be!

Here’s Why You Should Celebrate the Holidays in the Heart of the Canadian Rockies:

The quaint mountain town of Banff, Alberta truly comes alive each year with the spirit of Christmas at the Castle. If Santa Claus himself hadn’t already settled in the North Pole, we’re confident he would have made Banff National Park his holiday headquarters. Banff is about as Christmassy as a town can be!

Already sold on Christmas at the Castle? Book here!

In case you’re not already typing “flights to Calgary” and “Christmas in Banff” into the search bar, we’ll share a little more to convince you why you need to experience Christmas at the Castle. Here are the top reasons why you need to visit Banff National Park for the most wonderful time of the year.

Warning: the following content may bring about intense feelings of nostalgia, warmth and happiness. Sudden yearning for eggnog and candy canes may also arise.

Picture Yourself Here for the Holidays

There’s a reason travellers from around the world make this place their home base for the holiday season each year. Let’s start by imagining that you’re already here!

The moon lights up the night sky. You see the faint outline of the surrounding mountains as you make your way through the town of Banff. You drive up the street knowing that any minute now the castle is going to peek out from the trees. And there it is: the 739-room grand dame of Banff National Park, Fairmont Banff Springs. You continue up the road flanked by twinkling evergreens and pull up to the front doors of the towering hotel. A bellperson greets you with a warm smile and a helping hand. As the door opens, you hear “Welcome to Christmas at the Castle!”.

Your car is driven away by the valet while your bags are whisked up to your room. Suddenly you’re through the turnstile and into the grand lobby. Right away you’re hit with a subtle yet powerful, memory-inducing scent that fills the space (yes, we use a specific holiday scent at this time of the year!). Cue flashbacks of freshly baked gingerbread cookies from your childhood.

Every corner of the sprawling property is adorned with lights, ornaments, garland, and trees. You make your way to your room and hunker down for your first night at Canada’s Castle in the Rockies. You decide to have a soak in the tub before getting cozy in a plush robe. Your order room service and sink into your bed to watch your favourite Christmas movie to get into the spirit. Is this heaven? No, it’s Christmas at the Castle.

There’s Nothing Like Winter in the Canadian Rockies

Banff is undeniably charming every day of the year but we’d be lying if we didn’t say Christmas was our favourite time to be here. The stores along Banff Avenue are aglow with holiday displays, the street is lined with twinkle lights and snow is a guarantee. If there were ever the feeling of being inside a real-life snow globe, it would be in Banff during the holidays. Winter isn’t everyone’s favourite season and we understand why. But here in Banff National Park, winter isn’t simply tolerated; it’s embraced. From outdoor alpine adventures to cozy nights by the fire, winter feels right in every way.

Need some winter inspiration? Check out our destination guide.

Your Belly (and You Heart) Will Be Full

Holidays are so often centred around food and Christmas is no exception. Our talented chefs are busy preparing festive feasts and tantalizing sweets for the entire holiday season. From festive Afternoon Tea to an elegant multi-course New Year’s Eve dinner, there is something for everyone to indulge in at Fairmont Banff Springs.

Tip from the elves: Even if you can’t make it to Christmas at the Castle, you can still fill your own kitchen with the scents & tastes of the season. Check out our collection of Castle recipes here.

Play Hard, Rest Harder

Hit the ski hills, head on an early morning hike, snowshoe atop a mountain and then reward yourself with a visit to the Fairmont Spa. A massage to soothe tired muscles and a dip in the mineral pool is a guaranteed way to bring on ultimate relaxation. The Christmas holiday is a vacation after all! Treat yourself.

Tip from the elves: Spa Gift Cards make the perfect Christmas present! Who couldn’t use a little relaxation after a busy holiday season?

Jingle All the Way Through The Holidays

This Christmas, Fairmont Banff Springs will be hosting a series of holiday concerts, exclusively for guests of the hotel to enjoy. From classic Christmas carols to Canadian country tunes, the Castle comes alive with the sounds of Christmas throughout the festive season. In addition to the concert series, A Christmas Carol will also be performed live on stage with multiple showtimes throughout December.

Secure your tickets in advance here!

Holiday Cheers & Festive Spirits

For those looking to enjoy an adult beverage or two, we have no shortage of options this holiday season! Sip on over-the-top Christmas concoctions at The Thirsty Reindeer or enjoy elevated cocktails at Rundle Bar. Pop some bubbly by the campfire or savour a spiked hot chocolate in between skates on the outdoor rink. Whatever your drink of choice is, you’ll be into the Christmas spirit(s) in no time!

Christmas Fun For All

Christmas tends to bring out the child in everyone and Christmas at the Castle has the same effect. There are endless Christmas activities for both the kids and the kids at heart at Fairmont Banff Springs. Little ones can write letters to Santa, make Christmas crafts with Mrs. Claus, watch classic holiday movies and so much more. Big kids of the Castle can join in the fun by taking a heritage tour of the hotel or enjoying a private campfire under the stars before heading to a Christmas concert.

Visit ChristmasAtTheCastle.ca to see everything we have planned!

No Christmas Blues After December 25th

Just because the big man in red has come & gone, that doesn’t mean that the fun stops at Fairmont Banff Springs. Throughout the week of December 26th to January 1st, the Castle is still buzzing with festive cheer and the party is far from over. End your holiday season in style by ringing in the new year with us! Say farewell to 2022 with an elegant dinner at 1888 Chop House or a lively party in our Van Horne Ballroom.

Christmas at the Castle is a must-do experience in the Canadian Rockies and we can’t wait to welcome you for the festive season! Visit our Christmas at the Castle website for more information.

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