‘Tis the season to be merry. Even though things look a little different this year with the ongoing pandemic and the changing health restrictions throughout the province, this is still the time to celebrate the warmth and magic of the season! We’ve rounded up 7 ways to safely enjoy the holidays in the Canadian Rockies.

Santa on the Mountaintop

Take the Banff Gondola to the top of Sulphur Mountain and meet Santa at the Mountaintop Christmas celebration. Decorate cookies, take photos, roll your own maple taffy and watch a Christmas movie. This family-friendly event runs weekends throughout December and all of Christmas break! The event is designed with safety in mind. for full safety details.

12 Days of Christmas at Stoney Nakoda Resort

Show your ID for a chance to win at Stoney Nakoda Resort! Each night from December 13-24, the resort will draw a name to win a teddy bear with a mystery gift. Gifts include cash, hotel rooms, gift certificates and more. For bonus entries, show your Winner’s Edge card, your hotel room key, or your same-day receipt from The Ridge or Sidelines Bar.

Festival of Christmas

Join the Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge and celebrate the holidays in style! From letters to Santa, to arts, crafts, fine dining and family photos, the lodge has an excellent holiday package waiting for you. Enjoy activities like ice skating, tobogganing, cross-country skiing and more. Look for the current safety measures and the full list of festivities before booking.

Christmas at the Castle

Watch the Fairmont Banff Springs come alive with holiday cheer during their annual Christmas at the Castle celebrations. Enjoy activities like crafts and storytimes with Mrs. Claus, photos with Santa, festive dining and outdoor activities like skating on the lawn. As always, the castle will be decked out with some of the most beautiful decorations around. At this time, the hotel is only open to registered guests and those with dining or spa reservations. For a full list of events and activities.

Ski with Santa

During the holidays, even Santa himself unwinds with some time on the slopes! Ski or snowboard with the north pole’s favourite celebrities, including Santa and Mrs. Claus, at Sunshine Village this season! Get your photo with them or grab a candy cane as they make their way down the slopes and relax during their busiest time of the year.

Dashing through the Snow

With sleigh bells jinglin’ and snowflakes flying, it’s lovely weather for a sleigh ride. Book your Christmas sleigh ride with Banff Trail Riders and enjoy the mountain meadows with hot apple cider. Or explore beautiful Lake Louise with Brewster Adventures and get into the holiday spirit!

Beautiful Ballet

During the week before the big day, Lux Cinema will be screening the Christmas classic ballet The Nutcracker. This presentation was previously captured live at the Four Seasons Centre for the Performing Arts in Toronto. Make sure to book your tickets in advance.

Kate Barker