Banff Springs at Christmas

For anyone lucky enough to be staying at the Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel during the Christmas or New Year period, there is no end of fantastic activities and wonderful dining experiences to be enjoyed. From Christmas Parades to Carol Singing, from Snowshoeing to a Gingerbread House Workshop, their Christmas at the Castle brochure is jam packed full of special holiday events right through the month of December.
Below, the team at Banff.mobi has highlighted some their favorite activities and the main dining options for the Christmas period December 24th to 26th 2009.
Christmas is a very busy time at the Banff Springs and it is strongly recommended that you make reservations for any events and all dining before you arrive at the hotel.

Christmas Eve Activities

Christmas Day will no doubt involve indulging in some terrific food, so why not get out for some exercise on Christmas Eve by joining the Winter Wonderland Wilderness Walk from noon to 1pm. Christmas Cookie Decorating looks like a fun event for the family and takes place from 1-3pm and costs $25 (all inclusive) per family tray. Santa’s Workshop (3-5pm) is sure to get the kids excited for the big day, and the Great Santa Send-Off (5-5.30pm) is a fun and lively event with hot chocolate and carols. The Traditional Christmas Sing Along (9.30-10.30pm) has taken place at the Banff Springs for years and is a wonderful opportunity to sing and hear all your favorite carols in a very festive atmosphere.

Christmas Eve Dining, December 24

Alhambra Dining Room
5 course table d’hote dinner with live entertainment and dancing.
Seating times from 6.30 to 8.30pm
Adults $120 (incl. service charge and GST)

Bow Valley Grill
A Taste of the Castle International Dinner Buffet
6-9pm
Adults $82 (incl. service charge and GST)
Children 6-12 $41

Christmas Day Activities

After a morning of swapping Christmas presents, you might feel like some fresh air, so why not join the Christmas Day Skating Party with Frosty at 1pm on the Waldhaus rink, where there will also be a fire and hot chocolate to warm you up! If you don’t have skates, they can be rented from the ski rental shop at the Conference Centre. If you want to stay indoors why not try your hand at Bowling, which is available at the Conference Centre from noon to 11pm, and to wind down after an action-packed day, the children may enjoy listening to Bedtime Stories from 8-8.30pm.

Christmas Day Dining, December 25

Christmas Day Brunch with Santa
Christmas style brunch buffet with Santa giving out treats to the kids.
9.30am-2pm
Mezzanine 2
Adults $67 (incl. service charge and GST)
Children 6-12 $33.50

Family Christmas Buffet with Children’s Entertainment
5.30-8pm
Alberta Room
Adults $80 (incl. service charge and GST)
Children 6-12 $40

Bow Valley Grill Yuletide Buffet
6-9pm
Bow Valley Grill
Adults $82 (incl. service charge and GST)
Children 6-12 $41

Alhambra Dining Room
Four course table d’hote dinner with live entertainment and dancing.
Seating times from 6.30 to 8.30pm
Adults $120 (incl. service charge and GST)

Boxing Day Activities

If you haven’t yet had your Heritage tour of the Castle, Boxing Day (4-5pm) could be a good opportunity to do so, while the Family Skating Party sounds like a fun outdoor event from 4-9pm. Bingo Night (7-8pm) is sure to provide some light-hearted fun for all, and a couple of drinks at the Live Entertainment in the Rundle Hall (8pm-12am) would be a great way for the adults to wind down on Boxing Day night.

Boxing Day Dining, December 26

Boxing Day Brunch - Bow Valley Grill
Amazing brunch buffet with spectacular views.
10am-2.30pm
Adults $67 (incl. service charge and GST)
Children 6-12 $33.50

Apart from our picks above, there are many other festive events happening at the Banff Springs throughout the Xmas period. For full information, see the Christmas at the Castle brochure at the Fairmont Banff Springs website.
While we have made every effort to provide accurate information, we recommend that you confirm all events and pricing directly with the hotel.

To make reservations for Christmas events and dining, call the hotel dining reservations directly at 403 762 6860.

For information about Banff Springs Christmas Packages click here.