Eager for holiday festivities in Cochrane? Check out our guide for the best events! Whether you're rediscovering your city or visiting for the first time, this guide reveals the best of Cochrane's holidays.
Popular Events: Experience the charm of the Banff Christmas Market, where local artisans showcase their handcrafted goods amidst twinkling lights and festive decor. Mountaintop Christmas Wonderland invites visitors to enjoy breathtaking views while relishing seasonal activities. And the Christmas at the Castle is something you definitely don’t want to miss, as it features enchanting decorations and holiday performances. See more details on these and other fun events and activities below!
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Top Holiday Events In and Around Cochrane
- Banff Christmas Market (Banff)
- Christmas at the Castle (Banff)
- Mountaintop Christmas Wonderland (Banff)
- CP Holiday Train (Banff)
- In Search of Christmas Spirit (Banff)
- Cochrane Light Up
- Christmas Eve Torch Light Parade at Banff Sunshine Village (Banff)
- Hot Chocolate Trail (Banff)
- Banff Christmas Concert Series (Banff)
- Magical Christmas Feast at Lake Louise Ski Resort (Lake Louise)
See these and even more events listed below!
Cochrane Holiday Light Displays
Cochrane Light Up
What to Expect:
Community-driven holiday celebration with sustainable practices.
Description:
Cochrane Light Up is a community event in Historic Downtown Cochrane, featuring a light show, hot chocolate, hot dogs, and fire-pits, promoting sustainability with reusable cups.
Where: Cochrane | More Info: Cochrane Light Up
In Search of Christmas Spirit
What to Expect:
Live Christmas story told by wildlife through illuminated sculptures and sound effects.
Description:
In Search of Christmas Spirit is an outdoor Christmas experience in Banff National Park, featuring a live Christmas story told by the animals of the park through illuminated sculptures and captivating sound effects.
Where: Banff | More Info: In Search of Christmas Spirit
Cochrane Holiday Markets and Shopping
Cochrane Christmas Farmers’ Market
What to Expect:
Largest indoor farmers' market with two floors of local shopping.
Description:
The Cochrane Christmas Farmers’ Market is a two-day event featuring local vendors selling unique handcrafted gifts, seasonal decorations, and holiday pantry items. The market is held at the Spray Lake Sawmills Centre, offering a great shopping experience with many favorite vendors from the summer market plus additional seasonal artisans.
Where: Cochrane | More Info: Cochrane Christmas Farmers’ Market
Cochrane MADE Artisan Christmas Markets
What to Expect:
Three-weekend artisan market with 50 local retailers each weekend.
Description:
Cochrane MADE Artisan Christmas Markets offer a back-to-back THREE-WEEKEND tour of outstanding ARTISANS + MAKERS, each weekend showcasing 50 different local retailers featuring unique, handcrafted treasures.
Where: Cochrane | More Info: Cochrane MADE Artisan Christmas Markets
Banff Christmas Market
What to Expect:
Large-scale artisanal vendor market with festive atmosphere.
Description:
The Banff Christmas Market features over 150 artisanal vendors, live music, an outdoor fire lounge, Santa's House and Workshop, and Christmas treats and warm drinks. It is a family-friendly event held at the Banff Heritage Train Station.
Where: Banff | More Info: Banff Christmas Market
Cochrane Holiday Shows and Entertainment
Christmas at the Castle
What to Expect:
Historic castle transformed into a Christmas celebration with international flair.
Description:
Celebrate Christmas at the historic Fairmont Banff Springs, where the festive season is celebrated with international flair, blending traditional sights and sounds into a magical festival. Enjoy gingerbread house decorating, holiday carolers, wilderness walks, and holiday crafts. Savor decadent brunch buffets, festive afternoon tea, and private dining in Santa's dining room.
Where: Banff | More Info: Christmas at the Castle
CP Holiday Train
What to Expect:
Live music performances from a decorated train.
Description:
The CP Holiday Train is a festive event featuring a 1,000-foot-long train decorated with hundreds of thousands of LED lights. Professional musicians perform free concerts from the train's stage, raising money and food for community food banks while spreading holiday cheer.
Where: Banff | More Info: CP Holiday Train
Banff Christmas Concert Series
What to Expect:
Epic mountain-themed films and live talks by renowned adventurers and authors.
Description:
The Banff Centre Mountain Film and Book Festival is a premier event celebrating mountain culture with 90 films, over 80 events, and guest speakers from around the world. It features talks, exhibitions, and screenings at various venues in Banff, Alberta, showcasing adventure and exploration stories.
Where: Banff | More Info: Banff Christmas Concert Series
Cochrane Other Holiday Activities
Cochrane New Year’s Eve Family Celebration
What to Expect:
Interactive activities and fireworks display.
Description:
Join us for a FREE family New Year's Eve celebration at the SLS Centre, featuring facepainting, craft tables, public skating, swimming, bouncers, a dance party, balloon drop, sleigh rides, fire pits with hot chocolate, fire dancer shows, and roving performers. The evening culminates with a big fireworks show at 7 PM.
Where: Cochrane | More Info: Cochrane New Year’s Eve Family Celebration
Mountaintop Christmas Wonderland
What to Expect:
Santa visits and holiday activities at the mountain summit.
Description:
Celebrate the holiday season at Sulphur Mountain with Santa visits, Christmas crafts, and a holiday movie screening.
Where: Banff | More Info: Mountaintop Christmas Wonderland
Hot Chocolate Trail
What to Expect:
Sampling unique, festive-themed hot chocolates at multiple locations.
Description:
Embark on a flavorful adventure through Banff and Lake Louise, sampling an array of hot chocolates that range from traditional classics to creatively spirited concoctions at over 20 restaurants and cafes.
Where: Banff | More Info: Hot Chocolate Trail
Nightrise at the Banff Gondola
What to Expect:
Immersive multimedia experience with light, sound, and projections.
Description:
Nightrise at the Banff Gondola transforms Sulphur Mountain into an immersive evening experience with dynamic lights, multimedia effects, and original soundscapes. Visitors can explore four multi-sensory art installations, interact with interactive projections, and connect with the mountain in a new way.
Where: Banff | More Info: Nightrise at the Banff Gondola
Magical Christmas Feast at Lake Louise Ski Resort
What to Expect:
Holiday feast with snow tubing and Santa visit.
Description:
Celebrate the holiday season with a delicious turkey feast at Lake Louise Ski Resort, adorned with trees, lights, and wreaths. Enjoy warm hot chocolate, cash bar, and nighttime snow tubing for all ages. Visit Santa Claus and experience a cozy evening by the fire.
Where: Lake Louise | More Info: Magical Christmas Feast at Lake Louise Ski Resort
Christmas Eve Torch Light Parade at Banff Sunshine Village
What to Expect:
Illuminated mountain torch light parade.
Description:
The Christmas Eve Torch Light Parade at Banff Sunshine Village features a spectacular display of lights and festive atmosphere, illuminating the mountain landscape.
Where: Banff | More Info: Christmas Eve Torch Light Parade at Banff Sunshine Village
Brunch With Santa
What to Expect:
Traditional holiday favorites served in a beautifully decorated setting.
Description:
Join us for a delightful holiday brunch featuring all your favorite dishes, including a mimosa, in the beautifully decorated Vermillion Room.