Here’s where and how to have a very Merry Christmas in the Rockies!
Just picture it: your family is full and happy after a delicious meal you didn’t lift a finger to make.You get up from the table that you don’t have to play after-dinner-who-flinches-first chicken to determine who has to clear dishes in order to go participate in a fun Christmas activity that you didn’t have to plan. And out the window, the breathtaking majesty of the most beautiful mountains on Earth: The Rockies. Probably there are light airy flakes of snow softly falling and a gentle frost at the corners of the window.
Too good to be true? Not if you are up for a getaway for Christmas in the Rockies! Each hotel package and special event has been put together in a thoughtful way so you can get the most out of the holiday with your family. Merry Christmas to all and to all some good nights!
Banff
Christmas at the Castle: The venerable Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel is pulling out all the stops to welcome families this Christmas! Take part in any number of family activities: cookie decorating, skating, tours of Santa’s suite, scavenger hunt, and a family fun lounge! We haven’t even touched on all the special dining events; they are plentiful and delicious! There is supervised programming for kids aged 6-13, including a gala party just for kids on New Years’ Eve. While many of the events are complimentary for hotel guests, others are an additional cost. Contact the concierge for reservations.
Christmas at the Rimrock: Perched on a mountainside, the Rimrock Resort invites you and your family to spend Christmas with them! On Christmas Eve you can enjoy a craft workshop before joining in a complimentary cocktail reception with hors d’oeuvres in the Wildrose Ballroom. Christmas day kicks off with a visit from Santa before he heads back up North. On Boxing Day and daily until New Year’s there is skating and curling, plus an evening singalong campfire with hot chocolate with s’mores and popcorn! Plus, each day until New Year’s Eve you can enjoy special holiday dining in the restaurants of the resort, with your choice of gala parties to ring in 2018 capping it off!
The Spirit of Christmas: One of our favourite stores in Banff anytime of year! It is always fun to have a taste of the holidays, but once winter rolls around, it takes on a special magic. If you are in Banff this season, be sure to commemorate your visit with a special bauble or decoration from the Spirit of Christmas shop!
Jasper
Festival of Christmas The folks at the Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge invite you to partake in the fun, laughter and family festivities throughout the Christmas season! Write Santa a letter and have a response delivered via “Reindeer Mail” the next day! Take part in a stocking workshop, or make s’mores beside Lac Beauvert and peek at the stars with the high powered telescope! Santa and Mrs Claus have checked into a cabin at the JPL! They have parked their sleigh outside and are putting the finishing touches on the toys…they could use some help in the workshop! Plus carolling, skating, cookie decorating, or quiet games by the fire, and lots more!
Sawridge Jasper Magical Christmas: Every day from Christmas Eve until New Year’s, the Sawridge Jasper is offering special events for families! Gingerbread workshops, a games room for kids and their parents, Christmas stockings, an ice bar, and an ugly sweater karaoke party are just some of the treats in store! There will be a family New Year’s Eve party too!
Kananaskis
Festival of Christmas and New Year’s: The Delta Lodge at Kananaskis is a beautiful place to spend your holiday! This Christmas season guests will have the option of participating in daily crafts and activities, skating parties on the pond, family movie nights, stories with Mrs Claus, a visit with the reindeer, hikes and outdoor activities, special entertainment…the list goes on (and on!) Every day over the break there are activities to fill the day and help you fall joyfully into bed each night!
Lake Louise
Christmas in Lake Louise Where better to splurge on a luxury holiday that at beautiful Lake Louise? We know Fairmont has a soft spot for families, and they are busy proving it at the Fairmont Lake Louise. Indoors you will find crafts, board games, movie nights, and dining that will knock your socks off. Outside really shines with skating, cross country and downhill skiing, a hike to the Johnson’s Canyon Ice Falls, snowshoeing, an evening campfire…even an ice bar (kids are welcome). Enthusiastic staff members will provide special kids programming if mom and dad want a little time to themselves. And there will be several gala parties to choose from on New Year’s Eve, including an early countdown at the Family Fair or a quiet time to reflect with a midnight skate.
Santa Family Photo Days Even Santa needs a break at Christmas! Sure it’s his busiest time of year, but the folks at Lake Louise Ski Resort have tempted him and some of his helpers to stop by for some photos! December 23 & 24th, you can find Santa at the Lodge of Ten Peaks from 10 am-12 pm, and on the hill from 2pm-3:30pm. If you have been particularly good, the elves will send you a complimentary e-card.
