BANFF PREPARES FOR UNUSUAL CHRISTMAS
Decked out town managing COVID with glittery holiday spirit
Christmas is my favourite time of year. The whimsical season, festooned in shiny baubles and satin bows, fairy lights and glitter-crusted ornaments, is deeply rooted in family traditions. My childhood memories are a colourful, sparkling blur of crafts and carols, hand-sewn stockings, family movie nights, and the thrilling feeling of hopeful anticipation. Love, joy and a touch of magic are beautiful sentiments to close out any year — especially this one.
My husband and I have created our own family traditions, which typically include a sun-drenched beach in the tropics. We've actually never spent the holidays close to home, and this year our daughter, Brooklyn, made it her Christmas wish. We luckily happen to live a stone's throw from a life-size Christmas snow globe, which gives me all the festive feels and makes it easy to indulge her wish.
Visiting Banff in December is like stepping into a Hallmark Christmas classic. Think quintessential Canadian winter wonderland, although this year it comes with some mandated rules and restrictions. To deal with rising COVID cases, the town just implemented a local state of emergency, which includes mandatory masks and reduced hours of shops. More details are coming on Nov. 30, but in the meantime be sure to check with local operators on what is open and accepting guests.
We were gifted a sneak peek of the Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel's showstopping Christmas at the Castle recently, and deck the halls is being taken to the next level.
Alberta-based designer Cory Christopher, the king of Christmas decor, has returned with the sole purpose of outshining himself.
In addition to five holiday-luxe, pet-friendly Santa Suites — each boasting an enchantingly unique theme, ranging from white winter wonderland to Canadian Christmas — Cory and his team have brought an extra whisper of magic to the Castle this year. Santa's new dining room offers families a cosy Claus-inspired setting to enjoy a private holiday five-course wine-paired feast. The Christmas culinary journey begins with local wild game charcuterie and smallfarm cheese, followed by soup and a palate-cleansing granita before the main event. Even Santa would be hard-pressed to finish his steamed apple pudding cake after indulging in the decadent spread of roast turkey, carrots and sprouts, brown butter mash, pan gravy and the most delicious candied yams.
The North Pole is returning to the Gatehouse Foyer again, where Mrs. Claus will be hosting family-friendly holiday craft and gingerbread house decorating workshops. Additional special touches that guests can arrange include private family crafting sessions and photos with Santa, guestroom Christmas trees and holiday stockings – stuffed with locally made gifts – and a Virtual Good Night Zoom session, personalized by Santa. Per government restrictions, indoor activities will not be available until Dec. 16 at this time. Complimentary in-room craft kits and scavenger hunts, as well as gingerbread kits for purchase, can be picked up at the Resort Activity Centre.
Due to the hotel's extensive COVID safety-protocols, the hotel is only accessible to registered guests at this time.
For Albertans, Christmas comes early care of the Fairmont's annual Advent Calendar. The special Alberta resident rate, of up to 30 per cent off, includes an extra gift each day for stays between Dec. 1 and 24. For information on Christmas at the Castle, including how to book a Santa Suite and take advantage of the annual Advent Calendar, visit christmasatthecastle.ca
While the Fairmont should be crowned holiday headquarters, there are plenty of festive happenings on offer throughout the town of Banff. Mountaintop Christmas at the Banff Gondola is our favourite event of the season.
Firstly, the view is gorgeous, especially in winter. Secondly, the holiday decor is always on point, and Brooklyn adores all of the family-focused fun. She still talks about her elf name, Sugarmouse Greensparkles, bestowed to her a few years ago. The Banff Gondola is safely bringing back almost all of its top activities, including the Elf Name Generator, cookie decorating, Disney movies, crafting and visits with Santa.
Limited admission and private gondola rides are two welcome additions this year. A third is the Elf Express — a fun-filled storytelling round trip ride from downtown Banff to the base of Sulphur Mountain.
Try to book your winter family adventure before 12 p.m., as kids ride for free.
Visit Banffgondola.com for the complete Mountaintop Christmas schedule, running Dec. 19-30.
If you're still searching for the Spirit of Christmas, head to Banff Avenue. The merry little boutique promises plenty of good tidings and joy. Supporting small business is always a good thing, and this year it's even more critical.
Some of my favourite mountain finds for last-minute stocking stuffers include Banff Doghouse for canine couture; BRANCHES Marketplace specializing in Canadian-made artisan gifts; Natur'el Tea, hand-blended in Banff; and the Rocky Mountain Soap Company.
Many Banff retailers also offer online purchasing and delivery, making it easy to bring a little Canadian Rockies' magic to your doorstep.