Where to Eat For Christmas in Banff and Lake Louise

term: Nov 28, 2023|
term: Food & Drink, Events & Festivals

Waking in a quiet little mountain town as the snow gently drifts its way to the ground on Christmas Day is like stepping into a Hallmark movie. There isn't a more Canadian way to spend the season than a magical holiday getaway, especially when it's complete with sleigh rides, ice skating on natural lakes, and last-minute shopping for handcrafted gifts.

But, no matter the friends and family you're surrounded by, Christmas isn't truly festive without a shared feast. We've got you covered for a belt-loosening meal - without the cleanup!

Be sure to make a reservation, so you're guaranteed a seat in your restaurant of choice.

Traditional Christmas Feasts on December 25

Ready to celebrate the holidays with a quintessential Canadian Rockies Christmas celebration? Plenty of locations are ready to serve traditional offerings with a few local twists.

The Maple Leaf

Located in the heart of downtown Banff, The Maple Leaf is open from 4:30 pm on December 25th for a special house-roasted turkey dinner with all the fixings. You can find the regular a la carte menu as well. Enjoy this Canadian-inspired experience featuring Alberta beef, game, fresh fish, and seafood.

Lake Louise Inn

If you're in Lake Louise for Christmas, the perfect place to have your Christmas Day meal is at the Lake Louise Inn. Experience the magic of Christmas in the Canadian Rockies with a sumptuous buffet featuring Tuscan greens, turkey, bison ribs, and more, followed by a sweet finish with Chef's Inspired Dessert Assortments.

The meal offer runs from 5:00 - 9:00 pm on December 25th and is $55/person or $27.50 for kids 6-12. You will need to make a reservation. Call Legends Restaurant at 403.522.5418 to book your delicious Lake Louise feast.

Lake Louise covered in snow with a ice castle in the foreground and orange clouds above mountains in Banff National Park.

Chuck's Steakhouse

Gather at Chuck's Steakhouse this December 25th for an Alberta-inspired Christmas meal with all the seasonal fixings. They will also have the a la carte menu available and the celebrations begin at 4:30 pm.

Restaurant interior with a snowy winter day outside

The Bison

Reserve your table at The Bison for a festive, regionally inspired dinner. You'll find a house-roasted turkey with all the seasonal fixings and the a la carte menu. Celebrations begin at 4:30 pm on the 25th.

Storm Mountain Lodge

Located on Highway 93s, Storm Mountain Lodge is a quintessential mountain-top log cabin experience. And you can experience their Alberta-inspired menu on December 24th, 25th, or 26th. A three-course menu featuring bison tenderloin, butternut and squash bisque, and BC apple-based crumble for $79/person. You can also get their entire regular menu.

Banff Rocky Mountain Resort

At the entrance to Banff, in a treed wilderness with beautiful views of Cascade Mountain, Banff Rocky Mountain Resort and Alpha Bistro is hosting special meals December 24th and 25th through to the New Year.

On Christmas Eve, get their special feature menu for just $48/person starting at 5:00 pm with Pan Roast Stuffing, Salmon Fillet or Portobello Mushrooms.

On Christmas Day, they're hosting a special Christmas Buffet Dinner starting at 5:00 pm for just $58/person. Get classic Christmas items like roasted turkey and unique mains like creamy butter chicken.

A hotel with Cascade Mountain in the background and everything covered in snow.

Christmas Brunch at the Juniper

Start your Christmas Day with something special at the Juniper Bistro, a delicious festive brunch with views of Banff and Mount Rundle. The meal includes a grazing table of nibbles and treats, your choice of hot dish served at your table, plus drip coffee or tea. Weather permitting, the fire pits will be lit on the spacious patio for a naturally festive moment in the mountains.

December 25th - 8 am to 2 pm

Adults: $39

Reservations are required.

Four women sit and have brunch at the Juniper Bistro in Banff National Park.

Christmas Brunch on a Mountain Top

Want to get on top of the world for your Christmas Day celebrations? Then the Banff Gondola is where you want to be. A 7-minute gondola ride above a snowy forest that leads to a winter wonderland atop Sulphur Mountain, complete with sweeping mountain vistas and beautiful Christmas decorations. The Northern Lights Alpine Kitchen is the perfect place to go for your Christmas brunch. The menu has something for everyone (including vegan and gluten-free), and each table comes with mountain views.

Santa Clause waves at a gondola car as it passes by on its way into the Banff Gondola station on Sulphur Mountain in Banff National Park.

Mini cupcake deserts with chocolate and sprinkles on top at the Banff Gondola in Banff National Park.

Country Christmas Dinner

Looking for a unique meal option for your festive trip to Banff and Lake Louise? Brewster Adventures is offering their Country Christmas Dinners on December 23rd, 27th and 30th.

Embrace the festive spirit of Banff National Park this Christmas with a delightful evening experience tailored just for you! Begin your magical night with a charming sleigh ride from the picturesque Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise to the inviting Dance Barn. Welcomed by the lively tunes of a country and western band, step into the cozy warmth of the Dance Barn. Adorned with twinkling lights and the centrepiece—a magnificent 16-foot horseshoe Christmas tree—the Dance Barn invites you to unwind and soak in the cheerful atmosphere.

Families can relax and revel in genuine Western hospitality that warms the heart. As the dinner bell chimes, indulge in a delightful buffet featuring fresh salads, savoury baked beans, perfectly baked potatoes, and succulent carved roast beef, complete with all the trimmings. Don't forget to save room for the delectable strawberry-rhubarb pie, a sweet treat to cap off your meal.

Throughout the evening, the band will regale you with a delightful medley of music, setting the perfect backdrop for some lively line dancing. And as the night draws to a close, hop back onto the sleigh for a charming return journey to the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise, cherishing the memories of an enchanting Christmas celebration in the heart of Banff National Park.

A barn with Christmas decorations set up in it in Lake Louise.

Distinctive Dishes

If you're not craving the usual turkey dinner with all the trimmings, you'll still be spoiled for choice when dining on Christmas Day. Create new holiday traditions surrounded by loved ones at the following locations.

Park Distillery

Park Distillery specializes in the holiday spirit. Visit from 12:00 pm - 10:00 pm for an all-day dinner menu featuring campfire-inspired cooking and spirits distilled in-house.

An aerial view of a group of people dining together and enjoying a large shared feast

Three Bears Brewery & Restaurant

Three Bears Brewery & Restaurant offers Christmas cheer(s) starting at noon on December 25th with their a la carte menu featuring pizzas, sandwiches, salads, and beer made in-house.

Hello Sunshine

Hello Sunshine is also shedding some light on unique Christmas offerings on December 25 in Banff. Stop by from 4:00 pm for the a la carte menu, including bao buns, sushi, grilled yakitori skewers, and more! Plus, test out your lungs with some Christmas karaoke in a private room.

Lupo Italian Ristorante

Lupo, Banff's newest Italian eatery, is offering its handmade pasta and wood-fired-oven pizzas from 4:30 pm to help you celebrate on Christmas Day. Enjoy their a la carte menu and perfect wine pairings all evening long.

A couple dines at Lupo in Banff National Park with Mount Rundle out the window in the background.

Magpie & Stump

Looking for something a bit warmer or inspired by places warmer on your Christmas Day in Banff? Try the Magpie & Stump for Mexican-inspired cuisine of tacos and nachos. Magpie opens for celebrations at 12 pm with their a la carte menu.

A boozy hot chocolate on a counter at Magpie & Stump.

Eddie Burger & Bar

Perhaps something a bit more Canadian matches your needs. If that's the case - Eddie Burger and Bar are open from 12 pm and serve up burgers inspired by Canada with specialty game meats like elk and bison.

Bluebird

If cozy comfort is what you're after on Christmas Day in Banff, Banff's Bluebird is open from 8:30 am for brunch and 4:30 pm for your Christmas dinner celebrations. Wood-fired hearth, cozy foods, and a big central fireplace make this a warm, comfy vibe perfect for families celebrating.

High Rollers

If you're looking for more party and activity than sit-down-meal, High Rollers is where you will want to go. On December 25th, the celebrations get going at 4:30 pm, and a DJ appears at 9 pm to really crank things up.

Perhaps this is your new Christmas tradition. Pizza, brews, and bowling with friends and family.

Interior of a red and white bowling alley called High Rollers on Banff Ave in Banff National Park.

Christmas in a Castle at the Banff Springs Hotel

Stay and dine - or just dine - in Banff's Castle - the Fairmont Banff Springs. With over-the-top Christmas decor in a classic setting, this is a great way to feel the festive season. Everything here is available to overnight guests and the public.

Sugar Shack

From November 26th (and throughout winter), there is a brand new Sugar Shack on the Lower Terrace of the Banff Springs, bringing this Canadian tradition straight to the Rockies. This will go hand in hand with the returning ice skating rink on the upper lawn - overlooking a million-dollar view of the valley below.

Santa’s Dining Suite Experience

Brunch and Dinner Bookings are offered from November 17th to December 30th, 2023.

Our neighbour from the north is a busy man this time of year! After weeks of making his lists and checking them twice, Santa needs a little rest. Experience Santa’s home away from home!

Brunch: Enjoy a freshly prepared brunch menu featuring buttermilk pancakes, eggs benedict and other brunch classics! Cheers with Mimosas with assorted juices and berries themed for the festive season. Access to the room for 3 hours. Accommodates 4 - 12 guests.
Dinner: Enjoy a five-course family-style dinner served in Santa’s exclusive suite at the Fairmont Banff Springs. Accommodates 4 - 12 guests

And there may just be a visitor from the North Pole!

360 Dome Festive Dinner

December 15th to January 1st

Celebrate the holidays in Banff's most exclusive dining room, our 360 Dome! Surrounded by breathtaking views, guests will enjoy an unforgettable 7-course menu featuring all your holiday favourites.

Thirsty Reindeer

December 22nd, 2023, to January 1st, 2024 - 3:00 pm to 11:00 pm.

You'll be surrounded by Christmas spirit(s) at the new festive bar this holiday season! Sip perfectly crafted cocktails while you marvel at the over-the-top Christmas décor at The Thirsty Reindeer. Located at Ramsay Bar in The Gatehouse, above The North Pole. Reservations are not required.