In Canmore, Christmas is a special time of year. Imagine immersing yourself in a true winter wonderland, with snow blanketing the peaks of the breathtaking mountain landscape surrounding this quaint yet lively Canadian town. It’s a stunning setting, to be sure, and it can seem like the whole town gets in the holiday spirit and embraces the season. 

With so much to do, it’s worth having a plan to make the most of your Canmore Christmas. Here are some of our suggestions for can’t-miss events. 

Key Takeaways

• Canmore offers a picturesque setting for a White Christmas with snow-covered mountains and a vibrant holiday atmosphere. 
• Outdoor activities include skating on free ponds, skiing with Santa at Nakiska Ski Area, dog-sledding, and horse-drawn carriage rides. 
• Downtown Canmore features unique shopping opportunities with artisanal shops and cozy coffee spots. 
• Indoor festivities include Christmas dinner at TABLE Food + Drink, Canmore Eagles hockey games, and special performances like A Stoney Christmas and the Joy to the World Cabaret. 
• Staying at the Coast Canmore Hotel & Conference Centre enhances the holiday experience with comfortable accommodations and easy access to local attractions. 

Why Spend Christmas in Canmore?

If you’re looking for a White Christmas, Canmore is the place to be. Snow blankets the surrounding mountains and the town itself, and you’ll often feel like you’re walking around a snow globe as you explore everything the town has to offer.

There are endless opportunities to get outside and explore the mountains, but Canmore’s thriving creative community means there are shows, craft markets, amazing restaurants and coffee shops to enjoy, as well.

What to Do Over the Christmas Holidays in Canmore

A Canmore Christmas gives you the chance to get outside and enjoy the crisp mountain air, but there are also lots of indoor activities for when you need to stay warm, and Canmore Christmas events, too. 

Outdoor Canmore Christmas Activities

Go Skating

Skating on an outdoor pond is a quintessential Canadian activity, and Canmore has six outdoor skating surfaces that locals and visitors alike love. Shops like Sports Garage and GearUp Mountain Sports Rentals both have skates you can rent.

Go Skiing with Santa

Located in nearby Kananaskis, the Nakiska Ski Area was home to the ski racing competitions at the 1988 Winter Olympics and features amazing runs for beginners, intermediates and experts. Santa Claus will be stopping by the resort on December 23, so you can get some turns in while gearing up for your Canmore Christmas.

Go Dog-Sledding

Winter in the Rockies means there’s lots of snow, so why not take advantage while you visit Canmore at Christmas by trying out a truly Canadian tradition and going dog-sledding? There’s nothing quite like the thrill you’ll get from being pulled on a sled by a group of healthy and athletic huskies. 

Both Snowy Owl Sled Dog Tours and Howling Dog Tours offer amazing adventures in the mountains.

Go for a Horse-Drawn Carriage Ride

What better way to celebrate your Canmore Christmas than heading out to nearby Boundary Ranch? 

The team at the ranch will guide you on a horse-drawn carriage through a gorgeous Western Canadian landscape. With the mountains serving as your backdrop, you’ll weave through the gorgeous landscape before ending your ride around a warm fire with s’mores and hot drinks.

Go Shopping

Downtown Canmore has an amazing shopping scene, with an eclectic mix of artisanal shops, boutiques and stores that specialize in local goods that make for delightful Christmas gifts. With warm and cozy coffee shops and terrific restaurants, you could happily spend a day this December simply exploring downtown and all it has to offer.

Indoor Canmore Christmas Activities

Have Christmas Dinner at TABLE Food + Drink

One of the best restaurants at TABLE Food + Drink is perfect for a holiday meal. This year, they’re also the best place to spend your Christmas Day and get a special holiday feast, too. 

On December 25, TABLE Food + Drink will be holding a full day of Christmas celebrations, with live music starting at 3 p.m., dinner being served between 3 p.m. and 8 p.m. and even a visit from Santa Claus on his busy day. The Christmas feast is $60 for adults and $30 for kids, and reservations are recommended.

Check Out a Hockey Game

The Canmore Eagles play in the AJHL, one of the best junior hockey leagues in the world, and checking out one of their games is always a blast. The Eagles play at the Canmore Recreation Centre and have one of the best teams in the AJHL this season, so try to check out one of their games for a unique, authentic taste of the best of Canadian sport.

A Stoney Christmas

This is a truly unique holiday tradition that you’ll only see in Canmore. The multi-generational Smalleyes Family, of the Stoney Nakoda Nation, will be putting on a one-of-a-kind show at artsPlace on December 20 and 21. The show presents a reimagined Christmas story that features traditional Indigenous song and storytelling. It’s a family-friendly event, too.

Take in Some Cabaret

Running from December 10-23, the Joy to the World Christmas Cabaret features performer Bridget Ryan putting on a night of Christmas storytelling, music and laughter that is perfect for audiences young and old. Taking place at Canmore’s Carter-Ryan Theatre, it’s a great way to celebrate the Christmas spirit.

Stay at the Coast Canmore Hotel & Conference Centre this Christmas

Whether you’re staying at home or taking your family on a special trip for a Canmore Christmas, the holidays can be expensive. Fortunately, the Coast Canmore Hotel & Conference Centre is offering an amazing Christmas in the Rockies deal that will help lighten the burden.

When you book three consecutive nights or more, every third night at the Coast Canmore Hotel & Conference Centre is free from December 19 to January 4. That’s not all, though, you’ll also receive a daily $50 food credit at TABLE Food + Drink, nightly S’mores and free parking for one vehicle.

Book Your Stay with Us Today

Christmas in Canmore is completely magical, and the Coast Canmore Hotel & Conference Centre gives you a cozy, comfortable home base to experience everything the Rocky Mountain town has to offer. With an indoor pool and hot tub, fitness centre and amazing deals, we have everything you need for a wonderful Canmore Christmas. Book with us today for your holiday.