What could be a more Christmas day or New Year’s Eve than heading to the mountains and enjoying some quality time in Banff while you let someone else do the cooking?
Start a new tradition and check out these fun, delicious and unique experiences open on the most festive days of the year. This is sure to start 2024 on the right note, just look at everything you can do!
FOR ALBERTA BEEF LOVERS
The Bison
Cuisine: Regional, Seasonal, Canadian
Made the list for Trip Advisor’s top 10 Canadian fine dining restaurants and uses locally grown, sustainably farmed protein and produce.
For the holidays, celebrate on December 25th with a festive, regionally inspired dinner starting at 4:30pm till late at the Bison. There’s a full a la carte and children’s menu available.
On New Year’s Eve, you can choose to have dinner, or ring in the New Year with a late night celebration! For dinner, it’s nice and early from 4:30pm-7:30pm and a la carte; if you have little ones or a late-night party to attend this is perfect for you. Their NYE Celebration kicks off at 8pm for adults only, complete with live acoustic music and candlelight. Enjoy their later session four course chef-driven menu highlighting the best of the region.
The Maple Leaf Seafood & Chop House
Cuisine: Brunch, Canadian Steak & Seafood
Located in the heat of Banff Village, this is the town’s most iconic restaurants, serving Canadian cuisine with fresh Pacific seafood and Alberta beef.
For the holidays, The Maple Leaf will be the place to be Christmas Day! For brunch, sip on mimosas and indulge in all your brunch favourites from the mouthwatering banana toffee French toast to the irresistible Eggs Benedicts. They also offer a kid’s menu. December 25th 10:00am to 3:00pm.
You can also join them for a special Christmas Day dining experience rom 4:30pm. Indulge in the a la carte dinner menu and a Christmas Day Special that you won’t want to miss.
On New Year’s Eve, there’s an early three-course dinner seating at $65 per person between 4:30pm and 7:30pm. The Celebration Dinner starts at 8pm and is a delectable four-course menu showcasing the finest Canadian cuisine. Following your dinner, step outside and join the excitement counting down to midnight, with the majestic Cascade Mountain as our backdrop. Pricing is set at $110 per person.
Chuck’s Steakhouse
Cuisine: Alberta Beef, enough said
This is said to be the true Alberta beef experience, right up to the decor in a stylish ranch-inspired dining room. You’ll be swept away by the panoramic mountain views and mouth-watering local steaks.
For the holidays, the candles are lit, the wine is decanting and the Chef’s are preparing for Christmas Day (December 25th) at Chuck’s! Expect a traditional Alberta supper beginning at 4:30pm.
For New Year’s Eve, their la carte menu celebrates the most beloved Chuck’s staples including a 100-day in-house dry-aged Alberta Beef Chef feature. After dinner, join the crowds outside for the biggest countdown to midnight with Cascade Mountain in the background.
Bluebird Restaurant & Lobby Bar
Cuisine: Brunch and Wood-Fired Steakhouse
This spot is inspired by charming, mid-century chalets making it the perfect eatery to settle in, and share memories with your favourite people.
For the holidays, celebrate Christmas Day with brunch from 8:30am and dinner from 4:30pm to plan around all your winter festivities in Banff! For both of these seatings, the regular à la carte menu & kids menu are available.
Celebrate New Year’s Eve at Bluebird. Dine from their Holiday a la carte menu which celebrates the most beloved Bluebird staples including our famous prime rib of beef. After dinner, join the crowds outside for the biggest countdown to midnight with Cascade Mountain in the background.
CASUAL DINING
Three Bears Brewery & Restaurant
Cuisine: Brewpub with Chef-inspired fare
The menu is meant to be paired alongside their delicious beers here, and you’ll be immersed in the brewery while sipping and snacking away. Perfect for families, friends and groups!
For holidays at the brewery, Three Bears is open from Noon on Christmas Day with their regular a la carte menu and kids menu available.
You can also ring in the New Year, brewery style, with an early family-friendly celebration. Indulge in a four-course menu featuring fresh dishes created to be enjoyed with beer made right there in Banff! Happening from December 31st, 4:30-7:30pm. $60 per person; $25 per child.
Or, head to the brewery bash for a five-course menu, a live DJ, beer and bubbles to ring in 2024! Starting at 8pm, $140 per person.
FOR MEDITERRANEAN FARE
Balkan Greek Restaurant
Cuisine: Greek, Halal, Vegetarian options
Eat, drink, and OPA at this classic Greek spot in the heart of Banff that even offers Greek Night dining experiences for an energetic take on your dinner date. They also offer a range of vegetarian and Halal options.
For the holidays, The Balkan Greek restaurant will be open for Christmas with the regular a la carte menu available from 4:30 pm. Reservations are highly recommended!
As for New Year’s Eve, celebrate with high energy. First, gather with an early family dinner that’s a three-course Greek Feast from 4:30 – 8:30pm. Or, wait a little later in the night and say hello to 2023 with a smash! Enjoy a five course menu with live entertainment for $125/person. The experience includes live belly dancing performance, plate smashing, noise makers and a glass of bubbles at midnight.
Lupo
Cuisine: Italian, Homemade Pasta
Transport to Italy without the incredibly long plane flight at Lupo. Enjoy views of Banff while savouring hand-made Italian dishes reminiscent of a traditional trattoria.
For the holidays, indulge in a Christmas dinner with a selection of Chef’s Holiday Features as well as the regular a la carte menu from 4:30pm.
There is also a New Year’s Eve dinner at Lupo! Starting at 4:00pm, step out for an elegant grand finale to 2023. Enjoy their chef-driven modern Italian cuisine hand-made pasta and Alberta’s finest ranch selections.
The wine will be flowing, and the fire will be glowing. Private rooms are even available for your events.
UNIQUE EXPERIENCES
Hello Sunshine
Cuisine: Sushi, Japanese Tapas & BBQ with Karaoke Rooms available
This is dinner and a fun activity all in one! What a perfect holiday date or group outing. The eye-catching fire tables and decor is meant to resemble a Japanese ski lodge, with a groovy twist. Expect modern Japanese street food alongside signature sushi rolls.
For the holidays, indulge in a Christmas dinner with a selection of Chef’s Holiday Features as well as the regular a la carte menu from 4pm. BTW, there’s no Sushi Happy Hour on Christmas Day!
For New Year’s Eve, their regular menu of shareable appetizers, sushi, sashimi, maki rolls, bao buns, and crispy fried favourites will be available and the DJ will start spinning at 9pm!
Park Restaurant & Bar
Cuisine: Distillery, Cocktail Bar and Contemporary Fare
PARK is a perfect experience and dining venue all in one. With a distillery tour, backcountry lodge vibes, and craft cocktails along Banff Ave you can’t go wrong. Enjoy campfire cuisine and rotisserie specials that pair with Park’s award-winning spirits.
For the holidays, expect rosy cheeks, roaring fires, full bellies. Park specializes in holiday spirit! They are open all day on Christmas Day and the dinner menu will be available all day (with some exceptions).
There is both an early and late dinner on New Year’s Eve. From 4:30 – 7:30pm bring the family for a three-course menu featuring cozy comfort dishes served alongside award-winning spirits. Here, the regular menu is not available.
From 8pm, on, enjoy craft cocktails and camp-inspired food, and a party fit for all Banff adventurers. The dinner consists of a distillery-themed give-course menu and a live band will be playing some tunes to ring in the New Year.
High Rollers Pins, Pints and Pizza
Cuisine: Pizza and Craft Beers with a side of Bowling
Get active during your holiday party or event. High Rollers is located in a big beer hall with six 10-pin bowling lanes, live DJs, New York style pizza, and over 48 craft beers on tap!
For the holidays, why not go bowling late at night after your Christmas festivities! On the 25th, they’re open 5pm until late to accommodate you.
On New Year’s Eve, don’t ring in 2024 on an empty stomach! Dinner reservations are available until 7pm before the place turns into the ultimate party. The $45 entry ticket per person includes access to the event with a live DJ and party favours to help kick in the new year!
NIGHTLIFE
The Dancing Sasquatch: A Rocky Mtn Dance Club
Cuisine: Yeah, you’re not coming here for that
Party like an animal at The Dancing Sasquatch – a rustic cabin bar that really knows how to party. They have VIP guest lists and bottle service packages.
Ring in the New Year at Banff’s wildest party place! Tickets to the celebrations includes a champagne cocktail, live DJ spinning all night, and party favours to enhance the experience.
Spending New Year’s Eve in the city? Check out these events to ring in 2024 in Calgary!
