Between holiday shopping, decorating, and making plans with friends and family, the season’s costs can add up fast. But getting into the Christmas spirit doesn’t have to mean spending a ton of money. A free holiday experience is returning to the Rocky Mountains this November, where you can explore glowing trails of illuminated sculptures with no admission fee.

In Search of Christmas Spirit will transform Banff’s Cascade of Time Garden into a glowing outdoor experience featuring larger-than-life wildlife sculptures, immersive soundscapes, and a Christmas story woven throughout the trail.

Here’s a closer look at what awaits along the trail.

What to expect at In Search of Christmas Spirit

What is In Search of Christmas Spirit?

According to Tourism Banff, In Search of Christmas Spirit is an outdoor holiday experience held at Banff’s Cascade of Time Garden, featuring a walking trail that takes approximately 30 to 45 minutes to complete. Along the way, you’ll follow a Christmas story brought to life through illuminated installations and custom soundscapes inspired by wildlife and Banff National Park’s natural surroundings.

When is the event happening?

In Search of Christmas Spirit runs on select evenings from Nov. 12, 2026, to Jan. 3, 2027, at the Cascade of Time Garden in Banff, Alta.

The experience will be open from 4:30 to 9:30 p.m. on event dates. It runs Thursday through Sunday on select dates leading up to Christmas, then nightly from Dec. 17 through Jan. 3.

Here are the scheduled dates:

  • Thursday, Nov. 12 to Sunday, Nov. 15, 2026
  • Thursday, Nov. 19 to Sunday, Nov. 22, 2026
  • Thursday, Nov. 26 to Sunday, Nov. 29, 2026
  • Thursday, Dec. 3 to Sunday, Dec. 6, 2026
  • Thursday, Dec. 10 to Sunday, Dec. 13, 2026
  • Thursday, Dec. 17, 2026 to Sunday, Jan. 3, 2027

Do I need tickets to attend?

Admission to In Search of Christmas Spirit is free, but you must reserve tickets online in advance. Everyone in your group needs a ticket, except children aged two and under.

General admission tickets for visits from Nov. 13 to Dec. 6, 2026 will be released on Nov. 2 at 10 a.m., while tickets for dates from Dec. 10, 2026 to Jan. 3, 2027 will be available starting Nov. 30 at 10 a.m.

Certain hotels in Banff are offering early ticket access for guests staying on their properties during the event. If you’re planning to stay overnight, check hotel listings on Tourism Banff’s website and contact your accommodation directly for details on how to access tickets.

Where is the event taking place?

In Search of Christmas Spirit takes place at the Cascade of Time Garden in Banff National Park and is within walking distance of most downtown hotels and accommodations.

If you’re coming from out of town, note that parking isn’t available directly at the event site. Paid parking is available at Central Park, a five-minute walk from the garden, as well as in multiple lots across downtown Banff.

What else should I know before I go?

Since the event takes place entirely outdoors, dress warmly and prepare for winter mountain conditions. Although the experience is designed to operate in a range of winter conditions, extreme conditions may lead to changes or cancellations. The trail also has uneven pathways and irregular steps and is not accessible for strollers or wheelchairs.

So if you’re planning a trip to the mountains this winter, mark your calendar for the ticket release and get ready to experience the glowing Christmas trail for yourself!

In Search of Christmas Spirit

When: Select dates from Thursday, Nov. 12 to Sunday, Jan. 3, 2027
Time: 4:30 to 9:30 p.m.
Where: Cascade Time of Garden — Cave Ave., Banff, Alta.
Cost: Free (spots must be reserved ahead of time)

Recent posts:
10 fun things to do in and around Calgary this November
Sunshine for Halloween? Here’s what Calgary’s forecast is calling for

Kaiya Williams

Kaiya is a Calgary-based writer and content creator with a background in marketing and digital storytelling. She has a passion for community-driven stories and covering local experiences that connect people.

Read articles