The holidays are a time to connect with friends and family, so why not craft a holiday experience for the books? From twinkling lights and snowcapped peaks to outdoor fun and festive events, Jasper is steeped in seasonal cheer. Here are a few ideas to help you plan your holiday celebrations in a place like no other.
There's something extra magical about skating on a frozen mountain lake — especially during the holiday season.
Lace up your skates, breathe in the crisp alpine air and take in the stunning scenery all around. Whether you're a beginner or ready to show off your fanciest footwork, there are plenty of skating opportunities to be had in Jasper this winter. Visit Lake Mildred on the grounds of the Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge, where you'll find a groomed skating oval and four hockey rinks for friendly pick-up games. No skates? No problem. You can rent everything you need on-site at the Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge.
Afterwards, celebrate the season at Pyramid Lake Lodge on December 16 from 3:30 to 5:30 p.m. Join us for Meet & Greet with Santa and enjoy a festive afternoon surrounded by snowcapped peaks. Sip complimentary hot chocolate and warm up by a cozy fire with a s’more kit, then snap a photo with jolly ol’ Saint Nick.
The holiday season can bring out anyone’s crafty side. Find inspiration in the natural landscape and make a gift for someone special, a keepsake or one-of-a-kind festive décor.
Visit Chateau Jasper during Sunday Happy Hour (until December 21) for gingerbread cookie decorating. You'll get a complimentary cookie with the purchase of a signature beverage to make your own delicious creation. All ages are welcome, too.
For hands-on inspiration, seasonal workshops throughout Jasper invite you to design your own holiday décor with guidance from a knowledgeable instructor. From wreath-making to crafting unique ornaments, these sessions provide a fun and festive way to get creative. And who knows? Santa may stop by to spread a little cheer.
There's nothing quite as picturesque as a horse-drawn sleigh ride in the mountains. And it's a must if you’ve ever dreamed of living out a real-life storybook scene. Pyramid Lake Lodge has partnered with Jasper Stables for sleigh rides, complete with hot chocolate and a cozy blanket to curl up under as you enjoy the view.
But sleigh rides aren't just for the holiday season. The Jasper Pony Express operates from December through March. This charming horse-drawn wagon makes its way through the heart of town, starting from your hotel and taking you to top local restaurants or to explore the downtown shops. Best of all? The rides are complimentary.
Wrap up a day of holiday activities with a festive beverage (or two). Hot chocolate is the quintessential treat of the season — local cafés like Andromeda Coffee, SnowDome Coffee Bar and the Bearspaw Bakery have your fix — but you don’t have to stick to the traditional recipe. There are tons of creative iterations to sip and sample during your time in Jasper.
The Christmas Mug Trail offers an easy way to try holiday drinks through December 24. Buy a limited-edition Jasper Christmas Mug (designed by a local artist) at participating locations and get five vouchers for drinks at select restaurants.
This year's creations include smoked citrus mulled wine and chai hot chocolate at Terra, a holiday mule and mint hot chocolate at Aalto, spiced caramel hazelnut café mocha at Silverwater (the alcoholic version is made with Frangelico and Lic 43, while the non-alcoholic recipe includes flavoured syrups) and a white chocolate candy cane latte at Crazy Elk Café.
A winter trip to Jasper National Park wouldn't be complete without hitting the slopes, whether you get your thrills on skis or prefer a toboggan ride. Marmot Basin is the place to be if you want to experience skiing and snowboarding in Jasper, and it has one of the highest base elevations in Canada. Found only 20 minutes from town, you’ll be treated to 1,720 acres of terrain and 91 runs suitable for beginners and advanced skiers.
Round up your family and friends and hit the toboggan hill for a bit of nostalgic fun. Kids and kids at heart can enjoy this activity — no experience required. Three of the top toboggan hills in Jasper are Church Hill, Centennial Park and the Fairmont Toboggan Park. Happy sledding!
Sharing a meal with your nearest and dearest is a big part of any holiday celebration, but if cooking isn't your forté — or you don't want to face the prep and dishes — there are holiday feasts that have you covered. Looking to ease into the holiday spirit? Join us at Terra on December 13 from 6 to 8 p.m. for Merry Melodies, where local performer Marie-Pierre Flipo-Bergeron sets the mood with a live performance. Chateau Jasper is hosting a buffet breakfast on Christmas Day until 11 a.m., followed by a buffet dinner, complete with turkey and all the trimmings.
The festivities continue as we ring in the new year, too. Mark the arrival of 2026 with New Year’s Day brunch at Chateau Jasper. There will be a hot buffet and an omelette station to help you fuel up again after a night of celebrating.
Gift yourself a holiday experience in Jasper. Discover all there is to see and do in the Canadian Rockies' largest national park.
About the author: Meaghan Baxter is a writer and photographer based in Calgary, Alberta. Her career began in print journalism before transitioning to tourism marketing, where she shared Alberta's stories with the world. She now runs her own writing and photography business full-time. When she isn't working, you can find Meaghan exploring with her husband, young daughter and puppy. Follow her on Instagram at @meaghan.baxter.photo or connect with her at meaghanbaxterphotography.com.
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