December 2014

Coming from a city that suffered a snowstorm in September, calling a December festival “Winterstart” might seem a little disingenuous.  However, going by the blizzard during the kickoff weekend of the Banff-Lake Louise Winterstart Festival on November 29th, 2014, we think it’s fair to say winter is well and truly here. And since we are going to be facing Old Man Winter for a while, why not make the best of it, Rocky Mountain Style?

The Winterstart in Banff  runs until the winter solstice and official start of winter on December 21st, with something fun going on every weekend! The kickoff party featured bonfires, ice carving, festive crafts and hot chocolate for grateful revellers.

There was magic and whimsy amidst the hustle and bustle on Banff Avenue December 6th with fun at the Cascade Mall shops with face painting, balloon twisting, carnival games, followed by the main event: The Santa Claus Parade of Light, with lots of promises of all the excitement to come!

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Proudly hoisting the Grey Cup at the Santa Claus Parade of Lights in Banff

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Staff were handing out hot chocolate to the crowd from my favourite float by Fairmont Resorts.

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In the coming weeks, the festival has plenty in store. Winterstart has been revamped this year with a strong “festival” feel that will appeal to families and as well as the child-free. Under the banners of : Taste the SeasonWarm & CozyHoliday Happenin’s + ShoppingNightlife + Live MusicWorld Cup Racing and Winter Wonderland, the snow-bunnies and the sworn urbanites will both find something to suit.  Slap on some crampons and try the Johnson Canyon Ice Walk for something cool and different, or stick close to town and explore the shops and restaurants….either way, you won’t be disappointed!