Returning to Banff for the first time since 2019 festivities, the Town is hosting New Year’s Eve celebrations this Saturday in Central Park. The event features live music on the main stage, fire dance performances, Indigenous performances, and a midnight pyrotechnics display. And it’s all free.
Kicking off at 6 p.m., the family-friendly event offers a mini train for toddlers, opportunities to race kicksleds, try snowshoeing and broomball, enjoy hot chocolate and marshmallows roasted over open fires, and grab photos with the roving Ice Queen, in front of the traditional tipi or the replica Banff sign, courtesy of Banff & Lake Louise Tourism.
The evening is a great way to follow up skiing, hiking or skating at one of the two outdoor rinks in town (at the Train Station and The Fenlands Banff Recreation Centre), or shopping and dining in downtown Banff.
So, bundle up and let M.C. Rob Murray of Mountain FM take you through a wonderful night full of exciting performances, including music by Banff's Swanee & Charlie B, Mourning Wood, and The Royal Foundry.
Enjoy captivating fire performances by Indigo Circus, a roving Ice Queen, DJ Class Act, and Blackfoot Medicine Speaks Indigenous Dancing.
Then countdown to the New Year’s Eve pyrotechnics display. The midnight pyrotechnics display in Central Park is a short, low-altitude, low-noise display designed to minimize impact on wildlife and pets at home. Pyrotechnics are a restricted activity in Banff National Park and only conducted with close monitoring and permission from Parks Canada.
Getting there: Parking, Walking and Transit
The parking lot at Central Park is closed on Dec. 31.
Residents and people staying at hotels are urged to walk or cycle to Central Park and leave personal vehicles at home and at accommodations. Roam Public Transit is operating regular weekend service, connecting all areas of town, with free transit for registered residents. The bus stop on Banff Avenue at the Banff Park Museum is located at the event site. Riders can plan their trips using real-time tools and the Trip Planner at roamtransit.com.
For people coming from further away, park at the free, 9-hour parking lot at the Train Station, in the free upper levels of the Bear Street Parkade, or in one of the many visitor pay parking lots downtown.
Road Closures: there are no road closures this year, except as required for snow clearing.
When: Saturday, December 31, 6 p.m. – 12 a.m.
Where: Banff Central Park (Buffalo Street at Bear Street)
Cost: Free
More details: banff.ca/NYE
Please note: High winds or severe weather may result in the cancellation of some outdoor activities and pyrotechnics. Check the Town of Banff Twitter posts for any changes to event programming.
Daytime Outdoor Activities
For those wanting something to do before the NYE event kicks off at 6 p.m., people are encouraged to check out skiing, skating, fat biking, dogsledding, snowshoeing and other pursuits at https://www.banfflakelouise.com/adventure-outdoors.
Daytime Indoor Activities
For people wanting to take a break from the outdoors, review dining and shopping options in Banff, or visit The Fenlands Banff Recreation Centre for skate rentals and these arena activities:
- 10 a.m. - 11:30 a.m. Family Skating
- 12 p.m. - 1:30 p.m. Sticks & Pucks
- 2 p.m. - 3:30 p.m. Public Skating