The Malcolm Hotel ~Where Christmas Magic Happens 

As the snow settles on the Rockies and festive lights begin to glow, there’s no better place for celebrating the holidays than The Malcolm Hotel in Canmore. For locals and visitors alike, the hotel becomes the heart of a warm, joyful, and community-centered holiday season. From twinkling halls to family-friendly events and festive dinners, read on to learn why The Malcolm is where Christmas lives.

🎄 A Forest of Christmas Magic: Festival of Trees

From November 28 to December 31, 2025, The Malcolm Hotel transforms into a glittering indoor forest for the Festival of Trees, thanks to the spirited collaboration with Rotary Club of Canmore.

Step inside the hotel and you’re greeted by an array of glowing Christmas trees— each lovingly decorated by local businesses, nonprofits, and community groups. This year there are 102 unique holiday displays that line the hotel corridors. Here, each tree is a story, an expression, a community voice, creating a whimsical indoor forest that feels straight out of a holiday film.

Grab an Irish Frost Latte, a S'mores Hot Chocolate, or hot apple cider from the Pulse and sip your way through this enchanting forest. It's a wonder that all will enjoy!

This exhibition is open daily and welcomes thousands of visitors who wander through the sparkling displays, snapping festive photos, and finding a favourite tree. *Vote for your favorite in the People's Choice category. There are QR codes on the signs posted throughout.

Donations are welcomed and support the Rotary Club of Canmore’s local and international community programs — meaning every twinkling light helps make a difference.. Come immerse yourself in all the holiday feels!

🎉 Holiday Events for All Ages

The Festival of Trees isn’t just about looking — it’s about celebrating together. The Malcolm and Rotary have created a full lineup of events for every age and mood.

The Crowing of the Tree is the start of it all. On Nov. 29th, the town's people and hotel guests gather at the Malcolm to sing carols with the Valley Winds Chorus and watch the unveiling of the crown atop the massive Christmas tree in the grand lobby.

There's a Scottish procession that winds through the hotel touching on the Scottish roots of the Malcolm and building on the good cheer felt by all.

This is a great night to treat yourself to a warm drink at the Pulse, get a first look at the trees, and to check out the life size gingerbread house built by the Stirling Chefs.

This is a free event but registration is registration is requested.

The Spirits of Christmas Tasting Night is one of the Rotary Club of Canmore's biggest winter fundraisers.

On Dec. 5th, the Edinburgh Ballroom turns into a festive lounge with wines, craft beers, cocktails & mocktails, international food booths, a live DJ.

There will be a silent auction of unique gifts and mountain experiences, and every bid gives support to Rotary’s causes.

Dec. 7th is the Kids Holiday Extravaganza, a fun-filled day with crafts, games, cookie decorating, puppet-shows, face painting, therapy dogs, and story time by the local library. This is a perfect festive outing for families with children, making Christmas dreams come true.

This is a free event but registration is required.

The Seniors Holiday Tea makes for a special day with the elders in your life. Delight in an afternoon of tea, desserts, and a Classical piano concert by Dr. Will Solyom. Come visit with neighbours and friends, or make new ones, as we come together to honor the elders of our community.

Happening on Dec. 10, 2025, from 1:00pm - 3:00pm. This is a festive day, full of holiday warmth. It's a favorite of many so get your tickets early!

Santa Visits the Malcolm Hotel several times throughout the month of December.

If you have a good little boy or girl, treat them to the whimsy of a Santa visit. Meet with Ol' Saint Nick on the creekside patio Nov. 29, Dec 14, 20, 21 from 9am - 1pm. Or, have you picture taken inside the hotel in the Grand Lobby on Dec. 7 and 13th.

Your visit includes one printed photo. *Additional cost for all of the digital shots.

$30 for up to 2 children. $5 per additional child.

Photography is done by: Bow Media.

🎅 Christmas Eve & Christmas Day

A CANMORE CHRISTMAS EVE at the hotel is something magical. This cozy, festive tradition joins guests and locals alike to gather for an evening filled with holiday spirit. Expect joyful Christmas carols sung by The Valley Winds Chorus, hot chocolate and a cash bar, cookie-decorating, and a reading of "The Grinch" by the “Royal Storyteller.”

Around 7:15 PM, little ones might get a thrill as Santa, himself, just may make a surprise visit, adding a touch of enchantment to the night.

This is a gentle, heart-warming way to spend Christmas Eve — perfect for families, couples, or anyone wanting a peaceful, joyful, mountain holiday.

If you’re celebrating with family and friends, there’s also a traditional holiday buffet dinner available in the hotel’s Stirling Grill & Lounge served from 4-9:00pm. Adults $65, children $30, and kids 0–6 free Reservations required.

Christmas Morning — Breakfast Buffet

At The Malcolm, Christmas morning begins with a delectable buffet breakfast in the The Stirling Grill & Lounge. The “Christmas Day Breakfast Buffet” runs from 7:00 AM to 12:00 PM, giving you a relaxed start to the day with a hearty spread of seasonal favourites.

Whether you’re waking up after a snowy night or just staying cozy inside the hotel, the breakfast buffet is a great chance to gather and enjoy good food, mountain-view surroundings, and the holiday spirit before heading out for a winter adventure or a slow, peaceful day.

Christmas Buffet Dinner

On Christmas Day, The Stirling hosts a special holiday buffet dinner where you can celebrate the holiday with an indulgent curated assortment of holiday dishes made to satisfy a range of tastes and appetites. This is a festive alternative to cooking at home and a meal for guests wanting to enjoy something special.

The buffet dinner is served from 4:00 PM to 9:00 PM. Reservations are required.

This season, as the snow sparkles under the Three Sisters and the town of Canmore hums with holiday energy, The Malcolm Hotel once again becomes a magical place for Christmas. Whether you’re wandering through the wonder of the Festival of Trees, sharing a seasonal cocktail by the fire, or bringing the family for a holiday feast, the hotel captures everything we love about winter in the Rockies: warmth, community, generosity, and unforgettable mountain moments.

For a month of festive celebrations, joyful gatherings, and holiday wonder, The Malcolm Hotel is truly the place for Christmas in Canmore.