Unwrap the Magic: Your Ultimate Guide to Christmas in November at Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge

For those familiar with this space, it’s no secret that for over a decade, a significant portion of my November has been dedicated to Christmas in November at the exquisite Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge. This annual pilgrimage is, without exaggeration, one of the absolute highlights of my year – a truly unparalleled experience. Imagine a grown-up sleepover camp, but elevated to pure luxury: stunning cedar cabins, meticulously ironed sheets, and an endless flow of gourmet food, fine wine, and handcrafted cocktails. It’s an immersive escape that replenishes the spirit and delights the senses, making the brief re-entry into reality surprisingly challenging, yet always worth it.

While discussing the holiday season in what might seem like early autumn might feel a tad premature, it’s actually the perfect time. I find it’s better to share details about this extraordinary event now, giving those unfamiliar with it ample time to plan, rather than hear cries of regret that they’ll have to wait another year to partake in the festivities. Jasper, nestled within the majestic Canadian Rockies, is undeniably one of the most breathtaking places on Earth. For 26 remarkable years, Christmas in November has been the pinnacle event at the Fairmont JPL, renowned for its diverse lineup of presenters – from beloved regulars to exciting new voices – and a rich array of activities and interactive sessions. What truly sets CIN apart is the unique layout of the lodge. With over 200 charming cedar cabins spread across its sprawling 700-acre property, guests enjoy their own private, cozy sanctuary while never feeling isolated. Each day offers an opportunity to step out into the crisp mountain air, attending engaging sessions, exploring beautifully decorated cabins, or simply soaking in the natural splendor. Between sessions, meals, invigorating swims, relaxing spa treatments, or lively dance parties, the stunning Lac Beauvert beckons. Whether sitting contemplatively by its shore or taking a leisurely stroll around it, the lake offers a profound connection to nature. When winter truly settles in and the lake freezes over, skipping rocks across the ice creates fascinating, Star Wars-esque laser sounds – a phenomenon I’ve never witnessed anywhere else. This simple pleasure, along with the lodge’s truly exceptional hot chocolate, exemplifies the magic found in the little things at CIN.

Even when the landscape isn’t draped in a wintry cloak of ice and snow, Jasper’s natural beauty is utterly captivating. The vibrant autumn colors or the lush summer greens offer a different, yet equally stunning, backdrop to the lodge. And let’s not forget the resident chipmunks, whose endearing antics and undeniable cuteness elevate the overall charm of the environment to an almost professional level, providing endless moments of delight for guests of all ages.

Here’s how this enchanting event unfolds: guests arrive for a meticulously curated three-night package. The experience typically commences with everyone settling into their cozy cabins throughout the afternoon, leading into an evening of sheer indulgence. This begins with an enormous welcome reception, featuring some of the most extensive and creatively presented buffets you’ll ever encounter – truly surpassing even the grandest feasts found in places like Vegas. Each year brings a fun theme; this year, it’s all about ugly Christmas sweaters, adding a playful, festive layer to the sophisticated proceedings. The subsequent days are filled with an array of engaging sessions led by renowned Food Network celebrities, talented local chefs, visionary decorators, interior designers, and skilled craftspeople. In between these enriching sessions, guests gather in the grand hall for amazing breakfasts, lunches, and dinners, each meal a culinary masterpiece. A highlight for many is concluding their afternoons with delightful wine tastings or innovative mixology classes, ensuring that every guest finds joy and relaxation throughout their stay. The atmosphere is consistently one of genuine happiness and festive cheer, a testament to the seamless blend of luxury and engaging activities.

Christmas in November consistently draws an impressive roster of talent. Past years have seen culinary legends like Bob Blumer, Lynn Crawford, and Michael Smith grace the stages, alongside countless other celebrated personalities. This year’s lineup promises to be equally stellar, featuring an exciting mix of local chefs and bakers who bring their unique flavors and expertise. Highlights include Giselle Courteau, the brilliant mind behind Edmonton’s Duchess Bakeshop, whose new book recently earned a prestigious Taste Canada award. We’ll also welcome Connie and John from Calgary’s acclaimed CHARCUT, the always awesome and hilariously engaging Pierre Lamielle of Top Chef and Chopped fame, and the innovative duo Dale MacKay & Nathan Guggenheimer from Ayden Kitchen & Bar in Saskatoon. Adding to the vibrant mix are the super fun guys from Tres Carnales and Rostizado in Edmonton, promising to infuse the event with their unique culinary flair. This diverse group ensures a rich tapestry of flavors, techniques, and inspiration for all attendees.

As I’ve often said, each year at CIN feels like a cherished reunion, a heartwarming gathering of familiar faces and a joyful welcoming of new friends into our festive club. It’s a treasured tradition where I catch up with wonderful personalities like Michael and Anna Olson, connect with esteemed decorators such as Karl Lohnes, and marvel at the artistry of flair mixologist Micah Dew. The entire experience is an absolute blast, a delightful whirlwind where I completely surrender to the luxury of being utterly spoiled. For an entire week, the only “traffic” to contend with are the majestic herds of elk often seen gracefully meandering between the pool, playroom, lounge, and cabins. It’s a place where Bing Crosby’s timeless tunes fill the air, and the simple pleasures of never having to do a dish or make a bed become a cherished reality. I confess, it’s hard not to gush about such an idyllic escape, where every detail is meticulously handled, allowing for pure, unadulterated relaxation and enjoyment.

Beyond the engaging sessions and gourmet dining, the Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge offers an array of amenities designed for ultimate relaxation and enjoyment. Imagine taking a dip in the heated pool while delicate snowflakes fall around you, creating a truly magical winter experience. Or indulge in some pampering at the newly renovated spa, a sanctuary of tranquility where every treatment is designed to rejuvenate mind, body, and spirit. And of course, there are the fireplaces – crackling warmly throughout the lodge, inviting guests to curl up with a good book and a hot drink. The entire property is meticulously decked out for Christmas, transforming into a festive wonderland that truly embodies the spirit of the season. It’s like experiencing the Christmas holiday you’ve always dreamed of, a serene escape from the typical chaos and demands of your actual holiday season. This immersive environment allows you to fully embrace the joy and beauty of Christmas without any of the stress.

Many attendees choose to experience Christmas in November in groups – friends, mothers, sisters, and even couples – all drawn by the promise of continuous fun, engaging activities, and the shared joy of the festive season. The collective energy is palpable, creating a vibrant and welcoming atmosphere where there’s always something interesting to discover or participate in. And for those looking to explore beyond the lodge’s luxurious confines, the surrounding Jasper National Park offers incredible natural wonders. A hike through the nearby Maligne Canyon, even in winter, is an absolutely gorgeous experience, with its ice formations and breathtaking views. Even the journey to Jasper is an integral part of the adventure. Coming from Calgary, the drive along the Icefields Parkway is an unforgettable spectacle. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is a completely stunning route, winding past over 100 ancient glaciers, magnificent frozen waterfalls, and emerald lakes, making the trip alone worth the effort. It’s an immersion into unparalleled natural beauty that perfectly complements the luxury of the lodge experience. The only downside? The inevitable “tough re-entry” on that first Monday morning back home, when the reality of making my own coffee and cooking my own eggs Benedict hits after a week of pure pampering.

After a whirlwind six-city book tour promoting the new “Home Cooking by the Best of Bridge” – a title that was already in development before Sue, Elizabeth, and I joined the team – I’m eagerly anticipating CIN as my next major excursion and a much-needed retreat. It’s hard to believe how quickly November is creeping up on us, but the thought of returning to Jasper for this unique event fills me with excitement. This deep connection to the spirit of the holidays, even before December arrives, often brings me back to beloved recipes that evoke that same cozy, festive feeling.

And so, I find myself flashing back to a recipe from my very first cookbook, one I had the pleasure of demonstrating at my inaugural Christmas in November a remarkable 14 years ago: these delightful cinnamon bun crunch icebox cookies. They are far easier to make than their impressive appearance suggests, and there’s an immense satisfaction in knowing you have a log or two of this versatile dough chilling patiently in your fridge or freezer. The sheer convenience of being able to pull out a log, slice off a half dozen or so cookies, and bake them fresh on demand is truly invaluable. These particular cookies have a magical ability to fill your home with the most wonderfully cozy aroma, a scent that instantly welcomes friends arriving for an impromptu visit or warms children returning from a chilly day at school. As icebox cookies, their parchment-wrapped logs are perfectly happy to remain in the freezer for months on end. This means that whether you, like me, get prematurely giddy about the upcoming holidays, or you are the impeccably organized and on-the-ball planner, you can theoretically embark on your holiday baking journey now. Imagine having a solid, frozen stash of these delectable treats, ready to be baked at a moment’s notice, ensuring you’re perfectly prepared for any festive occasion or simply a craving for a homemade comfort. It’s a simple joy that perfectly encapsulates the anticipatory spirit of the holiday season, making it a perfect complement to the magic of Christmas in November.