Christmas goes up the mountain this month. The Peak of Christmas at Grouse Mountain runs from Friday, November 20 to Christmas Eve, December 24, 2026, and turns the mountaintop into what Grouse calls “Vancouver’s North Pole.”
The best part for families: Santa’s Workshop, the Light Walk and the skating pond are all included with a Mountain Admission Ticket, Annual Pass, Winter Season Pass or Ski Lift Ticket. So once you’ve paid to ride up, most of the day is covered.
When & Where
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Dates | Nov 20 – Dec 24, 2026 |
| Location | Grouse Mountain, 6400 Nancy Greene Way, North Vancouver |
| Mountain hours | Daily 9:00 am – 9:00 pm (check Today on Grouse before you go) |
| Elf Headquarters | Daily 10:00 am – 8:00 pm; Dec 24 10:00 am – 4:00 pm |
| Reindeer Talks | 12:00 pm and 3:00 pm daily |
| What’s included | Santa’s Workshop, Light Walk, skating pond, Theatre in the Sky, Elf HQ |
| Infants 0–2 | Free (pick up a free ticket at the Skyride or Gondola) |
Mountain Admission Prices
| Ticket | Regular | Lower Mainland resident |
|---|---|---|
| Adult (19–64) | $89 | $74 |
| Senior (65+) | $79 | $69 |
| Youth (13–18) | $69 | $59 |
| Child (5–12) | $49 | $39 |
| Tot (3–4) | $5 | $5 |
| Infant (0–2) | Free | Free |
| Family (2 adults + 2 children) | $229 | $179 |
Tickets are only valid on the date you pick, and they’re non-refundable. Buy on the official Mountain Admission page. If you live in the Lower Mainland, the resident rate saves a family of four $50.
What Kids Will Love
- Santa’s Workshop. It’s behind the skating pond. Kids can meet Santa, tell him their wish list and get a candid photo. Photos are $5 each at the kiosks inside the Peak Chalet, and all proceeds go to Family Services of the North Shore.
- The Light Walk. A glowing light tunnel just off the skating pond leads to a lit path around Blue Grouse Lake. It’s best from dusk into the evening, and there’s no extra charge.
- Mountaintop skating. It’s the only mountaintop outdoor skating pond in the Lower Mainland. Skate rentals are $10 for adults and $6 for kids.
- Elf Headquarters. Write a letter to Santa and make sparkly DIY ornaments.
- Vixen the reindeer. Visit her habitat behind the skate pond and catch a Reindeer Talk at 12 pm or 3 pm.
- Christmas movies. Short holiday films run on a loop in the Theatre in the Sky, so there are no showtimes to chase. It’s a good warm-up stop.
- Carolers and characters. Live music in the Peak Chalet, plus the Grinch and Santa’s elves roaming around.
Extras That Cost More
- Sliding Zone: two groomed lanes west of the skating pond. Sleds rent for $5 at the Fireside Hut, or $15 for the season.
- Sleigh rides: these leave from behind Santa’s Workshop, but only run when there’s enough snow.
- Breakfast with Santa at Altitudes Bistro: a breakfast buffet with a visit from Santa. Reservations are now open at grousemountain.com/bws. Dates are Dec 5, Dec 13 and Dec 18–24, 2026. Seatings are 8:00–9:15, 8:15–9:30 or 8:30–9:45 am, with a maximum of 6 people per table. Arrive at the base 30 minutes early. It includes Mountain Admission. Regular prices: Adult/Senior $99, Child/Youth $69, Tot $10, Family $299. Passholder prices: Adult/Senior $79, Child/Youth $55, Tot $10.
- Skate rentals ($10 adult / $6 child) and food.
Is It a Fit?
| Best fit | Families with kids 3+ who want Santa, lights and snow in one outing |
| Maybe not | Families on a tight budget (no free entry for ages 3 and up beyond $5 tot tickets), or anyone hoping for guaranteed snow activities early in the season |
| Time | Plan 3–4 hours including the ride up and down |
| Cost | Family ticket $229 ($179 resident) + $5 per Santa photo + extras |
| Booking | Mountain Admission online for your date; Breakfast with Santa reservations are now open at grousemountain.com/bws |
| Plan B | Theatre in the Sky and the Peak Chalet if the weather turns |
Getting There
- Driving: about 15 minutes from downtown over the Lions Gate Bridge, then up Capilano Road. All lots are pay parking: $10 for 3 hours, $12 for the day. Pay with the Pay-By-Phone app, or with coins or a card at the machines.
- Transit: take the SeaBus to Lonsdale Quay, then bus #236 to Grouse (about 25 minutes). From Phibbs Exchange, take the #232. Come by transit and you get $10 off Mountain Admission at Guest Services (can’t be combined with other offers). Buy your return Compass ticket in advance so it covers the SeaBus too.
- Shuttle: Grouse’s free Canada Place shuttle ended for the season on Oct 12. Check the official site for any winter shuttle before counting on one.
Parent Tips
- Go up in the afternoon and stay for dusk. You’ll see Santa in daylight and the Light Walk once the lights come on.
- Dress for the mountaintop, not the city. It’s colder and snowier up top. Grouse recommends snowshoes or snow cleats on the Light Walk because the paths can be slippery.
- Check Today on Grouse the morning of. Sleigh rides and some snow activities depend on conditions.
- Bring a card for the Fireside Hut. It takes card payments. To pay cash for skates, go to Alpine Guest Services in the Peak Chalet first.
- Make it a Christmas weekend. Pair it with the Vancouver Christmas Market at Jack Poole Plaza (Nov 16 – Dec 24), right by the SeaBus at Waterfront Station.
Quick Answers
When is the Peak of Christmas 2026? Nov 20 to Dec 24, 2026, at the top of Grouse Mountain.
Is visiting Santa free? The visit is included with Mountain Admission. Photos are $5 each, and the money goes to Family Services of the North Shore.
Do babies need a ticket? Infants 0–2 are free (get the free ticket at the Skyride or Gondola). Tots 3–4 need a $5 ticket.
Is skating included? Yes, the pond is included. Skate rentals are $10 for adults and $6 for kids.
Can I book Breakfast with Santa? Yes. Reservations are now open at grousemountain.com/bws. Dates are Dec 5, Dec 13 and Dec 18–24, 2026, and the price includes Mountain Admission.
Final Thoughts
The Peak of Christmas packs Santa, a light walk, skating and a real reindeer into one ticket, with the city lights below. Pick your date, use the resident rate if you can, and stay until dark.
Tickets: Grouse Mountain Admission Event page: The Peak of Christmas
