Up the Sea-to-Sky Highway in Squamish, the Sea to Sky Gondola climbs 885 metres above Howe Sound, and every December the summit gets dressed for Christmas. Spirit of the Season brings a decorated forest trail, Santa photos in the Summit Lodge, storytime, guided walks by day and headlamp, and local makers selling gifts, all with a fjord view below.
The 2026 schedule hasn’t been announced. Here’s what the program has included, so you know what to watch for.
Spirit of the Season: Quick Facts
| What it is | A holiday program at the Sea to Sky Gondola summit, with a decorated forest trail, Santa photos, storytime, guided walks and local makers |
| Where | Sea to Sky Gondola, 36800 Highway 99, Squamish, BC |
| 2026 dates | Not confirmed yet |
| Most recent run | November 29 to December 31 |
| Official page | seatoskygondola.com |
When Is It in 2026?
Not confirmed. The most recent run was November 29 to December 31, with individual events on set days within that window. The specific days change from year to year, so don’t assume last season’s calendar will repeat.
What the Program Has Included
- Spirit of the Season Forest Walk: a walk on the decorated Spirit Trail, through December.
- Santa Photos at the Summit: in the Summit Lodge, on a handful of days. Booking required.
- Storytime for families on set December days.
- Guided tours: a daytime forest tour and an after-dark headlamp tour, daily in the last stretch of December.
- Meet the Maker days and retail offers at the summit shop on two December dates.
- Summit Surprises through early December.
- A holiday concert by the Squamish Academy of Music on a December Sunday.
- Taste of the Summit Winter Edition: tapas, wine and music on January evenings.
Prices for Santa photos and tours, and daily hours, weren’t listed.
Getting There
The gondola base is at 36800 Highway 99, just south of Squamish, about an hour’s drive from Vancouver. You’ll need a gondola ticket or membership for the summit. Check the official page for parking and accessibility.
Make a Squamish Day of It
The North Pole Express at the Railway Museum of BC, about 15 minutes away in Squamish, runs on weekends from November 28 to December 20, and the two make a good Sea-to-Sky Christmas day trip. On the way back, stop on the North Shore for The Peak of Christmas or Canyon Lights.
For other places to meet Santa, see where to see Santa in Vancouver.
Tips
- Watch for the 2026 schedule and book Santa photos as soon as they open.
- Dress for a mountain summit. It’s colder and windier than in town.
- Check the highway forecast before driving the Sea-to-Sky in winter.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is Spirit of the Season at the Sea to Sky Gondola in 2026?
Not confirmed. The most recent run was November 29 to December 31.
Where is it?
At the Sea to Sky Gondola summit, 36800 Highway 99, Squamish.
Can I see Santa?
The program has included Santa photos at the Summit Lodge, by booking.
Are there guided tours?
Yes, a daytime forest tour and an after-dark headlamp tour in late December.
How much does it cost?
Prices haven’t been published. You’ll need a gondola ticket to reach the summit.
Part of: Vancouver Christmas Guide 2026 › Where to See Santa in Vancouver 2026
