Down in the city it’s probably raining. Ride the Skyride up Grouse Mountain in December, though, and there’s a decent chance you’ll step out into snow, with Santa’s workshop behind a skating pond, a light tunnel leading into the forest and a reindeer named Vixen waiting for her afternoon talk. That’s The Peak of Christmas, and it’s as close to a snowy North Pole as you’ll get within 30 minutes of downtown Vancouver.
The 2026 season runs November 20 to December 24. Most of it is included with your mountain ticket, and a few things cost a little extra. Here’s what’s on, what you’ll pay, and how to plan the day.
The Peak of Christmas 2026: Quick Facts
| Dates | November 20 to December 24, 2026 |
| Where | Grouse Mountain, North Vancouver |
| Included with | A Mountain Admission Ticket, Annual Pass, Winter Season Pass or Ski Lift Ticket |
| Skate rentals | $10 per adult, $6 per child |
| Santa photos | $5 each, with proceeds to Family Services of the North Shore |
| Sled rentals | $5 at the Fireside Hut, or $15 per person for season-long access |
| Elf Headquarters hours | Daily 10:00 AM to 8:00 PM. December 24 and 25: 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM |
| Official page | grousemountain.com |
What’s Included With Your Ticket
Grouse says the Peak of Christmas experiences are included with a Mountain Admission Ticket, an Annual Pass, a Winter Season Pass or a Ski Lift Ticket. Ticket prices are on Grouse’s ticket pages. Three things cost extra: skate rentals, sled rentals and Santa photos.
Things to Do at the Top
Visit Santa’s Workshop
Santa’s workshop sits behind the skating pond. Kids can tell him their list and you can grab a candid photo. Official photos are $5 each from the kiosks in the Peak Chalet, and every dollar goes to Family Services of the North Shore. It’s one of the best-value Santa photos in the region. Our guide to where to see Santa in Vancouver has the rest.
Walk the Light Walk
A glowing light tunnel just off the skating pond leads onto a lit path around Blue Grouse Lake. Walk it, or snowshoe it if there’s enough snow.
Skate on a Mountaintop
Grouse has the only mountaintop outdoor skating pond in the Lower Mainland. Skate rentals are $10 for adults and $6 for kids, and local skaters put on figure skating shows on selected dates. For skating closer to sea level, the Shipyards in North Vancouver has a free rink.
Slide, Ride and Meet a Reindeer
- Sliding Zone: two groomed lanes just west of the skating pond. Sleds are $5 at the Fireside Hut, or $15 for season-long access.
- Sleigh rides: a loop through the snowy forest from behind Santa’s workshop. They only run when there’s enough snow base.
- Reindeer Talks: meet Vixen in her habitat behind the skate pond at 12:00 PM and 3:00 PM daily.
Elf Headquarters, Music and Movies
- Elf Headquarters: write a letter to Santa and make a DIY ornament. Open daily 10:00 AM to 8:00 PM, and 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM on December 24 and 25.
- Live music from carollers, choirs and musical groups at the Peak Chalet, plus roaming characters like the Grinch and Santa’s elves.
- Christmas movies play on a loop in the Theatre in the Sky, so you can drop in any time.
Breakfast with Santa
Breakfast with Santa is a buffet at Altitudes Bistro with a visit from the big guy. Grouse lists reservations as opening soon, with dates and prices still to come. These tend to book up, so check Grouse’s website regularly.
Plan Your Day
- Time it around the reindeer. Arrive before noon or 3:00 PM to catch a talk.
- Stay for dusk. The Light Walk and the city lights below are best after sunset, and a Skyride down in the dark is a highlight in itself.
- Dress for snow. Everything up top is outdoors on a snowy mountain. Boots and mitts, even if it’s mild in the city.
- Bring a few dollars for skates, sleds and Santa photos.
- Check snow conditions if the sleigh ride is the main event.
Make a North Shore Day of It
Grouse is a few minutes up Capilano Road from Canyon Lights at Capilano Suspension Bridge Park, and the two make a classic one-day pair: the mountain in the afternoon, the canyon after dark. On the way back, stop at the free Shipyards Christmas Market on the Lower Lonsdale waterfront, or drive west to the Dundarave Festival of Lights.
For the season’s other big outings, see the best Christmas things to do in Vancouver, and for every light display, our Christmas lights in Vancouver roundup.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is The Peak of Christmas in 2026?
November 20 to December 24, 2026.
What’s included with admission?
Santa’s workshop, the Light Walk, the skating pond, the Sliding Zone, sleigh rides, Elf Headquarters, music, movies and Reindeer Talks are all included with a Mountain Admission Ticket, Annual Pass, Winter Season Pass or Ski Lift Ticket. Skate and sled rentals and Santa photos cost extra.
How much are Santa photos?
$5 each, with all proceeds going to Family Services of the North Shore.
How much are skate rentals?
$10 for adults and $6 for children.
When are the Reindeer Talks?
12:00 PM and 3:00 PM daily.
Are sleigh rides always running?
No. They need a minimum snow base and run as conditions allow.
Is there Breakfast with Santa?
Yes, at Altitudes Bistro. Reservations were listed as opening soon.
Is there snow on Grouse Mountain at Christmas?
Usually, yes, though it depends on the year. Grouse is the most reliable place near the city for a snowy Christmas outing.
Related: Christmas on Grouse, Cypress and Seymour, Christmas on the North Shore.
Part of: Vancouver Christmas Guide 2026 › Where to See Santa in Vancouver 2026
