The Peak of Christmas at North Vancouver’s Grouse Mountain is where you’ll find sleigh rides, skating, gingerbread houses, Santa Claus, reindeer and more.
Grouse Mountain at Christmas
The Peak of Christmas at Grouse Mountain offers some of the best Christmas-time activities in the Lower Mainland.
In addition to great skiing, during the month of December Grouse Mountain is where you’ll find sleigh rides, outdoor ice skating, gingerbread house displays, holiday season movies in their Theatre in the Sky, visits with Santa Claus, reindeer and a variety of other special Christmas activities and events.
Peak of Christmas Dates
Most years the Peak of Christmas goes from the end of November until the beginning of January. In 2018 it starts on Friday, November 23rd, and finishes on Sunday, January 6th, 2019.
Christmas Cost of Admission
There are both expensive and inexpensive (or at least very reasonable) ways of experiencing the Peak of Christmas at Grouse Mountain.
Peak of Christmas activities are included in the cost of the tram ride up the hill, which, in 2018, costs $29 for children, $49 for seniors, $56 for adults (ages 17-64) and $149 for a family. This is the more expensive way of enjoying the Peak of Christmas. (For comparison, last year, prices ranged from about $15 for children ages 5+ to $44 for adults, or $114 for a family of four.)
TIP: BC residents receive a discount on the above 2018 Peak of Christmas admission prices. Be sure to take proof of residency when going to the hill.
In 2018 Grouse Mountain once again is offering its special Family Ticket, which costs about $90 and allows two adults and two children or youth access to the mountain for one day during the Peak of Christmas season, which is cheaper than at other times of the year. Family Annual Local’s Passes are also available for $180 which allow the family to return as often as they like all year.
All the Peak of Christmas activities are also included free with the purchase of a ski ticket, which ranges from about $23 to $49 after 4 pm. This is the “more-value-for-your-money” way to enjoy Grouse Mountain’s festive Christmas activities, as it includes the skiing (assuming you like to ski). Pay between just $2 and $16 more and you can ski all day.
And if you aren’t into skiing, the cost of everything is also included with advance reservations for dinner at the Observatory restaurant. The restaurant isn’t cheap, but dinner won’t be a whole lot more than the cost of the tram ride which is included with your meal reservation, plus you’ll get to enjoy fine cuisine from one of Vancouver’s most scenic and famous restaurants.
Peak of Christmas Activities
There is so much to see and do at the Peak of Christmas event up at Grouse Mountain.
At the attraction there is Santa’s Workshop and the Elf Headquarters where (up until Christmas Eve) children can visit Santa Claus and write him letters. Throughout the Christmas season there is also the Gingerbread Village featuring a collection of fancy cookie houses and other creations, craft activities for kids in the Elf Station, and Christmas movies in the Theatre in the Sky. Prior to Christmas Day, there is also live entertain at set times (see below for details).
Other activities that continue even after most of the other Peak of Christmas activities finish in early January include the Sliding Zone, where you can slip down a hill on a crazy carpet, and the Light Walk, where you can wander along illuminated trails through the forest.
Of course, during the Peak of Christmas event and throughout the entire winter season, there are also wonderful skiing, snowboarding and snowshoeing opportunities up at Grouse.
Peak of Christmas Entertainment
A good time to visit Grouse Mountain during the Peak of Christmas season is on weekends leading up to Christmas, as well as on Christmas Eve. On those days there are sometimes live choir performances in the chalet.
VOC Gospel Choir in 2018
Checo Tohomaso and the VOC Sweet Soul Gospel Choir perform most years in the Grouse Mountain Chalet between 1:00 and 3:00 pm every Sunday in December. This is an exceptional group that you won’t want to miss! Highly recommended (and free with general admission to the mountain).
In 2018 the choir performs in the afternoons of the Sundays of December 2nd, 9th, 16th, and 23rd as well as on the Monday of December 24th.
Other Performances
Other live entertainment at the Peak of Christmas in 2018 includes performances by the following:
- Sound Eclectic – the vocal ensemble entertains from 3:00 until 5:00 pm on Saturday December 15th.
- Ginger & Snap – the singing child-friendly duo performs in the Theatre in the Sky on the Saturdays of December 8th, 15th and 22nd at 11:30 am.
- À Tout Choeur – this North Shore choir sings French Christmas favourites on Saturday December 22nd between 1:00 and 3:00 pm.
What to Take to the Peak of Christmas
When heading up to enjoy the Peak of Christmas at Grouse Mountain don’t forget to take your camera, ice skates, snowshoes, skis and/or snowboard, all depending on what you want to do. Equipment for all activities is also available for rent at the top. And finally, don’t forget your winter boots and warm clothing.
Other Information
For more details on the Peak of Christmas events, see the Grouse Mountain website.
For more information about the ski resort, click Grouse Mountain in Winter. And for details about other area snow sport destinations, click Lower Mainland Ski Hills.
For more ideas on places to see Christmas lights in the Lower Mainland, check out any of the following:
