Growing up in the UK, almost the only snowy scenes I saw during the holidays were on Christmas cards. But I always dreamed of stepping into a real-life North Pole wonderland––complete with icicle-draped trees, a reindeer or two and perhaps even a sighting of Santa in his cozy-cabin workshop.

 

As an adult, I’ve never made it much past the 49th parallel. But since I moved to B.C., I’ve discovered a far closer “North Pole” located right here in North Van. It’s an easy drive or transit hop from downtown Vancouver. And every winter, it’s a glittering holiday haven that couldn't feel more festive.

 

Grouse Mountain’s Peak of Christmas––a snowy utopia of fairy-lit chalets, sleigh rides, Santa visits and much more––is the perfect place to bring the family for a memory-making day out. But it’s also ideal for adults keen to slow down during the busy season and rekindle their childhood Christmas spirit.

 

The annual Peak of Christmas is already underway up at Grouse. And we have the lowdown on what to expect this year. Read on for all the 2025 features and activities––then book your tickets, wrap-up warmly (Rudolph-themed toque recommended) and dive into your very own local North Pole adventure.

 

Photogenic scenery

 

The magic starts on your gondola trip up the mountain, where you’ll swoop over a grand panorama of snow-peppered conifers. Celebrating its 100th anniversary next year, Grouse is one of B.C.’s most popular ski resorts and it typically enjoys plenty of wintry precipitation. At the summit, visitors usually step out into a frosted Alpine village framed by snow-covered trails and ice-baubled trees.

 

Many of Grouse’s gabled chalets are outlined with shining bulbs, of course. But festive illumination fans should also check out the alfresco Light Walk, a Peak of Christmas highlight. Accessed via a twinkling tunnel, you’ll crunch along a pathway around Blue Grouse Lake––marveling at the glowing features and camera-ready forest scenery en route.

 

Family festivities

 

The Peak of Christmas has always been a highly welcoming destination for junior holiday fans—there’s even a specially priced 2025 Family Day Ticket that’s a really good deal. But unlike some local attractions, it’s unlikely that your children will run out of fun things to do while they’re up here.

 

In Santa’s Workshop, they can meet the red-robed wonder and chat with him about what they’d like to see under their tree on Christmas morning. For just $5 (proceeds to Family Services of the North Shore), you can also pick-up some photos of your kids with him. Hot tip: this is a very popular activity, so reserve your timeslot via the QR code outside the Workshop as soon as you arrive.

 

Young visitors will also love the nearby Elf Headquarters. That’s where they can slow down and make their own handcrafted Christmas ornaments. And if they were a little tongue-tied during their Santa visit––or forgot to mention that LEGO set or Barbie car they’ve been dreaming about all year––they can also write a dedicated letter to him here.

 

Outdoor fun

 

A Peak of Christmas visit isn’t just about photogenic visuals and kid-tastic fun, though. You can also fully relax and commune with B.C.’s great outdoors up here. Located just in front of Santa’s Workshop, you’ll find the delightful Mountaintop Ice Rink where you can twirl around framed by a snowy woodland backdrop. Low-cost skate rentals are available.

 

You can also work up a wintertime sweat at the Sliding Zone. A couple of groomed lanes have been created here, and you can zip along on a rented sled, stoking up your adrenalin levels at the same time. Looking for something a little gentler? Take a lovely Sleigh Ride through the forest. It feels like you’re travelling though Narnia––without that pesky Snow Queen, of course.

 

Entertainment galore

 

There’s also a huge playbill of live performances to add to your 2025 Peak of Christmas visit. Check the Grouse website for all the dates, times and performers: you’ll find everything from choirs and community groups to roaming elves and cool ice skating shows. You can even catch some short Christmas movies screening on a loop in the Theatre in the Sky.

 

Grouse’s cozy little theatre opened in 1990, one of many improvements added to the North Van attraction over the decades––including 2024’s sparkling new state-of-the-art gondola. That history of innovation and enhancements will be fully celebrated at the resort in 2026, when an exciting year of celebrations will mark Grouse’s 100th birthday.

 

But before the centennial party begins, there’s still the 2025 holiday season to celebrate. And, personally, we’re really looking forward to one very special Peak of Christmas “performer.” You can see Vixen––a real-life reindeer––in her enclosure here every day. And at noon and 3pm, you’ll also be treated to a Reindeer Talk, where you can learn all about her (including her favourite foods).

 

Festive fuel-ups

 

Speaking of food, there are lots of ways to enjoy a Christmassy nibble or two up at Grouse. First off: you can book your family in for the annual––and hugely popular––Breakfast with Santa. It includes a hearty buffet (don’t miss the candied salmon) and an up-close visit with Santa. Be sure to book ahead, though.

 

But you don’t have to join Santa to eat well here. Along with Lupins Café and the Grouse Grind Coffee Bar, you’ll also find Altitudes Bistro, with its enticing menu of elevated comfort dishes (we love the Crispy Chicken Burger). And if you really want to make it a special visit, book a view-hugging table at The Observatory. Along with fine West Coast dishes, you’ll find lots of great B.C. wines––perfect for toasting you epic visit to North Van’s very own North Pole.

 

If you go

 

The 2025 Peak of Christmas at Grouse Mountain runs from November 21 to December 24. Admission is from $42 for children to $82 for adults, with a special Family Day Ticket for two adults and two children running from $99 to $155. Admission includes many sights and activities, with some costing extra. Keep in mind that the snowy scenery is weather-dependent.