The Peak of Christmas – Grouse Mountain

Location: Grouse Mountain, Vancouver
Dates: November 24 – December 24
Hours: 9:00am – 10:00pm
Cost: The cost of a lift ticket or season pass.

Sleigh bells ring, choirs sing! Grouse Mountain presents a magical celebration and a multitude of festivities.

If Grouse Mountain is beautiful in the summer, it is positively dreamy in the winter. And, as luck would have it (not for the skiers or snowboarders), the weather atop the mountain has been balmy. It was 5C when I went up on a Tuesday night and the warmth made wandering through the woods very pleasant.

In the middle of what’s reminiscent of Santa’s village, there’s (of course) Santa, skating, reindeer, a sled ride, and carolers. Inside in the chateau are roaring fires, Christmas gifts, movies, and gingerbread houses. The detailed gingerbread houses were the true photographic eye candy of the evening. All make for a nice relaxing evening with a chateau feel; I saw many lounging while reading a book.

If I could make a recommendation about this particular Christmas event it would be: don’t visit the mountain top alone. On weekdays go with friends and enjoy a nice meal by one of the many fires. On the weekend, go with children and enjoy the planned Christmas activities.