5 Reasons to Visit the Banff Gondola at Christmas

Breathtaking views, a visit from Santa, cookie and craft decorating - a visit to the Banff Gondola’s Mountaintop Christmas will put you in the festive spirit the moment you step foot into this winter wonderland. Here are five reasons to visit the Banff Gondola Mountaintop Christmas this December.

1: Meet Santa Claus

It wouldn’t be Christmas without a visit from Santa, and he’s made time for the families to meet him and have their photo taken. Share your stories, tell him what you’re hoping to get for Christmas, and smile for the camera to create a lifelong memory

Expect to see him on Saturdays and Sundays until December 18 and then daily from December 19 before he hurries off to the North Pole on December 24!

2: Celebrate Christmas on top of the world

There’s festive fun to be had at the summit. Decorate your very own Christmas cookie, or try your hand at making Christmas decorations at the craft station. There will also be feature holiday films playing, so put on your best Christmas attire and settle in for a flick.

Capture your memories and share using the hashtag #MyBanff for us to see your Mountaintop Christmas moments.

3: Brunch with a view at Northern Lights Alpine Kitchen

There’s no such thing as a bad seat at the Northern Lights Alpine Kitchen as you enjoy a holiday brunch overlooking Banff. With snow-covered peaks as far as the eye can see, a delicious buffet-style restaurant – and a specialty drink menu for you to toast the holidays.

Whether you go for the pancake breakfast with a hot chocolate or dive into a Christmas lunch with slow braised beef brisket at the carving station – family mealtime has never felt so special.

4: Hot Chocolate Trail

Speaking of hot chocolate, there’s one for the adults! Try a boozy hot chocolate at either Castle Mountain Coffee or Sky Bistro. The ‘Backcountry Powder’ is part of the 2022 Banff Hot Chocolate Trail and is a delicious dark chocolate and hazelnut, combined with maple and star anise. Wrap your hands around this winter special and take it with you as you step out into the fresh mountain air.

5: Enjoy the spectacular view!

With snow blanketing the town and surrounding mountains while you walk along a picturesque boardwalk to Sanson’s Peak, the Banff Gondola is a great way to experience 360-degree views of Banff National Park.

Look out from the several viewing platforms and see how many of the mountains you can spot – including Cascade Mountain, Mt. Rundle, Sundance Peak, and more.