Skip to main content

4 Reasons to Visit the Banff Gondola at Christmas

Published
Dec 1, 2023|
Last Updated
Sep 29, 2025|
term
Events & Festivals
Santa looks out the window on the Banff Gondola in Banff National Park.

Breathtaking views, festive dining, cookie and craft decorating, immersive experiences, 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 holiday season.

1. Celebrate a Very Vintage Mountain Top Christmas

Kick off the holidays with timeless traditions at the summit.

Starting November 22, 2025, weekends at the Banff Gondola will be filled with cookie and ornament decorating, photo-ready selfie stations, an elf-name generator, and even a spot to leave letter for Santa.

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

Mountaintop Christmas runs on Saturdays and Sundays through December.

A child makes a Christmas cookie at Mountaintop Christmas in Banff National Park at the Banff Gondola.A child makes a Christmas cookie at Mountaintop Christmas in Banff National Park at the Banff Gondola.A child makes a Christmas cookie at Mountaintop Christmas in Banff National Park at the Banff Gondola.

2. Experience Nightrise

As the sun sets, the summit of Sulphur Mountain transforms into Nightrise, an immersive after-dark event created with the Stoney Nakoda Nation.

Nightrise blends light, sounds, and storytelling into a breathtaking mountaintop experience unlike any other.

When: November 22, 2025 - March 29, 2026

3. Festive Dining in the Mountains

Celebrate the 2025 holiday season with holiday dining at the summit. From December 21 - 26, the Northern Lights Alpine Kitchen hosts a holiday brunch buffet, paired with incredible views.

For a more elevated experience, book a table at Sky Bistro, where seasonal menus and iconic scenery make these moments unforgettable.

Reservations are highly recommended.

Four people dine with the Sundance Mountain Range behind them out of a window at the Banff Gondola in Banff National Park.Four people dine with the Sundance Mountain Range behind them out of a window at the Banff Gondola in Banff National Park.Four people dine with the Sundance Mountain Range behind them out of a window at the Banff Gondola in Banff National Park.

4. 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.

Local's Tip: Get one free kid's admission for each paying adult when you visit the Banff Gondola before 12pm.

Plan Your Dream Trip

Plan and build out your dream vacation to Banff and Lake Louise with the Trip Builder.