6 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 2 - 24 from 10:30 am - 2:00 pm before he hurries off to the North Pole!

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.

From 10:30 - 2:30 every Saturday and Sunday from December 2 - 24, then daily from December 25 - 30.

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.

From December 24 to January 1, enjoy a special holiday brunch between 11 and 3.

4: Holiday Dinner at Sky Bistro

On December 24 and 25, enjoy a spectacular dinner on the top of a mountain at Sky Bistro from 4 to 9 pm. This special prix fixe menu has all the holiday classics that you can enjoy while looking out over the mountaintops surrounding Banff. Reservations are highly recommended.

5: Experience Nightrise

If you are heading up near sunset, make sure to stick around as Nightrise takes over the mountaintop. As the sun goes down, the Banff Gondola comes to life with an incredible, multi-sensory event. Nightrsie is an interactive light, sound and video projection experience that takes place on top of a mountain. Crafted in partnership with the Stoney Nakoda Nation, this immersive story experience welcomes everyone to the Banff Gondola after-dark.

6: 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 12 pm (noon).