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Santa heads up the Sea to Sky Gondola. Here's when and what it costs

Sea to Sky Gondola cabins passing a tower above forested slopes, with Howe Sound below
The Sea to Sky Gondola climbing above Howe Sound. Photo: Keely Hill, CC BY-SA 4.0

Families can get photos with Santa, watch a Christmas tree lighting and join storytime at the top of the Sea to Sky Gondola this holiday season. The Spirit of the Season runs from late November into early January at the summit. Most events are free with a lift ticket or membership.

What's happening

The Sea to Sky Gondola is holding its Spirit of the Season at the summit. Visitors can take an afternoon walk on the decorated Spirit Trail, join a storytelling session, sit by the fire and have hot chocolate and local food in the festive lodge.

The event page lists the season as November 29 to December 31 in one place and November 27, 2026 to January 3, 2027 in another. Activities run during operating hours.

Snow-dusted mountains around a deep blue Howe Sound seen from high above
Howe Sound in winter, seen from above Squamish. Photo: Shafik Diwan, CC BY-SA 4.0

The schedule

  • Photos with Santa: November 27 to 30 and December 4 to 7, 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., Summit Lodge. You must book ahead. It costs $30 for one photo or $40 for two. The lift ticket is not included.
  • Christmas tree lighting: Saturday, November 28, 5 p.m., Summit Backyard Plaza. Seasonal food and drink specials, hot chocolate, a fire and holiday sweets. Free with a lift ticket or membership.
  • Indoor storytime: Mondays, November 30, December 7 and December 14, 10 to 10:30 a.m., Summit Lodge. Free hot chocolate and treats after. Free with a lift ticket or membership.
  • Gift shop offers: Saturdays, November 28, December 5 and December 12, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Members get 40 per cent off all items, including clothing, local art, home items, jewellery, stationery, soaps and candles.
  • Summit Surprises: December 1 to 24. Follow photo clues on the gondola's social media, find the hidden spot at the summit and claim a prize. Prizes change daily and range from sweet treats and small gifts to experiences.
Turquoise Howe Sound with a band of cloud along the mountains, gondola tower in the foreground
Howe Sound from Sky Pilot Mountain near the gondola summit. Photo: Keely Hill, CC BY-SA 4.0

Where and when

  • Sea to Sky Gondola, 36800 Highway 99, Squamish
  • Runs during the gondola's operating hours
  • Most activities are free with a lift ticket or membership
  • Santa photos need to be booked in advance
  • Phone: 778-266-1056
  • Event details: Tourism Squamish event listing

For current conditions on Highway 99 before you drive, see our today page.

Source: Tourism Squamish

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