Things To Do With Your Kids: Mountain Top Christmas and Nightrise at Banff Gondola

The holiday season is upon us and if you live in Alberta then, in my opinion, heading to the mountains is one of the best things you can do with the family.

Last week, we were lucky enough to be asked to visit the Banff Gondola to experience its newest attraction Nightrise as well as Christmas on the Mountaintop with the kids.

Nightrise

Nightrise invites guests to experience the summit of Sulphur Mountain in a way they never have before—after dark and under the stars. Designed by the creative team at Montreal’s Moment Factory in collaboration with the Stoney Nakoda Nation, Nightrise brings the nighttime silence and wonder of the Canadian Rockies to life in unforgettable ways.

When we got on the gondola for Nightrise the first thing we noticed is how DARK it is going up a mountain at night, but almost immediately our gondola was filled with lights and narration for our trip up.

Once at the top, we were welcomed by four levels of interactive displays and while there was a big snowstorm when we were there, it actually added to the allure of the lights outside. We were treated to hot chocolates and treats, which only added to the experience. Overall I would describe Nightrise as a multi-sensory journey inspired by the natural beauty and Indigenous culture of the Rockies.

Nightrise would make a great date night or would be a great nightcap to a full day on the mountain after experiencing Mountaintop Christmas and having some dinner.

Mountaintop Christmas

There is absolutely NOTHING like Banff at Christmas time. We were blessed with a beautiful, clear mountain day for Mountaintop Christmas and it was absolutely amazing.

Our Mountaintop journey started with a ride on the Elf Express!

The Elf Express picks you up at your hotel in a Christmas decorated coach. Our Elf driver Noelle told us stories about the North Pole and we had a sing-along as we drove to the gondola.

From now until Christmas the Banff Gondola has transformed into a magical winter wonderland complete with an opportunity to take a photo with Santa and other Christmas delights.

The kids absolutely LOVED the whole experience. We were worried the gondola would scare them, but they friggen loved it. Meeting Santa was a highlight, but they also liked checking out the view and doing all of the activities – like cookie decorating. Perhaps best of all they napped like champs after the whole experience! (Even our five-year-old).

It’s also worth noting that Kids go free before noon every day! (One free child admission for each paying adult when you visit before 12 noon).

Banff is always a great choice over the holiday season and the Banff Gondola offers you tons of great things to do to entertain the kids. Find out more here.

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