The skating pond atop Grouse Mountain is filled with people as snow billows down on top of the mountain on December 20, 2010, Vancouver.Brett Beadle for The Globe and Mail
Step out of the rainy drear and into a winter wonderland at Grouse Mountain's Peak of Christmas, where you can ice skate on an 8,000 square-foot outdoor rink, meet real reindeer, take in festive music by carolers and choirs, and wander through the SOS Children's Village Parade of Trees before taking a mountaintop sleigh ride through in the snowy woods.
On three Saturdays, you can fine-tune your salchows and lutzes with world champion figure skater Karen Magnussen and other icy luminaries, then watch them show how it's done at a special Ice Show.
Wishing for something extra special under the tree this year? Head for Santa's village, where you and the little ones can bring St. Nick up to speed – then head indoors to warm up with hot chocolate and favourite family Christmas movies.
The Peak of Christmas opens Saturday and runs through Dec. 24. For more info and a schedule, visit grousemountain.com.