In December, Whistler turns into a twinkling winter wonderland with frosted trees, festive lights galore and plenty of holiday activities to embrace the festive cheer. Check out our blog, 12 Things to Do in Whistler at Christmas, which covers how to ski with Santa(s), festive performances and holiday markets.
It’s time to roll out the red carpet for the 25th anniversary of the Whistler Film Festival (December 3 to 7), which features over 100 films, including Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery directed by Rian Johnson, Jay Kelly directed by Noah Baumbach and much more.
Say farewell to 2025 with a bang this New Year’s Eve and enjoy the Fire & Ice Remix with a dazzling fireworks display, returning to Skier’s Plaza on December 31.
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Here’s what else is happening in Whistler this December.
Outdoor Adventure
You’ll find us:
- Putting on our skis and boards for the start of another ski season. Whistler Blackcomb is now open, with more terrain opening each week. PSA – get your ski pass now before the December 4 deadline. Check out our blog Are You Feeling the Winter Stoke for what Whistler locals are getting excited about this season.
- Getting festive at the Dress Like Santa Day on December 19, where skiers and riders of all ages are invited to put on their best Santa or Mrs. Claus ensembles to spread Christmas cheer around Whistler Blackcomb. In return, a free lift ticket will be gifted to the first 100 people to arrive at the Whistler Village Gondola.
- Gliding along groomed trails on skinny skis at Whistler Olympic Park. Located in the beautiful Callaghan Valley, just south of Whistler, get your Nordic fix of cross-country skiing and snowshoeing, or try the unique Olympic sport of biathlon. Don’t miss the Monday & Wednesday night specials starting December 8, where you can ski under the stars for only $12 (rentals are an additional $12).
- Revving our engines on a snowmobile tour! Whether you are a beginner looking for a cruise or an adrenaline junkie, there is a tour for all skill levels. Be sure to book in advance!
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Adventure Lite
You’ll find us:
- Taking part in the classic Canadian pastime of ice skating in the great outdoors at Whistler Olympic Plaza (rental skates available). Glide around the ice and enjoy views of the surrounding mountains by day, or at night under the glow of the stars and thousands of festive lights.
- Bundling up for a magical night at Vallea Lumina, a multi-media night walk set in the forest of Cougar Mountain. As the days get shorter, the first show starts earlier, making it the perfect time of year to bring the whole fam to experience the magic.
- Going for a stroll to marvel at Whistler’s displays of festive lights. Download the free, Go Whistler Tours app and choose from three different festive lights walking tours, including Whistler Village, Upper Village and Creekside.
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More ways to get outside.
Family Fun
You’ll find us:
- Getting cozy for a family-friendly film as part of the Whistler Film Festival. On Sunday, December 6, bring the kiddos to check out Shortwork – Sunday Morning Animated Snacks, a delightful collection of short films suitable for all ages. On December 7 at 10:15 AM, find your seat to enjoy The Lost Tiger film, a heartwarming, action-packed film (perfect for both kids and parents to enjoy).
- Joining Kermit the Frog, Miss Piggy, Gonzo and the full Muppet crew at The People’s Film Presents: The Muppet Christmas Carol. On December 17, bring the crew to the Maury Young Arts Centre to watch this family favourite on the big screen, with popcorn provided (free of charge) as a holiday gift from Arts Whistler to you!
- Having a blast at Wintersphere, the ultimate, indoor winter wonderland experience with free festive activities for the entire family! Join in the fun with visits from Santa, entertainers, a holiday café, kids crafts, the signature holiday maze and much more from 10 AM to 5 PM, December 20 to January 3 (closed on December 25).
- Being drawn, via snow-cat, on a Holiday Sleigh Ride into Whistler’s backcountry with Blackcomb Snowmobiles. You can ride inside the cozy snowcoach cabin or aboard the open sleigh, snuggling under warm blankets as you travel along peaceful forest trails to a festive holiday dome. There, hot apple cider and cookies await. This new, heartwarming Whistler tradition runs from December 12 to January 5, 2026.
- Signing the older kids (ages 8 to 14) up for Learn to Slide: Discover Luge at the Whistler Sliding Centre on December 7. Youth can try the Olympic winter sport of Luge by sliding down a portion of the track on their own sled, with professional coaching and supervision.
- Immersing the little ones (ages 5 and up) in creativity at the Fathom Stone Soapstone Carving Classes. Parents can head off while the kiddos create, or join in on the fun. This festive season, check out the Ornament Carving Class, where participants choose from a selection of natural BC soapstone, choose their shape (think fun festive shapes like stars, trees, hearts and bears), then learn how to carve, shape, sand, and polish their piece into a beautiful keepsake.
- Celebrating New Year’s Eve with the Luminosity Parade starting at the Whistler Conference Centre at 7:45 PM. Follow the dynamic LED dancers, characters, and music as you weave your way to Skier’s Plaza (base of Whistler Mountain) for the Fire & Ice Remix. At 8:30 PM, enjoy a spectacular display of lights, music and live entertainment, followed by a dazzling fireworks display at 9 PM (there are no midnight fireworks).
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More family-friendly activities.
Arts & Culture
You’ll find us:
- Watching a flick at the 25th anniversary of the Whistler Film Festival, which runs from December 3 to 7. Experience cinema not available anywhere else, from adrenaline-fuelled outdoor films and critically acclaimed independent stories to major global features and episodic content. Check out our blog, Movie Magic in the Mountains: Whistler Film Festival 2025, for the full rundown.
- Getting festive at A Winter’s Song Solstice Concert on December 11 at the Squamish Lil’Wat Cultural Centre, where Trio Elysium (harpist Alison Hunter, flautist Anne-Elise Keefer, and vocalist Jeanette Bruce) gather for an evening of festive music in celebration of the coming holidays. While you’re at the SLCC, check out their latest exhibit, Woven Pathways: Fashion and Cultural Continuity (on until April 5, 2026), featuring Squamish and Lil̓’wat fashion and accessory designers with guest artists from the Northwest Coast.
- Bringing our festive energy to Piano Heist: A Very Merry Heistmas! on December 12, presented by Arts Whistler Live! From a rock ‘n’ roll Nutcracker to ragtime Rudolph and The Messiah on melodicas, Nico Rhodes and Patrick Courtin take on everything Christmas.
- Putting the love into our festive gifts by creating a handmade gift at the Holiday Candle-Making Workshop at the Audain Art Museum on December 12. Or head to The Point Artist-Run Centre’s Paint & Sip on December 1 or 14, and Screen Printing on December 7. So many handmade goodies to be made!
- Cozying up in front of the big screen for The People’s Film Presents: Die Hard on December 17. This iconic film delivers the kind of high-octane holiday chaos that only the ’80s could dream up. The Signature Cocktail for the evening is the Spiced Nakatomi, featuring spiced Rum, cranberry, lime and ginger ale. Grab your tickets in advance – it will sell out!
- Soaking in the atmosphere of the Candlelight Concerts. On December 19, begin the evening with The Best of Hans Zimmer, then bask in the sounds of Christmas Classics, all under the glow of gentle candlelight.
- Enjoying the sounds of the annual Christmas Eve Carol Service, hosted by the Whistler Children’s Chorus and Whistler Singers at the Westin Resort & Spa, featuring traditional carols, choral music and community readings.
- Splitting our sides at the all-new production for the holiday season – Laugh Out LIVE! Presents: The Chairlift Chronicles, from December 27 to 29 at the Whistler Conference Centre.
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Eating, Drinking & Shopping
You’ll find us:
- Enjoying some pancakes at the 19th Annual Mountain FM and The Westin Resort & Spa Christmas Breakfast on Thursday, December 4th, from 7 to 9 AM. Bring a new toy, non-perishable food item or tap your card to make a donation towards local Sea to Sky Corridor Food Banks and enjoy a delicious free breakfast.
- Joining fellow filmmakers and friends at the Whistler Film Festival’s 25th Silver Anniversary Party on December 5 at the Garibaldi Lift Co. The evening will include live music from Whistler’s iconic band, The Hairfarmers, dancing, food and a silent auction
- Festive shopping for a cause! On December 6, participating Whistler businesses are giving 5% of their gross sales to the Whistler Community Foundation’s Community Fund. Check out where you can shop, eat and feel good on the Whistler Community Foundation website.
- Putting on our ugliest sweater and heading to The Raven Room to check out their bar pop-up, Miracle. Get in the holiday spirit and try something from the themed Christmas cocktail menu while enjoying the festive wonderland atmosphere – daily until January 4.
- Browsing for some unique, handmade holiday gifts at one of the holiday markets in Whistler. Check out the Seek Bespoke Market at the Audain Art Museum on December 6 and 7, and the WAG Fundraiser Christmas Market on December 7 at Alpine Cafe. Later in the month, stop by the Fairmont Chateau Whistler Holiday Market from December 12 to 14. There’s also the Arthentic Holiday Shopping Night on December 18 from 4 to 7 PM at the Maury Young Arts Centre – a festive evening of shopping and saving on local artisan-made goods, plus complimentary sparkling wine for the first 50 shoppers!
- Warming up with Pino & Poutine at Lorette Brasserie. From December 6 to 18, from 8 to 10 PM, enjoy special menu features, including Foie Gras Poutine, Mushroom Poutine and Pinot Noir by the glass or bottle, offered at half the menu price.
- Celebrating Emily Carr’s Birthday on December 13 at the Audain Art Museum‘s Art of the Cocktail workshop. Learn how to make vibrant cocktails, blending creativity and craftsmanship in the museum’s beautiful setting.
- Rockin’ it out at A Whole Lotta Led at Dusty’s on December 13. A Whole Lotta Led are bringing their incomparable tribute to Led Zeppelin back to Whistler for a face-melting night of old school rock n’ roll.
- Gathering with the community for the Christmas Gala Dinner with Laugh Out LIVE! on December 25. Enjoy live music, entertainment, a complimentary welcome drink and a festive buffet. There is also the Family Christmas Gala Dinner happening at the Fairmont Chateau, and the Winter Wonderland: Grand Family Buffet happening at Nita Lake Lodge. Be sure to plan ahead and book your Christmas dinner in advance!
- Ringing in the new year at one of the exquisite New Year’s Eve events happening in Whistler on December 31. From gala-style dinners to festive nightlife, there is something for everyone to enjoy. Be sure to book in advance
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More on Village shopping, dining and arts and culture.
Save the Date
Whistler Pride and Ski Festival | January 25 to February 1, 2026
Whistler World Ski & Snowboard Festival | April 6 to 12, 2026
Be a Responsible Traveller: Don’t Love It to Death
- Help keep Whistler green by choosing tap water over bottled water, avoiding single-use plastics, leaving the car at home, choosing active transportation and sorting garbage properly to reduce your waste.
- Be AdventureSmart and always practice Leave No Trace principles.
- Consider our Responsible Travel pillars, Respect Nature, Think Environment, Don’t Love It to Death and Support Local.
- Whistler Alert is the official emergency notification system used by the RMOW to communicate with residents and visitors during emergencies via text message, phone and email. We encourage you to sign up for it while you’re here (just in case). When you register, you will be asked to provide your contact number and the date you plan to leave Whistler so that you don’t receive alerts when you’re back home.
If You’re Driving . . .
- Take a read of Go Car Free: 8 Reasons to Ditch the Car on Your Whistler Trip in case we can convince you that you don’t need your car!
- Take advantage of the new reservations-based parking program. From 6 AM to 11 AM on weekends, public holidays, and December 27 to 31, Lots 6, 7 and 8, and Creekside Parkade will be reserved for those with (free) general and carpool parking reservations. Check out all the details here.
- Winter tires or chains are required by law on the Sea to Sky Highway from now until March 31. Make sure to check you have these, especially if you’re using a rental car. Read more on our Road Conditions page.
- Help reduce congestion on the highway by travelling during non-peak times. Peak travel times on the Sea to Sky Highway to Whistler include Friday afternoons and evenings, weekends and holidays. To avoid this busy time, plan to visit Whistler midweek when the highway and the resort are typically quieter. Extend your weekend – plan to arrive on Thursday night and leave on Monday morning to avoid the weekend traffic. If you’re visiting Whistler only for the day, plan on staying for dinner to avoid the rush of day traffic leaving the resort after the mountain closes.
- Always check DriveBC for current road conditions before getting on the road. Follow @DriveBC on Twitter and listen to MountainFM for the latest updates.
- Paid parking is in effect in all the Day Lots, although there is complimentary parking from 5 PM to 8 AM. Overnight parking is not allowed in the Day Lots over winter (November 1 to March 31). Please check the RMOW website for more information on parkin,g including an interactive map.
- Marketplace parking has new tariffs; $1 first 30 minutes and $2 first hour (15-minute, storefront parking remains free). For shopping at Fresh St. Market, register your license plate in the machine prior to shopping and they will reimburse you for 1 hour with a minimum $25 purchase.
