Here's a selection of events that return year after year for Christmas in Whistler. Please check back closer to Christmas 2015 for details on date and time.
Fire & Ice Show
Sundays | Skier's Plaza
Watch world-class athletes flipping and twisting through a burning ring of fire and finish with a first class fireworks display. The Fire and Ice Show is performed by top members of Whistler Blackcomb's Ski & Snowboard School. This free, legendary show kicks off Sunday evenings in Skier's Plaza at the base of Whistler Mountain. Don't miss the special Fire & Ice Show on New Year’s Eve!
More information
Family Après
Whistler Olympic Plaza
Bring your family and friends for free outdoor Canadian winter fun at Whistler Olympic Plaza, with different activities and local entertainment every week. Family Après is weather dependent so please check in with the Village Hosts on the day to confirm if the event is going ahead. Please note Family Après wil not run on New Year’s Eve, December 31 as the rink is open to ticket holders for the New Year’s Celebration only.
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Kids' Night Out
Multiple dates in December, January, March and April | Blackcomb Kids, Blackcomb Mountain Base II
An evening of non ski-based entertainment for the kids, including an activity, dinner, drinks and snacks. Kids should be dressed for outdoor winter fun, because activities include tubing, ice skating and cross country skiing (activities depend on weather conditions). Cost is $59.00 per child, for children age 5-12.
Bonfire Nights at Whistler Olympic Park
Whistler Olympic Park
Each Wednesday enjoy Bonfire Nights at Whistler Olympic Park. Pay just $5 for park access, and enjoy $5 trail tickets and rentals. Bring your marshmallows!
Santa Sleigh and Boot Drive
Mountain Square
The Whistler Firefighter’s 13th Annual charity fundraiser in support of the BC Professional Firefighter's Association Burn Fund (BCPFFA Burn Fund) returns with Santa teaming up with local firefighters to spread holiday cheer while collecting donations in support of the Fund. Santa and his custom sleigh will be perched atop the Whistler Fire and Rescue’s Vintage 1974 Tibault fire truck in Mountain Square. Visitors and community members are invited to visit with Santa, take a keepsake photo and perhaps give Santa their last minute wishes for the Christmas season.
The Chairlift Revue Christmas Special
Maury Young Arts Centre (formerly Millennium Place)
Celebrate the best and most hilarious chairlift moments through a number of short skits and array of wacky characters.
Made in Whistler Artisan Market
The Westin Resort & Spa, Whistler
Escape from the cold and find an array of unique, handmade treasures at Whistler’s favourite indoor
artisan market. Entry is free.
Holiday Crafternoon
Whistler Public Library
Creat your own funky and fun holiday cards and gift wrap. For children ages 6 - 9 years with caregiver. Free!
Dress Like Santa Day
Whistler Blackcomb
Dress like Santa and Mrs. Claus and bring the festive fun to the slopes. A free lift ticket will be awarded to the first 100 people to arrive at the Garibaldi Lift Company, at the base of Whistler Mountain, in full Santa or Mrs. Claus attire. To qualify, skiers and snowboarders must arrive dressed in their very best Santa or Mrs. Claus costume. The costume must include red or black pants or a skirt for Mrs. Claus, a red jacket with white trim, a black belt, a beard for Santa and of course, a Santa or Mrs. Claus hat.
The Whistler Holiday Experience
Whistler Conference Centre
This family fun zone is unparalleled for indoor entertainment! Kids can enjoy a mini putt course, table games, bouncy castles, crafts and video games free over the holiday season. Santa often makes an appearance before Christmas along with other performances and entertainers. Parents can relax in the lounge area and enjoy a coffee or hot cocoa while the kids play. Please note The Holiday Experience is usually closed December 25 and December 31. Open from 12:00 PM until 6:00 PM on December 18 and January 1.
Skate with Santa at the Plaza
Whistler Olympic Plaza
Join your family on the ice and skate with jolly old St. Nick himself on the outdoor ice skating rink at Whistler Olympic Plaza. Santa will be available for photo opportunities and there will be hot chocolate, cookies and holiday crafts to celebrate this festive season. If you did not pack skates, rentals are available for $5.00.
Carols & Holiday Cheer
Whistler Public Library
Drop in to sing Christmas carols and enjoy a hot drink and a festive snack. Free.
A Whistler Christmas Performed by the Whistler Singers
Maury Young Arts Centre (formerly Millennium Place)
Experience the joy of the season as the Whistler Singers celebrate a Whistler Christmas in words and song. Entry by donation.
Christmas Eve Carol Service
The Westin Resort & Spa, Whistler
The 31st annual Christmas Eve Carol Service takes place at the Westin Resort & Spa. Hosted by the Whistler Children's Chorus and Whistler Singers, this interdenominational celebration features traditional carols, choral music sung by the choirs and readings by community members telling the story of the birth of Christ. Come and enjoy the sense of community and 'peace and goodwill toward all' that this carol service creates. Entry is by donation.
Holiday Craft Days
Maury Young Arts Centre (formerly Millennium Place)
Join us with your little ones for fun holiday arts and crafts. A great time for kids of all ages. Suitable for children aged 3+ with parental supervision, cost by donation.
Whistler Presents: New Year’s Celebrations
Whistler Village
Say goodbye to the old and welcome the new at this alcohol-free evening of family entertainment and celebration in Whistler Village. Wristbands give access to a range of venues with entertainment for all ages including music, arts, crafts, food, dancing and ice skating at Whistler Olympic Plaza. Includes a special party area for kids and a New Year’s Eve Kids Countdown at 9:00 PM. No need to drive - take advantage of the free, extended Whistler Transit Service on New Year’s Eve from 6 PM until late. Advanced ticket prices: Adults $15, children (12 and under) $10 and kids ages 2 and under are free. Purchase early, as on December 31 adult ticket prices go up to $20.
Tickets will be available online on this webpage from December 2015.
New Year’s Eve Fire & Ice Show
Skier's Plaza
Wristbands are not required to see this event. A special show for New Year’s Eve. As the countdown approaches, watch the Whistler Blackcomb Ski School instructors hit the big jump in the Plaza on their skis and snowboards in a special New Year’s Eve Fire & Ice Show.
More information
New Year’s Eve Fireworks
Skier's Plaza
Wristbands are not required to see this event. It wouldn't be a New Year without a dazzling display of lights and sounds over snow! Fireworks are best viewed from Skier's Plaza located at the base of Whistler Mountain.
Chinese New Year Fire and Ice Show
TBC for 2016 | Practice at 6:30 PM, Show at 7:00 PM | Skier's Plaza |
Location: A special show to celebrate Chinese New Year.
Whistler Village Festive Lights
All Season | Whistler
Every holiday seasons trees and buildings in Whistler Village and Creekside are decorated with thousands of festive twinkling lights, combining to create a seemingly endless display. Wander a different section of the Village Stroll each night and immerse yourself in the magic of the snow-covered Village. Stop off at a local cafe for a hot chocolate on the way!
Church Services and Christmas Mass
TBC for 2016
Celebrate the meaning of Christmas with the local community and visitors at Whistler's places of worship. Services usually held Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.
There are many more events on offer over the holiday season - see the Event Calendar for more events.