Looking for 2021 Whistler Christmas events? Me too! We have been visiting Whistler Village in December every year for at least the past decade. Between the festive decor and the snow-covered village (when the weather cooperates) – we find that a little Whistler getaway really helps to put us in the holiday spirit.

While there is no question that Christmas in Whistler is going to look a little different this year (with some classic events such as the Fire & Ice show currently “on ice“), my goal here is to focus on what we can still do in these unusual times. So…here we go!

Things to do in Whistler at Christmas

Ski with Santa Whistler

Santa Day is back for 2021! A free lift ticket will be gifted to the first 100 people to arrive at the Whistler Village Gondola, at the base of the GLC, in full Santa or Mrs. Claus attire on December 15.

See Whistler Blackcomb Events for full details.

The Whistler Village Stroll

Grab a hot chocolate and take a stroll down Main Street to enjoy the gorgeous holiday lights. These beautiful displays are made possible by 5,000 strings of lights covering 289 trees that light up the village from Nov. 26th through the New Year.

Wintersphere

A reinvention of the family fun offered through the peak December holiday season, for 2021/22 this indoor family event is coming back to the Whistler Conference Centre as “Wintersphere”.

This year’s experience will include mini golf, crafts, and a maze, all of which have been designed to allow space for each group.

Wintersphere is open from 10am – 6pm, Dec.18th through Jan. 2nd (closed on Dec.25th and Dec. 31st). Please note that all guests over the age of 12 will be required to show proof of vaccination and photo ID, and all guests over the age of 4 will be required to wear a mask at all times.

Photos with Santa

Santa photos are back on in Whistler! He will be returning to Blackcomb Springs Suites Cheakamus Conference Room on Dec. 21 and 22nd (3:30pm – 7:30pm).Two digital images are $30 or three for $40.

This special event is a fundraiser for the Whistler Food Bank. Guests who bring food or additional donations will be eligible to receive an entry into a contest to win a two-night stay in a two-bedroom Suite at Blackcomb Springs Suites by Clique.

Trees of Hope

Trees of Hope, presented by Fairmont Chateau Whistler and Mountain Galleries is a unique art auction featuring art by fifteen invited artists who painted their version of a “Tree of Hope.”

Their paintings have been donated to a silent auction, with all proceeds going to Canuck Place Children’s Hospice, which provides palliative and respite care services for sick children in BC. Their artwork is on display in the Chateau throughout the holiday season. 

Ice Skating at Olympic Plaza

Hooray! Outdoor skating in Whistler is still on! This festive rink at Olympic Plaza will be open from November 26th until late March 2022 (weather dependent).

The popular Skate with Santa event is also back, returning on December 24th from 12:30pm – 1:30pm.

Admission is $2, skate rentals are $8, helmets and skating aids are available free of charge. Masks will be required in the lobby and exit areas. Please see Tourism Whistler for hours.

Vallea Lumina

This unique Whistler attraction involves a multimedia presentation and immersive light show set in the forested surrounds of Cougar Mountain. The Vallea Lumina Winter Story begins on Nov. 26th. Shows run on the half hour between 5-7pm throughout the Whistler Christmas season.

While in past years a shuttle to Vallea Lumina has been available from the village, guests currently need to make their own way to the venue (a 10 minute drive from Whistler Village).

Tickets can be booked online at vallealumina.com. See also reviews for Vallea Lumina on Tripadvisor and enjoy a little peek at the experience in this 2 minute video.

Bobsledding and Skeleton

Did you know that Whistler Sliding Centre is the only place in Canada where the public can try bobsledding and skeleton? After a thorough orientation, guests will either hop in as a passenger (bobsled) or slide solo (skeleton) down the twists and turns of the track at over 100km/hr!

Learn more at Whistler Sliding Centre.

Hotel Holiday Festivities

Many of the hotels in Whistler offer festive events exclusively for guests throughout the month of December. That said, there are a couple of real standouts that do just a phenomenal job (making you never want to even leave the property).

1. The Fairmont Chateau Whistler

The December holidays are always a special time around the Chateau Whistler. During what is a rather challenging year, the Fairmont has clearly put a great amount of thought into how they can continue to offer the amazing holiday experience they are famous for, while also keeping everyone safe and comfortable.

Not only does this property offer a myriad of festive dining options (see the full list), they also have a daily schedule of activities for families from Dec. 18th – Jan. 2nd including christmas crafts, movie nights, cookie decorating, games and more. See the full Fairmont Chateau Whistler Christmas activity guide here.

Guests and non-guests alike can enjoy the Fairmont’s beautiful Mallard Lounge – with its cozy fireplace, festive cocktails and live music. The Mallard is also a great spot for families as parents can sit around one of their outdoor fire pits sipping on something special while their kids have a ball playing in the snow nearby.

Check rates for the Fairmont Chateau Whistler on Booking.com or read reviews on TripAdvisor.

2. Wintertide at the Four Seasons

The Four Seasons Resort Whistler is always a lovely place to be, but it’s even more fun with the addition of their cute little vintage patio camper offering hot chocolate and cook-your-own s’mores. Guests can gather around the fire pit to warm up after a long day out adventuring, and enjoy the playful signature hot chocolate, The Tipsy Snowman.

Check rates for the Four Seasons Whistler on Booking.com or read recent reviews on TripAdvisor.

Holiday Dining in Whistler

If you are planning on spending your Christmas at Whistler, you might be interested in knowing your options for dining. Here are a few places offering special holiday seatings.

Christmas Dinner Whistler – Dine In

The Braidwood Tavern (The Four Seasons) – Fresh off an extensive renovation, this restaurant duo will be offering beautiful Christmas Eve, Christmas Day and New Year’s Eve dinner seatings.

Festive Dining at the Fairmont Whistler – The Fairmont Chateau Whistler will be hosting Christmas dinner at the cozy Wildflower, the more upscale Grill Room as well as offering a very special gala (with a live orchestra) in the MacDonald Ballroom.

Rimrock Cafe – This celebrated Whistler restaurant is offering a special four course Christmas Day menu ($160 per adult, $95 per child and vegetarian menu for $110 per person).

Hunter Gather in Whistler Village will be offering a full Christmas dinner dine-in service on the 25th.

Christmas Dinner Whistler – Take Out

Whistler Cooks will deliver a complete Christmas dinner to your doorstep (home, vacation rental or hotel) on Christmas Eve that’s ready to reheat and serve.

Portobello in Whistler’s Upper Village will be offering their take-away Festive Feast from Dec. 20th – Jan. 1st including either prime rib or turkey plus all their gourmet fixings.

Whistler Christmas Tree Rentals

Need to liven up the decor in your Whistler holiday home, hotel room or vacation rental? Whistler Christmas Dream can take care of all of this with a variety of holiday decor rentals packages.