A Run Down of Whistler Events, Markets, and Activities in December
Whistler in December is a magical time of year. The mountain is into the full swing of ski and snowboard season, the snow is falling, and holiday joy is spreading through the village.
There are several activities and events in Whistler to keep you with an exciting and never ending to-do list on your holiday vacation.
Take note: Be sure to book ahead of time especially as we encroach on the busy holiday season so that you have a stress-free vacation.
Whistler in December is the winter wonderland you have been waiting for, your going to love taking a stroll through the Whistler village surrounded by the beautiful holiday light display.
What’s on in Whistler? December Activities & Events
Visiting Whistler in December is maybe the most exciting time of year. Leading up to the holidays there are many exciting holiday related events to keep your day entertaining – from first thing in the morning to the wee hours of the night.
Here are the Whistler events and activities you will not want to miss out on this holiday season!
Arts Whistler Holiday Market 2019
Find that perfect gift from local artisans.
- November 30th to December 1st
- Westin Resort & Spa
This two-day holiday market is a great opportunity to start your Christmas shopping. Everything hand-baked or hand-crafted. Over 100 vendors from the Sea to Sky region and across BC come together to share their craft.
Enjoy the local music and visits from Santa. Open 10-7pm on Saturday and 10-5pm on Sunday.
2019 Whistler Film Festival
- December 4 to December 8
- Screenings to be announced
This event is held annually in Whistler and is going into its 19th year of operation. It brings together filmmakers and film fans to experience 90 films from Canada and globally.
A few of the Canadian films to highlight include Alone Across the Arctic which is about Adam Shoalts, who embarks on a 4000km journey across the arctic by foot; Canadian Strain, a film that focuses on the pros and cons of marijuana legalization and Promise Land that follow a trouble prostitute and unhinged stranger they embark on a path filled with promises and lies.
Be sure to check out the line up as there is something for everyone.
Book a Ski or Snowboard Guide
- Whistler Blackcomb Mountain & Backcountry
- Weather Dependant
This is an obvious one but if you’re going to be in Whistler you need at least a day on the mountain to ski or snowboard. Whistler Blackcomb is a world-renowned resort with amazing terrain.
If you’re new to the sport it’s highly recommended to book a lesson with the snow school that can set you up with rentals, lift tickets and lessons. If you do have experience but don’t want to mess around the hundreds of options on the mountain, book a mountain host to find you the best runs of the day.
Whistler’s Family Apres
- Monday & Wednesdays at 3 to 6 pm
- Whistler Olympic Plaza
Whistler is known for it’s fun apres and here’s one that the whole family can enjoy. After a full day on the mountain, the fun can continue at the Whistler Olympic Plaza where warm beverages are served and winter activities are available for the kids.
Rent a pair of skates and do a lap around the rink. This is a free event that’s held on Mondays and Wednesdays starting December 9th to March 25th, 2020.
Sleigh Ride
Capture a magical moment on sleigh ride across Whistler
- 5pm-8pm/daily
- Base 2 Blackcomb Mountain
Are you wanting that perfect winter wonderland scene? A magical sleigh ride is a great activity for couples or families! Cozy up on a sleigh for an hour and watch the world pass you by.
The tour also stops at a cabin so that you can all enjoy a delicious cup of hot chocolate. Winter Sleigh Rides are available to book starting December 15th. This is a great activity to kick back and relax while taking in the ambiance. This is a family run business with a passion for horses.
Snowshoeing
- As soon as the snow flies!
This is a fantastic winter activity to do in Whistler. Snowshoeing can be done by anyone and is a great activity for all to tackle the snow.
There are several places in Whistler that you can rent snowshoes if you feel like going for a wander with your family but if you’re not familiar with the area there are several guided groups around Whistler that head out for a snowshoe. Check out more activities here.
Heli-Skiing
- Private Tours, Book in Advance
Looking to get away from the crowds and immerse yourself into Whistler’s powder then Heli-skiing may be a way for you and your family to go!
A once in a lifetime chance to experience a Heli-drop and feel like your floating on the clouds. There are various package deals to check out to see what is the right fit for your group. We also recommend the Heli-picnic option, or glacier tours if you are not a skier or snowboarder.
Fire and Ice Show
- After Whistler Blackcomb Opens, Date to be Announced
- Every Sunday 8pm at Skier’s Plaza
This entertaining and free event is the perfect Sunday evening activity to get hyped for the rest of the week. Some of Whistler’s best skiers and snowboarders come together to hit a big air jump through a ring of fire.
Fireworks, fire hoops, impressive tricks, and fire spinners put on an epic show for our Whistler visitors.
Viessmann Luge World Cup and BMW Sprint World Cup
- December 13th to 14th
- Whistler Sliding Centre
Changing gears from skiing, be sure to catch the Luge World Cup held at the Whistler sliding center. Cheer on the world’s fastest luge athletes as they whiz down the track.
It is certainly a fantastic experience to witness as a spectator. It may inspire you to give it a try!
Try the Whistler Bobsleigh or Skeleton experience where you can experience the adrenaline of what these athletes endure every day. Hit speeds of over 125km/hour around the twists and turns of an Olympic track.
Scandinave Spa Whistler
- 10 am to 9 pm, daily
- 8010 Mons Rd, Whistler, BC
Looking for a tranquil escape this holiday season? Look no further than the Scandinave Spa Whistler located north of the main village. This spa focuses on the hydrotherapy cycle of hot, cold, relax & repeat. In the winter this place is beautiful as it overlooks the mountain of Whistler.
Sink right into the warm hot tubs and immerse yourself into this silent world. This is a phone-free spa so really allow yourself to disconnect from your day-to-day. What are you waiting for? You deserve this.
Community Holiday Gala Dinner & Dance
- Saturday December 14th at 6pm
- Fairmont Chateau Whistler
Put on your dancing shoes and join in the festivities of the Community Holiday Gala Dinner hosted by the luxurious Fairmont Chateau Whistler.
This is the 20th annual dinner and dance which includes a gala reception, festive holiday buffet, live entertainment, and dancing till midnight. Tickets are $99 per person.
Annual Christmas Eve Carol Service
- December 24th at 6:30 to 7:30pm
- Westin Resort & Spa
Are you looking to hear some Christmas eve carol singing? A beautiful event for the family to go to before Santa makes his rounds. Coming into its 35th year the Whistler’s Children’s Choir and Whistler Singers features traditional carols, choral music, and readings by community members. This event is by donation.
Snowmobiling
Head to the top of the mountain on the back of a sled this December.
- Starting December 1st, 2019
Skiing, not really your thing? Snowmobiling is an exciting alternative to experience the Whistler mountains. Snowmobile tours available through the Callaghan valley or cougar mountain you will be able to take in the vast snowy landscapes.
Blackcomb Snowmobiles offer different tours to accommodate a variety of skill levels. If your not comfortable to drive you can for sure be a passenger on the back of your partners snowmobile.
Dog Sledding
- Starting December 1st, 2019
- Canadian Wilderness Adventures
This is a must-do during the winter. Book through Canadian Wilderness Adventures as they team up with a Trappers Run adventure. Climb aboard the sled while you watch these amazing dogs do what they love, which is run! These exciting and Canadian tours last 2 to 2.5 hours through the Callaghan Valley.
Learn about these incredible dogs and the commands mushers use to guide the dogs through the landscape. Experience this traditional method of transportation and immerse yourself into this super Canadian educational experience.
Whistler’s New Years Eve Celebration
- December 31st, 2019 Between 12pm-12am
- Whistler Olympic Plaza & Skier’s Plaza
Your invited to a fun-filled day to enjoy the last day of 2019 and ringing in the new year. Fun activities for the family to keep you entertained for the day. If you have little ones there will be a special 8 pm fireworks for bringing in the new year! Starting at 11:30 pm there will be a special Fire & Ice Show with the grand finale fireworks to bring in the new year of 2020.
Start Now, Plan the Perfect Whistler Holiday this December
As you can see there are so many exciting activities to be done in Whistler during December. It will get busier closer to the holiday time so please book ahead of time to make sure you get in what you want to experience!
Whistler in December is one of the best times of the year as you get to experience as many of the activities as you desire. Whistler is known for it’s winter and you’ve come at the prime time. Enjoy and be safe! Happy Holidays!