Imagine your favorite holiday season in your favorite winter destination with your favorite people. It looks pretty good, right? Whistler undoubtedly lives up to the picturesque winter wonderland expectations year after year. The snow, the lights, the singing, and the activities – they all bring out that holiday spirit we crave this time of year.

With so many options it can be a bit overwhelming to decide where to begin your vacation in this town.  Holidays and Christmas is a time for togetherness with family and loved ones. That said, spending a couple weeks on vacation with those nearest and dearest to your heart isn’t always that simple. Mom loves playing in the snow while Dad loved the arts, Aunty Lee is into food, cousin Paul wants to party and your sister Jen has two young kids.

So, maybe you don’t have to spend every minute of every day with every person in your family, sometimes it’s best to divide and conquer then relish in each other’s stories over a well earn Apres Lager. Known for its prime location, Longhorn Saloon is centrally placed at the base of the mountain making it the ideal apres gathering location. If you time it right, you can even catch some of Whistlers finest winter athletes jump through rings of fire at the Fire and Ice show right from their patio. But this isn’t the only way to do apres in Whistler, you’ll find endless options for year round celebrating in our  Whistler Best Apres article.

 

WHERE TO BEGIN?

Snowmobile exploration with Canadian Wilderness Adventures. Photo by Abby Cooper

For the  “Winterlusters” in your family check out our Winter Activities in Whistler blog to see just how endless the options are. From snowmobiling, heli-skiing, snowshoe tours dog sledding or even bungee jumping Whistler’s winter holiday activities list will surely exceed your timeline. Whistler also has a great selection of museums,  art galleries and cultural centers for those seeking that cultural fix. The good news is our concierge service can set up anything and everything you could possibly imagine for everyone in your family.

 

RELAX AND REJUVENATE

Mountain Club perks include spa access after a day on the slopes. Photo by Abby Cooper

Let’s not forget that holidays, should most definitely include some downtime simply to relax and rejuvenate. Nothing says relaxation like quiet time, the smell of eucalyptus and some deep breathing. So take a deep breath in, and say it with me now, the “Spaaaaaah”. Doesn’t it feel good? Whether you like to be pampered, or you like to be left to your own devices, you’ll know where to go after checking out Whistler’s Spa Guide. Mountain Club members enjoy access to hot tubs for apres-ski relaxing all season long – this membership could be the best Christmas gift you’ve purchased ever, hint hint 😉

 

GET INTO THE HOLIDAY SPIRIT

Grab your friends, grab your drink and celebrate! Happy New Years Whistler!

Feeling that itch to get into the holiday spirit? It would be hard not to with everything going on. How about kicking off the season this December 16, by pulling out your best Santa suit, slapping on a pair of skis and tearing up the mountain with fellow Santas’ and Mrs. Clauses on Dress Like Santa Day. Besides having a blast, if you happen to be one of the first 100 to show up at GLC ticket office, you’ll receive a complimentary lift pass too!

If your accommodations don’t accommodate your need to have a real pine tree decorated with all your favorite ornaments, stop by the Four Seasons and walk through their gorgeous and sparkling festival of trees in support of BC Children’s Hospital. Nothing says holiday spirit like the smell of pine and giving to those in need!

Party motivated in the holiday celebrating department? Have no fear, Gibbons is really really really good at partying. Check out our list of Whistler NYE parties and don’t forget that NYE tickets also make great Christmas gifts, wink wink.

 

FOR THE KIDS

New Years celebrations in Whistler Village. Photo provided by Tourism Whistler, taken by Mike Crane.

As much as we love this holiday, it’s the kids that make it all the more fun! Whistler knows this, so in true holiday spirit, they have brought a gingerbread house to life in Creekside Village right next to Starbucks Bring the kids this December 21st to get their pictures taken with Santa. When you’re done there, head to the library for story time with Santa or village square to see Santas’ sleigh in support of BCPFFA Burn Fund. Pop by the Gibbons Hub and check out our sleigh too – it’s open for taking photos and of course, the hub is stocked with potential gifts. Speaking of shopping…

 

SHOPPING

Find cozy and Christmas inspired gifts at the Gibbons Hub. Photo by Abby Cooper.

Whistler has plenty of stores to get your holiday shopping done. Stocking stuffers are in abundance at the Gibbons Hub and they have some great ideas for all. For the unique and original gift ideas head to the Westin and check out the Made In Whistler market every Saturday. Other favorites include BC born brands including Arc’teryx, Prior Snow and Foon Skis.

 

GET HERE AND ENJOY

May you love snow or may you love art

Holidays in Whistler will fill up your heart

Those who love food or dancing about

The options are endless, to eat and sing your heart out

Perhaps some rest and relaxation is on your holiday list

We’ve got spas, yoga, and massage to give you the jist

For the last minute gifts and running around

There are many many shops, for it all to be found

Let’s not forget Santa, who brings the most holiday cheer

There are pictures, and sleigh rides and stories my dears

So this holiday season as you walk through the village, lights shining red, green and blue

Know that we are sending the greatest holiday spirit from all of us to you!  

Brittia Thompson