Top 7 reasons to spend Christmas at Canada’s premier ski resort
Families from around the world flock to Whistler Blackcomb to experience the wonder and magic of a white Christmas. As you might expect, you’ll pay a premium for all of that snow-covered holiday cheer. But there are free extras, too, with the ski resort and area hotels offering added activities to make the celebration one to remember.
KidTripster Tip: Because Whistler Blackcomb is such a popular holiday destination, you should make reservations for lodging and activities several months in advance.
Note: All prices are listed in American dollars but will vary given the exchange rate.
Here are my top 7 reasons to spend Christmas at Canada’s premier ski resort.
1. The après ski scene
The après-ski scene in Whistler Blackcomb isn’t just for the under-30 crowd. On Mondays and Wednesdays, you and your kids can enjoy outdoor Canadian fun with local entertainment and family-friendly activities at Whistler Olympic Plaza from 4 to 6 p.m. Events are weather dependent. Cost: Free.
2. Skating with Santa
The outdoor ice skating rink at Whistler Olympic Plaza in Whistler Village is open daily during the winter. But during the holidays, you may catch jolly ole’ St. Nick himself at the rink, where he’s available for photos. At certain times, there’s complimentary hot chocolate, cookies, and holiday crafts, too. Check with your hotel concierge for details. Cost: Free; Skate rental: $6.
3. Athletes jumping through fire
Whistler’s best skiers and riders flipping and twisting through burning rings of fire? Yep, all for your entertainment. Every Sunday, athletes put on a the Fire and Ice Show in Whistler Village, complete with music and a first-class fireworks display to the oohs and ahhs of spectators. The show starts at 6:30 p.m. Cost: Free.
4. Indoor fun zone
When you need to thaw out, head to the indoor family fun zone at the Whistler Conference Centre. Kids can enjoy a mini putt-putt course, table games, bouncy castles, crafts, and video games during the holiday season. Santa often makes appearances before Christmas along with other entertainers. Parents can grab a coffee or hot cocoa in the lounge while the kids play. It’s open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Cost: Free.
5. Christmas carols
Just because you’re not home, doesn’t mean that you have to skip Christmas Eve service. An interdenominational celebration, hosted by the Whistler Children’s Chorus and Whistler Singers, is held at the Westin Resort and Spa. Share in the Christmas spirit by singing carols and listening to a reading of the Christmas story. Cost: Donation requested.
6. Holiday meals
At Whistler Blackcomb, there’s no shortage of fine dining. Many hotel restaurants and village restaurants offer special Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, New Year’s Eve, and New Year’s Day breakfasts, brunches, lunches, and dinners. However, you’ll pay an extreme premium for these holiday feasts with prices running $100 to $125 (or more) per guest; children under 12 typically are discounted. And to secure a spot, you should make your reservations about three months in advance.
KidTripster Tip: If you’re looking to save money, avoid restaurants offering pre-set menus for holiday meals. If you want to experience the cuisine at these restaurants, make a reservation in advance for a non-holiday time. Especially if you have teenagers who will be charged as adults, it’s hard to justify a $500 holiday meal for a family of four.
Even if you don’t plan to dine at one of these holidays feasts, you still should make reservations at restaurants offering their regular menus. We had a lovely Christmas Eve dinner at Stonesedge Kitchen, which specializes in comfort food with a twist. Know that some restaurants – especially the more affordable ones – are closed on holidays, so do your homework.
Alternatively, if you’re staying in a condo or home especially with a large group, you could have your holiday meal catered. Whistler Cooks offers meals made from scratch delivered to your door. But again, you need to reserve well in advance, because the meals will sell out.
Of course, if you’re staying in a condo or home with a full kitchen, you always could hit the local grocery store and cook your own holiday meal. That certainly is your most affordable option.
7. Holiday activities at hotels
During the holidays, hotels at Whistler Blackcomb pull out all the stops to celebrate the season. When you arrive, you’ll get a schedule of special events, ranging from cookie and gingerbread house decorating to bonfires.
The Fairmont Chateau Whistler in Blackcomb Village has particularly festive family offerings: dance parties, holiday crafts, caroling, family movies, and much more. Kids also have their own play spaces: Little Elves Playroom (7 and under) and Base Camp Game Room (8 and up). And at the Fairmont, grown-ups aren’t forgotten with sessions on holiday decorating, mixology, plus food and wine pairing. All the activities are included in your stay and vary year to year.
KidTripster Tip: Missing your Christmas tree? For a price, the Fairmont staff will deliver a live tree to your room – complete with ornaments – for you to decorate.
To read a full review of Whistler Blackcomb, click here.
For the top 6 activities for teens at Whistler Blackcomb, click here.
Pin to Pinterest & Read Later
