If you are looking for the best things to do in Whistler in December then you are in the right place! Whistler is one of the best resorts in North America and the number one resort in Canada. When it comes to a December visit you can hit the slopes everyday. But if skiing or snowboarding is not at the top of your to-do list, you can check out these other great things to do in Whistler in December!
Whether December will be your first visit to Whistler or you come back year after year, by the time you get to the bottom of this post, your itinerary will be packed full of epic things to do in Whistler in December!
10 Things to do in Whistler in December
1. Enjoy a Weekend Getaway
December is considered early season at Blackcomb Mountain (until Christmas break). Whistler is one of the best weekend getaways in BC! Find hotel deals early in the monthto entice visitors into the village before the holiday period.Almost all of the pools in Whistler are heated year round. Check out the best Whistler hotel pools and grab one with a nice hot tub and pool! You can enjoy it regardless of the weather outside!
Where to Stay?
- Four Seasons Whistler
- Delta Hotel Whistler
- Planning a visit with your family? Check out the best Whistler hotels for families!
- Want a romantic weekend retreat? Check out the best places to stay in Whistler with private hot tubs!
2. Whistler Film Festival
Occurring until December 3rd for 2023 is the Whistler Film Festival. It connects audiences, filmmakers, and industry with the films we love, industry insights we need, and the human connection that we crave. Events included film premieres, industry summits, talent programs, parties and special guest appearances by actors and directors.
More details: Here
3. Take A Food Tour in Whistler in December
A food tour in Whistler is a great way to get a taste of the best in the village. Enjoy an early evening food tour with an expert foodie when you visit Whistler in December. This luxury experience also has a wine add-on and ends early enough in the evening to have a nightcap.
Book Online: Here
4. Ziplining in Whistler in December
Ziplining is a perfect December Whistler activity for the adrenaline junkie. It is actually available all year long and you might just luck out with some sunny days while you are here! You can zipline from the village or you can go to nearby Cougar Mountain.
You can book here for Ziptrek and book here for Superfly. I have done Superfly and it is amazing (and very high!!!) Both actually operate all year round, so pack for the conditions and layer up!
5. Ice Skating at Whistler Olympic Plaza
Whistler Olympic Plaza, in the heart of Whistler Village, transforms from a large green space to a winter wonderland featuring an outdoor skating rink full of twinkling, festive lights.
Hours: 11am – 8:30pm (closed for cleaning 1:30pm-2:30pm and 5:00pm-6:00pm)
Prices: The admission fee is $2.00 per person (with your own skates) or $9.00 per person (with a skate rental.)
Things to Note: Free helmets are available (limited supply). It is recommended to bring your own skates if you have them. No hockey sticks are allowed but there is stick and puck with provided sticks Monday to Friday 11am-1:30pm. There is a limited capacity per skate session. Christmas Day Hours are 12-4
6. Wonder at Vallea Lumina
Legends speak of a long-lost trail that leads to a secret valley. Join a twilight expedition to explore its mysterious beauty. Just 10 10-minute drive north of Whistler village, experience a range of activities from TAG Whistler. Vallea Lumina is a sound and light experience that takes you through the forest, telling a story along the way.
The winter experience runs from November to April and is much more kid-friendly than the summer experience because the show times are much earlier (since it gets dark much earlier in the winter months).
What to Wear: Full snow gear is recommended for cold days and kids. Dress in layers with warm coats, gloves and hats. Snow boots are recommended for walking on snow.
Things to note: Strollers and sleds are not permitted. There are stairs to walk down at the beginning and a bridge to cross. Those with young children should wear them in a carrier. The walk is about 30 minutes but you can go as fast or as slow as you want. Pets are not permitted.
Pricing: Adult $29.99 Child $24.99 (5 and under are free)
7. Tubing at the Whistler Blackcomb “bubly” Tube Park
Fun for all riders 3 years old and older (and 36″ tall), the Whistler Tube Park offers 8 lanes of thrilling slides and no equipment is required! This is one of the best things to do in Whistler with kids, especially if you are not a ski family! You can get the same thrill as those skiing down the mountain, with no ski skills required!
Things to note: Children under 12 have to be accompanied by an adult. Children between 36″ and 41″ use the mini lanes that are half as long as the full runs. Tickets can only be bought at the Tube Park to manage capacity. Hours are subject to change based on conditions.
What to Wear: Wear warm clothes and dress for the conditions. Snow pants are recommended, as are good winter boots, you will be walking on snow. Helmets are recommended, but not required.
Hours: Weekends and Holidays 10am-6pm, Weekdays 11am-6pm
Location: The Whistler Bubly tube park can be accessed by the Blackcomb Excalibur Gondola from Whistler Village. Guests can load from the exit of the Gondola. There is signage directing you to the tube park line. You do not have to wait in the skiiers line (if there is one). Make sure you exit the Goldola at mid-station (the first stop). Once you arrive you cross the ski hill towards the parking lot and have some stairs to climb (quite a few actually) to get to the actual tube park entrance. If you want to drive, you can park at Lot 8 which provides direct access to the tube park.
8. Take an Unforgettable Helicopter Ride
Admire British Columbia’s spectacular natural beauty from the air on this bucketlist experience! Soar high over rolling alpine meadows and admire mighty waterfalls cascading through the countryside. Hover over Whistler mountain and Blackcomb mountain peaks, marvel at the mighty Cheakamus Glacier and gaze out over the untouched mountain wilderness of Garibaldi Provincial Park.
If you have ever seen epic Whistler proposals or photoshoots, this is how they get those mesmerizing shots! The helicopter is private and seats 1-5 people.
Book: Online Here
9. SLCC Squamish Lil’wat Cultural Centre
Open year-round, the Squamish lil’wat cultural centre (SLCC) brings together the vibrant cultures of two local Indigenous groups in one beautiful space. It offers a glimpse into the traditional life of the Indigenous people (the Squamish and the Li-wat people) who inhabited the region that Whistler is part of.
The Squamish Li’wat Cultural Centre is the perfect place to get out of the wet or snowy weather in Whistler in December. There is an hourly guided tour that gives you a glimpse into the Squamish and the Li-wat people who lived in this region! On the main level you can find a gift shop, perfect for local souvenir shopping, as well as a cafe.
Location: 4584 Blackcomb Way
Hours: 10am to 5pm. Tours are hourly on the hour from 10am-4pm
Prices: Adults $20.00 Students (13-18) $7.00 Children (6-12) $5.00 Family Pass $45.00 (up to 2 adults and 2 youth under 18)
10. Book a Photo Shoot!
Did you plan a girl’s weekend or maybe a family trip? Whatever the reason, it is the perfect time to book a local Whistler photoshoot when you are planning your trip! I have a whole article on making the process easy. Just click here. If you are already like, WOW, yes I know I want to do that, then book your photoshoot online here! Its quick and easy and if you use the code LINDSAY, you will get $25 off!
11. Challenge Yourself with Forged Axe Throwing
Bring your lumberjack fantasies to life during a 1-hour axe throwing experience in Whistler this December. Open from 11am to 10pm, you can easily fit this thrilling event into your schedule. After a safety briefing, you’re ready to take a shot at the bullseye.
Ages: 10 and up
BOOK YOUR SPOT: Online here
12. Snowshoeing
Snowshoeing can also be done at Whistler Olympic park and you can now book showshoe tours! Join a small group and don your snow gear for your walk through old-growth forests in the backcountry. While you walk, take in the views of the snow-capped mountains and keep your eyes peeled for local wildlife.
13. Snowmobile Tours
Snowmobile tours are for all ages! Enjoy Whistler’s rugged Callaghan Valley on an invigorating snowmobile trip. Follow your guide on a ride through the site of the 2010 Winter Olympics events, cutting across forested hillsides and frozen lakes. Along the way stop to admire the beautiful British Columbia landscape. You can even get kid-sized snowmobiles for younger members of the family!
Whistler December Weather
Located in the Coast Mountain Range of British Columbia, Canada, Whistler Blackcomb consistently offers the most reliable snow conditions, receiving an average annual snowfall of 11.38 metres / 448 inches / 37.3 feet per year.
Due to Whistler’s coastal proximity, temperatures are moderate through the winter season, rarely dipping below -10°C (12°F) in the valley and -15°C (5°F) in the alpine during the coldest part of the year. Expect -5°C (22°F) average daily alpine temperatures during most of the winter months.
Temperatures are about 7 to 10°C cooler on top of the mountain than in the Village.
December weather averages are 0C to -5C in the Village which is a comfortable temperature. However, that means a chance for rain in Whistler village. But rain in the village is snow on the ski hill. Depending on the conditions, skiers and boarders may have to upload via the gondola.
More Whistler Travel Resources for 2023
If you are still in the planning stages, this information will help you plan your visit to Whistler.
Start with how to get from Vancouver to Whistler. If you are from out of town, there are ways to get to Whistler without a car.
Traveling with Kids? This post has all of the best things to do in Whistler with kids! It has things for all seasons!
Shopping? Whistler Village has plenty of shopping options from clothing to gear to souvenirs. Get your holiday shopping while you are in Whistler with this list of Whistler souvenirs you can buy while in the village!
5 Things to Pack for a December Whistler Trip
Make sure you have some warm clothes packed for your trip to Whistler. You also do not want to forget:
- Bathing Suit
- Winter Coat (make sure it is waterproof)
- Boots or good waterproof shoes
- Hand or Feet Warmers: If you get cold easily like I do, order a pair of these wrist warmers for your trip. Do not expect warmer temperatures before the snow comes! I wear them from fall until spring! They have been the best thing I have found to keep the chill out!
That is far from all, read my Guide to What to Wear in Whistler which has a complete packing list for visiting Canada’s best ski resort (and ski town) at any time of the year.
Lindsay Nieminen is the creator of UncoveringBC.com. She grew up and still lives in the suburbs of Vancouver with her family. She aims to inspire inform, and educate others about traveling in her home province of British Columbia. She is also the creator of carpediemourway.com which aims to show parents how to seek out adventure at home or abroad, with their children in tow!