There are so many perfect places to spend Christmas in British Columbia. Whether you are from BC or will be traveling here for the holidays, there is no shortage of great places to pick. By the time you finish this post, you will have plenty of ideas of the best places to spend Christmas in British Columbia.
Some of these BC Christmas vacations you will have heard of, but hopefully, a few will be new ideas on wonderful places to spend the holidays.
Where is the best place to spend Christmas in British Columbia
Vancouver
From a charming German Christmas market to harbor ships lit up with lights, there are so many things to love about spending time in Vancouver at Christmas. Year round mild temperatures mean that you will not need too many layers while in the city, but the snow is just a quick drive away!
Where to Stay:
Luxury: Fairmont Pacific Rim, Pan Pacific Vancouver,
Midrange: Sandman Suites on Davie
Hotel with a Waterslide: Sandman Airport Hotel & Resort
Top Things to do:
- Get on board a Carol Ship
- Vancouver Christmas Market
- Fly over Canada
- Canyon Lights Tour to Capilano Suspension Bridge
- Book a Holiday Photoshoot with a local photographer
- Experience Vandusen Festival of Lights
- Experience winter on the beach around Stanley Park
- Capilano Suspension Bridge Park TICKETS HERE
- Peak of Christmas at Grouse Mountain in North Vancouver
- Robson square Ice Rink
- PNE winter fair
Related Articles:
- Things to do in Vancouver in December
- Vancouver at Christmas
- Where to see Christmas Lights in Vancouver
- Get plenty of Christmas spirit at the Vancouver Christmas Market in downtown Vancouver.
Victoria
Victoria at Christmas is a magical time to be in the city. The whole month of December has so many holiday decorations and special events.
The lights are twinkling on the historic buildings in downtown Victoria at this time of year, the shoppers are shopping, and the holiday ambiance embraces British Columbia’s capital city. It may not be one of the first Christmas towns in British Columbia that you think of, but it is a top contender! Read all about Christmas craft fairs and things to do over the holidays in Victoria in the posts below!
Where to Stay:
LUXURY: Delta by Marriott Victoria Ocean Pointe or Fairmont Empress or Sheraton Victoria
MIDRANGE: Accent Inn or Best Western Inner Harbour or Hotel Zed
BUDGET: Island Travel Inn or Ocean Island Backpackers
Top Things to do:
- Butchart Gardens TICKETS WITH SHUTTLE AVAILABLE HERE
- Horse Drawn Tours SCHEDULE & TICKETS HERE
- See Christmas trees at the Festival of Trees
- See the Parliament buildings lit up and watch for live music at the harbour.
- Festive Tea at the Empress Hotel
- Take A Food Tour
- Criagdarroch Castle
- Totem poles
Related Posts:
- Christmas Markets in Victoria
- How to spend Christmas in Victoria
- Victoria restaurants with waterfront views
Whistler
Whistler is a magical place for local British Columbians to get some Christmas magic and one of the popular Christmas getaways from Vancouver. It is also one of the most sought-after winter holiday destinations in the world, for those who really like to ski! Whistler Blackcomb opens for the season in late November and over Christmas you can ski every day!
Whether or not you ski, there are so many things to do in Whistler at Christmas, just make sure you book your accommodations in Whistler village well in advance!
If you are like me and get very cold, make sure you pack some of these toe warmers for inside your boots! They keep your feet warm all day long! The kids and I also fight over the wrist warmers!
Where to Stay:
LUXURY: Four Seasons Whistler
MIDRANGE: Delta Hotel Whistler, Aava Hotel Whistler
BUDGET: Pangea Pod Hotel
Top Things to do:
- Skiing is available every day during the Christmas season
- Ice Skating at Whistler Olympic Plaza (and then enjoying a cup of hot chocolate)
- Experience Vallea Lumina
- Snow Tubing
- Book a Holiday Photoshoot!
- Go ziplining TICKETS HERE
Related Posts:
- Whistler Tubing
- Booking a Whistler Photoshoot
- Whistler Magic Chair
- Whistler AirBNBs
- Whistler Packing List
- How to Get from Vancouver to Whistler
Tofino
Holiday travelers may not initially think of the beach as the best place to spend Christmas in British Columbia. But this hidden gem is the perfect Vancouver Island Christmas getaway. For those who want a magical outdoor setting, this is one of the best ways to get it! Imagine walking along a sandy beach on Christmas Day and then snuggling up on the couch watching the waves crash on the shore. Enjoy a cozy Christmas eve with the west coast beauty instead of Christmas decorations!
Make sure to book Ferry reservations to Tofino if you are traveling on peak travel days!
Where to Stay:
MIDRANGE: Duffin Cove Resort, Hotel Zed Tofino Shoreline Tofino
LUXURY: Pacific Sands Beach Resort Long Beach Lodge Resort
AIRBNB: Check out this post on popular AirBNB and VRBO options for Tofino
Things to do?
- Tofino Botanical Garden
- Book a Photoshoot
- Walk the beach
- Storm watch
- Explore the foodie scene
- Browse local shops
- Soak in a hot tub
Related Posts:
Harrison Hot Springs
Harrison Hot Springs is located about a 90 minute drive from Vancouver and because of that, it is the perfect place for a Christmas vacation from Vancouver. While more popular in the summer, there are plenty of things to do in Harrison Hot Springs all year long!
Where to Stay?
- Harrison Hot Springs Resort
- Rowena’s on the River
- The Lodge on Harrison Lake
Big White Ski Resort
Big White transforms into a winter wonderland like no other during the Christmas season. Nestled amidst the breathtaking Okanagan Valley, this iconic ski resort takes on a magical charm as the holiday season approaches. The resort’s snow-covered slopes and alpine village come alive with festive lights and decorations, casting a warm and inviting glow over the mountain.
Visitors can partake in a multitude of joyful activities, from skiing and snowboarding to sleigh rides and snowshoeing, all while surrounded by the serene beauty of the Canadian Rockies. The cozy village offers a range of après-ski options, with crackling fireplaces and delightful seasonal treats, making Big White an enchanting destination to celebrate the holiday season.
Where to Stay?
Revelstoke Mountain Resort
Revelstoke Mountain and the town of Revelstoke, transforms into a winter paradise during the Christmas season. As the surrounding mountains get blanketed in pristine snow, the ski hill becomes a haven for winter enthusiasts. The towering peaks and dense evergreen forests create a breathtaking backdrop, and the ski runs offer both thrills and stunning vistas.
Christmas at Revelstoke Mountain Ski Hill is an enchanting experience, with the entire resort adorned in festive decor and twinkling lights. Skiers and snowboarders carve their way through fresh powder while holiday cheer fills the air. The charming town of Revelstoke welcomes visitors with cozy lodges, hearty meals, and a warm, inviting atmosphere, making it an ideal destination to celebrate the magic of Christmas in a true winter wonderland
Where to Stay?
Fernie
Fernie, nestled in the heart of British Columbia’s Kootenay Rockies, offers a captivating Christmas experience. This charming mountain town, with its historic streets and stunning natural surroundings, is a winter wonderland during the holiday season.
Blanketed in snow, Fernie exudes a magical ambiance, with festive lights adorning the streets and shops. The nearby Fernie Alpine Resort provides excellent skiing and snowboarding opportunities, and visitors can explore the enchanting winter trails in the surrounding forests. With its welcoming community and cozy accommodations, Fernie is a delightful place to enjoy the spirit of Christmas in a serene, mountainous setting.
Where to Stay?
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!