Walking in a Winter Wonderland: Take a Tour of Whistler’s Festive Lights

Sleigh bells ring, are you listening,
In the lane, snow is glistening
A beautiful sight,
We’re happy tonight.
Walking in a winter wonderland.

Winter Wonderland by Felix Bernard and lyricist Richard Bernhard Smith (1934)

There’s something simply magical about seeing twinkling lights adorning trees and buildings, the sparkle and glow reflected in the white snow that blankets the ground below. They bring a sense of warmth, good times and laughter, and create a winter wonderland.

The preparations for Whistler’s festive lights start at the beginning of October, when the elf-like lighting teams start the task of unravelling and mending thousands of strings of lights. Hands attach baubles and bows to wreaths, and feet scale lifts in all kinds of weather to start getting the decorations in place as winter creeps in.

We love these winter light displays so much we designed three self-guided walking tours which live on our free app, Go Whistler Tours. These tours are a fun après activity, lovely pre-or post-dinner idea, and depending on which timing you choose we’ve added in some suggestions of where you can get a warming cup of hot chocolate, craft cocktail or beer, and a sweet treat.

1. Whistler Village Festive Lights

This will take you approximately 40 minutes and takes you on a 3.5-kilometre wander down the Village Stroll from the top end of the Village (Village South) to the bottom (Village North). Although a lot of the lights are along the main Village Stroll, we’ve added in a few off-the-beaten-path spots that you won’t want to miss! Here’s some of what you can expect as you explore.

2. Upper Village Festive Lights

Starting at Rebagliati Park, this is a short and sweet 1.2-kilometre stroll (one way) that will take you around 20 minutes depending on how many stops you make for photos. Here’s just a couple of shots to show you what we mean.

3. Creekside Village Festive Lights

Even if you’re not staying in Creekside, it’s definitely worth a visit. There are unique shops, an award-winning vegan bakery, and Nita Lake Lodge is a lovely place to head for an aprés drink and / or dinner. The festive lights tour is a short and sweet one-kilometre stroll, which will take you around 20 minutes. Here’s a sneak peek!

How to Access the Tours

The tours are best experienced by downloading the mobile app, Go Whistler Tours, on the Apple App Store or on Google Play for android phones. We also recommend downloading the tours while connected to a Wi-Fi network to avoid data charges. Also, make sure the app notifications are set to ON so that you can be guided as you go.

Festive Events in Whistler

Whistler loves to get in the festive spirit and you can expect to find some festive-filled events happening in the lead-up to Christmas and New Year. There’s Dress Like Santa Day on Whistler Blackcomb, which can result in hoards of red and white-clad snow lovers charging down the slopes, there are carolers, concerts and services happening at the Maury Young Arts Theatre, and Wintersphere (an indoor kids bouncy castle and play area) takes over the Whistler Conference Centre. View More Festive Events on our Christmas page.

Shop Local

As you’re strolling past glowing shop fronts, take a look at our Winter, Whistler Gift Guide if you’re still looking for some unique, mountain-inspired presents and stocking stuffers. Not only will you find some great gifts, but you’ll definitely be on Santa’s nice list by supporting local.

Later on, we’ll conspire
As we dream by the fire
To face unafraid
The plans that we’ve made
Walkin’ in a winter wonderland