A Luxury Hotel Christmas in Whistler

“I’m dreaming of a white Christmas
Just like the ones I used to know
Where the treetops glisten
And children listen
To hear sleigh bells in the snow…”

Christmas in Whistler is magical. Thousands of fairy lights twinkle above its charming Village Stroll, forest creature light sculptures inhabit the parks and people skate and toboggan under the stars. Whistler embodies that snow globe vision of a mountain town, the one you see in the movies and the place you picture when Bing Crosby starts to croon.

Let us imagine what Christmas might be like if you chose to go full-luxury while staying in North America’s biggest and best (we have the awards) ski resort. Talking of awards, the Four Seasons Whistler and Fairmont Chateau Whistler both received a Two Key MICHELIN award this year, a new ranking system developed by the same body that brings you the celebrated restaurant rankings, assessed on aspects such as architecture, quality of service, character, value and overall guest experience. That being said, Christmas is an extra special time of year, so we’ll be looking at those added festive extras that turn luxury into Christmas magic.

Christmas at Fairmont Chateau Whistler

Pulling up to the Fairmont Chateau Whistler (#3 Resort in Canada – Condé Nast) is like arriving at your own Christmas castle. Their entrance and impressive, vaulted lobby is always stunningly decorated, and you can even pre-arrange that decor to be extended right into your room if you want it to be Christmas-ready.

Sitting at the base of Blackcomb Mountain it’s perfectly situated right next to the Blackcomb Gondola, which means it’s ski in / ski out. It has a 60-foot, heated lap pool, four whirlpools and an indoor/outdoor leisure pool with views out over the slopes. The pool deck is also home to two barrel saunas, which they call The Twins, a crackling fire pit and Muskoka chairs. For those looking for some festive pampering, the Vida Spa is on-site.

The festive calendar at the Fairmont Chateau Whistler is so extensive they have a dedicated guide. From December 18, 2024, to January 5, 2025, their daily activities include the Little Elves Playroom (ages six and under), Base Camp Games Room (ages seven and older), a movie lounge and yoga classes. Also included in your stay are their private tours and Whistler Experience Guide Excursions.

“Whether it’s snowshoeing through tranquil forests, exploring local museums, or indulging in regional beverage tastings, we offer memorable ways for our guests to connect with both nature and the local culture during the holidays.” — Josh Fraser, Health Club and Recreation Manager at Fairmont Chateau Whistler.

There are also added activities and events like the Sea to Sky String Orchestra playing the festive classics, hot chocolate and marshmallows by the fire on the Wildflower Patio, crafting festive cards, wreaths and lanterns, magic shows and more. For the kiddos, there’s festive bingo, pyjama parties, and of course, Santa will be making an appearance. There are also some Fairmont traditions at this time of year like their Chef’s Parade and a polar bear dip in Lost Lake on New Year’s Day. But we did spot some more unusual things in the guide.

“The Winter Olympic Challenge is the perfect way to spark some friendly competition and create lasting holiday memories. Inspired by the spirit of the Winter Olympics, this adventure by Eventology invites hotel guests to bundle up, explore the resort, and take on exciting virtual challenges.” — Katia Barton, Special Events Manager at Fairmont Chateau Whistler.

Food & Drink at Fairmont Chateau Whistler

The Fairmont has five restaurants, but over the festive period, they add the Nutcracker Lounge, which is open for lunch, après ski snacks and dinner (live music from 3 to 6 PM). The Wildflower is their family-friendly restaurant, serving both breakfast (with a decadent buffet option) and dinner. The Grill Room is dinner only and is a traditional steakhouse experience although it also has a lot of seafood on the menu.

The Mallard Lounge is the place to go for a special Christmas cocktail and has a great après ski vibe. It’s first come, first served and you can get lunch, dinner and après snacks. Portobello is a local favourite thanks to its beautiful pastries and sweet treats (the maple bacon donut is a must-try), hearty sandwiches and smokehouse-style dinners. Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner, seating is first come, first served.

One other location that’s a bit of a hidden gem is The Chalet. A storybook setting for Christmas cheer, it’s located at the Fairmont’s golf course and serves an alpine-themed menu with savoury and sweet fondues. A bit of a different addition to the festive foodie experiences, this is a must-do.

Christmas Dinners

The Wildflower is serving a four-course dinner featuring the traditional favourites on both Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. You need to book in advance and adults are $189, and children aged six to 12 are $95.

The Grill Room has a romantic ambience with its crackling fire. It’s offering a gourmet five-course dinner for both Christmas Eve and Christmas Day for $209 per person (booking required).

New Year’s Eve

The Wildflower and the Grill Room are serving up a festive New Year with a five-course dinner at
$240 per person. And it’s first come, first served at the Mallard Lounge (best G&T in town), with live entertainment until 1 AM.

But what the Fairmont is known for at this time of year is its New Year’s Eve Gala Dinner and Dance. Held in the Macdonald Ballroom this event is all about the sparkle and shine of Christmas. This lavish affair includes an indulgent buffet while the dance and covers group, Side One, delivers note-perfect versions of today’s and yesterday’s best party songs. The gala starts at 8:30 PM and is $259 per person.

Fairmont Gold

To elevate your experience even further you could consider booking Fairmont Gold. You get a private reception and concierge, access to the Fairmont Gold Lounge which boasts views of Blackcomb Mountain, and priority reservations for dining and hotel car service.

The Fairmont Gold Lounge serves a deluxe continental breakfast, all-day coffee and tea service, afternoon light snacks, après service featuring an abundant selection of canapés, charcuterie, and featured dishes, and an evening sweet treats service. There’s also a self-serve Honour Bar offering a selection of wines, top-shelf spirits, and a signature, daily cocktail feature (all honour bar charges are billed to the guest room).

Christmas at Four Seasons Resort & Residences Whistler

The entryway to the Four Seasons glows with a cluster of silver birch trees expertly wrapped with warm fairy lights, and the lobby display is a festive work of art. This sets the scene for an incredible stay with all the (sleigh) bells and whistles.

The Four Seasons Whistler (rated #1 Resort in Canada – Condé Nast) is located in the Upper Village, a five-minute walk to the base of Blackcomb Mountain and the Blackcomb Gondola. But who wants to walk with their skis? You can jump in a shuttle to their ski concierge, located at the foot of the mountain where your dried boots and other equipment will be waiting for you as well as coffee and pastries. When you’re finished for the day, après ski couldn’t be easier as you can change your boots for comfy shoes, enjoy a complimentary hot chocolate and get tips from the valet on where to get the best cocktail or craft beer.

The Four Seasons has some of the largest hotel rooms in Whistler, each one has a gas fireplace, a separate seating area (perfect for the Christmas tree) and views out over the mountains, forest or its pretty internal courtyard. For families or groups, they have two-bedroom guest rooms, large suites and private residences which offer up to four bedrooms and a full kitchen (if someone insists on cooking the turkey).

They have an outdoor pool with three whirlpools and a cute, barrel sauna. Their spa change area was recently renovated and the eucalyptus steam room is the perfect place to stretch out your ski legs. Talking of the spa, the Spa at Four Seasons was recently named Canada’s Best Resort Spa by the World Spa Awards. They have some incredibly body-indulgent treatments like the Peak to Feet Experience, a combination of sports recovery massage, hot oil scalp massage and alpine mint foot massage, and the BC Retreat Escape, a rejuvenating blend of exfoliating back treatment, customized massage and personalized facial.

It’s also worth highlighting that they just brought in Sḵwálwen products, an Indigenous skincare line that honours Skwxwú7mesh (Squamish) plant knowledge and ancestral First Nations traditions; a treatment or the products themselves would make a good Christmas present, even one you get yourself.

Let the Festivities Begin

After a day filled with winter adventure, there’s nothing better than cozying up with a rich and creamy hot chocolate and at the Four Seasons, all you have to do is stop by one of their complimentary hot chocolate stations located at the ski concierge and Braidwood Tavern.

Talking of winter warmers, they have daily wine receptions in the lower lobby, where an expert sommelier guides you through the flavours and aromas of British Columbian wines. And then there are s’mores and what they call Tipsys out on their fairy-light-laden patio home to a tiny, retro camper that makes the cutest backdrop for those Christmas piccies.

From December 18, 2024, to January 6, 2025, the Four Seasons have daily activities and events like guided snowshoeing, maple taffy sampling, stone carving and wood burning classes, cookie decorating, fire-side storytelling, chestnut stations, marshmallow snowman building and tours of the nearby Squamish Lil’wat Cultural Centre.

“There’s magic in the air during the holiday season, as the resort comes alive with cozy fireside moments and festive celebrations that warm the soul. Our youngest guests are welcomed into a world of wonder the moment they arrive, starting with The Enchanted Room—a secret nook filled with surprises to spark their holiday adventure.”

“Seasonal joy builds each day, from hands-on activities like marshmallow-snowman crafting and Christmas card making for our younger guests to immersive activities for adults to enjoy. Each moment offers new  delight, and we take pride in ensuring every detail creates extraordinary experiences in the heart of the mountains” — Josef Weichinger, Resort Manager.

There’s also a games room (good for all ages), open daily from 8 AM to 10 PM, with foosball, ping-pong and billiards, which is great for the kiddos. They also offer a late-afternoon / early-evening kids club program called Expedition North Pole, (additional charge). Inclusive of a buffet dinner and movie, this is supervised, interactive entertainment for children ages 5 to 12 with fun crafts like painting, finger puppets, paper airplanes and snowflake cut-outs (under fives can join in but must have a guardian present). This is a perfect option for that all-important date night!

The Library by The Macallan

They did this pop-up last year, and it was such a hit that they’re bringing it back. The Library is located just off the lobby, almost a secret little nook with a crackling fireplace, full bookcases and a wall of whisky. Don’t like whisky? Keep an open mind. The Macallan team is leading a new era in whisky drinking, whipping up innovative cocktails and mocktails that might just cause some conversions this Christmas.

“This winter, don’t miss the Old Fashioned de la Frontera—crafted with The Macallan Sherry Oak 12 Years, Oloroso Sherry, sultana raisin, maple, and a hint of cacao. It’s bold, rich, and finishes with a smooth elegance, making it my favourite fireside sip” — Ujjawal Khatkar, Director of Food and Beverage.

However, if you’re already a whisky connoisseur it’s the perfect atmosphere in which to enjoy savour a luxurious, single malt Scotch whisky with 12 different bottlings of The Macallan to try.

Canadian Sunrise Breakfasts & Kid’s Dinner Buffet

Starting December 18, the foyer of the Harmony Ballroom is laid out with a breakfast buffet that celebrates Canadian cuisine. From candied salmon to maple bacon and a selection of poutines, your day starts with a taste of the Great White North (depending on your room type this is either included or additional).

Starting December 18, there is a special dinner buffet in the Braidwood just for the kiddos ($28 CAD). With favourites like comforting mac and cheese, it’s the perfect place to replenish their energy after a day of Whistler fun.

Christmas Dining

The Four Seasons Whistler has two restaurants, the cozy, alpine tavern-inspired Braidwood and the elegant Sidecut Steakhouse. Braidwood is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner, whereas Sidecut is dinner only. We’d advise making bookings asap for both.

On Christmas Eve, Sidecut Steakhouse is offering an indulgent four-course dinner menu in their elegant dining room for $295 per person, and children between five and 12 are $110. One of the (many) things that stood out to us on the menu is the rare A5 olive-fed waygu – exclusively available in Canada at Sidecut. Richly marbled and exceptionally tender, olive-fed waygu hails from Shodoshima, Japan and has a well-balanced flavour with earthy umami notes and a subtle sweetness.

 

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For Christmas Dinner Braidwood is offering a sensational buffet with all the holiday favourites in a warm and inviting setting from four to 10 PM at $275 per person, children between five and 12 are $110. The room will be set up in “stations”, with offerings like oyster shucking, cheese and charcuterie, a seafood corner with mussels, clams, salmon sashimi and shrimp cocktails, to stations with classic dishes such as grilled tenderloin and racks of lamb.

Sidecut is offering a decadent four-course Christmas Dinner taking diners on a delectable journey through the holiday-inspired dishes, crafted with the finest ingredients from 5:30 PM to 8 PM at $295 per person, children between five and 12 are $110.

New Year’s Eve

There’s a three-course dinner being offered at the Braidwood ($270 adults / $125 children) and a four-course at Sidecut ($395 adults / $125 children), but they also have a New Year’s Eve Gala with a buffet dinner starting at 7 PM ($345 adult / 130 children). The gala includes live music, a stunning seafood ice tower and complimentary Champagne at midnight.

“Ringing in the New Year at Four Seasons Whistler is nothing short of extraordinary. Surrounded by snow-capped mountains and lively celebrations, the team takes pride in ensuring every moment sparkles. Whether it’s exquisite dining, dancing the night away or toasting under the stars, our guests gather together to experience a night like no other.”— Chelan Goonetilleke, General Manager.

In short, a stay at the Fairmont or Four Seasons is luxurious at any time of year, but over festive, it’s magical. And, as you read, Santa will be visiting both properties. Although our focus in this piece is on the festive experiences at these two incredible hotels, Whistler is one of those places you’ll want to explore. Take a look at our festive page for more events and ways to make your stay at one of North America’s most loved ski resorts the best it can be.

“I’m dreaming of a white Christmas
With every Christmas card I write
May your days be merry and bright
And may all your Christmases be white.”