Top 5 holiday events in western Canada

Christmas at the Lodge, Sunshine Mountain Lodge (December 8 - January 1)

Celebrate Christmas and New Year's Eve at Banff's only ski-in-ski-out hotel. From December 8 - January 1, enjoy the many activities that the Sunshine Mountain Lodge has to offer for visitors of all ages. Not just for skiing, the slopes at the Lodge will also be host to toboggan rides on traditional maple wood sleighs and a snowshoe treasure hunt. On Christmas Eve and New Year's Eve, bask in the magical glow of the Torchlight Parade as torchbearers ski the Strawberry Run. Ring in the new year with live entertainment at the Chimney Corner Lounge and Wine Bar, and the Eagle's Nest New Year's Eve Dinner. Check out the full details.

Learn more about Sunshine Village here.

Santa Day, Whistler Village (December 17)

On December 17, the glittering white peaks of Whistler Village will be buzzing with Christmas spirit as a sea of red suits, fur trim, and burly white beards take over the resort. The first 100 Christmas-loving ski bunnies to arrive at the slopes dressed like Jolly Old St. Nick or his wife, Mrs Claus, will receive a free ski pass for the day. Ride the Whistler Village Gondola starting at 8 a.m., and ski down the Emerald Express to take part in a group picture with the other festively dressed couples.

Learn more about Whistler Blackcomb here.

Christmas at Lake Louise (December 22 - January 2)

From December 22 - January 2, enjoy a plethora of holiday-themed food wellness, and outdoor events and activities at Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise. Ranging from ice wine tasting to Christmas stocking decorating and snowshoe tours, Chateau Lake Louise has a host of activities suited to tastes of all ages. Gather at Fairview and take in the sights of Lake Louise and the Victoria Glacier for daily traditional afternoon tea. Take part in the Christmas Workshop where guests of any age can put the finishing touches on their letters to Santa. On Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, enjoy special brunch and dinner events, and take part in stocking decorating, snowshoeing tours, and gingerbread house making. See the full lists of activities here.

Learn more about Lake Louise here.

Activities with Santa, Sun Peaks Resort (December 23 - 24)

Catch Santa putting his skiing and skating abilities to the test at Sun Peaks Resort this Christmas Season. December 23, Santa will be on the slopes trying his hand at skiing. Although he lives in the North Pole, Mr Claus is a beginner at the sport, so he can be found at the 5 Mile Run. Après-ski, Santa will be showing off his triple axel during Family Fun Night at the Skating Rink. Along with a chance to skate with St. Nick, there will be music, games, and a bonfire for all ages to enjoy. On December 24, have breakfast with Santa before hitting the slopes. On the evening of the 24, enjoy some hot cocoa with the Man in Red before he and his reindeer head off to hand out presents. See details and purchase tickets here.

Learn more about Sun Peaks here.

New Year's Eve Street Party, Banff (December 31)

The streets of Banff are filled with a flurry of activity on any given day as tourists and locals alike peruse shops, grab a bite to eat, and take in the colossal Rocky Mountains. On New Year's Eve, ring in the new year against the unparalleled natural backdrop of Banff's downtown centre. The streets will be lively with entertainment, food, activities, music, and more, for the town's annual downtown street party. An annual fireworks display will begin at midnight to ring in 2018. See more details here.

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