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Shopping in Whistler at Christmas: Local Gifts and Experiences

Pine cones, snow, Whistler Christmas shopping 2021 blog header

Sweeping views of snow-capped mountains. Crunchy powder beneath your boots. Lights strung up throughout the Village. ‘Tis the Christmas season in Whistler. 

And when it’s Christmas, Whistlers stores and local artisans go all out. Shopping in Whistler is never as good as it is around the holiday season.

If you are visiting Whistler for Christmas but seriously procrastinated on gift-giving, what can you do? Never fear. The Village is packed with local artists, craft beer, delicious Christmas treats, and of course, all sorts of experiences – finding the perfect present for your sibling, parent, best friend, boyfriend, or co-worker is a breeze.

Check out our last-minute Whistler Christmas gift guide below for all the ideas you’ll ever need!

What is There to do in Whistler at Christmas?

Beyond the slopes, Whistler at Christmas is chock full of holiday-themed events and activities. Expect holiday galas, holiday craft markets, and events for the little ones. 

Many of the luxury hotels, like the Fairmont, offer an entire month full of Christmas experiences like the Little Eves Play Room, gingerbread cookie decorating, and hot chocolate every day by the fire.

Want to experience a truly Canadian Christmas? You can go skating in the Whistler Olympic Plaza, big sliding fun at the Bubly Tube Park, cross country skiing in the Callaghan Valley, or even magical horse-drawn sleigh rides at the base of the mountain.

There are also always one-night-only chef-prepared Christmas dinners and private dining experiences throughout the Village. Check with your hotel’s concierge for what’s on in Whistler during your holiday vacation.

Is There Snow in Whistler at Christmas?

Yes. There is absolutely snow in Whistler (and on the mountain) at Christmas time. According to the historical snowfall stats, Whistler had 192 cm of snow in December 2020, 165 cm in December 2019, and a whopping 373 cm in December 2018.

Whistler Mountain will be open for skiing over the holidays and should have a substantial amount of the white stuff to make your ski-holiday dreams come true.

Whistler Souvenirs For Under the Tree 

Now let’s get down to the main event. Shopping in Whistler village around Christmas time is one of the easiest ways to get into the spirit of things. No need to pre-pack any Christmas gifts under the tree. Whistler has you covered.

Whistler’s stores are the perfect place to pick up the last-minute gift, from locally made art and jewelry to tasty treats, coffees, and more.

If you’re looking for something special, then we’ve got some great recommendations for locally made gifts that you can snuggle under the spruce bows — just in time for Christmas.

Canadian red mug, souvenir, maple leaf

Grab that piece of Canadian merch, so you’ll always remember you Whistler Christmas vacation.

  • Cool as a Moose

4308 Main St Unit 11

Your go-to for Whistler branded Canadiana. Think cans of authentic maple syrup, warm fuzzy socks, Whistler swag and a great selection of toys for kids. 

  • Carlberg’s Gift Shop

4333 Sunrise Alley #111b

One of Whistler’s longest-serving souvenir shops, Carlsberg’s carry’s gifts for everyone on your list, especially if you are looking for stocking stuffers. Check out their inventory of Canadian-made stationery, jewelry, and other collections. If you want a Whistler keepsake, head over to the Carlsberg Gift Shop.

  • Sea To Sky Souvenirs

4333 Sunrise Alley #111

Sea to Sky Souvenirs is another great pit stop for stocking stuffers. They offer trinkets, treasures, and more. Get a Canadian toque and other Whistler merch for mom, dad, and grandma. 

  • The Nook of the North

4308 Main St #9

If you want a souvenir that is not so explicitly a souvenir, why not head down to the Nook of the North? Tasteful t-shirts, local art, and other goodies to put under the Christmas tree. 

Unwrap Local Art for Christmas

Do you have an art enthusiast in your life who’d want nothing more than the chance to hang up a beautiful Whistler-made piece of art? 

Local artists highlighted at the Chili Thom Studio can provide you with sweeping, artistic views of the Sea to Sky Corridor. Other artists we love include Andy Anissimoff, an interpretive landscape artist from Squamish; Andrea Mueller, a contemporary painter from Whistler; and David Malcolm’s photography of the local mountains.

How about beautiful, unique pottery made in Whistler? Check out Vincent Massey for his locally made pottery and ceramics. 

Whistler Stores and Art Galleries

Need more inspiration? Check out one of the many locally owned and operated art galleries dotting the village stroll. Well curated, these galleries highlight artists from Whistler and beyond. Take an afternoon to explore these spaces, and you may just find a brand new artist to fall in love with.

Fathom Stone carving classes

Family fun at Fathom Stone Art Gallery, a perfect Whistler souvenir activity

  • Whistler Contemporary Gallery

4591 Blackcomb Way Lobby Gallery

Our local hub for modern and contemporary art, expect installations, multimedia and more. They curate ongoing exhibitions from both local and world-renowned artists. They also offer virtual consultations and previews, should you feel so inclined.

  • Fathom Stone Art Gallery Whistler 

4090 Whistler Way #110

Fathom Stone Art Gallery is a must-see destination for spectacular Canadian and natural-themed stonework, even if you are just browsing. Show-stopping grizzly bears, eagles, and Inukshuks fill their space. They also offer soapstone carving classes, suitable for kids and adults alike.

  • Plaza Galleries

4314 Main St.

The largest local art gallery. Plaza Gallery focuses on international works as well as Canadian-made sculptures. This gallery also has a contemporary focus and always has new work coming in for display.

  • Whistler Arts Holiday Market

Cancelled for 2021, Check Back in November 2022

One of the biggest shopping events of the year in Whistler, the Holiday Market has been a mainstay for the local community. Everyone in Whistler heads to the market to tick off all the names on their Christmas list. We love it because every vendor is a local one, and the craftsmanship is unrivalled. Expect painters, clothing, jewelry, ceramics, culinary treats and much more.

Nothing Says I Love You Like Food

Speaking of culinary delights, everyone loves food for Christmas. If you are in Whistler, Canada, for Christmas, why not take some of the local flavour home with you? 

  • Locally Made Whistler Chocolate 

    Chocolate products, made in Whistler

    A little bit of chocolate never hurt anyone!

A little bit of chocolate never hurts anyone! Check out Choco Happy in Whistler (seriously, go now, we’ve never been disappointed). Here you’ll find the perfect combination of delicious sweets, salted treats, and other goodies that you’ll no doubt want to tuck into someone’s stocking on Christmas Eve.

  • Hammer Coffee

Could this be Whistler’s finest roasted coffee? Locally roasted and delivered, Hammer Coffee makes for the perfect thank you gift or stocking stuffer for that caffeine hound on your list.

  • Frosty Bites Syrups, Cordials, and Tonics

Not a chocolate person but still seeking a delicious treat? Frosty Bites offer sweet condiments for your cocktails, ice creams, and soda waters. Their line of products is all small-batch, handcrafted in Squamish.

  • Black Sheep Vegan Cheese 

Are you looking for a perfect host or hostess gift for your Christmas party? Check out Black Sheep Vegan Cheeses, which both the vegans and non-vegans in your life will love. It’s all your favourite cheeses like Boursin and Jalapeno Cheddar — but with soy and almond base. 

Give the Gift of Local BC Wine, Beer, and Spirits this Year

The go-to Whistler Christmas gift for the adults in your life is definitely a boozy one. Thankfully, Whistler and the surrounding region have some world-class breweries, distilleries and yes— even wineries. 

So whether you are stocking up for your upcoming holiday party or grabbing something for that sommelier wannabe, Whistler delivers a few excellent options.

  • Fort Berens

One of the region’s most famous wineries, Fort Berens in Lillooet, makes for an excellent day trip if you have the time. Their well-awarded series of wines includes a 2019 Pinot Noir, a 2017 Red Gold Magnum and a sweet 2020 Riesling. 

  • Cliff and Gorge

Another Lillooet winery, Cliff and Gorge, is unsurprisingly perched on a river canyon and surrounded by mountains. A few of their most recent launches include a 2020 Peasant Wine Rose, a 2020 Petite Milo, and their always-in-demand 2020 Pinot Noir.

  • Coast Mountain Brewing

One of the area’s most recent beer additions, Coast Mountain Brews, will appease any beer-lover in your life. Big hop flavours, with innovative flavours, all labelled with local-artist created labels. We love the valley Trail Pale Ale, Cloudraker Wheat Ale, and the Nitro Black Diamond Stout.

  • Whistler Brewing

As we say at Forged Axe, you can never go wrong with a local brew. So if you’re looking for a unique craft option for a loved one this Christmas, look no further than the Whistler Brewing Company. 

This unique brewery in Function Junction makes authentic craft beers that your brew-lover will adore. So head over, sample a few, then snag a six-pack, growler, or even a keg of your favourite beer. Check out their beeraphenalia while you’re there, too!

  • Montis Distillery

Just down the road from Forged Axe Throwing, you’ll find Whistler’s premier distillery. Montis Distillery is a maker of finely crafted spirits that offers several gins, vodka, and a very exciting Winter Spirit, the town’s only local whiskey. If you are around for the season, you’ll also want to check out their custom program to create your own whiskey and gin flavours.

  • Pemberton Distillery

Pemberton makes fine liquors for the connoisseur in your life. Check out the Pemberton Distillery, a boutique distillery just North of Whistler, featuring organic potato vodka, gin, absinthe, schnapps, whiskey, and brandy. 

All their products are made with locally sourced ingredients when possible, including famous Pemberton potatoes. 

A Whistler Experience They’ll Always Remember

If you’re seeking something a little more adventurous for your special someone, why not gift them something that doesn’t need wrapping? 

We suggest you seek out an experience gift for your loved one this holiday season.

  • Skiing and Snowboarding 

No matter the skill set, everyone in your life can benefit from a guided ski or snowboard adventure. On mountain or off, a guide can take you to the secret stashes of powder, navigate the best runs, and give you a knowledgeable look at Whistler Blackcomb and beyond. Who wouldn’t love a personalized mountain guide?

  • Forged Axe Throwing

    A group of friends holding axes

    Challenge the entire family to a friendly game at Forged Axe Throwing. Open all year!

Why waste all that wrapping paper? Give the gift of a Forged Axe Throwing Experience.

We’re certainly never ones to toot our own horn, but we think a Forged Axe throwing experience is one of the best gifts you can give someone. Axe throwing is truly one of the most Canadian experiences you can gift someone!

Join us for an hour-long session of nailing bullseyes. Whether or not you’ve thrown axes before, we’ll have you perfecting the craft in no time at all! 

Want a fun afternoon filled with fitness, challenges, and learning something new? Then purchasing a session with us at Forged Axe might be the pick for you! So come on, unleash your inner lumberjack. Check out our site for information on bookings, packages, and group deals for the holiday season.

  • Sleigh Rides

Are you visiting Whistler for Christmas 2021 with your family? May we suggest a cozy evening sleigh ride, complete with horses and jingle bells? An excellent option for small children and those with mobility issues, you’ll come away with Christmas memories that will last a lifetime.

  • Heli-Skiing 

A flight to the mountain is probably the most epic gift you could ever give your adrenaline-seeking-special-someone. People often come to Whistler over the holidays to go all-out. What better way to cap the trip off with a Heli-Skiing package?

We think it’s one of the most creative gifts to give this holiday season, and undoubtedly one your friend or loved one will never forget. 

Whistler Blackcomb, one of the biggest resorts in North America, has packages and options available to you this season. 

Check out Whistler Heli-Skiing if you’re interested in exploring over 432,000 acres of classic mountain terrain for a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

  • Sea to Sky Air 

You have to start thinking outside the box for those who have it all and won’t be satisfied with a box of chocolates or a pair of socks. 

What better gift to give them than a flight over the beautiful Sea to Sky Corridor to see sweeping, breath-taking views of the land they love?

Sea to Sky Air offers you tons of different packages that you can purchase for views worthy of National Geographic. 

They have packages ranging in price from cheaper options touring Squamish’s fjords to the highest peaks and granite cliffs to tours that last over an hour and explore the dazzling shores of an emerald, glacial lake. Can’t pick between a specific tour? No worries! Purchase a gift card for your special someone and let them choose their own Whistler Christmas adventure.

Whistler, A Canadian Christmas Adventure

Whistler at Christmas is perhaps one of its more magical times of the year. The snow is falling, the lights are sparkling, and the Village is full of families. Everyone is in the Christmas spirit. 

So why stress out over finding the perfect gift before you arrive when you can get something exceptionally unique and local here? 

Better yet, why settle for consumerism when you can settle for an unforgettable experience? Shopping in Whistler in December is full of Christmas inspiration.