Kelowna 
Photo Credit: Josh Lewis
Need ideas for a Christmas Holiday getaway in BC?
Here are 10 getaways to places to go that offer Christmas-Winter Break activities and specials!!
1. Winter Serenity Gardens at The Kingfisher Spa Resort
Enjoy the magic of hundreds of thousands of sparkling lights creating dazzling winter illuminations you won’t find anywhere else. Spanning the globe to locate state-of-the-art elements, the gardens feature cherry blossom trees laden with vibrant pink petals, elegant weeping willows, stately maples, towering conifers, 10 ft tall dandelions, shimmering tulips and illuminated grass creating a bouquet of winter colour like nothing you have ever seen.
Kingfisher Spa Resort has a variety of packages from Ski & Stay to Mid Week Spa getaways that start at $195 per person.
2. Fairmont Hot Spring Torch Light Parade
The Fairmont Hot Springs, near the BC/Alberta border, attracts tourists from all around the globe. The natural mineral hot springs are a legendary attraction, as they are the largest in all of Canada, and boast fantastic views of the Rocky Mountains. The hot water is especially soothing during the winter months when seasonal colds and aches and pains take over.
Fairmont also has a stunning family-friendly ski area, where the yearly Torch Light Parade takes place. The parade takes place on Christmas Eve, as skiers carry blazing torches down the slopes. It has been a tradition for over 30 years at the Fairmont Hot Springs, and has a number of other surprises for families, including a visit from Santa and a fireworks finale. It is a truly wonderful event that can cap off a relaxing and therapeutic winter getaway to the scenic Fairmont Hot Springs.
3. Long beach “Look of Love” – Tofino
Enjoy the holiday festivities with a romantic get- away. A two night trip at the exclusive, beach front room at the Long Beach Resort in Tofino. Enjoy a 3-course fine dining meal with incredible views of Cox bay beach with complimenting sparking BC wine. A relaxing sea wench massage candle and use of beautiful facilities including the hot tub and sauna to perfect the fabulous package.
Tofino Winterlights
Tofino, one of the furthest western towns in all of Canada, is a year-round tourist destination. Even residents of Vancouver Island come to the coastal town to take in its beautiful beaches and ancient rainforest. The Tofino Botanical Gardens are a major stop for tourists, as they take in the gardens, art installations, and beautiful ponds. During December the Tofino Winterlights festival takes over the gardens, as magical exhibits with twinkling lights turn this already beautiful location into a holiday wonderland. After walking through the grounds, visitors can enjoy a hot drink at the homey cafe, and on the weekends live music is on display for all to enjoy.
The Winterlights festival also has a number of special events for young families that children will remember for a lifetime. These include weekly story times, puppet shows, and photos with Santa. A trip to Tofino is a great idea any time of year, but the Winterlights festival is a must see if you’re going in the winter season.
4. Rocky Mountains Winter Tour
This premium tour is the ultimate mountain experience! Stay 2-nights in the famous town of Banff, 1-night in Golden, and 1-night in the beautiful Grand resort located at the base of Sun Peaks Mountain Resort. You will enjoy night-skiing or snow-tubing (included), have the option to ski or snowboard for 2 days and have plenty of time to participate in other winter activities and see the most beautiful places in the Rockies. This tour is truly a Snow lover’s Dream and a Sightseer’s Paradise!
5. Christmas & NYE in Whistler
Splurge this season and enjoy the incredible comfort of the Fairmont Hotel and Spa in Whistler Village. Bring the whole family and enjoy ring in the new year at the family fun celebration in Whistler village. There will be entertainment and a range of venues with indoor and outdoor entertainment for everyone! At the midnight countdown hear to the Youth Dance or NYE Kids Countdown, or if you want to be in the snow, go enjoy the lights with ice skating!
6. Grouse Mountain Peak of Christmas & NYE Snowshoe Fondue
Grouse Mountain, located in North Vancouver, is a beautiful ski hill and especially popular due to its oceanic climate, which keeps the weather mild for skiers and snowboarders. North Vancouver has a number of beautiful hiking and skiing areas, but Grouse Mountain is one of the most exquisite.
The Peak of Christmas festival is an absolute must visit, particularly for families. The staff at the mountain turn it into Vancouver’s version of the North Pole. Some of the many activities children of all ages can enjoy include a dazzling light walk with radiant installations, a gingerbread village, and the opportunity to meet a real live reindeer. For those families that want the magic and wonder of the North Pole in one of the most beautiful, vibrant cities in North America, the Peak of Christmas festival is a perfect match.
And on New year, say bye to the old and hello to the new with a group of loved one on a hour guided snowshoe tour (with rental prices included), sky-ride access and then the best part: a delicious, warm cheese and chocolate fondue at Altitudes Bistro! Spend the night relaxing with wine afterwards at a North Vancouver Hotel!
7. Big White Light Up and Winter Warm Up
The Big White ski resort, located in Kelowna, is one of the Okanagan Valley’s highlights, boasting the highest summit in the Okanagan Highland. It has a number of trails from beginner to extreme, and has western Canada’s largest night skiing area. During the holiday season, they host the Big White Light Up, a stunning event which makes the beautiful ski resort appear almost magical. The event has a gigantic laser show that is made to look like the Northern Lights, as lights dance throughout the Village located at the base of the hill. The night ends with a fireworks display and carollers inviting visitors to join them in festive song.
The holiday atmosphere at Big White doesn’t end with the Light Up though. It continues all throughout December with movies displayed on big screens, a craft market displaying crafts from local artisans, and a number of wine tastings. If you’re planning on spending a winter holiday in the Okanagan the Big White resort is the place to be.
8. Sandman hotel Ski & Stay + NYE – Revelstoke
Rent a room at the Sandman hotel for a great rate! Comes with comfortable accommodation, lift ticket and free shuttle to the mountain. Arrive December 31 to enjoy the Revelstoke Extravaganza! For a low price, you will be shuttled to 3 incredible, unique parties at the base of the mountain!
9. Snow & Go – Kamloops
Have an incredible time in the snow with the whole family this Christmas at Harper Mountain before heading back to the hotel to enjoy a cozy fire. South Thompson Inn and Conference Centre is nestled along the South Thompson River near the BC wildlife park! Package includes two tickets to the mountain tube park so the kids can enjoy!
10. Harrison Hot Springs Resort and Spa
Escape the hustle and bustle of the holidays with a one night’s stay with a spa package at Healing Springs Spa.The relaxation package offers you breakfast in the Lakeside Cafe, Healing Springs Spa credit of $75.00 per adult plus a private mineral soak in the Signature Room in the Spa.
11. Poets Cove
Holidays at Pender Island means a secluded, exclusive stay at Poet Cove Resort and Spa! Beautiful west coast resort allows you to relax and enjoy the uniqueness of Pender Island. Until January 31st, 2020 they have an offer that lets you stay 33%, if you stay for 3 days or more!
12. Enjoy Vancouver!
There is always plenty to do this Christmas in Vancouver and find yourself at the centre of it all at Fairmont Hotel Vancouver. You’ll receive 20% off your stay in a luxurious guest room this season!
VanDusen Botanical Garden Festival of Lights
The VanDusen Botanical Garden in Vancouver is a beautiful visit any time of the year, with over 7500 plant species spread across 55 acres. In December the garden becomes especially magical, as the Festival of Lights takes over the grounds. Livingstone Lake, part of the VanDusen garden is lit up by dancing, musical lights, and large portions of the rest of the garden are lit up beautifully to celebrate the holiday season. This is a perfect getaway for families as they have storytimes with Santa, a puppet show, and a mesmerizing lighted carousel. The grounds also have a festival stage where you can listen to performers, or even try your own hand at singing a few tunes in the holiday singing contest.
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