Whistler marks the start of ski season with a weekend of light. Whistler Winterlight fills Whistler Olympic Plaza with a glowing Ferris wheel more than 50 feet tall, laser shows, archways of light, a firefly forest and, new this year, a fire-breathing dragon called Berzerkatroid. Add outdoor skating, a pop-up market and live DJs, and it’s an easy reason to stay in the village after a day on the mountain.
Whistler Winterlight 2026 runs Friday, November 27 to Sunday, November 29. The light installations and entertainment are free; the Ferris wheel is $5 a ride.
Whistler Winterlight 2026: Quick Facts
| Dates | Friday, November 27 to Sunday, November 29, 2026 |
| Light shows and entertainment | Friday and Saturday, 5:00 to 8:00 PM |
| Ferris wheel | Friday and Saturday 12:00 to 8:00 PM, Sunday 12:00 to 5:00 PM. $5 per person, per ride |
| Where | Whistler Olympic Plaza, Whistler Village |
| Cost | Free entry. Ferris wheel and skating extra |
| Presented by | Resort Municipality of Whistler |
| Official page | whistler.ca |
What’s On
- The Ferris wheel, lit up and more than 50 feet tall, with views over the village and the mountains. Ride proceeds go to a local charity still to be named.
- Glowing archways that make a tunnel of light through the plaza.
- Converge, a laser, light and sound installation.
- Berzerkatroid, an interactive fire-breathing dragon, at Winterlight for the first time.
- Firefly Forest, where you make a small firefly and send it through the lit trees.
- Shadow puppets, illuminated characters roaming the plaza, and plenty of lit-up photo spots.
- Live DJ sets from DJ Foxy Moron and DJ PRAiZ on both evenings.
- A pop-up market of local makers, and food vendors with warm drinks and snacks.
Ferris Wheel Rules
Riders need to be 48 inches tall to ride alone. Kids from 42 to 47 inches can ride with an adult, and anyone under 42 inches can’t ride. The wheel isn’t accessible to people who can’t transfer out of a wheelchair or mobility device.
Skating at Olympic Plaza
The outdoor rink is open daily, with sessions from 11:00 AM to 1:30 PM, 2:30 to 5:00 PM and 6:00 to 8:30 PM. Admission is $3.75 for children, $5.25 for youth and $6.25 for adults, and skate rentals are $7.25.
Tips
- Go Friday or Saturday after 5:00 PM for the full show. Sunday has the Ferris wheel until 5:00 PM but no evening program.
- Take transit or carpool. There’s parking in the Day Lots, but the village gets busy.
- Dress warmly. It goes ahead in rain or snow.
- Leave the drone at home. Drones, smoking and alcohol aren’t allowed in the event area. Leashed pets are welcome.
- Check the forecast if you’re sensitive to light or sound. Some installations use bright, changing lights and loud music.
Make a Weekend of It
Whistler is about two hours up the Sea to Sky Highway. On the way, Squamish has the North Pole Express at the Railway Museum of BC. Back in the city the same weekend, the Shipyards Christmas Market opens on November 27 and Santa’s Christmas Ships launch at Port Moody on November 28. More road trips are in our Christmas day trips from Vancouver, and every light display is in Christmas lights in Vancouver.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is Whistler Winterlight in 2026?
Friday, November 27 to Sunday, November 29, 2026. Entertainment runs 5:00 to 8:00 PM on Friday and Saturday.
Is it free?
Yes. The Ferris wheel is $5 a ride, and skating has its usual admission and rental fees.
Where is it?
Whistler Olympic Plaza, in Whistler Village.
Can I bring my dog?
Yes, on a leash.
What if it rains or snows?
It goes ahead. Programming may change in severe weather.
Part of: Vancouver Christmas Guide 2026 › Christmas Lights in Vancouver 2026
