Celebration, reflection and connection will be center stage in Whistler this Sunday, with lantern-making, glitter skating, immersive yoga, and an all-new parade
Whistler is getting ready to celebrate this New Year’s Eve.
The all-out dawn to dusk (and beyond) salute to the new year will be held Sunday, December 31. A full day of activities and entertainment will culminate in a grand finale worthy of Whistler’s reputation of ushering in the occasion with a bang: the new Luminosity parade, followed by the annual NYE Fire & Ice Show and fireworks.
At 8 p.m. the Luminosity Parade will set the stage for the evening, bringing a multisensory experience to the Village Stroll with LED-clad dancers, stilt walkers, and jugglers. Spectators are encouraged to join the procession and bring the lanterns they crafted at Wintersphere (see below) or flashlights. Gather at the Whistler Conference Centre at 7:45 p.m. and join in the parade as it winds its way to Skiers Plaza for the Fire & Ice show at 8:30 p.m., followed by the New Year’s Eve Fireworks Spectacular at 9 p.m.
“New Year’s is such a special time in Whistler,” says Mayor Jack Crompton. “From Christmas through ‘til the new year is a time where our local community and visitors from around the world come together to share a bit of that unique Whistler magic. The town becomes a festive playground, with our village decked in lights, holiday activities and special events. We have pulled together a great program of all-ages entertainment to ring in 2024, culminating in the new Luminosity Parade.”
Activities in the lead up to the parade are focused on celebration, connection and reflection. From relaxing yoga and intention setting, to high-energy dance classes and outdoor activities like disco skating, the day is sure to be a well-rounded and unforgettable experience for attendees of all ages.
For early birds, the New Year’s Eve Intention Setting, Meditation and Mindful Movement class at 9 a.m. will be an opportunity to reflect and look forward through art and restorative yoga. This is suitable for all ages, with advanced registration required with a $15 minimum donation.
Running all day, Wintersphere is back in 2023. The free indoor event transforms the Whistler Conference Centre into a festive all-ages hub. New for this year, there will be lantern making workshops, facilitated by the Whistler Multicultural Society. This will give attendees the opportunity to make a lantern they can bring to the evening’s parade, bringing them into the action. Beyond lanterns, expect activities for the whole family, entertainers, and a holiday café. For little ones there will be bouncy castles, crafts, and more. Wintersphere Après kicks off at 3 p.m. daily, with live music and entertainment until 5 p.m. Wintersphere is open daily through the holidays from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., with extended hours to 8 p.m. on New Year’s Eve.
In the afternoon, there are options to go high energy or to embrace slower reflective year-end practices. The New Year’s Eve Glitter Skate at 2 p.m. will give a nod to disco on the ice, while two dance classes for all skill levels at 3 p.m. and 4:30 p.m. will keep the energy high. Alternatively, the New Year’s Eve Après Sound Bath Experience at 3:30 p.m. offers an opportunity to relax aided by sound, vibration and breath.
Full details for Whistler’s New Year’s Even programming, including admission information and registration where required, can be found at whistler.ca/NYE.
Leave the car at home and reach your celebratory destinations with the complimentary Whistler Transit service. The free service is available all day with extra buses added as needed. Details at bctransit.com/whistler.
For more information, visit whistler.ca/NYE.
