If you’re dreaming of a December that includes mountain views, twinkling lights, and cozy community vibes, Squamish delivers. As a Squamish-based realtor, I’m often asked what winter really feels like here. My favourite answer is simple: spend a weekend exploring our festive events, and you’ll understand why so many people decide to put down roots in the Sea to Sky.

Squamish at Dusk: Our Own Winter Lights Festival
Back for 2025, Squamish at Dusk turns Rose Park into a glowing maze of light, art, and interactive installations. Part art exhibition, part winter experience, and part festival of lights – it’s a magical outdoor evening that brightens up our long nights.

• Where: Rose Park, Squamish

• When: Typically runs from late November through mid-December.

• Other details: Family-, stroller-, and Instagram-friendly, and a great “low-barrier” way to experience winter outdoors without needing skis or snowshoes.

All Aboard the North Pole Express
The North Pole Express at the Railway Museum of British Columbia has become one of the Sea to Sky’s signature Christmas experiences. Inspired by The Polar Express film, it’s a full-scale holiday train ride with vintage locomotives, carols, hot chocolate, and a visit to the “North Pole” to meet Santa and Mrs. Claus.  

• Where: Railway Museum of BC, Squamish, 39645 Government Road, Squamish

• ​When: November 29–30, December 6–7, 13–14, 20–21

• Cost: Tickets $41 to $52.50 per person

Spirit of the Season at the Sea to Sky Gondola
If you want classic “Sea to Sky winter postcard” views, Spirit of the Season at the Sea to Sky Gondola is hard to beat. From November 29 to December 31, 2025, the summit gets a full festive makeover with sparkling lights along the suspension bridge and viewing platforms, holiday activities, forest light displays, snow-covered trails, and a cozy lodge atmosphere overlooking Howe Sound.

• Where: Sea to Sky Gondola, just south of Squamish

• When: Nov 29 – Dec 31, 2025

Photos With Santa at Britannia Mine Museum
Just down the highway at Britannia Mine Museum, December brings Photos With Santa – Mining the Magic of Christmas, a very Sea to Sky take on a classic Santa visit. Santa poses in a mining cart surrounded by his “elf miners,” all set inside the historic machine shop.

• Where: Britannia Mine Museum - 150 Copper Drive Squamish, BC (between Lions Bay and Squamish)

• When: Dec 7–8 and 14–15

• Cost: From around $35+ per group.

Don’t Forget the Community Calendar
Beyond the marquee events, there’s always a rotating lineup of markets, concerts, workshops, and small community gatherings in December. Tourism Squamish’s Event Calendar is the best “master list” to check for these smaller events where you really feel the “small town with big energy” character that makes Squamish special.

Thinking About Making Squamish Home?
If you’re curious about what it would look like to live here year-round – whether that’s upsizing, downsizing, or making a first move to Squamish – I’m always happy to chat about neighbourhoods, market trends, and the little lifestyle details that don’t show up on a listing sheet.

~Julie

Photo credit: Tara O’Grady (taraogradyphoto.com)