Sun Peaks Christmas Guide: Markets, Dining & Family Holiday Fun

Spending the Holidays in Sun Peaks: What’s Happening This Season

Sun Peaks comes alive for the holidays with festive events, magical winter experiences, and cozy village celebrations that make the season unforgettable.

Holiday Kick-Off

Celebrate the season at Sun Peaks during the 13th annual Holiday Kick-Off, a beloved event that unites locals and guests alike. From artisan vendors and festive bites to live musical performances, the day is filled with activities that capture the spirit of the holidays and offer enjoyment for all ages.

The Holiday Kick-Off includes:

• Holiday Artisan Market
• Annual Plaza Christmas Tree Light Up
• Photos with Santa
• Festive Village Sleigh Rides
• Festive Yoga
• Special Community Movie Screening: My Secret Santa
• Free Family Skating
• Free Hot Cocoa, Cookie Decorating, and S’mores

See you in the village!

Holiday Kick-Off Schedule

Santa Comes to Sun Peaks

Santa touches down for his yearly visit to Sun Peaks! Join for a laugh or a ride with jolly old Saint Nick.

Join Santa for family pictures at Holiday Kick-off, or a joyful lap down his favourite green run or enjoy a special afternoon of sledding with Santa. The forecast? Big smiles, great photo opportunities, and plenty of unforgettable memories with Santa!

New Year’s Eve Slopeside Celebrations

Ring in the New Year at Sun Peaks with an evening packed with energy and spectacle at the New Year’s Eve Slopeside Celebrations.

The NYE Freestyle Invitational takes center stage, showcasing impressive local talent on a custom-built feature at the base. Before the main show, little ones light up lower Sundance in the Kids Glow Stick Parade, followed by the iconic Torchlight Parade that sets the entire run aglow in deep red as skiers and riders descend with torches. The night wraps up with a brilliant fireworks display against the mountain skyline, capping off our biggest celebration of the year.

Festive Dining & Holiday Treats in the Village

Celebrate the season at Sun Peaks with festive dining experiences featuring special Christmas and New Year menus at your favourite pubs and restaurants! 

Christmas and New Year's Eve Dining

Enjoy holiday-inspired dishes crafted just for the occasion, perfect for cozy family gatherings or elegant year-end celebrations. Whether you're indulging in a traditional Christmas feast or toasting to the New Year with a memorable meal, Sun Peaks has plenty of dine-in and take-out options.

Need more Sun Peaks holiday dining inspiration?

See Dining & Après

Where to Stay for A Holiday Getaway in Sun Peaks

Whether you’re looking for ski-in, ski-out accommodation or a chalet with a hot tub big enough for the whole family, you’ll find the perfect fit right here. 

Types of Sun Peaks Accommodation

Sun Peaks offers a wide range of accommodations perfect for a Christmas holiday getaway:

• Charming village centre hotels just steps from the festivities

• Spacious condos and townhomes ideal for families and groups

• Cozy, private ski chalets nestled along the slopes

With options for every style and celebration, Sun Peaks makes the perfect home base for a festive mountain holiday.

Book Early and Save

Guarantee the best value on your accommodation by booking your holiday stay in Sun Peaks early! Keep an eye on our winter deals for the best price.

Book Winter Deals

Driving to Sun Peaks from Seattle or Vancouver

Driving to Sun Peaks this winter? The village is a beautiful mountain drive from both Vancouver and Seattle, with fast highway routes and plenty of winter services along the way.

Winter conditions can change quickly on high mountain roads. Always drive prepared: check driving conditions regularly and use winter tires (required by law).

Learn More

Driving From Vancouver

Sun Peaks is a 4–4.5 hour drive from Vancouver via the Fraser Highway (Highway 1) and Coquihalla Highway (Highway 5). Stopping points for gas or lunch along the way include Abbotsford, Hope, Merritt, and Kamloops, with Sun Peaks just 45 minutes past Kamloops. 

U.S. Visitors: Here’s How to Plan Your Winter Road Trip - Driving From Seattle

Sun Peaks is 5.5 hour drive from Seattle via the I-5 and U.S.-Canada border crossing. Popular crossings for Seattle–Sun Peaks trips include Peace Arch or Pacific Highway (near Blaine/Surrey) or Sumas–Abbotsford; from there you’ll connect with Highway 1 toward Hope and then Highway 5 north to Kamloops.

Do I need my passport to come to Sun Peaks?

If you’re driving up from the U.S., don’t forget that valid passports are required to enter Canada by land. 

Give yourself extra time at busy holiday periods, and check current border wait times before you leave. Make sure you know what you can (and can’t) bring across the border.

Parking at Sun Peaks

Once you arrive by car, Sun Peaks is a wonderfully walkable (or skiable) village! Find out where to park and how to get around in the village.

Free day-use parking is available. Overnight parking is available with your accommodation provider, or can be booked separately if your property cannot accommodate your vehicle.

Learn More

In-Resort Shuttle

Enjoy the complimentary Sun Peaks Resort shuttle to get from your accommodation to ski lifts, village events, and local restaurants!

Daytime Shuttle: Daily, 8:00am to 4:10pm
Evening Shuttle: Daily 5:40pm to 9:40pm

Shuttle Map

There’s nothing quite like the charm and warmth of the holiday season in Sun Peaks, where twinkling village lights, snowy mountain peaks, and festive events create a winter wonderland for all ages. From cozy après moments to family-friendly celebrations, the resort’s welcoming atmosphere makes every visit feel truly magical.

With so much happening throughout December and into the New Year, booking early ensures you get the best lodging options and the chance to experience all the holiday fun. Be sure to explore the full events calendar to plan your perfect mountain getaway.