One of the best holiday traditions found in Whistler Village each year is already underway for 2023.
The resort’s fan-favourite “roving Christmas carollers”—made up of members of the Whistler Singers and Whistler Children’s Chorus—have been spreading the holiday cheer since the calendar flipped to December.
But if you’ve yet to encounter them on the stroll, there are plenty of other opportunities to get in harmony with the festive season just around the corner.
“Carolling through the village has been well received by visitors and locals—many compliments and lots of pictures and filming,” says Whistler Singers director Alison Hunter, in an email.
“Our performances embrace our sense of community, and we encourage our audiences to join us in celebrating this festive season.”
Here are just a few of the ways you can sing your heart out this holiday season.
Barbed Choir’s Holiday Singapalooza: Dec. 15
Whistler’s popular rock ‘n’ roll choir returns for another holiday blowout—and this time the whole family is invited.
Taking place Dec. 15 at the Maury Young Arts Centre (doors at 7, show at 7:30 p.m.), organizers are cooking up a set of festive holiday pop songs for an “enthusiastic and sometimes silly” singalong.
No prior singing experience, or even talent, is required, and entry is by a minimum $5 donation to the Whistler Community Services Society.
Find more information at facebook.com/groups/barbedchoir.
Whistler Singers Holiday Concerts: Dec. 17 and 22
The Whistler Singers are once again celebrating the season in song, on both Dec. 17 at the Whistler Public Library (starting at 7 p.m., entry by donation) and the Crystal Lodge on Dec. 22 (at 5:30 p.m.).
Both shows “will have music to please all—from traditional Christmas carols to pop Christmas tunes with Hanukkah songs and songs about snow, candles and winter fun,” Hunter says. “Audiences are encouraged to sing along.”
Trio Elysium Solstice Concert: Dec. 21
On Dec. 21, Hunter and fellow local choir leader Jeanette Bruce will team up with renowned flautist Anne-elise Keefer for a special night of holiday music in the Squamish Lil’wat Cultural Centre’s Istken Hall.
Trio Elysium, as they’re known, features Hunter on harp, Bruce on vocals, and Keefer, of course, on flute.
This year’s solstice concert, titled A Winter’s Song, kicks off at 7 p.m. Tickets are $25 and available online at tinyurl.com/bdhr8wjc or in-person at the Whistler Museum.
“It is so special to hear when one of our events has become a part of someone’s holiday traditions,” Bruce says. “We have folks who have never missed the Christmas Eve Service, or bought Solstice tickets the first day they were available and bring more friends every year, and that brings us so much joy.”
X-mas Eve Carol Service
If you’d rather keep your holiday harmonizing confined to (or near) the big day, the annual Christmas Eve Carol Service is the event for you.
The service is hosted by both the Whistler Singers and Whistler Children’s Chorus, and kicks off at 6:30 p.m. on Dec. 24 at the Whistler Public Library.
Space is limited, so arrive early to guarantee a spot. n
