Blue Mountain Village near Collingwood turns into a festive alpine village each holiday season, a two-hour drive from Toronto. It’s a great choice for a Christmas getaway that combines skiing with holiday events.
Holiday Magic at Blue Mountain
The village’s holiday programme has featured:
- A light trail and decorated village.
- A cocktail garden with private dome-style seating.
- Live music and seasonal entertainment.
- Family activities and character visits, including reindeer-themed events.
- Special programming through the holiday break weeks.
Check bluemountain.ca for the 2026 schedule.
Skiing and winter fun
Blue Mountain is Ontario’s largest ski resort. Opening day depends on snow and cold weather, usually early December. Snowshoeing, skating and the village’s shops and restaurants round out the trip. Skiing near Toronto
Nearby
Collingwood’s downtown has holiday shopping and dining, and Thornbury is a pretty small-town stop.
Blue Mountain Village in winter
Blue Mountain Village sits at the base of the ski hills, a pedestrian village of shops, restaurants, bars and hotels designed like an alpine resort. In the holiday season, it becomes a festive hub with lights, music and seasonal events. Even if you don’t ski, you can enjoy the village atmosphere, take a scenic gondola ride (when operating), or try other winter activities.
Winter activities beyond skiing
- Snowshoeing and cross-country skiing on nearby trails.
- Skating in the village, weather permitting.
- Snow tubing at nearby resorts.
- Spa days at Scandinavian-style spas in the area, with outdoor hot pools in the snow.
- Shopping and dining in the village and in nearby Collingwood and Thornbury.
Where to stay
The village has hotels and condo-style lodges within walking distance of the lifts. Collingwood and Thornbury offer more inns, B&Bs and rentals at a range of prices. Book early for the Christmas holidays and New Year’s, which are the busiest weeks of the ski season.
Collingwood and Thornbury at Christmas
Collingwood, 15 minutes from the village, has a historic downtown on Hurontario Street with independent shops, cafés and restaurants, plus waterfront views of Georgian Bay. Thornbury, a small harbour town to the west, has boutiques, galleries and a cozy main street. Both make great stops for holiday shopping on the way to or from the mountain.
Driving tips
Highway 400 and Highway 26 can be busy and snowy on winter weekends. Check Ontario 511 for road conditions, use winter tires, and leave early on Fridays and Sundays to avoid traffic.
Blue Mountain at Christmas: FAQ
When does Blue Mountain open for skiing? Usually in early December, depending on the weather and snowmaking.
Is Blue Mountain good for non-skiers? Yes. The village, spas, snowshoeing and nearby towns offer plenty to do.
More: skiing near Toronto · Christmas day trips from Toronto
Getting there
About two hours from Toronto by car via Highway 400 and Highway 26. Check road conditions in snow.
