Celebrate Christmas in Yukon Like Never Before: Explore Enchanting Markets, Snowy Adventures, and Magical Festivities

Published on December 14, 2025

The Yukon is a land of winter wonder. From twinkling Christmas lights to snow-covered streets and festive cheer, the holiday season in the Yukon feels like a magical dream. While many small communities across the Yukon are quieter during this time, the region offers a variety of Christmas celebrations that will leave you with memories to cherish.

In this article, we will explore the top Christmas events happening across the Yukon in December 2025, with a special focus on how residents of smaller towns like Ross River can join in the fun. Whether it’s attending Christmas markets, enjoying seasonal concerts, or exploring family-friendly activities, Yukon offers an experience full of holiday spirit.

The Holiday Spirit Across the Yukon

Yukon’s winters are beautiful, snowy, and festive. Throughout December, Whitehorse, the capital of Yukon, and other surrounding communities come alive with Christmas cheer. Ross River, a small town, may not have large-scale Christmas festivals of its own, but residents often travel to nearby towns to take part in holiday festivities. The Yukon’s small-town charm combined with these community celebrations creates an atmosphere of warmth and togetherness that makes Christmas special.

If you’re considering a Christmas getaway in the Yukon, here are the top events and activities that you shouldn’t miss.

Fireweed Winter Market – A Christmas Shopping Wonderland

One of the most popular events in the Yukon in December is the Fireweed Winter Market. This indoor Christmas market in Whitehorse is the perfect place to do your Christmas shopping. Local artisans, crafters, and food producers gather to showcase their unique products, including handcrafted arts, holiday decorations, specialty foods, and gifts that are perfect for the holiday season.

The 12 Days of Christmas event at the Fireweed Winter Market offers something for everyone, with a wide selection of goods that reflect Yukon’s unique culture. It’s an excellent opportunity to find gifts that are not only beautiful but also support local businesses and artists.

The market runs from 8th December to 21st December, and it’s perfect for families, solo visitors, and even those looking to do last-minute shopping. Whether you want to buy handmade jewelry, winter scarves, or local treats, the market is a great place to experience the best of Yukon craftsmanship during the Christmas season.

Why It’s Worth Visiting:

• Location: Kwanlin Dün Cultural Centre, Whitehorse
• Dates: 8th December – 21st December
• What’s Special: Handmade crafts, festive food, and a celebration of local artisans.

For visitors from Ross River, this is an easy trip to enjoy some holiday cheer and find unique gifts while experiencing the Yukon’s local culture.

Holiday Concerts – Celebrate the Season with Music

Music is a big part of Christmas celebrations in the Yukon, and the Yukon Arts Centre in Whitehorse hosts several seasonal concerts that bring festive joy to the region.

One of the standout performances is The Barra MacNeils – An East Coast Christmas. This concert is a lively celebration of traditional Christmas songs with a Canadian East Coast twist. If you love Celtic music mixed with festive cheer, this performance is a must-see.

More Seasonal Performances to Enjoy:

• The Nutcracker: The classic holiday ballet is brought to life in the Yukon Arts Centre, adding a touch of elegance to the holiday season.
• Christmas Concerts: Throughout the month of December, many local performers will be showcasing their talent with festive music, from choirs to solo acts.

For Ross River residents, taking a short trip to Whitehorse to enjoy these performances could be the perfect way to immerse yourself in the holiday spirit.

Why It’s Worth Visiting:

• Location: Yukon Arts Centre, Whitehorse
• What’s Special: Beautiful performances, seasonal music, and classic Christmas shows.
• Dates: Various dates in December.

Santa Land – A Magical Christmas Experience for Families

For families, Santa Land is a magical place to visit during the Christmas season. Located in Whitehorse, Santa Land is transformed into a holiday wonderland complete with skating, sledding, games, and the chance to meet Santa Claus himself. This festive event is a favourite for kids and adults alike, offering a fun-filled experience that celebrates the joy of the season.

In addition to the activities, there are plenty of holiday lights and decorations to enjoy, making Santa Land a delightful spot for a family outing. It’s a great way to spend an afternoon with loved ones, and best of all, it’s free.

Why It’s Worth Visiting:

• Location: Various parks in Whitehorse
• What’s Special: Free entry, family-friendly activities, and meeting Santa.
• Dates: Throughout December.

Holiday Light Displays – A Winter Wonderland of Lights

The winter season in Yukon is made even more magical by the holiday light displays that brighten up towns and cities. Whitehorse is known for its stunning Christmas lights, which can be found in both public spaces and local businesses. As you stroll through the streets, you’ll be treated to an incredible display of twinkling lights that capture the magic of Christmas.

In addition to the lights, the community hosts several holiday events where people come together to enjoy the festive spirit. Visitors from Ross River can take a scenic drive or hop on a bus tour to enjoy these displays and soak in the Christmas magic.

Why It’s Worth Visiting:

• Location: Downtown Whitehorse and surrounding areas
• What’s Special: Beautiful Christmas light displays and community celebrations.
• Dates: Throughout December.

Santa’s Workshops and Other Fun Activities for Kids

For younger children, Santa’s Workshop events provide the chance to meet Santa, take photos, and participate in crafting activities. These workshops often feature fun, hands-on experiences like decorating Christmas cookies, making holiday cards, and creating festive crafts.

Additionally, many communities across the Yukon, including Whitehorse and Watson Lake, have their own local holiday celebrations, which might include Christmas parades, visits from Santa Claus, and festive games. These activities are perfect for families with young children and those looking for community-based Christmas fun.

Why It’s Worth Visiting:

• Location: Various locations across Yukon
• What’s Special: Kids can participate in crafting, meet Santa, and enjoy seasonal games.
• Dates: Throughout December.

For Ross River Residents – Exploring the Larger Yukon Festivals

While Ross River itself may not host large official festivals after 15th December, there are plenty of opportunities for residents to travel to nearby towns like Whitehorse to enjoy these events. These larger towns are known for their well-organised Christmas celebrations, making them ideal for visitors who want to experience the full range of holiday activities.

Visiting Whitehorse or Watson Lake can give Ross River residents the chance to experience more expansive holiday events, from shopping at Christmas markets to enjoying festive performances and light displays. The proximity to Whitehorse makes it an easy trip for those wanting to join in the holiday celebrations of Yukon’s larger communities.

Embrace the Christmas Magic Across the Yukon

While Ross River may not host its own major Christmas festivals after mid-December, the Yukon region is filled with festive cheer and events that offer plenty of holiday magic. From the bustling Fireweed Winter Market in Whitehorse to the Santa Land celebrations, there is no shortage of Christmas fun to be had. Whether you enjoy music performances, family-friendly activities, or simply exploring the holiday lights, the Yukon offers a variety of celebrations to suit everyone’s tastes.

For Ross River residents, travelling to nearby towns for these larger events can provide a memorable Christmas experience that brings the holiday spirit to life. The Yukon region truly captures the essence of a magical Christmas getaway, filled with local traditions, friendly communities, and snow-covered landscapes. Make this Christmas unforgettable by exploring the festive events that the Yukon has to offer.