British Columbia ski areas are ready for the holidays. Santa Claus is making his annual appearance followed by fireworks on New Year’s Eve.

Whistler Blackcomb always leads the charge with Santas on the slope. Last weekend, 75 skiers and riders decked out in red hit the lifts for free in the resort’s annual Santa day.

75 Santas ride the lift during Whistler Blackcomb's annual Santa Day. Photo by Emmanual Mendes Dos Santos/Coastphoto.com. Courtesy of Whistler Blackcomb.

If you missed the grand day, you can still find Santa Claus appearing at other ski areas in British Columbia. Don’t ask us how, but he seems to be in several resorts at the same time.

Santa and Mrs. Claus visit Grouse Mountain daily through Dec. 24. Kids can also see real reindeer. You can also expect to see Santa at Sun Peaks Resort, Dec. 21-24. You can have your photo taken with Santa Dec. 22-24 at Panorama Mountain Village or Dec. 23-24 at Fernie Alpine Resort. At Big White, families can breakfast with Santa, Dec. 23 and 24 and then ski or board with him Dec. 25.

The holidays top off New Year’s Eve at many B.C. resorts with family friendly celebrations. Whistler throws its annual alcohol-free New Year’s party in Whistler Village during the evening followed at 11 p.m by outdoor entertainment and fireworks.

Sun Peaks Resort will celebrate New Year's Eve with a special 50th anniversary fireworks show. Photo by Adam Stein. Courtesy of Sun Peaks Resort.

Kimberley Alpine Resort bumps its fireworks up to 9 p.m preceded by a kids glow stick parade. Sun Peaks loads on a full evening outdoors with a kids glow stick parade, big air show, torchlight parade, and its 50th anniversary fireworks display. Kicking Horse Mountain Resort has also planned a glow stick dance party and parade, torchlight parade, and fireworks. New Year’s Eve fireworks shows are also scheduled at Panorama, Big White, and Silver Star Mountain Resort.