It’s the most wonderful time of the year! Our annual Christmas in Kelowna family activity guide is back for another year of festive fun! This year’s guide includes everything from Christmas tree farms to Christmas brunches, plays and performances, to craft fairs! This page will be updated regularly as more information regarding 2022 Christmas events and activities becomes available. If you don’t see it yet, it’s coming!
Thank you for your support of this fun and free local activity guide. Merry Christmas!
Christmas Light Ups & Parades
Light UP Summerland
When: November 25, 2022
What: The Okanagan’s Premiere Christmas Festival featuring family entertainment on the country main stage, a mini Santa Clause parade, Letter’s to Santa, Kids zone, food trucks, carolers, shopping with over 40 vendors, wine tasting and much more! Don’t miss the fireworks show that concludes the event- it is spectacular!
Tree of Hope Light Up
When: November 25, 5:45 pm
What: The iconic Tree of Hope will light up in Kelowna’s Landmark District for the 25th year and the event that will be live-streamed on Castanet. This annual LED Christmas tree light up raises money for local community organizations, this year the YMCA of the Southern Interior and the BGC Okanagan will benefit from funds raised.
Carnival of Lights
When: November 26, 2022
What: Help us light up the season with the first (official) Carnival of Lights! Light up Spirit Square and Civic Plaza and kick off the holiday season! Bring the family and enjoy seasonal activities for all ages!Entertainment, hot chocolate and more! Plus don’t miss the official Light Up at 5:30pm!
Rutland Winter Light Up Festival
When: November 27, 12 pm – 4:30 pm
What: Kick off the holiday season at the Rutland Centennial Park! The event will feature local vendors, crafting, live entertainment, caroling, pictures with Santa and Big White’s Loose Moose, hot chocolate, food trucks, and so much more. Stay until 4:30pm to see the giant Christmas tree light up!
Light Up West Kelowna
When: December 2, 5:00 pm – 8:00 pm
What: Fun activity stations will include favourites like the Treat Station and Letters to Santa and community groups will be on-site along the way to hand out warm drinks. Activities include a photo booth, marshmallow roasts, ice fishing, letters to Santa booth and more! 6:00pmFlipping of the switch, 8:30pm Fireworks!
Peachland Light Up
When: December 2, 4:30 pm – 7:30 pm
What: Children’s party with crafts and face painting, glow parade walk to Heritage Park, games, bouncy castles, face painting, refreshments, Santa visits and more!
Downtown Kelowna Winter Street Market & Light Up 2022
When: December 3, 11 am to 6 pm
What: A festive outdoor celebration featuring local Okanagan artisans and holiday cheer. This is a free community event geared towards all ages, that celebrates the magic of the holiday season with authentic local products, delicious food and drink, family activities, music, ice skating, entertainment, and of course, a visit with Santa!
Penticton Santa Clause Parade
When: December 3, 4:30 pm
What: Parade route: Main Street, from White Avenue to Lakeshore Drive. Get in the festive spirit as dozens of floats cruise their way down Main Street in downtown Penticton.
The Santa Clause Parade
When: December 3, 6-8 pm
What: Santa Clause will be riding his sleigh through Kettle Valley on Saturday, December 3, 2022, for his third annual Santa Claus Parade. The parade will begin at approximately 6 p.m. and will feature floats and emergency vehicles! Please consider making a donation to Phase II of the Okanagan Youth Recovery House campaign ($5 per person or $20 per family (4 or more))
Grenfell Road Christmas Parade
When: Rutland route Friday December 9th, 6:30 pm; Central Kelowna, Saturday December 10th, 1:30pm; Glenmore, Saturday the 10th, 6:30 pm.
What: Back for a third year this parade of decorated vehicles has three routes and will be collecting donations for Mamas for Mamas, a nonprofit organization that helps support local families.
Silver Star Light Up
When: December 10, 3 pm – 8 pm
What: SilverStar Resort is excited to be hosting fireworks and this year for the annual light up. In addition, the Polson Artisan Market will be featuring about 25 of the best local artisan gift-makers. Stay tuned for event scheduling and more to come.
Kettle Valley Neighbourhood Light Up
When: December 17, 5:30-8:30 pm
What: Join Richard James Deacon of Engel & Volkers Okanagan and celebrity judge Casey Clarke from New Country 100.7 as they tour the neighborhood and announce their favorite homes that are lit up for the holidays.
Santa Visits
SantaPaws Kelowna
When: November 19-20, 10 am – 3pm
Where: 1590 Pioneer Road, Kelowna
What: Have your pet’s photo taken with Santa! Funds raised will support Taco Dog Rescue Society, which has helped save and rehome over 400 dogs in the Okanagan in the last 9 years.
Okanagan Santa
When: November and December
Where: 1111 Lawson Ave, Kelowna
What: Experience includes a private ‘meet and greet’ in a quiet environment and numerous fun poses with Santa and a print to take home. They are also offering pet-friendly sessions (November 28, December 20) and a grinch experience! Check the website for details.
Orchard Park Santa Visit & Photo
When: November 25- December 24
Where: Orchard Park Mall
What: Santa Claus is on his way! Pre-book your Santa Photo Experience at Orchard Park Shopping Centre. Reserve your preferred date and time, and you will receive a free, personalized call from Santa. Sunday, December 4, from 630PM – 830PM, families can visit Santa in a sensory-friendly environment outside regular shopping hours. Reservations required.
MontanaRae Digital Santa Photos
When: November & December
Where: Online! Email your photo choice to MontanaRaePhoto@gmail.com
What: A great option for those worried about or unable to accommodate in-person Santa visits! Six different photo layouts to choose from with Santa holding a framed photo of your children. $10.00 per digital file or $25.00 for 3.
Image Studios Santa Photos
When: December 2 – 23
Where: Image Studios, Village Green Center, Vernon
What: In-studio or center court options, priced from $25. Pre-book your time online.
Selfies with Santa
When: December 3, 4, 10 & 11; 3 pm – 6 pm
Where: Meadow Vista, 3975 June Springs Road. Kelowna
What: Tons of fun of holiday fun on the Meadow Vista Artisan Farm including visits with Santa. Visit and take Selfie photos with Santa in his lit up Holiday Shack and check out the activities sheet for prizes, holiday light up, carols by the fire and wine tastings. Dinner and s’mores packages are available.
Cars & Toys 2022 at August Motorcars
When: December 4th, 3pm – 5pm
Where: Spectrum Ct, Kelowna
What: Walk through a Supercar Winter Wonderland, bring your child’s wish list, donate new unwrapped toys, and help us raise toys for special families this Christmas. Bring the kids and get a picture with Santa. All Santa photos are free of charge but we do ask all those attending to bring a new unwrapped toy as a donation. Toys donated this year will be going to Ronald McDonald House BC and Yukon and Mamas for Mamas.Christmas treats provided by Fortune Creek, arts and crafts for the kids, a family friendly bonfire, and many more festive surprises and activities!
Christmas Tree Farms
Get into the Christmas spirit with a visit to a local tree farm!
- Coldstream Creek Farm (Oyama) *check back for opening dates!
- Grumpy’s Christmas Tree Farm *check back for opening dates!
- K & J Pacific Peaches ** open November Wednesdays and Thursdays 9 am – 5 pm; December everyday 9 am – dusk, except Tuesdays, Cash only
- Turner Family Tree Farm (Oyama) ** open November 18, Fridays 10-4; Saturdays 10-2; Sunday 10-2
Skating
Is there anything more Canadian than skating outdoors? Check out these local skating rinks!
- Stuart Park The outdoor skating rink downtown Kelowna will open in December (weather conditions pending) for free drop-in skating from 6 a.m.-11 p.m. daily throughout the winter.
- Kelowna Public Skating: Lace up the skates for public skating at Rutland Arena, Memorial Arena and Capital News Centre. Pre-booking your time is recommended, however drop-ins are also available (with sign in).
- Vernon Public Skating
- Penticton Public Skating
- Big White Ice Skating
- Silver Star Skating
Christmas Plays & Performances
When: November 24, 25, 26
What: The Okanagan Symphony Orchestra returns to kick off to the 2022 holiday season. Featuring guest vocalists and an all-star band, comprised of some of the best-known musicians from throughout the Okanagan.
Holiday Dreams Cirque Show
When: November 26
What: This one-of-a-kind event features holograms, projection mapping, holiday music and incredible lasers, along with a cast of award-winning acrobats, daredevils and cirque performers. Created as a modern alternative to holiday shows, Holiday Dreams presents a fast-paced exciting cirque-style show that is appealing to everyone.
Where: South Okanagan Events Centre, Penticton
A Christmas Carol- Vernon
When: November 27
What: DuffleBag Theatre’s unique twist on the Dicken’s classic A Christmas Carol! As always, the main parts are played by audience members and the resulting hilarity promises a memorable experience for all!
Where: Vernon and District Performing Arts Centre
A Christmas Carol- Kelowna
When: November 30 – December 18
What: The Kelowna Actor’s studio presents A Christmas Carol, based on the story by Charles Dickens. Ebeneezer Scrooge and his ghostly encounters come to life in this lavish and thrilling Broadway musical that was a movie starring Kelsey Grammar.
A Christmas Carol- OKeefe Ranch
When: December 6 – 13
What: A Christmas Carol is an Immersive Processional Theatrical Experience where audiences will travel on foot and wagon to and from each historic building on the O’Keefe Ranch to witness and participate in this heartwarming story. It is a joint production between Powerhouse Theatre and the Historic O’Keefe Ranch. There are three (3) performances each evening of 15 patrons per performance. Not suitable for children under 8 years of age.
Where: O’Keefe Ranch, Vernon
North Pole Stories
When: December 8-17
What: RCA & New Vintage Theatre Present: North Pole Stories. After Santa and Mrs. Claus deliver all of the presents, they gather with the elves by the fire to celebrate the season and retell their favourite North Pole fairy tales. With the help of a little winter magic, the classic stories come to life, sure to delight and captivate young and old alike. Enjoy New Vintage Theatre’s annual season celebration, with music and interactive post-show activities with Santa and characters from the play. Don’t miss this magical family adventure for all ages. Your ticket purchase will also get you a photo with Santa after the show! Each performance is 55 minutes, no intermission.
Where: Rotary Centre for the Arts, Kelowna
Where: Kelowna Community Theatre
Stars on Ice
When: December 17
What: Stars on Ice brings a special holiday edition of its award-winning figure skating show to Canada, featuring four-time World Champion and four-time Canadian Champion Kurt Browning, who will be joined by two-time Olympic Silver Medalist, three-time World Champion and seven-time Canadian Champion Elvis Stojko to headline the 2022 Stars on Ice “Holiday” tour.
Where: South Okanagan Events Centre, Penticton
The Nutcracker by Mission Dance Company
When: December 22, 23
What: Join Mission Dance Company as they present this performance featuring their accomplished and passionate dancers, magical, larger than life, growing Christmas tree plus narration that will enhance the understanding of this classic story. Mission Dance Company makes this tradition child friendly yet entertaining for all generations and an exciting display of the arts. It is a high-quality and exciting production you do not want to miss! Reduced ticket pricing for children 12 & under.
Where: Rotary Centre for the Arts
Santa Breakfasts
Breakfast with Santa
When: December 3, 9:00- 11:30 am
What: Pancake breakfast followed by crafts, entertainment and a visit with Santa! Bring your own camera for a photo opp.
Where: Peachland Community Centre. Advance registration required via phone @ 250-767-2133. Adults $14; Kids 4-9 $12; age 1-3, $6.
Polar Pancake Pajama Party
When: 9 – 11 am
What: The City of West Kelowna presents the Polar Pancake Pajama Party, a fun morning filled with a full breakfast, winter crafts and activities for kids under 12 and their parents/caregivers. Pre-registration is required and opens Monday, Nov. 7. $7 per child and $12 per adult.
Where: Westbank Lion’s Community Hall – 2466 Main Street
Sleigh Rides
Big White Sleigh Rides
When: Online bookings open now. Check the website for schedule and ticket information. 1/2 hour, 1 hour and dining tours are available, as well as private tours.
What: Take a step back in time with a ride on an old-fashioned horse drawn sleigh in the winter wonderland of Big White. Enjoy hot chocolate while gliding through snow covered forest trails during your sleigh ride, a fantastic experience with the horses. This is the perfect family activity as all ages are welcome.
Where: Big White Ski Resort
Carvan Farm Theatre: The Wonderful
When: December 7 – December 31
What: This winter sleigh ride theatre production features a horse drawn sleigh that transports you over field and forest from scene to scene, in a music and magic filled story about family, race, and belonging in rural Canada.
Where: 4886 Salmon River Road, Armstrong BC
Horse Drawn Okanagan
When: December 22-30
What: Sleigh bells, Christmas caroling, steam from the horses breath, and falling snow add to the wonder of this holiday tradition. More info coming soon!
Where: Armstrong, BC
Christmas Train
Summerland Christmas Express Train
Experience the magic of Christmas at the Kettle Valley Steam Railway! The Summerland Christmas Express heralds the magic of the season with twinkling lights, music and jolly old Santa who has a treat for every good little boy and girl. You’ll be enchanted by the Christmas lights on homes along the rail line and on the 3716 locomotive. Coaches and Station will also be decked with season sparkle setting the stage for your family to enjoy Santa, our colourful Coach hosts and Christmas carols.
Christmas Markets
November Markets
A Merry Little Christmas Home Decor Show
November 4, 5 & 6
Sunset Ranch Golf Course, 5101 Upper Booth Road South, Kelowna
Yuletide Fire at PTCC
November 4, 5, 6
Artisan Market at the Penticton Trade and Convention Centre
Holiday Fair & Market 2022
November 6
Westbank Lions Community Centre, 2466 Main St Suite 3, West Kelowna
Winfield’s 33rd Annual Christmas Craft Sale
November 6, 10 am – 3 pm
Winfield Memorial Hall
10130 Bottom Wood Lake Rd, Lake Country
November 11 – 13
Furnish Holiday Market
November 12
464 Adams Road, Kelowna
Immaculata Christmas Craft Fair
November 12, 10 am – 3 pm
1493 KLO Rd, Kelowna
Craft Culture Holiday Magic at the RCA
November 12 & 13
Rotary Centre for the Arts, 421 Cawston Ave, Kelowna
East Kelowna’s Country Christmas Markets
November 13, 27, Dec 11
East Kelowna Hall 2704 East Kelowna Road Kelowna
November 18-20
Vernon Presents A Festival Of Crafts & Gifts
November 18, 19
Kal Tire Place, Vernon
Admission is $4 per person, kids 12 and under are free. Part of the proceeds go to North Okanagan Hospice House.
It’s Christmas at the Red Barn
November 18, 19, 20
4409 Lakeshore Rd, Kelowna
Free entry & family friendly
North Glenmore Elementary Holiday Market
November 19, 125 Snowsell Street N, Kelowna
Connect Christmas Market
November 20
Parkinson Rec Centre, 1800 Parkinson Way, Kelowna
November 24-27
Holiday Craft & Artisan Market
November 24
Chief Tomat Elementary, 3365 East Boundary Road, Westbank
Predator Ridge Winter Market
November 25
Predator Ridge, 301 Village Centre Place, Vernon
Shannon Lake Elementary Craft Fair
November 25
3044 Sandstone Dr, West Kelowna
14th Annual Christmas Extravaganza
November 26, 9:00 a.m.
Rutland Centennial Hall, 215 Shepherd Rd, Kelowna
Christmas Craft Fair
November 26
Centre Culturel Francophone de l’Okanagan, 702 Bernard Avenue
Canyon Falls Middle School Market
November 26
1211 Frost Road, Kelowna
Touch of Christmas Crafters and Vendors Fair
November 26, 9:30 – 3:30
2041 Harvey Avenue, Kelowna
Peachland Craft Fair
November 26
Peachland Wellness Centre, 4426 5th Street, Peachland
Magical Christmas at the Rotary Centre
November 26, 27
Rotary Centre for the Arts
December Markets
Craft Culture Holiday Market
December 2, 3 & 4
Prospera Place, 1223 Water St. Kelowna
Grizzli Winery Winter Market
December 3, 4, 10, 11, 17, 18
2550 Boucherie Rd, West Kelowna
Armstrong Farmers Christmas Market
December 3
Hassen Arena, 3315 Pleasant Valley Rd, Armstrong
A Reel Christmas Market
December 17
760 Vaughan Avenue, Kelowna
Winery Events
Holiday Fire Pits at Ex Nihilo
When: Saturdays and Sundays in December
What: A casual and rustic outdoor experience. Book your outdoor fire pit complete with hay bales and blankets for sitting for up to one hour (maximum). Add on a bucket of s’mores, French onion soup, or a pulled pork sandwich and a glass of Ex Nihilo wine to enjoy fireside $9–$17.50 required add-ons
Where: 1525 Camp Road, Lake Country
When: November 19, 11 am – 5 pm
What: Local vendors, giveaways, seasonal wine tastings and more.
Where: 2291 Goldie Rd, Lake Country
When: November 26, 27, 11 am – 4 pm
What: Our tasting rooms along the scenic sip in Lake Country will once again be filled with holiday fun; markets, photos with Santa, mulled wine, fire pits and much more. Throughout the event, wine tastings will be by donation (cash or non-perishable food items), raising funds for the Lake Country Food Bank.
Christmas Charcuterie Wreath Class
When: November 27
What: This will be a special Christmas themed charcuterie class. Tickets include platter, food product, wine tasting and jelly from the Sanctuary Gardens. Learn how to make fun wreath themed charcuterie platters and impress your guests at you next Christmas party. Wine tasting through out the class with the option to purchase a glass or two to enjoy.
Where: The Gallery Winery, 2233 Witt Road West Kelowna
Mission Hill Winery Festival of Trees
When: November 28 – December 3
What: Visit Mission Hill Family Estate for a taste of the holiday season. Join Wine Ambassadors for a tour of the cellar, followed by a seated tasting of the Terroir and Legacy Collection wines paired with estate grown fare, while viewing the beautifully decorated Festival of Trees throughout our Barrel Cellar and Visitor’s Hall.
Where: 1730 Mission Hill Road, West Kelowna
Grizzli Winery Christmas Markets
When: December 3, 4, 10, 11, 17, 18
What: Celebrate the holiday season and shop locally curated artisan vendors and enjoy the festive photo booth, mulled wine and wine tastings. Family & Pet Friendly!
Where: 2550 Boucherie Rd, West Kelowna
Meadow Vista Honey Wines Selfies with Santa
When: December 3, 4, 10 & 11; 3 pm – 6 pm
Where: Meadow Vista, 3975 June Springs Road. Kelowna
What: Tons of fun of holiday fun on the Meadow Vista Artisan Farm including visits with Santa. Visit and take Selfie photos with Santa in his lit up Holiday Shack and check out the activities sheet for prizes, holiday light up, carols by the fire and wine tastings. Dinner and s’mores packages are available.
Give & Share
There are many wonderful community organizations that provide Christmas hampers and donations to those in need in our communities. Please consider donating to one of the following Christmas campaigns to spread joy and help make someone’s Christmas a little brighter.
Kelowna Santas
Kelowna Santas is back and ready to spread some cheer for another holiday season! This volunteer initiative strives to provide a better Christmas for less fortunate children that live in the areas of Lake Country, Kelowna and West Kelowna. Drop Locations will be collecting new, unwrapped toys until December 15th at 4pm, which will be delivered to families in need on December 18th.
Festival of Trees
Festival of Trees, presented by Scotiabank, brings local businesses and organizations along with members of the community together in support of BC Children’s Hospital Foundation. Businesses, families and groups of friends can sponsor a tree, then decorate it during a special celebration and kickoff party. Throughout the festival, the public can wander the glittering grove and vote by donation for their favourite trees at the Delta Grand by Marriott and Mission Hill. Festival of Trees kicks off from Nov. 18 to Jan. 3 at the Delta and Mission Hill will be running from Nov. 25 to Jan. 3.
Mamas for Mamas
You and your family or business can join together to provide a customized holiday spirit package and become an Elf of Mamas Christmas Cheer! Mamas for Mamas is calling on you for your support to make this holiday season magical for the children and their care providers. Please include a grocery gift card with your hamper if you want to support the family’s nourishment needs and Holiday dinner. You can also donate to financially to support a family and Mamas for Mamas will put together hampers.
Kelowna and District SHARE Society
The Adopt-a-Family Hamper Program runs every year around the holidays to help families in our community ensure that financial stress doesn’t interfere with this special time. To sponsor a hamper, or to donate to the program, please request a sign-up form. Sponsors will be notified if they have been matched by the week of November 16th-20th. Hamper pickups and delivery will be December 14th-18th.
Stocking Stuffers for Seniors
Stocking Stuffers for Seniors is back for 2022 at all London Drugs locations across Western Canada. This program partners with local care homes and charities with a mission to bring more holiday cheer to seniors. Your donated items don’t need to be purchased from a London Drugs store — any new, non-gift wrapped item is accepted. Please be sure to check the signage beside the Christmas Tree in your local London Drugs store, to see exactly where your gifts are going. The Stocking Stuffers for Seniors program runs from Saturday, November 12 – Thursday, December 8,* with an extended drop off date to December 11.
Merry Christmas!
This blog is a compilation of local events & activities to help you enjoy the holidays and create family memories. We love to celebrate the holidays and we love sharing a guide for our hometown. We are not responsible for any of the events or activities listed here. Please confirm dates, times and locations for each event. Check back soon, events and activities will be added as information becomes available! From our family to yours, Merry Christmas!
