It’s the most wonderful time of the year! Welcome to the 2023 Okanagan Christmas family activity guide! Back for another year of festive fun, this guide includes everything from light ups to Santa visits to holiday markets and more! This page will be updated regularly as more information becomes available, please check back often! You can also sign up on my home page to receive these guides straight to your inbox, or find me on instagram to stay up-t0-date on local Okanagan events and activities!

This guide includes:

• Christmas Light Ups & Parades
• Santa Visits
• Santa Breakfasts
• Christmas Tree Farms
• Skating
• Christmas Shows, Plays and Performances
• Sleigh Rides
• Holiday Markets
• Winery Events

Give and Share

At the bottom of this guide, you will find a section dedicated to organizations in our community that are supporting families and individuals in need this holiday season. Please consider contributing to one of these incredible programs to spread holiday joy this season!

Christmas Light Ups & Parades

 

Light-Up Summerland
When: November 24, 5 pm – 9 pm
What: The 36th annual festival of lights features food, entertainment and tons of family fun! 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!

District Wine Village Light Up
When: November 18, 4 pm – 8 pm
What: Join us as we light up the Village and celebrate the season! Bring a non perishable food item for the food bank and receive a complimentary wine tasting. Bring your skates for a free skate on the outdoor rink and enjoy wine and smores by the fire!

Tree of Hope Light Up
When: November 24, 5:45 pm
What: The iconic Tree of Hope will light up in Kelowna’s Landmark District for the 26th year. Each year this LED Christmas tree light up raises money for local community organizations. !

Rutland Winter Light Up Festival
When: November 25, 1 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, free photo’s with Santa hot chocolate, food trucks, and so much more. Stay until 4:30pm to see the giant Christmas tree light up!

Countdown to Carnival
When: In front of the Vernon Museum, 4 – 7 pm
What: vendors, choirs, lights, hot chocolate, cider and food trucks. Free to attend

Light Up West Kelowna
When: December 1, 5 pm – 8 pm
What: Westbank Centre (Brown Road) Choirs singing carols, kids activity stations, craft vendors, free hot chocolate, food trucks and a visit from Santa! Santa and the Mayor will arrive by the Zamboni and fire truck right before the flipping of the switch at 6pm. The fireworks show will take place at 8:30 p.m

Peachland Light Up
When: December 1, 5 pm – 7:30 pm
What: Children’s party with crafts, face painting and a sing-a-long, glow parade walk to Heritage Park, games, bouncy castles, face painting, refreshments, Santa visits and more!

Downtown Kelowna Winter Street Market & Light Up 
When: December 2, 11 am to 6 pm
What: A festive outdoor celebration in Stewart park featuring local Okanagan artisans and holiday cheer. Artisan and market vendors, family-friendly activities, live entertainment, and Photos with Santa! Market hours 11 am – 5 pm; light up at 5:30 pm.

The Santa Clause Parade Kettle Valley
When: December 2, 6-8 pm
What: Santa Clause will be riding his sleigh through Kettle Valley  for the fourth annual Santa Claus Parade. The parade will begin at 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))

Kettle Valley Neighbourhood Light Up
When: December 2 – 10, 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.

Penticton Magic on Main Street Santa Clause Parade and Light Up
When: December 3, 4:30 pm
What: Parade route: along 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. Light Up event at Gyro Park at 6:00 pm.

Silver Star Light Up 
When: December 9, 3 pm – 8 pm
What: A fun night to kick off the winter and holiday season with fireworks, fire spinners, light displays, roaming entertainers, the Polson Artisan Market, and more!

Holiday Kick Off at Sun Peaks
When: December 2, 1 – 4 pm
What: The village will be alive with lights and sounds of the holiday season. Enjoy your favourite holiday drink from a local café while you stroll through the village shops on your way to the Artisan Market to pick up some last-minute gifts.

Santa Visits

MontanaRae Digital Santa Photos
When: November & December
Where: Online! Email your photo choice to MontanaRaePhoto@gmail.com
What: A great option for those 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.

Kelowna Santa

Okanagan Santa
When: November 25 – December 24
Where: 565 Bernard Avenue, Kelowna (The District Mall)
What: A memorable and enchanting experience with a private meet and greet session in a serene and cozy setting. This year’s magical backdrop transports you to a classic Christmas scene within Santa’s charming study. Grinch visits also available!

Santa and Pet Photos 
When: November 17, 5 pm – 7 pm
Where: Global Pet Foods, Capri Centre Mall
What: Bring your furry family member (or maybe feathered?) for a cute photo with Santa, and for $25 get some digital photos to download.

Santa Photos at Ex Nihilo
When: November 25
Where: Ex Nihilo Vineyards, 1525 Camp Road, Lake Country
What: Capture the holiday spirit with Santa photos at Ex Nihilo Vineyards.10 minute sessions and three magical photos.

Santa Paws 4 Paws Market 
When: December 2, 3
Where: 102-11850 Oceola Rd.Lake Country
What: Photo sessions are booked in 15 minute time slots, $20/session

Cars & Toys at August Motors 
When: December 3
Where: 3510 Spectrum Ct. Kelowna
What: Get your photos taken with Santa and supercars! Bring a new unwrapped toy for donation and enjoy the holiday festivities!

West Kelowna Santa

Santa Claus at Winter Wanderland
When: November 18, 19 (sold out- waitlist available only)
Where: Quails Gate Winery
What: Visit with Santa and high-quality digital photos

Photos with Santa @ Truck 59
When: December 9
Where: 3887 Brown Road, West Kelowna
What: Meet Santa and take in some of the fun festivities including crafts, apple cider and holiday shopping!

Santa Photos at the Toy Lodge
When: Weekends November 24 – December 10
Where: 202-3710 Hoskins Road, West Kelowna
What: Meet Santa at  Beacons Furry Friends Toy Lodge. Each session includes 3 digital photos.

Vernon Santa

Samantha Lynne Studios 
When: Weekends until December 10
Where: Samantha Lynne Studios, Vernon
What: 15 minute experiences and 3 photo packages as well as single photo with a quick visit packages available with the big guy this year!

(Image Studios) Santa Photos at Village Green Mall
When: November 25  – December 23
Where: Image Studios, Village Green Center, Vernon
What: Booked appointment line and a walk in line. Packages are $25 and include one digital image and one printed 5 by 7. Digital files will be available online on a public gallery as in past years. Additional poses/prints will be available for $5 per. Image Studios also offers in-studio holiday minis!

Santa Breakfasts

Breakfast with Santa
When: December 2, 9 – 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

Polar Pancake Pajama Party
When: December 3, 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 via phone @ 778-797-8800
Where: Westbank Lion’s Community Hall – 2466 Main Street

Predator Ridge Brunch with Santa
When: December 3, 10, 17
Where: Predator Ridge Resort
What: Get your photo taken with Santa and celebrate the season with our buffet style brunch featuring: omelette, carving and seafood stations, charcuterie & cheese, traditional breakfast offerings with eggs benedict, lunch options, chef made desserts, pastries, crepes and fresh fruit and berries.

 

Christmas Tree Farms

Get into the Christmas spirit with a visit to a local tree farm!

• Coldstream Creek Farm (Oyama)
• Grumpy’s Christmas Tree Farm
• K & J Pacific Peaches
• Turner Family Tree Farm (Oyama)

Skating

 

•  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.
  • Family holiday skate December 17 at the Rutland arena
• Lake Country Public Skating
• Vernon Public Skating 
• Penticton Public Skating 
• Big White Ice Skating
• Silver Star Skating

Christmas Shows, Plays, Performances

Kelowna

Elf the Musical 
When: November 30 – December 6
What: Based on the beloved 2003 New Line Cinema hit, ELF The Musical is the hilarious tale of Buddy, a young orphan child who mistakenly crawls into Santa’s bag of gifts and is transported back to the North Pole.
Where: Mary Irwin Theatre

The Nutcracker by the Canadian School of Ballet 
When: December 8, 9, 10
What: Experience the magic and wonder of the holiday season with the beloved classic ballet. Presented by The Canadian School of Ballet, and featuring Ballet Kelowna’s company of dancers, this magical adventure will captivate audiences of all ages transporting them on an unforgettable journey with Clara, her Nutcracker Prince, and the Sugar Plum Fairy.
Where: Kelowna Community Theatre

Stars on Ice Holiday Tour
When: December 14
What: Elvis Stojko is hosting a holiday celebration that promises to be the premier party of the season! His guest list includes among the best and most popular figure skaters in the world.
Where: Prospera Place

Cod Gone Wild Neighbourhood Rounds Christmas 
When: December 14
What: a special performance of their Neighbourhood Rounds Christmas Tour. Join the trio for an evening of down home feel good Christmas songs, stories and other Celtic favourites and Cod Gone Wild originals.
Where: Rotary Centre for the Arts

Country Christmas Songs of the Southern Belles 
When: December 16
What: Kinga Heming and Shamma Sabir sing the songs of the great women of Country along with this fantastic band under the direction of Sean Bray. Be sure not to miss this spectacular holiday show!
Where: Rotary Centre for the Arts

A Charlie Brown Christmas 
When: December 18, 7:30 pm
What: The classic animated television special A Charlie Brown Christmas comes to life in this faithful stage adaptation in which Charlie Brown, Snoopy and the rest of the Peanuts gang discover the true meaning of Christmas.
Where: Kelowna Actor’s Studio

The Nutcracker by Mission Dance Company
When: December 20-22
What: Come and join Mission Dance Company as they present this performance featuring their accomplished and passionate dancers, magical growing Christmas tree plus narration to enhance the understanding of this classic story.
Where: Mary Irwin Theatre

O Christmas Tea
When: December 22, 23
What: Rich in wordplay, comic physicality, and cleverly crafted interactive elements, O Christmas Tea is uproarious fun, yet it is the duo’s boundless imagination and endearing chemistry that provide the real magic and heart of this play.
Where: Kelowna Community Theatre

Vernon

It’s a Wonderful Life 
When: November 22 – December 2
What: Powerhouse theatre’s adaptation of this cherished and uplifting holiday tale.
Where: Powerhouse Theatre, 2901 35 Ave, Vernon

A Christmas Carol- OKeefe Ranch 
When: December 5 – 16
What: A Christmas Carol by the Historic O’Keefe Ranch. This is a walking theatrical experience with audiences traveling to each historic building to take part in this heartwarming story. There are three (3) performances each evening. Not suitable for children under 8 years of age.
Where: O’Keefe Ranch, Vernon

Under the Winter Sky
When: December 7
What: Come see the dancers of Diversity Dance, as they take you on a dance and aerial journey through winter. From the 80’s ski hills to tiny dancing reindeers.
Where: Vernon and District Performing Arts Centre

Cowboy Christmas
When: December 8
What: A delightful mix of song, story, poetry, and drama capturing the “Old Fashioned Cowboy Christmas”.
Where: Vernon Alliance Church

All Hearts Come Home
When: December 9
What: Join Multi-Platinum singer/songwriter Andrew Allen as he ushers in the holiday’s with his Annual Christmas Show! Featuring TONS of guests, loads of new and classic Christmas songs and of course the originals you know and love him by, this is THE event to start the season!
Where: Vernon and District Performing Arts Centre

We Need a Little Christmas
When: December 10
What: A Christmas a cappella Concert- We Need A Little Christmas NOW!
Where: Creekside Theatre

O Christmas Tea
When: December 21
What: Rich in wordplay, comic physicality, and cleverly crafted interactive elements, O Christmas Tea is uproarious fun, yet it is the duo’s boundless imagination and endearing chemistry that provide the real magic and heart of this play.
Where: Vernon and District Performing Arts Centre

Sleigh Rides

Big White Sleigh Rides
When: Check the website for schedule and ticket information. 1/2 hour, 1 hour and dining tours are available, as well as private tours.
What: Transport yourself to a bygone era with a nostalgic journey on a classic horse-drawn sleigh through the enchanting winter wonderland of Big White. Snuggle up beneath a warm blanket as you gracefully glide through snow-covered forest trails during your sleigh ride, creating a magical connection with the magnificent horses. This is an ideal family adventure, open to all ages, promising a fantastic and heartwarming experience.
Where: Big White Ski Resort

Caravan Farm Theatre: The Nutcracker 
When: December 5-  January 7
What: This winter sleigh ride theatre production features a horse drawn sleigh that transports you over field and forest from scene to scene, weaving the magic of the winter landscape with stunning circus elements and a fleet of heavy horses to revamp an old chestnut. Told with irreverence, wit and big heart, this is The Nutcracker, Caravan style!
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.

Canadian Pacific Railway Holiday Train
The 2023 CPKC Holiday Train tours Canada and the United States Nov. 20 through Dec. 19, raising money, food and awareness for the important work that food banks do in their communities. Professional musicians play free concerts from the brightly decorated train’s stage. CPKC makes a donation to the local food shelf at each stop and encourages attendees to also donate.
Catch it nearby in Sicamous, Canoe and Salmon Arm on December 15 or Chase, Kamloops on December 16! (see schedule for times and stops)

Holiday Markets

November Markets

November 12 – 20

Winter Moon Vintage Market
November 11
1090 Coronation Ave, Kelowna

Furnish Holiday Market
November 12
464 Adams Road, Kelowna

East Kelowna’s Country Christmas Markets 
November 12, 25
East Kelowna Hall 2704 East Kelowna Road Kelowna

Kick Off to Christmas
November 14
Burnett’s Florist and Gifts, 453 Bernard Avenue, Kelowna

Vernon Presents A Festival Of Crafts & Gifts
November 17, 18
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.

Christmas at the Red Barn
November 17-19
Okanagan Mission Hall, Kelowna

A Heartfelt Christmas Market
November 18
German Canadian Harmony Club, 1696 Cary Road Kelowna

Sandalwood Community Annual Bake and Craft Sale
November 18
550 Yates Road, Kelowna

Farmstrong Cider Christmas Market
November 18
All parking is at the IPE grounds in Armstrong with toonie shuttle buses bringing everyone to and from Farmstrong, no parking on site. Bring your toonie for the shuttle bus (cash only).

Pearson Road Elementary PAC Holiday Market
November 18
700 Pearson Road, Kelowna

2nd Annual Christmas Ornament an Art Sale 
November 18
West Kelowna Yacht Club, 4111 Gellatly Rd, West Kelowna

Christmas Craft Fair
November 18
Centre Culturel Francophone de l’Okanagan, 702 Bernard Avenue

Frakas Holiday Market
November 19
810 Clement Ave #104, Kelowna

Holiday Magic Market at the RCA
November 18,19
Rotary Centre for the Arts, Kelowna

It’s Christmas at the Laurel
November 18,19
Laurel Packing House, Kelowna

November 23-26

Oyama Traditional PAC Sip & Shop
November 23
Oyama Community Club

Shannon Lake Elementary Craft Fair
November 24
3044 Sandstone Dr, West Kelowna

A Merry Little Christmas 
November 24, 25 & 26
1169 Bellagio Avenue, Kelowna

Peachland Wellness Centre Craft Fair 
November 25
Peachland Community Centre, 4450 6th Street, Peachland

Peachland  Presents Christmas Markets 
November 25
Candy Cane Lane and Gingerbread Way (5672-5878 Beach Ave, Peachland)

Immaculata Christmas Craft Fair
November 25
1493 KLO Rd, Kelowna

Christmas in the Stables
November 25
Spirit Ridge Equestrian, 199 Reynolds Road Kelowna

Touch of Christmas Crafters and Vendors Fair 
November 25
1905 Springfield Road, Kelowna

15th Annual Christmas Extravaganza
November 25
Rutland Centennial Hall, 215 Shepherd Rd, Kelowna

Farmstrong Cider Christmas Market
November 25
All parking is at the IPE grounds in Armstrong with toonie shuttle buses bringing everyone to and from Farmstrong, no parking on site. Bring your toonie for the shuttle bus (cash only).

Canyon Falls Middle School Market
November 26
1211 Frost Road, Kelowna

December Markets

December 1-3

Mount Boucherie Winter Market
December 1
2751 Cameron Road, West Kelowna

Craft Culture Holiday Market
December 1, 2, 3
Prospera Place, 1223 Water St. Kelowna

Grizzli Winery Christmas Market
December 2,3,9,10, 16 & 17
2550 Boucherie Rd, West Kelowna

Quigley Elementary School Christmas Craft Fair
December 2
705 Kitch Road, Kelowna

Winter Love Market
December 2
CC Bloom, 5258 HWY97A, Armstrong

December 9-10

Yuletide Artisan’s Showcase: Last Chance Gift and Artisan Market
December 9, 10
Artisan Market at the Penticton Trade and Convention Centre

East Kelowna’s Country Christmas Markets 
December 10
East Kelowna Hall 2704 East Kelowna Road Kelowna

Winter Night Market
December 15
Lake Country Public Art Gallery

Winery Events

Winter Wanderland
When: November 18, 19
What: Guests are invited to wander the Quail’s Gate Winery estate and immerse themselves in all kinds of holiday wonder! Santa Claus (booking required); carollers and roasted chestnuts; treats and mulled wine; gift wrapping station plus special discounts in the Wine Shop; and Giving trees at the Harvest Gathering Site (option to purchase an “ornament” to write a message on to the local firehalls).
Where: Quail’s Gate Winery, 3303 Boucherie Road

Phantom Creek Christmas Party
When: December 1
What: Enjoy an evening filled with wine, live music, local vendor and delightful canapes.
Where:1525 Camp Road, Lake Country

Priest Creek Holiday Market
When: December 3
What: Visit Priest Creek Winery and enjoy a beautiful December afternoon sipping wine and strolling through the Holiday Market showcasing talented local artisans and crafters!
Where: 2555 Saucier Road

Holiday Fire Pits at Ex Nihilo 
When:Fridays in December
What:Gather and enjoy our fireside food and wine menu while you stay toasty around your own private firepit.
Where:1525 Camp Road, Lake Country

Grizzli Winery Christmas Markets
When: December 2,3, 9, 10, 16, 17
What: Celebrate the holiday season and shop locally curated artisan vendors, get your photos with Santa, and enjoy mulled wine and wine tastings.
Where: 2550 Boucherie Rd, West Kelowna

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.

BGC Okanagan Adopt a Family
BGC Okanagan’s Adopt-a-Family or Adopt-a-Club program matches families and young people or Clubs with businesses, organizations, schools, service groups and individual sponsors. Our families/youth are current members of our programs and services and are identified as needing support at this time of year. You can participate by donating to provide e-cards which empowers and allows youth and families to purchase food and small gifts to make their holidays a little more joy-filled; create a generic hamper; build a hamper for a specific family/youth.

Habitat for Humanity Jingle Bell Build
Take part in one of two fun and festive gingerbread house building competitions this holiday season in support of Habitat for Humanity! Families/individuals can pre-order a Jingle Bell Build kit for $25 starting Nov 1 and submit their photo until December 3 for a chance to win great prizes. The public is invited to vote for just $5 per vote. The Jingle Bell Build – Corporate Edition will take place on Wednesday November 22 @ the Laurel Packing House– a great team event open to all groups/companies/teams throughout the Okanagan. Corporate team registration is open until November 15.

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 14th at 4pm, which will be delivered to families in need on December 17th.

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. 17 to Jan. 5 at the Delta Grand and Mission Hill will be running from Nov. 25 to Jan. 7.

Mamas for Mamas 
By joining forces with your family or business, you can provide a personalized holiday experience and become an Elf of Mamas Holiday Cheer! We calling upon your support to make this holiday season truly magical for the children and their caregivers. Please ensure that all items for families are new, unwrapped, and labelled. Please include wrapping paper for the care providers to wrap the gifts themselves. 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 24th-December 1st. Hamper pickups and delivery will be December 18th-20th.

Stocking Stuffers for Seniors
Stocking Stuffers for Seniors is back for 2023 at all London Drugs locations across Western Canada. This has been another challenging year with the economy and COVD-19 variants, but especially continues to be difficult for our seniors. We know the effect of this is significant and we want our seniors to know we care, and we are thinking of them. Stocking Stuffers for Seniors program partners with local care homes and charities with a mission to bring more holiday cheer to seniors, in all the communities we serve. The Stocking Stuffers for Seniors program runs until Friday, December 8,* with an extended drop off date to December 15.

 

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 community. We are not responsible for any of the events or activities listed here. Please confirm dates, times and locations, and costs for each event. Check back soon, events and activities will be added as information becomes available! From our family to yours, Merry Christmas!