Christmas in the Okanagan has arrived! Welcome to the 2024 Okanagan Christmas family activities and events guide! Here you will find links to festive fun, from holiday light-ups to Santa visits to Christmas markets and more. This page will be updated regularly, please check back often! Also, keep an eye on Instagram to stay up-to-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

November 23

Tree of Hope Light Up
When: November 23, 12 pm – 6 pm
What:  The 27th annual lighting of the Tree of Hope at the Landmark District. Enjoy the outdoor ice-skating rink, photos with Santa, a Christmas market, hot chocolate and s’mores station, food trucks and more.

November 29 -30

Light-Up Summerland
When: November 29, 5 pm – 9 pm
What: The 37th 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!

Frostival
When: November 29, 4 – 8 pm
What: The DVA will have the roads closed off for music, activities, fire pits, vendors, Santa’s arrival and so much more!

Downtown Kelowna Winter Street Market & Light Up 
When: November 30, 12 pm to 6 pm (light up at 5 pm)
What: A festive outdoor celebration in Stuwart park featuring local Okanagan artisans and holiday cheer. Artisan and market vendors, family-friendly activities, live entertainment, and Photos with Santa!

December 1

Rutland Winter Light Up Festival
When: December 1, 3 pm (tree lighting at 4:15 pm)
What: Kick off the holiday season at the Rutland Centennial Park! Local vendors, crafting, live entertainment, photo’s with Santa, food trucks, and so much more.

Penticton Magic on Main Street Santa Clause Parade and Light Up
When: December 1, 4:30 pm
What: The parade starts at 4:45 p.m. from White Avenue and will proceed north along Main Street toward Lakeshore Drive. At Gyro Park, there will live music, photos with Santa and the official light up at 6 p.m.

December 6-7

Light Up West Kelowna
When: December 6, 5 pm – 7:30 pm
What: Westbank Centre (Brown Road)  Family activities, a craft market, holiday music, food trucks, and complimentary hot chocolate! Children will also enjoy special appearances by Santa, the Grinch, and some cast members from Frozen. The flipping of the switch and lighting of the tree, takes place at 6:00 pm when Santa and the Mayor arrive by the Zamboni and fire truck. Don’t miss the high-altitude fireworks show, scheduled for 7:45 p.m., weather permitting.

Peachland Light Up
When: December 6, 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!

Silver Star Light Up 
When: December 7, 3 pm – 8 pm
What: Join us for a fun night to kick off the winter and holiday season! Fireworks, fire spinners, light displays, roaming entertainers, a Christmas market, and more!

December 13-14

Holiday Kick Off at Sun Peaks
When: December 13, 7 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. Check schedule for details!

Parade with a Purpose
When: December 14, 6 pm
What: The 5th Annual Parade with a Purpose is coming to downtown Kelowna! This parade for a cause will feature floats and emergency vehicles!

Santa Visits

Kelowna Santa

Okanagan Santa
When: November 16 – 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.

Orchard Park Shopping Centre Santa
When: November 21 – December 24
Where: Orchard Park Mall
What: Don’t miss Santa pictures at Orchard Park! Walk ups welcome every day until closing time. Please Note: Multiple families are scheduled during the selected 15-minute time.

Santa and Pet Photos 
When: November 16, 11 am – 3 pm
Where: Global Pet Foods, Capri Centre Mall
What: Call 778-478-0016 to book your spot. A backdrop, Santa and you bring a device! Photos are by donation and all donations go to Lend A Paw Pet Food Foundation.

Santa Photos at Ex Nihilo
When: November 23, 24
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. Proceeds are in support of the Lake Country Food Bank.

Cars & Toys at August Motors 
When: December 1, 3 pm – 5 pm
Where: 3510 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!

West Kelowna Santa

Santa Claus at Winter Wanderland
When: November 23, 24 (sold out- waitlist available only)
Where: Quails Gate Winery
What: Visit with Santa and Flash Frame Photo Booth

Photos with Santa @ Truck 59
When: December 7
Where: 3887 Brown Road, West Kelowna
What: Meet Santa, take in some of the fun festivities including crafts, apple cider and holiday shopping!

Vernon Santa

Santa Photos at Village Green Shopping Centre
When: Starting December 5
Where: Center Court, Village Green Center, Vernon
What: Booked appointments Thursday to Sunday only, $26

Santa Breakfasts

Kelowna Medical Society Santa Brunch
When: December 1, 10:30 – 1:00 pm
Where: Okanagan Mission Community Hall
What: For physicians, residents, medical student and their families! Pre-paid tickets required. Crafts, glitter tattoos, cookie decorating and a visit from Santa.

Predator Ridge Brunch with Santa
When: December 1, 8, 15, 22
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.

Breakfast with Santa
When: December 7, 9 – 10:30 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

Gulf Stream Santa Breakfast
When: December 7, 10 am- 1 pm
Where: Gulfstream at the Four Points by Sheraton, 5505 Airport Way, Kelowna
What: Enjoy a festive delicious spread of your favorite breakfast offerings with your family and friends! The menu features eggs, bacon, sausage, pancakes, pastries, fruit salad, yogurt parfaits and more! Have your photo taken with Santa Claus in our photo booth, along with crafts, games and activities.

Polar Pancake Pajama Party
When: December 8, 9 – 11 am
What: 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

Santa Paws Pet Pictures and Breakfast
When: December 14, 10 am- 1 pm
Where: Gulfstream at the Four Points by Sheraton, 5505 Airport Way, Kelowna
What: Enjoy the friendly, heated and covered patio for brunch with your pet and to capture a festive photo of your furry friend! Brunch will be offered until 1pm from the a la carte menu, along with our one day only pet menu! Photos with your pet are by donation, minimum $10, with proceeds towards Paws It Forward Kelowna!

Christmas Tree Farms

Get into the Christmas spirit with a visit to a local tree farm! Check opening dates/weekends before visiting as many are only open for one weekend.

• Coldstream Creek Farm (Oyama)
• Christmas Ranch Tree Farm (Lumby)
• Grumpy’s Christmas Tree Farm
• Holiday Timber (Kelowna)
• K & J Pacific Peaches (Kelowna)
• Lamberton Tree Farm (Kelowna)
• Mackenzie’s Tree Farm (Vernon)
• Mail Road Tree Farm (131 Mail Road, Kelowna)
• Turner Family Tree Farm (Oyama)

Skating

•  Stuart Park 
• Kelowna Public Skating: Lace up the skates for public skating at Rutland Arena, Memorial Arena and MNP Place.
  • Free Public Skating: November, 1-3 pm, Rutland Arena; December 13, 6:30-7:45 pm MNP Place; December 14; 1-3 pm, Rutland Arena; December 15, 1-3 pm, Rutland Arena (Family Holiday Skate!)
• Lake Country Public Skating
• Vernon Public Skating 
• Penticton Public Skating 
• Big White Ice Skating
• Silver Star Skating

Christmas Shows, Plays, Performances

Kelowna

A Kelowna Christmas Carol
When: November 27 – December 7
What: Complete with Ebeneezer Scrooge, the Cratchits and adorable Tiny Tim, A Kelowna Christmas Carol is a family spectacular show by Bonnie Gratz.
Where: Rotary Centre for the Arts

The Midnight Clear Experience 
When: December 6
What: Canadian Folk Music Award-winning duo James Hill and Anne Janelle are set to enchant audiences across Canada with their upcoming tour, The Midnight Clear, an evening of re-imagined Christmas carols, original winter songs, and musical magic.
Where: Rotary Centre for the Arts

The Comeback of the Christmas Belles
When: December 4-7
What: The Belles are back! This time at the Black Box Theatre for an all new adventure-this time on a trip they will never forget. Don’t miss this hilarious new comedy complete with a drink, Christmas treat and live music!
Where: Black Box Theatre

Holiday Comedy Rumble: Every Elf for Himself 
When: December 13
What: It’s candy cane chaos and mistletoe mayhem in this fast-paced improv comedy spectacular.
Where: Rotary Centre for the Arts

Stars on Ice Holiday Tour
When: December 12, 7 pm
What: Stars on Ice is bringing a spectacular holiday treat to figure skating fans across Canada with its dazzling, award-winning show this season! Headlining this must-see holiday event is the legendary Elvis Stojko.
Where: Prospera Place

The Nutcracker by the Canadian School of Ballet 
When: December 13-15
What: Experience the magic and wonder of the holiday season with the beloved classic ballet. Presented by The Canadian School of Ballet and featuring principals dancers from the New York City Ballet, 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

The Nutcracker by Mission Dance Company
When: December 18,19
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

Christmas Presence
When: December 22
What: The Anna Jacyszyn quartet, at their professional peak, wins audiences over with sophisticated musical choices and fun
Where: Rotary Centre for the Arts

Vernon

A Christmas Carol: A Walk with Scrooge 
When: November 20- December 15
What: An immersive retelling of the classic tale, A Christmas Carol, at O’Keefe Ranch. It is a walk-through, live theatre experience where you, the audience, will physically journey with Scrooge, witnessing his transformation unfold on a fateful Christmas Eve.

Jann Arden Christmas Tour
When: November 23
What: A special holiday tour, “A Jann Arden Christmas”.
Where: Vernon and District Performing Arts Centre

A Christmas Story 
When: November 23 – December 4
What: Powerhouse theatre’s adaptation of this classic 1983 movie.
Where: Powerhouse Theatre, 2901 35 Ave, Vernon

Grinch
When: November 29-30
What: An original production that uses a dynamic fusion of circus arts, drama, dance, music, gymnastics and cirque-like storytelling to take you on an unforgettable and meaningful journey.
Where: Vernon and District Performing Arts Centre

Hail Mary!
When: November 30, December 1
What: Join AURA Chamber Choir for a breathtaking choral Christmas concert celebrating Mary, a night of reverence and joy that highlights her pivotal role in the Christmas story.
Where: All Saints Anglican Church

The Nutcracker
When: December 7
What: 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: Vernon and District Performing Arts Centre

A Rocky Mountain High Christmas
When: December 8
What: Celebrating the Hits and Christmas Songs of John Denver as arranged by Lee Holdridge.
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: Christmas Carol 
When: December 3-  January 5
What: A spectacular interpretation of Charles Dickens’ wondrous classic, A Sleigh Ride Christmas Carol weaves storytelling, music and epic design into a magical adventure through the winter landscape. Experience a powerful story of transformation featuring large-scale puppets, and a music-filled, horse-drawn procession through the woods and fields of Caravan Farm Theatre.
Where: 4886 Salmon River Road, Armstrong BC

Horse Drawn Okanagan
When: December 20-29
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. 21 through Dec. 20, 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 17 or Chase, Kamloops on December 18! (see schedule for times and stops)

Holiday Markets

November Markets

November 22-24

Vernon Presents A Festival Of Crafts & Gifts
November 22, 23
Kal Tire Place, Vernon

East Kelowna’s Christmas in the Country 
November 23, December 8
East Kelowna Hall 2704 East Kelowna Road Kelowna

Farmstrong Cider Christmas Market
November 23
4300 Maw Road, Armstrong, BC

The Christmas Market at Summerhill
November 23
4870 Chute Lake Road, Kelowna

Christmas Craft Fair
November 23
Centre Culturel Francophone de l’Okanagan, 702 Bernard Avenue

Touch of Christmas Crafters and Vendors Fair 
November 23
Trinity Church, 1905 Springfield Road, Kelowna

16th Annual Christmas Extravaganza
November 23
Rutland Centennial Hall, 215 Shepherd Rd, Kelowna

Winter Market
November 23-24
Arrowleaf Cellars, 1574 Camp Road, Lake Country

Winter Moon Vintage Market
November 24
The Laurel Packing House

Nov 29-30

Holiday Magic Market at the RCA
November 29,30
Rotary Centre for the Arts, Kelowna

Peachland  Presents Christmas Markets 
November 30
Candy Cane Lane and Gingerbread Way (5672-5878 Beach Ave, Peachland)

Farmstrong Cider Christmas Market
November 23
4300 Maw Road, Armstrong, BC

Peachland Wellness Centre Craft Fair 
November 30
Peachland Community Centre, 4450 6th Street, Peachland

Joe Rich Christmas Market 
November 30
Joe Rich Community Hall, 11481 Hwy 33, Kelowna

Canyon Falls Middle School Market
November 30
1211 Frost Road, Kelowna

A Heartfelt Christmas
November 30
1696 Cary Rd, Kelowna

Gray Monk German Christmas Market
November 30, December 1
2550 Boucherie Rd, West Kelowna

North Glenmore Elementary Christmas Craft Market
December 1
125 Snowsnell Street North, Kelowna

December Markets

December 5-8

Shannon Lake Elementary Craft Fair
December 5
3044 Sandstone Dr, West Kelowna

A Christkindl Market
December 6-8
Laurel Packing House, Kelowna

Mount Boucherie Winter Market
December 6
2751 Cameron Road, West Kelowna

Craft Culture Holiday Market
December 6-8
Prospera Place, 1223 Water St. Kelowna

East Kelowna’s Country Christmas Markets 
December 8
East Kelowna Hall 2704 East Kelowna Road Kelowna

December 13-15

Winter Night Market
December 13
Lake Country Public Art Gallery

Yuletide Artisan’s Showcase: Last Chance Gift and Artisan Market
December 14, 15
Artisan Market at the Penticton Trade and Convention Centre

Winery Events

November 22-23

Mission Hill Winery Festival of Trees Light Up
When: November 22
What: Revel in the holiday spirit at the Festival of Trees opening event, with live music, mulled wine, hot chocolate, holiday treats and a holiday market!
Where: 1730 Mission Hill Road, West Kelowna

Winter Wanderland
When: November 23, 24
What: Guests are invited to wander the estate and immerse themselves in all kinds of holiday wonder! Santa Claus (booking required); carollers; treats and mulled wine; some fun for kids too, there will be a special table set up with free hot chocolate, cookies and colouring.
Where: Quail’s Gate Winery, 3303 Boucherie Road

Naramata Bench Winterfest
When: November 22, 23
What: Experience the seasonal beauty of Naramata Bench Winterfest on Nov. 22nd 3-7pm and Nov. 23rd from 12-7pm. Join us for exclusive winery, cidery, distillery and brewery tastings set against a backdrop of dazzling Christmas lights and decorations. Enjoy special events and unique holiday shopping.
Where: Naramata Bench

Wineries for the Holidays Experience 
When: November 24
What: Join Lake Country Wineries for this festive signature winter event along the Scenic Sip Wine Trail! This festive weekend invites you to explore local wineries, each offering unique holiday-themed experiences.
Where: Lake Country

December

Gray Monk All We Want for Christmas Fundraiser
When: December 8
What: Join us in celebration of or community at Lake Country’s Food Bank Winter Fundraiser. Enjoy live music, light refreshments and a silent auction all in support of Lake Country Food Bank and their goal to purchasing new equipment to better serve our community.
Where: 1055 Camp Road, Lake Country

Ongoing Dates

Grizzli Winery Christmas Markets
When: November 30, December 1, 7, 8, 14, 15
What: Join us for an indoor family/ pet-friendly afternoon alongside our snowy vineyard and celebrate our community. The event will include many local artisan vendors in a festive market, ensuring you can shop and find the perfect gifts for your holiday celebrations. Each market supports a different local charity.
Where: 2550 Boucherie Rd, West Kelowna

Swissmas!
When: Every Saturday November 23 – December 29
What: Featuring street-food-style fondue baguettes, Joe’s Famous Mulled Wine and our delicious house-made cream puffs. Indoor seating is limited, bring a blanket for the patio!
Where: Arrowleaf Cellars, 1574 Camp Road, Lake Country

Light Up the Vines
When: November 30, December 6, 7
What:  Explore Summerland’s wineries, cideries, distilleries, and breweries across three enchanting evenings
Where: Bottleneck Drive, Summerland

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. 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.

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 off new, unwrapped toys at a drop location or volunteer to help support this initiative!

Festival of Trees
Festival of Trees 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 and decorate a tree. Throughout the festival, the public can view the incredible tress and vote by donation for their favourite trees. Festival of Trees takes place from Nov. 14 to Jan. 3 at the Delta Grand and Mission Hill will be running from Nov. 23 to Jan. 5.

Mamas for Mamas 
Make this holiday season truly magical for the children and their caregivers by providing donations or sponsoring a family and providing new, unwrapped, and labelled gifts. Please include wrapping paper for the care providers to wrap the gifts themselves.

Kelowna and District SHARE Society 
Running from October to December for the Christmas holidays, the adopt-a-family program aims to help families and individuals in our community ensure that financial stress doesn’t interfere with that special time of year.  For more information on sponsoring a family or receiving a hamper, please contact info@kelownasharesociety.ca

Stocking Stuffers for Seniors
Stocking Stuffers for Seniors is back for 2024 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. Stocking Stuffers for Seniors program partners with local care homes and charities with a mission to bring more holiday cheer to seniors.

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!