Christmas
Celebrations in this city are a heartening mix of entrenched traditions and enthusiastic events. The aroma of fresh pine Christmas trees, twinkling city lights, and festive food and drink together make Kelowna's Christmas celebrations an idyllic spectacle for residents and visitors alike.
The Magic of Lights
Considered one of the most visually stunning traditions in Kelowna during the festive season is the display of spectacular lights. When dusk falls, the city gets adorned with millions of glowing Christmas lights, giving it a truly magical appearance. Streets, markets, and homes are lit up with elaborate installations, creating a mesmerizing environment. For instance, Mission Hill Family Estate transforms into an enchanted forest of brilliantly decorated trees highlighting the wonderful fragrances and magnificent colours of the season. You can also visit the Festival of Trees at the Delta Grand Okanagan Resort. Candy Cane Lane features elaborately decorated homes, each competing for the unofficial title of the most festive. With twinkling lights, inflatable characters, beautifully wrapped presents, and plenty of candy canes, every street transforms into a scene straight out of a Christmas card. And for a unique experience, hop aboard the Christmas Express at Kettle Valley Steam Railway in Summerland for music, lights, and hot cocoa. Here is a list of the many Light Up events in Kelowna where the whole family can enjoy the magic of lights and other festivities:
- Bee Merry & Bright Holiday Light Up at Meadow Vista Honey Wines
- Downtown Kelowna Light Up at Stuart Park
- Rutland Winter Light Up
- Light Up on Brown Road at Westbank Centre
- Tree of Hope Festival at Landmark District
Kelowna Christmas Markets
What is Christmas without a visit to the bustling marketplace? Kelowna's Christmas Markets are the hub for everything Christmassy. With many vendors offering a variety of items, the markets transform into lively Christmas bazaars.
From gifting items such as handcrafted earrings and scented candles, Christmas decor like eccentric baubles and handmade wreaths, to gourmet preparations straight out of the Christmas cookbook, you find it all at the markets. Moreover, the markets also have performance artists and musicians, filling the air with melodious Christmas carols and holiday cheer. Here are some of the popular annual Christmas Markets:
- Christmas in the Country Market
- Craft Culture Holiday Magic Market
- Downtown Kelowna Winter Street Market & Light Up
- Festive Christmas Market at Grizzli Winery
- Adventsmarkt at Dogwood Nursery
- The Market at Light Up in Westbank
- Craft Culture Holiday Market
- Winter Night Market in Lake Country
- A Reel Christmas Market
Kelowna's Parade
Kelowna's Parade with a Purpose is a much-awaited event packed with enchanting floats, heartwarming music, and lively community participation. Local businesses, schools, and various organizations design and display their float entries, culminating with the main attraction - the Santa Claus float. Skating elves, plump snowmen, and red-nosed reindeer are popular figures dotting the parade.
Winter Wonderland at Big White Ski Resort
For those seeking to merge Christmas cheer with winter sports, Big White Ski Resort hosts numerous events throughout the season. Amidst the snow-covered pine forests, the resort lends an idyllic touch to the festivities.
Activities such as night skiing, snowboard competitions, and the building and decorating of snowmen are popular here. Don’t miss the bonfires, games and craft, live music and the fireworks display. Big White Ski Resort offers everything from Santa’s Workshop to Christmas Dinner To Go, making it the perfect holiday destination.
Local Christmas Traditions
Kelowna embraces several time-honoured traditions during Christmas, which largely contributes to its unique festive appeal. One of these is "Carolling in the Park", where families gather to sing favourite Christmas tunes, bundled up in warm winter jackets, gloves, and scarves, accompanied by hot cocoa.
Get into the holiday spirit with a variety of concerts across Kelowna. Enjoy classic carols with the Kelowna Community Chorus or celebrate the season with "A Rocky Mountain High Christmas" featuring John Denver's music. The Okanagan Symphony Orchestra presents "Messiah" for a timeless holiday experience. For modern takes, check out the jazzy Christmas Presence concert at the Rotary Centre for the Arts or sing along with "Making Spirits Bright", a youth choir event.
Kelowna’s theatres come alive with holiday productions like Matilda at Kelowna Actors Studio and a little further of a drive in Armstrong, the interactive "A Sleigh Ride Christmas Carol" at Caravan Farm Theatre. Families will love "A Kelowna Christmas Carol" and the magical "Nutcracker Ballet" at various venues. For a laugh, catch the hilarious "Holiday Comedy Rumble" at the Mary Irwin Theatre.
Another local tradition is the "Christmas At Benvoulin" at Benvoulin Heritage Church. This traditional service lets you step back in time and celebrate Christmas in an historical setting. As the harmonious voices fill up the old church, people light candles, creating a beautiful ambiance. For a unique treat, join the "Living Nativity" at Willow Park Church, featuring musical theatre and a holiday market.
Conclusion
There is a myriad of ways to celebrate Christmas in Kelowna. Every corner of the city is brimming with holiday energy and goodwill. So, lace-up your boots, put on a warm coat, and step out to immerse in the enigmatic charm of Kelowna at Christmas!
