Embrace the winter season in Kelowna, where the chilly air and snowy landscapes become a backdrop for a series of enthralling festivals and events. From high-speed rallies to cozy street markets, this city transforms into a winter wonderland of cultural vibrancy and community spirit. Each event, unique in its own right, weaves together the fabric of Kelowna's dynamic winter scene.
November and December Events
Tree of Hope Festival
The Tree of Hope Festival and Christmas Market on November 23rd is a festive event marking the start of the holiday season with the illumination of a towering tree and surrounding district. Highlights include an outdoor ice-skating rink, photos with Santa, a Christmas market, hot chocolate, and s’mores stations. A "Country Christmas" concert by Dawson Gray follows the lighting of the tree.
Christmas Markets
Winter market season kicks off with the Craft Culture Holiday Magic Market on November 29-30th and the Craft Culture Holiday Market on December 6-8th which are paradise for those who appreciate the value of locally-made gifts and crafts. As you wander among the stalls, the air is filled with a festive spirit, and the array of handcrafted goods offers a personal touch to your holiday shopping.
Kelowna and the surrounding areas come alive with festive cheer through its vibrant holiday markets. The Market at Light Up in Westbank on December 6th features local crafters and artisans as part of the annual Light Up celebration. The Festive Christmas Market at Grizzli Winery from November 30th-December 15th offers a cozy, family- and pet-friendly event with unique vendors, seasonal treats, and mulled wine in a snowy vineyard setting. In Lake Country on December 13th, the Winter Night Market combines handmade gifts, delicious snacks, and a festive atmosphere under twinkling lights. Meanwhile, the Reel Christmas Market at Rustic Reel Brewing on December 14th and 15th brings German-inspired holiday magic with local crafts, food, and drink for a truly jolly experience.
Bee Merry & Bright Holiday Light Up
The Bee Merry & Bright Holiday Light Up at Meadow Vista Honey Wines offers a magical holiday experience every weekend from November 30 to December 22. Guests can enjoy dazzling Christmas light displays, festive photo opportunities, live carolling by Ria Falkner, and a cozy fire pit for roasting s’mores. The event also features a holiday market with local vendors, sweet treats, mulled wine, and hot chocolate. Families can savor smokie dinner packages, while adults enjoy wine tastings, making it a festive outing for all ages.
Downtown Kelowna Winter Street Market & Light Up
Kelowna shines bright on November 30 with the Downtown Kelowna Winter Street Market & Light Up! when downtown becomes a hub of joyous activity, featuring live entertainment, a variety of food options, and the much-anticipated lighting of the giant tree. It's a place where community and celebration come together, offering fun for all ages.
Adventsmarkt at Dogwood Nursery
The 12th Annual Adventsmarkt at Dogwood Nursery in West Kelowna kicks off the holiday season with a festive market experience. Visitors can browse handmade goods from local vendors, enjoy food truck offerings, and shop for BC-grown Christmas trees, boughs, and poinsettias. The event runs over two days on November 30th to December 1st.
Candy Cane Lane
Candy Cane Lane is a cherished annual Christmas tradition in Kelowna, transforming a neighbourhood into a dazzling winter wonderland. Running throughout December, the event features elaborately decorated homes adorned with twinkling lights, inflatable characters, and festive displays that create a magical holiday atmosphere. Visitors can enjoy holiday carollers, pop-up vendors offering warm treats like hot chocolate and cider, and the community spirit that makes this event a highlight of the season.
Sip into the Season
Sip into the Season on December 7th is an annual holiday event on the Westside Wine Trail in West Kelowna, featuring festive wine tastings paired with holiday treats at beautifully decorated wineries. With sparkling lights, seasonal décor, and offerings like mulled wine, mimosas, curated snacks, live music, and fire pits, the event creates a magical holiday experience. While tickets are required for wine tastings (19+), non-drinking attendees can enjoy the festive atmosphere. Tickets are limited, so early booking is recommended.
Parade with a Purpose
The 5th Annual Parade with a Purpose will light up Bernard Avenue in Downtown Kelowna on December 14, featuring nearly 40 festive floats. This event aims to raise $250,000 for the Bridge Youth Recovery House, with all donations matched by the Stober Foundation. An online silent auction, running until December 13, offers exciting items like a VIP Canucks vs. Oilers package, a hot air balloon ride, and wellness packages. Proceeds will support youth recovery initiatives, providing essential tools and resources as the new facility prepares to open in 2026. Join thousands of spectators for a joyous parade supporting a meaningful cause.
JoeAnna's House Winter Wonderland
The annual Winter Wonderland at JoeAnna’s House is a festive community event on Sunday, December 15 at MNP Place. This family-friendly fundraiser supports JoeAnna’s House, providing a home away from home for families in need. Activities include photos with Santa, ice skating, winter crafts, cookie decorating, a s’mores station, food trucks, and a holiday market.
January and February Events
Living Things International Arts Festival
The Living Things International Arts Festival, running from January 20 to 31, brings a touch of the avant-garde to Kelowna. This festival offers a platform for innovative performances that challenge and delight. It's a gathering that celebrates both international and local artists, creating a colourful mix of theatrical, visual, and performance arts.
Dine Around Kelowna
Dine Around Kelowna, continuing from January into February, is a culinary adventure. This event invites you to explore the diverse flavours of the city, with participating restaurants offering special menus at attractive prices. It's an opportunity to savour new dishes and rediscover old favourites in a celebration of Kelowna's rich gastronomic landscape.
Fireside Festival
Fireside Festival, Kelowna's Winter Arts and Music Festival, returns from January 31st - February 2nd, 2025. It's three days of entertainment hosted at Red Bird Brewing and BNA Brewing Co & Eatery where music lovers can indulge.
Additional Events Nearby
Light Up the Vines
Light Up the Vines is an annual celebration in Summerland where local vineyards, orchards and businesses are beautifully illuminated, creating a magical winter wonderland atmosphere. Held during the last week of November, the event spans multiple wineries, cideries, distilleries, and breweries along Summerland's Bottleneck Drive, offering tastings and tours, vineyard tours, and local culinary delights. Visitors can enjoy live music, shop for handmade crafts, and savour the holiday ambiance while sampling renowned wines, ciders, beer & spirits from participating businesses like Haywire Winery, Millionaires Row Cider, and Controlled Entropy Distilling.
Big White Winter Rally
The Big White Winter Rally is an adrenaline-pumping highlight. This rally is not just a race; it's a celebration of winter sports, where top North American rally teams push their limits against the snowy backdrop of Kelowna's forest roads. The event is a sensory spectacle, with the roar of engines and the breathtaking scenery of Big White combining to create an unforgettable experience.
Conclusion
In Kelowna, winter is not just a season; it's a canvas for cultural expression and communal joy. From the thrill of the Big White Winter Rally to the culinary delights of Dine Around Kelowna, the city offers a winter experience that is as diverse as it is enchanting. As the snow blankets the city, these events warm the hearts of residents and visitors alike, making Kelowna a must-visit winter destination.
