Staying home for the holidays is always such a nice treat, no worry about traveling, no stress about the bad weather roads. We are so lucky that Kelowna is so full of talented and creative local vendors and planners. One of the greatest joys is going to holiday events and Kelowna is overflowing with great options. Enjoy everything from treats to lights, skating to Santa, and all that falls between. This December Kelowna is boasting with a holiday event almost every day. To help you relieve the stress of choosing the right one for you here is a curated list of our favourites.
Kelowna Winter Night Market
Downtown Kelowna’s Light Up and Winter Street Market. If you are looking for the perfect holiday event to get in the Christmas spirit what better way to do so than to snuggle up next to a big fire while sipping hot chocolate or enjoying all of those classic sweet treats you have come to expect from a holiday event, or maybe the savory treats are more your style, that is no problem as your favourite food trucks will be parked and ready for you. December 1st is the perfect date to start (or continue if you are already well in the Christmas spirit) the holiday festivities. With the promise of fun for the whole family, you won’t want to miss this event.
Mission Hill Tree Festival
If you are looking for winter fun that is also philanthropic, Mission Hill Winery’s Festival of Lights is the holiday event for you. From November 22nd until January 4th you can take in the lights during Mission Hill’s winery hours. This spectacular event offers more than just a beautifully illuminated forest, you will also be able to enjoy mulled wine, hot chocolate, food stations, and entertainment. This year’s entertainment is provided by Kelowna’s very own Mt. Boucherie Secondary school jazz band and choir, Dereck Joel, and others. This event is in support of the BC Children’s Hospital, which provides countless benefits to so many families across the province.
Sensitive Santa
On December 8th and 15th for the fifth year in a row Autism Okanagan and Tracey and Quincy Vrecko of Re/Max Kelowna present a wonderful evening for families with members on the Autism Spectrum to enjoy. Orchard park mall will be open after hours offering a sensory-friendly environment with the lights dimmed and music off. This will allow families to create those traditional Holiday memories that children living on the spectrum can be otherwise too sensitive to enjoy. Santa will be there meeting with each child and family individually. Families are able to book a designated time slot in advance allowing no crowds or lines. This sensitive Santa experience is just another reason we love Kelowna’s Holiday Events. Not all holiday events are designed with everyone in mind, but this one is special. For more on past events look here.
West Kelowna Holiday Events
December 2, 2019. Located at the Mt. Boucherie Community Centre on Cameron Road. Head over to West Kelowna for a chance to skate with Santa hosted by I Heat Radio. Hot Chocolate and Timbits provided by Tim Hortons. This is a free family event guaranteed to put a smile on anyone’s face. Mt. Boucherie Community Centre is also offering cookie decorating and other family activities if you still want to see Santa but skating isn’t for you. West Kelowna also hosts a City Centre Light Up on December 7, 2019, along Brown Road.
Craft Fairs
What are the holidays without craft fairs? With more and more people becoming conscious of where the things they purchase are coming from and how they are made, the local crafter’s markets are the ideal spot to pick up gifts for the whole family. From children’s toys to home décor, baked goods to body products and everything in between finding the perfect craft fair is key. Here is a list of our favourite craft fairs;
Craft Culture:
December 7-8, 2019 located at Prospera Place. This event offers a swag bag full of vendor goodies to the first 50 people through the door both days. Admission is only $5 and supports the local Mamas for Mamas Charity.
Christmas Time:
December 7-8, 2019. Located at 421 Cawston Ave. Artisans Showcase presents Christmas Time. Free admission for this holiday event. With over 60 vendors, food trucks, and activities to keep the kids entertained this is the perfect holiday event for the whole family. Don’t forget your donation to the food bank!
Winter Moon Makers Market:
December 15. Located at the Laurel Packinghouse. Be one of the first 75 people through the door and receive a swag bag. Buy your ticket online through Eventbrite for $3 or at the door for $5. This is a curated craft fair with that puts an emphasis on local handmade goods.
Kelowna Etsy Collective Holiday Pop Up Market
December 15, 2019, located ar 1125 Richter St. If the name isn’t enough of a mouthful then the delicious treats you will find here sure will be. Sandhill’s tasting room will remain open during this event. Offering a chance to shop from all of your favourite Okanagan Etsy brands in an in-person environment doesn’t come along every day. Kelowna’s Etsy Collective Holiday Market boasts that husbands are welcome for that perfect last-minute shopping spree we all go on. You will find one-of-a-kind gifts and scrumptious holiday treats.
Grab your reusable shopping bags and a donation to the local food bank and we will see you there!
For more information on these events keep an eye on our Facebook and Instagram.
If you are looking for Kelowna real estate within close proximity of fun activities indoor and outdoor, contact the team at Quincy Vrecko and Associates (250) 868-3602. Our team of professional Kelowna real estate agents is ready to assist you with your next Kelowna home purchase.