Big weekend in South Okanagan for light-up events

The Christmas season is upon us and that will be apparent this weekend as several South Okanagan communities and organizations light up for the holidays.

Summerland’s Festival of Lights gets underway at 5 p.m. today, Nov. 24, with the community light-up event taking place in downtown Summerland.

Fireworks, Santa’s workshop, pony rides, ATV rides, street performers and a bouncy castle highlight some of the activities planned for tonight’s light up. Those attending are encouraged to wear their Santa hats, or anything that lights up. For more information on this free event, see the Summerland Chamber of Commerce website.

Light up the Vines takes place from 3 to 8 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 25 and Sunday, Nov. 26 on Bottleneck Drive in Summerland. Wineries, a cider and a brewery take part in open houses offering tastings, seasonal refreshments, music and special offers on local wines. Collect all five stamps in the Light up the Vines passport for a chance to win a prize package worth more than $500. For more information, see the Bottleneck Drive Association website.

This weekend is also light up time for the Wine Capital of Canada in Oliver.

The two-day event starts with pictures with Santa at the Royal LePage office at South Winds Crossing from 4 to 7 p.m., today, Nov. 24.

More events take place downtown Oliver, also from 4 to 7 p.m. including wine tasting, a Christmas wreath contest, kids crafts, carolling and door prize giveaways at participating businesses. There are also activities at the Community Centre from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. and fireworks starting at 7:15 p.m. From 6 to 10 p.m. enjoy the Firehall Brewery Light up and Shindig on Friday night.

Saturday’s events include breakfast with Santa, the Festival of Trees light up and a free movie matinee.

Winter in Wine Country festivities get underway this weekend as South Okanagan wineries open their doors for the Christmas season. The six day, two weekend event happens Nov. 24 to Nov. 26, and again on Dec. 1 to Dec. 3 and includes winery open houses, winery tours, the Be Merry food and drink celebration at the Frank Venables Theatre, the Festival of Trees event, and both the Oliver and Osoyoos community light up events.

For more details, visit www.oliverosoyoos.com.

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