Festive family events in Kelowna

KELOWNA – The City of Kelowna’s Active Living and Culture division has two upcoming events ideal for family fun.

Water lovers can enjoy fun games and activities suitable for all swim levels at the Parkinson Recreation Centre on Sunday, Dec. 6. The annual Swim with Santa event will be held from 1 to 3 p.m., with Santa making a guest appearance to pose for photos. Photos are complimentary with the purchase of a daily pool pass and will be emailed to participants.

The annual Family Holiday Skate will be held on Sunday, Dec. 13, at the Rutland Arena from 3 to 5:15 p.m. There will be an opportunity to skate with Santa, partake in face painting for the kids and enjoy refreshments courtesy of Tim Hortons. Participants are asked to bring a non-perishable food item or donation for the Kelowna Food Bank for admission.

For more information about Active Living and Culture programs, events and facilities, visit kelowna.ca/recreation.

For residents interested in enjoying the outdoors, there will be three light-up events taking place:

The Downtown Kelowna Association is changing things up this year by holding its Light Up! celebration in Stuart Park. Light Up! will be on Saturday, Dec. 5, from 11 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., with the new artificial tree being lit at 5 p.m. For a listing of all the activities associated with the event, visit downtownkelowna.com.

Residents are also invited to the Uptown Rutland Light-Up on Sunday, Dec. 6 in Roxby Square. The festivities will take place from 2 – 6 p.m., with the tree being lit at 4:30 p.m. For more details, visit ourrutland.ca.

Lights of Christmas Paws, a fundraising event, will be taking place from Dec. 10 until Jan. 1 (closed Dec. 25). During the event, a portion of Waterfront Park will be closed to the public; however the lakefront promenade will remain open. For details and ticket information, visit www.lightsofchristmaspaws.com.