Get into the Christmas spirit this weekend with these special events

PENTICTON – This weekend provides some great opportunities to get into the Christmas spirit with a number of Christmas-themed events as well as some last minute specialty markets for those looking for that unique Christmas gift.

It’s the last Penticton Farmers' Market before Christmas this Saturday, Dec. 22 running from 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at the Shatford Centre, 760 Main St., from 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. The market has fresh vegetables, fruits, eggs, honey, baking, preserves and handmade crafts all locally grown, in addition to a selection of local liquor vendors.

Apex Mountain resort is home to the third annual Artisan Christmas Market at Apex Inn on Saturday, Dec. 22 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. The market is held at Apex Inn in the Edge Bistro’s event house, showcasing local artisans with handmade creations.

Okanagan Symphony presents “Yuletide Tales” along with Canadian baritone Garry Gable who sings and narrates “A Child’s Christmas in Wales” and “The Grinch” backed up by the Okanagan Symphony Youth Chorus. The show takes place at the Cleland Community Theatre, Saturday, Dec. 22 starting at 2 p.m. Adult tickets are $56.25, seniors $49 and students $26.25.

Join Santa and the staff at McLaren Arena for Skate with Santa on Saturday, Dec. 22, from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. for ice games and a visit from Santa. Regular admission rates apply.

Wine+Chocolate=Happiness is a wine and chocolate tasting experience and an education in pairing chocolates with four wines from the South Okanagan. The event takes place at the Great Estates Wine Experience Centre at 21 Lakeshore Dr. in Penticton on Saturday, Dec. 22 and Sunday Dec. 23, starting at noon both days. The cost is $25.

To contact a reporter for this story, email Steve Arstad or call 250-488-3065 or email the editor. You can also submit photos, videos or news tips to the newsroom and be entered to win a monthly prize draw.

We welcome your comments and opinions on our stories but play nice. We won't censor or delete comments unless they contain off-topic statements or links, unnecessary vulgarity, false facts, spam or obviously fake profiles. If you have any concerns about what you see in comments, email the editor in the link above.