What’s happening this weekend in the Okanagan, Kamloops

Get festive at these local events this weekend. Here are the top five, can’t miss events in Kelowna, Vernon, Penticton and Kamloops.

KELOWNA

• Craft Culture Holiday Magic Market – Stop by the Rotary Centre for the Arts on Nov. 22 and 23 for local vendors to fill your stockings and gift baskets. The market opens from 1 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Nov. 21 and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Nov. 22.
• Festival of Trees Light-Up Celebration – On Nov. 21 from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Mission Hill Family Estate, enter a winder wonderland where the proceeds go to the BC Children’s Hospital Foundation. Entry is $25 per guest.
• Tree of Hope Festival – Shine light on the holiday season with the whole family at 1717 Harvey Avenue on Nov. 22 from 12 p.m. to 6 p.m. Entry is free and the iconic tree lighting will be taking place at 5 p.m., followed up by live music on the main stage. Entry is free.
• 17th Annual Christmas Extravaganza – Bring a food bank donation on Nov. 22 and 23 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Rutland Centennial Hall for seventy incredible, local vendors.
• Its Christmas at the Red Barn Market – Still looking for another gift to check off your list? Check out this market on Nov. 22 and 23 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Okanagan Mission Community Hall. Admission is free or by non-perishable donation to the local food bank.

VERNON

• Winter Artisan Shop – Over thirty local artists, makers, and creators are taking over Cambium Cider Co. Thursdays to Sundays from Nov. 13 to Dec. 21. This weekend alone, you can enjoy this event on Nov. 21 and 22 from 12 p.m. to 7 p.m. and Nov. 23 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Entry is free.
• Fall for Art Show and Sale – Forty artists with a variety of styles and mediums will be showcasing their art at the Vernon Community Arts Centre on Nov. 22 from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and Nov. 23 from 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Entry is free.
• Wineries for the Holidays – Six Lake Country wineries will each host their own unique holiday experience on Nov. 22 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tickets are $10 each.
• Farmstrong Cider Company’s Christmas Markets – Stop by the Farmstrong Cider Company for free horse wagon rides, outdoor fire pits, and more on Nov. 22 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Entry is free but shuttle rides to the location from the IPE Grounds in Armstrong are $5 cash per person.
• Okanagan Historical Society AGM & Hometown Histories Speaker Series Event – Learn more about upcoming community projects, local history, and Indigenous rights on Nov. 23 from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. at Okanagan College, Room D310. Admission is by donation.

PENTICTON

• Naramata Bench Winterfest – Various Naramata Bench Wineries, Distilleries, and Cideries will be participating in this delicious event on Nov. 21 from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. and Nov. 22 from 12 p.m. to 7 p.m. Entry is free.
• After Hour Happy Hour – Enjoy live music and a complimentary glass of select wine on Nov. 21 from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Hester Creek Estate Winery. Tickets are $25 each.
• Train Wreck Comedy – Laugh the night away at this comedy show staring Dan Duvall on Nov. 21, starting at 7 p.m., at The Hub On Martin. Tickets are $30 each.
• Fall Art Walk – Twenty-two venues are taking part in this year’s art walk on Nov. 22 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. This portion of the event is free, with an after party scheduled at Leir House from 4:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. where entry is granted by donation.
• Christmas at the Lake – Starting Nov. 22 until New Years Eve, the Summerland Waterfront Resort & Spa is transforming into a Christmas wonderland. You don’t have to be a guest to enjoy the magic, but there are three distinct workshops taking place on Nov. 22, starting at 4 p.m., that are only open to ticket holders. These workshops range from $64 each to $135.

KAMLOOPS

• Kamloops Festival of Trees – This free event kicks off on Nov. 14 from 2 p.m. to 10 p.m. and will go to Jan. 5. For thirty years, this beloved tradition has taken over Delta Hotel Kamloops and, this year, the funds raised will support the BC Children’s Hospital and Research Institute. Entry is free.
• Winter Farmers’ Market – Winter doesn’t mean this farmers’ market hibernates, so make sure to stop by the Kamloops Winter Farmers’ Market at Mount Paul CFC on Nov. 22 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Entry is free.
• Kamloops Christmas Market – Starting Nov. 21 and running until the end of the month, is the debut of a new Christmas market at the Heritage House. It’s a European-inspired winter market with a full event schedule. Stop by Monday to Thursday from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m., Fridays from 4 p.m. to 10 p.m., and weekends from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Entry is $5 a day if purchased in advance, $7 at the door, or $15 for a full festival pass. Children six and under enter for free.
• Valley Markets’ Winter Market – Visit the Sahali Mall for local vendors to fill your Christmas list on Nov. 22 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Entry is free.
• Santa Claus Parade – The 45th annual Santa Parade will be taking place in Downtown Kamloops on Nov. 23, starting at 4 p.m. The theme is ‘Home for the Holidays’ and the ‘Wake Up Santa’ event will begin early at 3:40 p.m. on 4th and St. Paul St. Entry is free.

Are there any local events in the near future that we should showcase? Email us and let us know.