What’s happening this weekend in the Okanagan, Kamloops

Welcome the holiday season during the first weekend of December with these events across Kelowna, Vernon, Penticton and Kamloops.

KELOWNA

• Craft Culture Holiday Market – Spend the weekend grabbing gifts for your loved ones from local vendors on Dec. 5, 6, and 7 at Prospera Place. Friday, the market is open from 1 p.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, the market runs from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission is $7 per day or $10 for a weekend pass.
• Parade With a Purpose 2025 – This is the sixth annual event of its kind, which will be taking over Bernard in Downtown with over twenty-five floats. The parade starts promptly at 6 p.m. on Dec. 6 so don’t miss this free event that’s fun for the whole family.
• Big White Winter Rally – Dec. 5 and 6 at Big White Ski Resort is set to be two thrilling days of rally racing action for all in attendance. Spectator information varies for all attendees safety, so make sure to read up on how to safely view these vehicles driving through the snow before arrival.
• Santa’s Workshop – Head to this free, family-friendly event at the Creekside Theatre on Dec. 6 from 12 p.m. to 3 p.m. to kick off the festive season right.
• Sparkling Hill Christmas Market – Check out Sparkling Hill Resort’s Austrian-inspired Christmas market on Dec. 6 and 7 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Entry is free.

VERNON

• A Festive First Friday Art Trail – Explore this festive twist on the First Friday Art Trail on Dec. 5th from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. across multiple locations in Vernon. Entry is free.
• A Midwinter Night’s Dream – This event began Dec. 3 and runs until Dec. 12, but this weekend is the first of the month and spots are selling out quick. Make sure to grab your ticket before they’re gone. All weekend long, the event runs from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. and tickets are $63 each.
• SilverStar Annual Light Up – Kick off the winter festivities with this annual event at SilverStar Mountain Resort on Dec. 6 from 3 p.m. to 7:15 p.m. Entry is free.
• The Shoparama Holiday Gift Sale – Head to the Vernon Rec. Centre Auditorium & Gymnasium for a jolly market full of local vendors brightening up the season. The market takes place on Dec. 6 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Dec. 7 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission is free but a donation for the Food Bank Kettle is greatly appreciated.
• Christmas Market – The Swan Lake Market and Garden is being overtaken by holiday cheer on Dec. 6 and 7 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Entry is free but photos for kids and pets with Santa are by donation.

PENTICTON

• Jingle and Mingle – Visit the Penticton Trade and Convention Centre on Dec. 5 from 5:30 p.m. to 10 p.m. for an evening of laughter and holiday cheer with Big Daddy Tazz, a Canadian comedy favourite. Tickets are $75 each.
• Elevate the Arts Fundraising Auction – Help raise funds for the local arts at Elks Lodge on Dec. 5, starting at 5 p.m. Tickets are $30 each.
• Valley of Friends Winter Craft Market – Interested in supporting local entrepreneurs who also happen to be kids and teens? Stop by their winter market on Dec. 6 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the S.S. Sicamous. Entry is free.
• Santa at the Barley Mill – Grab photos with Santa at the Barley Mill on Dec. 6 from 12 p.m. to 3 p.m. Attendees will grab a number upon arrival and either wait outside or enjoy the pub and family section for food and drinks. Bring your own phone or camera for photos and prepare a donation to the D67 breakfast program.
• Winter Mocktail Making Class – Learn how to create three unique mocktails at Joos Box Mocktail Bar on Dec. 7 from 6 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Tickets are $45 each.

KAMLOOPS

• A Ringin’ Merry Christmas – Welcome the holiday season with this festive concert on Dec. 5, starting at 7:30 p.m., and Dec. 6, starting at 2 p.m., at the Kamloops Full Gospel Tabernacle. Adult tickets are $25 each, student tickets are #15 each, and children aged twelve and under have free entry.
• Kamloops Krampus Parade – Enjoy festive frights with the whole family on Dec. 6 from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. at Riverside Park. Entry is free.
• Country Christmas Bazaar and Tea – Grab gifts and tea at the OLPH Parish Hall on Dec. 6 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Entry is free.
• Candy Coated Science – This fun and delicious thirty-minute lab teaches kids simple chemistry, color, and observation skills. Stop by for this experience on Dec. 6 at the BIG Little Science Centre. There are two time slots for this workshop at 12 p.m. to 12:30 p.m. and 2 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. Tickets are $12.
• NSBIA Community Holiday Festival – Celebrate the holiday season with the whole family, including your pets, on Dec. 7 from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. at the Yew Street Spirit Square. Grab photos with Santa, hot chocolate, roasted marshmallows, and gifts from local vendors. Entry is free.

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