Visiting in December with children? Get ready to meet Santa, eat delicious locally-baked treats, and go for a glide on a lakeside ice rink!


Santa Meet and Greets

Capture the magic of the holiday season with Santa Claus in Kelowna and area! Bring joy to your little ones as they meet the jolly man himself at these cheerful and kid-friendly events.

 

Santa's Office - Meet Santa, North Pole Experience

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by Kelowna10 (@kelowna_10)


Starting mid-November and running through December 22nd, Santa’s Office brings the magic of the North Pole to Kelowna! Located at Main Street Centre (2041 Harvey Ave, next to Woodfire Bakery), this immersive holiday experience offers fun for the whole family, presented by Kelowna Foodie Hub.

Visitors can enjoy activities like Elf Academy, where Santa’s helpers teach the skills of a North Pole elf, and Mrs. Claus’ Kitchen, where guests can decorate cookies in a cozy setting. Families will also have the chance to meet Santa in his office for a one-on-one moment, join a Christmas sing-along with Santa and his elves, check the Naughty and Nice List, and deliver letters to Santa’s magical mailbox.

Tickets are $20 per person, with large group discounts coming soon. Guests are encouraged to dress in their favourite pyjamas and let the elves help capture the magic with photos. Don’t miss this unforgettable holiday experience that’s sure to warm hearts all season long!

You can book your experience here.

 

Breakfast with Santa at Gulfstream

Breakfast with Santa will take place at Gulfstream on December 7th, offering a festive morning for families and friends to enjoy together. Guests can indulge in a delicious breakfast buffet featuring eggs, bacon, sausage, pancakes, pastries, fruit salad, yogurt parfaits, and more. The event also includes a photo booth with Santa Claus, as well as crafts, games, and activities for all ages. Reservations are recommended.

 

Okanagan Santa - Private Santa Experience


The Kelowna Actors Studio invites you to The District Mall on Bernard in downtown Kelowna for an photo experience with Santa from now until December 24th, 2024. Families are invited to enjoy a memorable and enchanting experience with a private "meet and greet" in a serene and cozy setting. This year’s magical set transports visitors to a classic Christmas scene in Santa’s charming study, complete with a crackling fireplace, a beautifully adorned tree, and a picturesque view through the windows. 

During the session, families can enjoy posing for a variety of delightful photos, and as a keepsake, a printed photo is provided to take home. All images are also conveniently shared via email or AirDrop, allowing guests to treasure these special moments for years to come. Plus, you may even be able to snap a photo with The Grinch!

Visit their website to book and view their Santa schedule.

 

Photos with Santa at Truck 59 Ciderhouse


Truck 59 Ciderhouse’s annual Photos with Santa event is back, offering a festive holiday experience for the whole family, including furry friends! Guests can reserve a 30-minute time slot for their group to capture a special holiday moment. Each ticket includes a digital photo sent via email, with the option to pick up a printed copy the following week. Families will also receive a treat from Santa and Mrs. Claus to complete the experience.

While waiting, attendees can enjoy a variety of activities, including dining at the Smokeshow food truck with indoor seating, watching Christmas movies in a cozy indoor cinema, warming up by the bonfire with s’mores, sipping on hot mulled apple cider, and playing “minute to win it” games for charity. Raffle prizes will also be up for grabs, with all proceeds supporting charitable causes.

Purchase your tickets here.

 

Parade With a Purpose


The 5th Annual Parade with a Purpose is set to bring festive cheer with its new location in Downtown Kelowna on December 14th. This beloved community event began four years ago with just three floats in Kettle Valley, initiated by the Turgeon and Doty families as a way to spread holiday joy during the challenges of COVID-19.

Since then, the parade has grown into a cherished tradition, attracting thousands of spectators and raising significant funds for the Youth Recovery House. Featuring an array of impressive floats and a special appearance by Santa Claus himself, the parade continues to bring holiday magic and community spirit to Kelowna.


JoeAnna's House Winter Wonderland at MNP Place

The 2nd Annual JoeAnna’s House Winter Wonderland will take place on Sunday, December 15th, 2024, from 1–5 p.m. at MNP Place (4105 Gordon Dr). This festive celebration offers something for everyone, with proceeds supporting JoeAnna’s House, a home away from home for families of patients receiving specialised care at Kelowna General Hospital.

Highlights of the event include family photos with Santa from 2–5 p.m., live entertainment on the stage, a concession with food and beverages, ice skating (bring your own equipment), crafts, cookie decorating, and a holiday market. Even more exciting activities will be announced as the date approaches. Entry is by donation, with tickets for activities available for purchase during the event.

 
More Chances to Snap the Perfect Pic with Jolly Old Saint Nick!

 

Holiday Shows, Events, and Family-Friendly Workshops

Celebrate the season with a variety of holiday performances in Kelowna and throughout the Okanagan Valley. From festive plays to enchanting musical productions, there’s no shortage of shows to enjoy with your family. Create lasting memories while soaking up the magic of the holidays!

 

nakulamen (What We Do): Tree Ornaments at Kelowna Museums


Families can enjoy a creative morning decorating tree ornaments with themes inspired by buckskin gloves, ribbon shirts and dresses, stylish coyotes, mini teepees, and canoes.

Part of the na’ʔk’ʷulamən series, this workshop is presented by syilx Elders and Knowledge Carriers in collaboration with Wildrose Cultural Traditions. Free tickets are available for members of Indigenous nations, and registration is required.

 

Bee Merry and Bright Holiday Light Up

 

Meadow Vista Honey Wine’s Bee Merry and Bright Holiday Light Up offers a festive evening filled with twinkling lights, Christmas scenes, and holiday cheer. Visitors can stroll through an enchanting wonderland, enjoy live holiday music and carolling, and roast s’mores at warm fire pits. A holiday market features local vendors, sweet treats, and seasonal drinks like mulled wine and hot chocolate, with festive shopping available at the wine shop.

General admission includes access to the light displays, live music, s’more roasting, and wine tastings for adults. Smokies dinner options are also available, featuring artisan hotdogs for kids or honey smokies for adults, both served with all the fixings.

This event promises a magical evening for all ages, perfect for creating lasting holiday memories.

 

The Nutcracker at the Kelowna Community Theatre

The Canadian School of Ballet returns to the Kelowna Community Theatre for the 34th year of performing The Nutcracker, a cherished holiday tradition. This production features the school’s talented dancers alongside principal dancers from the New York City Ballet, bringing to life Marius Petipa’s classic choreography set to Tchaikovsky’s iconic score.

Based on the story by E.T.A. Hoffmann, The Nutcracker follows Clara as she receives a magical gift from Herr Drosselmeyer and dreams of a fantastical journey. From a battle with mischievous mice to a visit to the Sugar Plum Fairy’s enchanting kingdom, the story unfolds with non-stop dancing, magnificent sets, and stunning costumes. It’s a timeless celebration of imagination and a beloved holiday tradition for the whole family.

 

A Kelowna Christmas Carol at The Rotary Centre for the Arts

Complete with Ebeneezer Scrooge, the Cratchits and adorable Tiny Tim, A Kelowna Christmas Carol is a family spectacular show by Bonnie Gratz. Don’t miss this very special version of Dicken’s Christmas Carol which is an Okanagan favourite!

 

Lakeside Skate


After shopping and savouring all of the holiday treats, check out the Stuart Park Skating Rink, a free, outdoor waterfront skating rink in Downtown Kelowna. Set to open on Friday, December 1, 2023, this is a must-do for families looking get into the holiday and winter spirit. The kids will love the beautifully decorated Christmas rink-side tree, and there is often a food truck on site with warm drinks and goodies. Skate rentals and skate-aids for kids are available for a fee. Weather and the maintenance schedule can affect operations, and you can always check out the City of Kelowna’s webcam to see its current status.

 

For a full list of Holiday Events, check out our Winter Holiday Events Calendar.

Don't miss the many wonderful Holiday Markets happening around the Okanagan Valley. 

 

Cover Photo: Darren Hull Studios