If you celebrate the holidays, spending an evening viewing the festive lights across the city should be at the top of your winter to-do list this season. It is a wonderful way to spend time with family and friends, while also having the opportunity to support charitable causes along the way.

Downtown Kelowna

^{Christmas Tree at Stuart Park. Photo: Darren Hull Studios}

Downtown Kelowna shines with seasonal charm each winter, transforming into a glowing wonderland of twinkling lights and cheerful energy. Bernard Avenue sparkles with vibrant displays, and Stuart Park becomes a hub for holiday magic where the city’s iconic Christmas tree brightens the waterfront.

Each year, Downtown Kelowna hosts the Winter Street Market & Light Up featuring local vendors, family-friendly activities, live entertainment, food trucks, and hot chocolate by donation. Visitors can also enjoy skating at Stuart Park’s free outdoor skating rink, take photos with Santa, or simply wander the streets to soak in the atmosphere. The highlight is always the moment the tree lights up for the first time of the season, marking the start of Kelowna’s winter celebrations. This event is typically hosted on the last Saturday of November from 12:00 PM - 6:00 PM.

To cap off the holiday season, Stuart Park is also home to the annual Valley First New York New Year’s celebration on December 31. This family-friendly event features entertainment, activities, and an early countdown that aligns with New York’s midnight. It is a lively and welcoming way to ring in the new year while enjoying the festive backdrop of Downtown Kelowna.

Tree of Hope

Each winter, the Landmark District becomes a gathering place for holiday cheer as the impressive Tree of Hope lights up the neighbourhood. Standing at 120 feet tall and glowing with thousands of energy-efficient LED bulbs, the tree has become one of Kelowna’s most recognized seasonal landmarks.

A festive market and family-friendly activities often accompany the annual light-up event, offering food trucks, outdoor faux skating, treats, and photo opportunities. Visitors are encouraged to stop by throughout the season to admire the tree’s brilliant display and enjoy the welcoming atmosphere of the Landmark District. Over the years, the Tree of Hope has helped raise significant funds for local charities, making it a symbol of generosity and community spirit.

If you can’t make it to the light-up, take a stroll through the Landmark District to admire the stunning Tree of Hope up close—it’s pure holiday magic!

Festival of Trees | Mission Hill Estate Winery & Delta Hotels by Marriott Grand Okanagan Resort

^{Festival of Trees at Mission Hill Family Estate Winery. Photo: Mission Hill Family Estate Winery.}

Each year, The Delta Hotels Grand Okanagan Resort and Mission Hill Family Estate Winery showcase stunning displays of decorated trees in support of the BC Children’s Hospital Foundation. Trees are designed and donated by local businesses and community partners, transforming both locations into magical holiday destinations.

At The Delta, visitors can wander through the decorated lobby, enjoy seasonal dining at Oak+Cru Social Kitchen and Wine Bar, vote for their favourite tree, and make a donation if they wish. Mission Hill offers a ticketed experience that typically includes a guided tour through the beautifully decorated winery and cellar, followed by a tasting of their wines paired with small bites. Families are welcome, and reservations are required. It is a festive and meaningful way to celebrate the season while supporting an important cause.

Candy Cane Lane

For several weeks each holiday season, the neighbourhoods of Collison Road, Graniuk Road, and Mary Court in Rutland come alive with one of Kelowna’s most beloved community light displays. Dozens of homes participate in creating Candy Cane Lane, a magical experience filled with colourful lights, handmade decorations, and heartwarming creativity.

The display is free to visit, though donations of nonperishable food items or toiletries are encouraged and collected on-site to support local organizations. Visitors are asked to be respectful by staying on public walkways, avoiding contact with displays, and being mindful of driveways and traffic. Whether you walk or drive through the route, Candy Cane Lane is a cherished tradition that brings neighbours together and spreads festive joy.

Rutland Centennial Park Tree

Each winter, Rutland comes alive with its annual Winter Light Up Festival, a festive community celebration that brings together families, neighbours, and visitors to welcome the holiday season. This free event fills Centennial Park with cheerful activities, including live entertainment, carolling, crafting stations, local vendors, delicious seasonal treats, and warm mugs of hot cocoa. Guests can also enjoy photos with Santa and plenty of holiday-themed fun suitable for all ages.

The park’s Christmas tree adds extra sparkle to the celebration, standing as a bright and joyful centrepiece throughout the season. Even after the event has wrapped up, visitors can return to Centennial Park to admire the tree’s beautiful lighting display. It offers a lovely way to enjoy the magic of winter in Rutland long after the festivities have ended.

Lights on Fitzpatrick

A must-see for holiday light enthusiasts, Lights on Fitzpatrick in Rutland features a dazzling display of more than 12,000 lights synchronized to music. The show typically runs nightly throughout the season, offering a vibrant and joyful experience for visitors of all ages. More information is shared each year through the Lights on Fitzpatrick's Facebook Page.

Kelowna’s neighbourhood light displays continue to brighten the winter season with creativity, generosity, and community spirit. Take time to explore these glowing destinations, support the charitable initiatives tied to them, and immerse yourself in the joy of the season. For even more ways to celebrate, browse Tourism Kelowna’s online events calendar.

The efforts our neighbourhoods put into their holiday light displays each year show such a heartwarming sense of community. Let us show them our support by visiting each location and embracing in the festive season! For more holiday events, visit Tourism Kelowna's Holiday Events Calendar!