If you celebrate the holidays (and even if you don’t), spending an evening viewing the holiday lights in Kelowna should be at the top of your to-do list this winter season. Not only is this a wonderful way to spend time with family and friends, but you will also have the opportunity to support very charitable causes along the way.
Downtown Kelowna
Christmas Tree at Stuart Park. Photo: Darren Hull Studios
This year, the Annual Downtown Kelowna Light-Up & Winter Street Market takes place on Saturday, November 29, from 12 p.m. to 6 p.m. It is a free community event at Stuart Park that features a ton of vendors for all your Christmas shopping needs, family-friendly activities, live entertainment, outdoor skating, food trucks, hot chocolate by donation to the Central Okanagan Food Bank, and photos with Santa. The tree will light up for the first time this season at 5 p.m.
You can double the warming feel-good feeling you get from your hot chocolate, knowing all proceeds go towards the Central Okanagan Food Bank.
Downtown Kelowna transforms into a magical winter wonderland during the holiday season, glowing with twinkling lights and festive charm. Stroll along Bernard Avenue, where dazzling displays illuminate the heart of the city, marvel at the sparkling Christmas tree at Stuart Park, or lace up your skates and glide beneath the enchanting canopy of winter lights. It’s a picture-perfect way to soak in the holiday spirit!
Tree of Hope
On Saturday, November 22, from noon until 6 p.m., the Landmark District will be transformed into a winter paradise for a half-day holiday festival. Last year drew in more than 10,000 attendees, so come early to get a good spot. There will be a vendor market, food trucks with seasonal treats, a hot chocolate and s’more station, and photos with Santa.
A new addition this year includes mini curling and an obstacle course featuring adaptive trail riders. Plus, make sure your little ones bring their letter to Santa, as there will be a station for them, or let them write their letter there while they sip their hot chocolate. Photos with Santa fill up fast and must be reserved, which can be done via Eventbrite.
At 4 p.m., a music performance by The Hip Replacements will begin, and at 5 p.m., the tree will be lit. This year, the festival will donate a portion of all proceeds to CRIS Adaptive Adventures and Special Olympics BC. The 120-foot-tall tree (boasting 25,000 energy-efficient LED bulbs) draws thousands of people annually, and millions of dollars to date have been contributed to charities across Canada.
If you can’t make it to the light-up, don’t worry, the Tree of Hope is lit up until the first week of January. Why not 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 & Delta Grand)
Festival of Trees at Mission Hill Family Estate Winery. Photo: Mission Hill Family Estate Winery.
Every year, The Delta Hotels Grand Okanagan Resort and Mission Hill Family Estate Winery put on a beautiful display of trees, each decorated and donated by local businesses or sponsors. Now in its ninth year of celebrating, you may choose from the Festival of Trees multi-day event or the Festival of Trees Celebration, a single-day event. The former runs from November 23 to January 4, 2026, and a portion of each $65 ticket will go towards the BC Children’s Hospital Foundation. An event that is a feast for the eyes and your taste buds, each ticket includes a guided tour of the decorated trees that adorn the estate, a seated tasting with paired wines, and seasonal small bites.
The Festival of Trees Celebration takes place on November 21 and costs $25; spaces are limited. This event includes warm mulled wine, your leisure to walk among the beautifully decorated trees, and an appearance by Santa Tom. A reservation is required for both of these events. They are also looking for those who would like to sponsor a tree.
Come on out to Kelowna’s Largest Office Christmas Party hosted by The Delta, where $5 from each ticket goes to support the Children’s Miracle Network. The party takes place on Friday, December 19, from 6 p.m. to midnight and includes welcome sparkling wine, festive dinner buffet, and DJ and dancing. Tickets may be purchased through Eventbrite.