Kelowna in December | Things to Do, Events & Weather

While winter doesn’t officially arrive until late December, the holiday cheer and snowy mountaintops mean it's time to say goodbye to fall and embrace all that winter in Kelowna has to offer. Read on to learn more about what you can discover and what to expect in and around Kelowna when visiting this time of year.

Have Snow Much Fun Outdoors

Cross-Country Skiing at Kelowna Nordic Centre (2) ^{Kelowna Nordic Centre. Photo by: David Vassiliev}

Kelowna’s four-season playground turns into a winter wonderland come December, with the snow-covered mountains surrounding the city home to all sorts of outdoor adventures.

Less than an hour from downtown sits Big White Ski Resort, which offers various winter activities, including Alpine and Nordic skiing, fat biking, snowshoeing, and ice skating on Canada’s highest outdoor skating rink. Those new to skiing and snowboarding can take advantage of the resort’s beginner lessons, while experienced skiers and boarders can set out on 118 designated Alpine trails. The resort also offers Adaptive Ski Programs for guests with physical, cognitive, and sensory challenges through its partnership with People in Motion.

Outside of Vernon, just over an hour from Kelowna, is SilverStar Mountain Resort, with its European-inspired village offering several dining and shopping options. Along with 132 marked Alpine runs, SilverStar is also home to a vast network of groomed Nordic trails. For a unique experience, check out the resort’s Snow Cat Tours, including a trip to Paradise Camp, located on the backside of the mountain, to enjoy a 3-course, lantern-lit dinner.

Other uniquely Kelowna winter activities include skating alongside Okanagan Lake on the ice rink in Stuart Park, hiking or snowshoeing along the Myra Canyon Trestles Trail, and winter wine touring, where you’ll get to admire area vineyards blanketed in snow.

Soak up the Holiday Cheer

Mission Hill Festival of Trees

The holiday season kicks off in mid-to-late November and is in full swing throughout December.

Craft Culture’s Holiday Market, the largest in the Okanagan, will be held at Prospera Place from December 5 to 7, 2025. More than 200 local crafters and artisans will sell an array of goods, including handmade, one-of-a-kind pieces.

The end of the month means it’s time to usher in a new year. Kelowna’s annual family-friendly celebration, New York New Years, is back with indoor and outdoor activities at the Kelowna Community Theatre and Stuart Park, including fireworks over Okanagan Lake, which take place at 9 p.m. to align with New York’s time zone so the little ones can take part, too.

There are numerous other holiday markets, Christmas events, and New Year's Eve celebrations happening throughout the month—visit our Winter Holiday Events calendar for all the details.

Local Events

Okanagan Symphony Orchestra at Kelowna Community Theatre

Theatre and Performing Arts

Have some holiday fun at New Vintage Theatre's presentation of Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer, which runs from November 26 to December 4, 2025.
Kelowna Actors Studio and Dinner Theatre will present Charlie and the Chocolate Factory on select dates between December 3 and 21, 2025.
The Canadian School of Ballet once again presents The Nutcracker, a family favourite for the holiday season. Performances will occur December 12–14, 2025, at the Kelowna Community Theatre.
On Friday, December 19, 2025, the Okanagan Symphony Orchestra presents Song for a Winter's Night at the Kelowna Community Theatre.

Sports

Curling fans can cheer on teams from around the world at the Olympic Qualification Event, taking place from December 5–18, 2025, at the Kelowna Curling Club.
Get revved up at the Big White Winter Rally, December 5–6, 2025.
Cheer on the Kelowna Rockets at their home games on December 3, 27, and 29.

For more events in and around Kelowna, visit our online Calendar of Events.

Weather

While the snow accumulates quickly in the mountains surrounding Kelowna, there tends to be less snow on the ground right in the city. When the snow does fall, it typically doesn’t stick around long, thanks to Kelowna’s milder winter climate. December and January are typically the coldest months of the year in Kelowna, with average temperatures for both months at 1°C / 34°F on the high end and -6°C / 21°F on the low end. You’ll want to pack appropriately if you plan on spending a lot of time outdoors, especially near the lake and at higher elevations with cooler temperatures. December is one of the year's more overcast and cloudier months, though you can often get above the clouds up at the ski hills thanks to inversion. You can monitor current conditions through the live webcam at the Kelowna Visitor Centre.