Kelowna in December | Things to Do, Events & Weather

Before winter officially arrives in late December, snowy mountaintops, crisp air, and plenty of holiday cheer blanket the destination, unofficially signalling the season's start. Throughout the winter months, you can explore at an unhurried pace, enjoying the region's spacious, serene outdoor spaces and uncrowded activities and experiences. Quieter tasting rooms may let you meet winemakers, brewers, and craft beverage producers. Securing reservations at your must-visit restaurants is easier. The valley views are as magical as ever. Read on to discover what December has in store in and around Kelowna.

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 4 to 6, 2026. More than 200 local crafters and artisans will sell an array of goods, including handmade, one-of-a-kind pieces.

As the month ends, it’s time to welcome the new year. Kelowna’s annual family-friendly celebration, New York New Year's, offers indoor and outdoor activities downtown, including fireworks over Okanagan Lake at 9 p.m. to align with New York’s time zone so the little ones can take part, too.

Numerous other seasonal markets, events, and celebrations take place throughout the month—visit our Winter Holiday Events calendar for details.

Local Events

Okanagan Symphony Orchestra at Kelowna Community Theatre

Theatre and Performing Arts

New Vintage Theatre brings a Canadian classic to the stage with Anne of Green Gables, running November 26 to December 5, 2026.
Kelowna Actors Studio and Dinner Theatre will present Disney's Frozen - The Musical on select dates between November 25 and December 20, 2026.
From December 1 to January 17, Caravan Farm Theatre's Winter Sleigh Ride Show returns with Le Hockey Sweater, a celebration of all things Québécois based on Roch Carrier's The Hockey Sweater.
The Canadian School of Ballet presents The Nutcracker once again, a family favourite for the holiday season. Performances will occur December 11–13, 2026, at the Kelowna Community Theatre.
On Friday, December 18, 2026, the Okanagan Symphony Orchestra presents Freya & Friends at the Kelowna Community Theatre.

Sports

Get revved up at the Big White Winter Rally, December 5–6, 2026.
Cheer on the Kelowna Rockets at their home games on December 11 & 12, 16, 19, and 27, 2026.

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

Weather

While snow accumulates quickly in the mountains surrounding Kelowna, there's usually less snow on the ground 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 Kelowna's coldest months, with average temperatures of 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 where temperatures are cooler. December is one of the year's cloudiest months, though you can often get above the clouds at the ski hills thanks to inversion. You can monitor current conditions through the live webcam at the Kelowna Visitor Centre.