Holiday Markets & Events Around the Okanagan

The holiday season is arriving in the Okanagan, bringing Christmas markets, twinkling lights, local makers and plenty of reasons to get out and enjoy our communities.

Whether you're looking for locally made gifts, an evening of holiday lights or simply an excuse for a hot chocolate, here are a few events worth adding to your calendar this November and early December.

Winter Warm-Up Market — Kelowna

November 7 | 10 a.m.–4 p.m.Rotary Centre for the Arts

Get an early start on Christmas shopping with more than 60 vendors offering handcrafted gifts, artisan goods and seasonal treats. Admission is by donation.

This is a good one for anyone who likes getting their Christmas shopping finished before December arrives.

Merry in the Mountains Christmas Market — Kelowna

November 14 | 10 a.m.–2 p.m.Joe Rich

For something a little more rustic, Merry in the Mountains combines local vendors and unique gifts with an outdoor mountain setting.

It's an outdoor market, so bundle up and make an outing of it.

Delta Grand Holiday Market — Kelowna

November 22Delta Hotels Grand Okanagan Resort

Craft Culture brings together around 100 vendors for a day of holiday shopping in downtown Kelowna.

With so many makers in one place, this could be a particularly good stop if you're looking for locally made gifts and want to tackle several names on your Christmas list at once.

Downtown Kelowna Winter Street Market & Light Up

November 28 | Market 12–6 p.m. | Light Up 5 p.m.Stuart Park

One of Kelowna's biggest holiday traditions returns to Stuart Park.

The Winter Street Market fills downtown with vendors and festivities throughout the afternoon before the lights come on at 5 p.m. Hot chocolate sales and donations at the event also support the Central Okanagan Food Bank.

This is probably the one to choose if you're looking for the full Christmas-season experience rather than simply a shopping trip.

CCFO Christmas Market — Kelowna

November 28 | 11 a.m.–4 p.m.Centre culturel francophone de l'Okanagan

Another option for November 28 is the Centre culturel francophone de l'Okanagan's Christmas Market on Bernard Avenue.

Admission is free, making it easy to combine with other downtown holiday activities happening that weekend.

Annual Christmas Market — West Kelowna

November 28 & 29 | 11:30 a.m.–3:30 p.m.Grizzli Winery

Local artisan vendors, Christmas carols, winter vineyards, a fire pit for roasting s'mores and plenty of seasonal atmosphere make this one especially appealing for a relaxed weekend outing.

The event is free, family- and pet-friendly, and includes an opportunity to support local charities and families in need.

Magic on Main Street — Penticton

November 29 | Parade 4:30 p.m. | Light Up 6 p.m.Downtown Penticton & Gyro Park

If you're up for a drive south, Penticton is going big for the holidays.

Magic on Main Street includes a Santa Claus Parade through downtown followed by the official light-up at Gyro Park. The festivities include a 180-foot light tunnel, a giant illuminated display and, naturally, a visit from Santa.

West Kelowna Light Up

December 4 | 6–9 p.m.Westbank Centre

West Kelowna's annual Light Up is one of those events that really feels like the beginning of Christmas.

Brown Road comes alive with live entertainment, food trucks, community vendors, activities, a craft market and free hot chocolate. Santa joins the Mayor for the tree-lighting countdown, and the evening finishes with fireworks.

Definitely one for the family calendar.

A Little Farther Up the Valley...

If you're heading toward Vernon, there are plenty of reasons to make a day of it.

Holiday markets run throughout November, including the Vernon Presents Festival of Crafts & Gifts, outdoor Christmas markets and other artisan events. SilverStar's Light Up Market follows in early December, combining holiday shopping with the atmosphere of the mountain village.

Shop Local This Holiday Season

One of the best things about Okanagan holiday markets is discovering businesses and makers you might never encounter otherwise.

A Christmas gift purchased from a local artist, baker, farmer, winery, craftsperson or small business does more than check someone off your shopping list—it keeps more of our holiday spending close to home.

So grab a coffee or hot chocolate, bring a friend and make an afternoon of it.

There are plenty of opportunities to celebrate the season right here in the Okanagan.

Event dates, times and details may change. Please confirm event information with the organizer before heading out.