Canada’s Smallest Christmas Market: A Holiday Surprise in BC
If you’re craving that Hallmark movie feeling this winter, skip the crowds and head to the shores of Okanagan Lake. This Peachland Christmas Market, we deemed it Canada’s smallest Christmas market, proves that size doesn’t matter when it comes to holiday cheer.
Hosted by the locally beloved Gasthaus on the Lake, this pint-sized market transforms Peachland’s waterfront into a cozy Bavarian-inspired Christmas wonderland — twinkling lights, steaming mugs of mulled wine, glass and wooden ornaments, and the scent of bratwurst sizzling on the grill.
Watch the video to see this and so much more to do in the Okanagan wine region during the holiday season!
Why You Should Visit This Tiny Christmas Market
This isn’t your average big-city market. What makes the Peachland Christmas Market special is its intimacy. You can actually talk to every artisan, warm your hands by the outdoor fire, and still find time to grab dinner at Gasthaus on the Lake just steps away.
Whether you come for the local vendors, the lakeside views, or a hearty schnitzel dinner by candlelight, the experience feels like discovering a secret — a hidden festive pocket of the Okanagan that makes you slow down and savor the season.
What to Expect:
- Cozy indoor shop selling handcrafted gifts both glass and wood
- Mulled wine and German specialties served from Gasthaus’ outdoor kitchen
- Family-friendly atmosphere with mountain views and lights twinkling at the park by the beach
The Story Behind Gasthaus on the Lake
No visit to the market is complete without stepping inside Gasthaus on the Lake, a Peachland institution with deep German roots.
Founded by Werner Fischer and Joerg Hoerath, two friends from Germany who came to Peachland to retire, the pair couldn’t resist sharing a piece of Bavaria with their new community. They opened Gasthaus’ dining room in 1991 and expanded to include a pub and lakeside patio in 2000 — creating what would become one of the most iconic restaurants in the Okanagan.
In 2018, the restaurant was purchased by Joginder Singh, a long-time friend and restaurateur with over thirty years of experience, including running a restaurant in Hamburg and a pub in Vancouver. His mission: to preserve the spirit and legacy of Werner and Joerg while adding his own touch of hospitality.
More than 30 years later, Gasthaus on the Lake continues to be a gathering place for locals and visitors alike — especially during the holidays when the glow of the Christmas Market brings the entire community together.
Make It a Holiday Tradition
Visiting Canada’s smallest Christmas market is more than just a festive outing — it’s a local tradition that captures the heart of Peachland’s small-town charm.
Come for the food, stay for the magic, and you’ll leave with a full heart (and maybe a few ornaments or pretzels in hand). Whether you’re road-tripping through the Okanagan or looking for something new to do this winter, this is one holiday experience that deserves a spot on your BC Christmas bucket list.
Other things to do in the Okanagan during the holidays
Don’t miss these events throughout the Okanagan!
Mission Hill Winery’s Festival of Trees
Check out my favourite Christmas Street Market in Kelowna
Canada’s Christmas Train in Summerland, BC
A DIY local holiday food tour of Kelowna’s food scene
We made Gasthaus a family tradition 12 years ago. Every year we gather for lunch or dinner—whoever can be there—and afterward everyone gets to choose a Christmas ornament to take home. It’s become one of our favourite traditions.
Hi Kim,
That’s a great tradition! I think I’ll be adding that to my to do for next holiday season. Their Medieval dinners look intriguing and of course their German dishes look so yummy! Thank you for taking the time to comment!