This year it feels like everyone is hosting or attending a holiday market. There are almost too many things to do in the Okanagan! There are some really great Kelowna December events but I am so excited to see smaller Okanagan communities into the holiday spirit as well!
And don’t forget to shop local with out Christmas gift guide for foodies featuring Canadian brands and businesses! With our exclusive promo codes you can save money supporting local!
Naramata Outdoor Winter Market
Join the 3rd annual Naramata Outdoor Winter Market held downtown Naramata at the Naramata Inn. Peruse local vendors before visiting the decorated Inn for dinner and drinks.
December 1st
5 – 8 pm
Free
Light Up The Vines, Summerland’s Bottleneck Drive
Wander Summerland’s Bottleneck Drive with wineries, cideries, brewery and distilleries all adorned with festive lights. This is the 13th annual Light Up The Vines event and it is a local favourite of all the things to do in December in the Okanagan. You can also experience the Kettle Valley Railway Christmas train, the winter kid-friendly version of the train that we experienced in June (see video).
Friday Dec 1st 5 pm to 9 pm
Saturday Dec 2nd 5 pm to 9 pm
Various tasting fees & reservations apply
Winter Love Market, Armstrong
The Winter Love Market presented by CC Bloom, the same people who offer the gorgeous tulip festival in the springtime, are hosting a winter market. Find a cozy bonfire, hot apple cider, S’mores kits and 21 vendors making it easy for you to shop local in the gorgeous Okanagan-Shuswap. We will definitely see you there as this is sure to be one of the best things to do in December in the Okanagan.
Dec 2nd
11 am to 4 pm
Free, attendees get complimentary hot apple cider
French Door Fête d’Hiver, Oliver
Sip on French Door wines paired with festive small bites and live music. Local vendors and French Door holiday gifts will be available for guests to get their holiday shopping done.
Dec 2nd
1 pm to 4 pm
$45 per person, $30 for members
Small bites and sips included
Welcome to Winter, Big White
While Big White has experienced a delay in snow this year, you can still join the festivities as they kick off winter with fireworks, live music and the entire village officially opening for the season. Shopping and restaurants will be a buzz.
Dec 2nd
5 pm to 7 pm
Christmas in the Country, East Kelowna
Explore the 8 businesses who call East Kelowna home on this DIY discovery passport. Pick up your passport at your first stop. This is definitely one of my favourite areas in the Okanagan to wine taste and with the new designation of a sub-region – the East Kelowna Slopes – It’s one of our Kelowna December events!
Dec 2nd & 3rd
11 am to 5:30 pm* although hours per venue vary
Tasting fees waived with a donation item to the Central Okanagan Food Bank
Gasthaus Christmas Market, Peachland
Importing the Christmas market tradition from those who do it best! Gasthaus Christmas Market is THE thing to do in the Okanagan if you are looking for keepsakes, ornaments, Christmas pyramids, whirlgigs and so much more all imported from Germany and Poland. These make for precious gifts – I seriously love all my German ornaments I’ve acquired over the years. After you’re done shopping head inside the Gatshaus on the Lake for some German eats. This is an Okanagan Valley gem.
Mid November to Dec 25th
9:30 am to 7:00 pm every day
Downtown Kelowna Winter Street Market & Light Up
Locals of all ages are excited to experience the Downtown Kelowna Winter Street Market and light up. This is a great one day market that gets quite busy as folks come out to shop this outdoor market as well as the Craft Culture holiday market just down the road. Food, coffee and cocoa as well as lots of local businesses line the street next door to the Kelowna outdoor ice rink. Live music and the Christmas tree light up makes it a special event to kick off the holiday season in Downtown Kelowna.
December 2nd
Market Hours 11 am to 5 pm
Light up at 5:30 pm
Craft Culture Market, Kelowna
Definitely the largest holiday market in the Okanagan Valley, this is THE thing to do in the Okanagan if you’re shopping. You’ll find shop local enthusiasts ticking off the Craft Culture Market on their list of Kelowna December events. And it is no wonder, over 200 local crafters and artisans will be there so you can meet the makers and watch the joy on their faces when you make a purchase. I mean…it is better than a smiling box delivered to your door.
December 1st – 3rd
Friday the 1st 1 pm to 7 pm
Saturday the 2nd 10 am to 5 pm
Sunday the 3rd 10 am to 5 pm
Sugar Plums Pop Up Bar at Orchard Room, Kelowna
Holiday pop up bars are all the rage. You can find Sugar Plums Pop Up Bar at Orchard Room this year with a special holiday food and drink menu to get you into the celebratory spirit.
November 18th to December 31st
Thursday to Saturday 4 pm to Late
Sunday 4 pm to 8 pm
Pretty Not Bad Holiday Pop Up, Kelowna
The Winter Wonder Bar has a new home at Pretty Not Bad in Kelowna’s North End district. Celebrate the season with a holiday menu fit for both kids and adults!
December 1st to 25th
Reservations recommended
The Holiday Affair, Kelowna
This holiday market will be held at Born to Shake & Mother Love (located next door to each other) and includes 10 local vendors and festive holiday drinks.
Dec 7th
5 pm to 10 pm
Early Bird Tickets $10 with $2 going toward the Kelowna Food Bank or $12 at the door
Each ticket enters you into a draw for the door prize
Holiday Vintage Market, Kelowna
Shop over 25 booths of vintage clothing, jewelry, decor, records and so much more! Held at the Ukrainian Catholic Church on Coronation ave near downtown Kelowna. Shop previously loved and nostalgic items this holiday season!
December 9th
10 am to 3 pm
$3 at the door, kids are free
JPC Open House Wine & Cheese, West Kelowna
If you’re a fan of cheese, and I know we definitely are, then head to Black Swift Vineyards in West Kelowna for a delicious pairing of Black Swift wines and cheese from Kelowna’s premiere cheesemongers, Perseval & Young.
Dec 9th
11 am to 5 pm
Tasting fees apply & will be donated to the Central Okanagan Food Bank
Table Forty-Nine Holiday Market at Barn Owl Brewing, Kelowna
Brea of Table Forty-Nine catering is hosting a pop up market at the Barn Owl Brewing parking lot on Surtees corner in the lower mission. A wonderful market for foodies looking for those delicious gifts. You’ll find us at one of our favourite Kelowna December events that shouldn’t be missed!
December 10th
12pm – 5pm
Donation by cash or card to the Bridge Youth & Family Services
Taylor Swift Eras Night at Neighbourhood Brewing, Penticton
Taylor Swift has taken over the world and Neighbourhood Brewing…at least for one night anyways. Swifties can enjoy her iconic hits and deep cuts along with delicious beer and food at this Penticton brewery.
December 13th
5-9pm
$22
Christmas Market in Vernon at Eatology
Enjoy the Christmas market at Eatlogy in Vernon with local vendors, food and drinks like only they can!
December 15th
5-9 pm
Free
Rustic Reel Christmas Market, Kelowna
This sweet market features some great beer gifts as well as food vendors and local artisans selling everything from jewelry to Christmas cards.
December 15th 3 to 8pm
December 16th 11 am to 7 pm
$5 or a non-perishable donation to the local food bank
Löyly Sauna & Cold Plunge, Kelowna
Opening in mid December is Kelowna’s newest experience, Löyly floating sauna and cold plunge! Keep an eye on their social media and newsletter for official opening dates. The goal is December 15th and I am so ready to book an experience! This will definitely be one of the best things to do in the Okanagan during the winter months!
Tell us which Kelowna December Events you’ll be attending? Or are you venturing into the smaller communities to support local?
