Ready to get into the holiday spirit? This post showcases the best Christmas events happening across the South Okanagan. Most happen in late November, offering an early dose of holiday cheer before life gets busy in December.
JR and I live in Penticton and usually attend the downtown events and Summerland Festival of Lights every year. This season, we’re going to check out some of the festivities in other local towns. This inspired me to put all these event details in one place. I hope it is a useful reference for you as well!
This post covers the major Christmas events in Penticton, the Naramata Bench, Summerland, Oliver and Osoyoos.
A Sprinkle of Magic, Penticton – Late November
Since this website is focused on Penticton, let’s start there! A Sprinkle of Magic is a relatively new Christmas event, featuring activities, live music, gift card giveaways and complimentary treats at a number of ‘hubs’ in downtown Penticton. Collect a stamp from each hub to enter a contest to win a shopping spree.
In 2025, the event takes place on Saturday 29th November from 12 to 4pm. The activity hubs are located outside Tickleberry’s, inside Cannery Brewing, inside Highway 97 Brewing and at White Lioness Metaphysics.
Magic on Main Street, Penticton – Late November or early December
The Magic on Main Street is Penticton’s annual light-up event, combined with a float parade. The parade starts at Eckhardt Avenue at around 4.45pm and continues down Main Street all the way to the Lakeside Resort on Lakeshore Drive.
The parade floats are built by a mix of local businesses and events, with one always carrying Santa Claus and Mrs. Claus. The Grinch float is always a hit with the kids, as well as any that throw candy into the crowd!
Usually arriving at Lakeshore Drive just before 6pm, Santa Claus has to make a quick exit to reach the Gyro Bandstand in time for the official light-up. Once Santa arrives, the switch is flipped to turn on the lights in the park (including the 55m long tunnel).
In 2025, the Magic on Main Street is happening on Sunday 30th November.
Naramata Bench Winterfest – Mid/late November
The Naramata Bench Winterfest is the brainchild of the folks at Chain Reaction Winery, who wanted to shine a light on the local businesses of the Naramata Bench during what is a typically quiet time of year.
The two day weekend event features special offers at participating wineries, including discounted or complimentary tastings, winter treats (think mulled wine, hot chocolate, pretzels, popcorn), bottle/case deals and more.
Most businesses decorate and some offer fire pits and food. Abandoned Rail Brewing and Creek & Gully Cider also usually take part. In 2025, this event took place on Friday 21st and Saturday 22nd November.
Summerland Festival of Lights – Late November
Running for almost four decades, the Summerland Festival of Lights is a very popular and well run Christmas event. The main downtown streets are closed for the evening, market stalls line the roads, stores open late, multiple stages present live music and dance.
The official light up of the town’s decorations usually happens around 7pm, with fireworks bringing the night to a close at 8.30pm.
We’ve been to the Festival of Lights many times of the years and love how well supported it is by the local community. It’s always full of people and has such a lovely vibe!
In 2025, the Festival of Lights takes place on Friday 28th November.
Light Up the Vines, Summerland – Late November to early December
Summerland’s local wine route, Bottleneck Drive, celebrates the season with its Light Up the Vines event. It usually starts the same day at the Festival of Lights, with a Beverage Garden in downtown Summerland.
During the event, participating wineries show off their decorations with seasonal treats, live music and festive tastings. Offerings vary between wineries. Three local cideries and Detonate Brewing also take part.
In 2025, the Light Up the Vines event takes place on Friday 28th and Saturday 29th November, Friday 5th and Saturday 6th December.
Oliver Community Light Up and Fireworks – Late November
Bigger and better each year is the the Oliver Community Light Up and Fireworks celebration. Oliver’s Main Street is closed for the festivities, with the official light up ceremony starting at 6pm and concluding around 6.30pm.
Around this time, a market with local artisans and crafters opens by the Visitor Centre. In neighbouring Lion’s Park, there is a bonfire, food vendors and a DJ. At 8pm, the fireworks finale begins.
In 2025, this event will happen on Friday 28th November.
Fire & Ice Festival, Oliver/Osoyoos – Late November
The aforementioned Oliver Community Light Up is the first event of the South Okanagan Fire & Ice Festival.
Festivities continue with the ‘signature’ Fire & Ice Celebration at Spirit Ridge in Osoyoos on 29th November (2025 date). This evening event encourages guests to arrive in costume and enjoy wine and cider tastings alongside fire and ice themed pairings. There is live music and performance plus prizes for the best costumes.
The 2025 Fire & Ice Festival also includes a dinner event at Miradoro restaurant at Tinhorn Creek on 2nd December. The culmination of the festival is the Osoyoos Christmas Lite Up (more info below).
Osoyoos Christmas Lite Up – Early December
The Osoyoos Lite Up is another long running Christmas event in the South Okanagan. It starts with a fundraiser for kids, continues with an afternoon farmers’ market and then expands into a parade, bonfire with carols and finally, a fireworks display on the shores of Osoyoos Lake.
The next day, there is the opportunity to meet Santa over breakfast and join the Jingle Bell Run. This is a 3km/5km beginner friendly fun run, with donations to the Osoyoos Food Bank. Technically, the finale event is the ‘Desert Dip,’ a polar bear swim in the lake on New Years Day!
In 2025, the Osoyoos Christmas Lite Up event takes place on Friday 5th December and Saturday 6th December.
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