As the first hint of frost touches the vineyard rows, now is the perfect time for Kelowna families to embrace the season with warmth, connection, and local magic.
Whether you’re looking for a cozy indoor treat, a crisp outdoor adventure, or something in between, here is a 12-day itinerary of activities around Kelowna that will create lasting memories for your household.
Day 1: Visit a Festive Holiday Market
Kick off your seasonal countdown by browsing the local artisans at the annual Craft Culture Holiday Market, held at Prospera Place.
With over 200 local crafters and artisans, you’ll find handcrafted gifts, holiday treats, and a festive atmosphere. In addition, there’s also the Red Bird Brewing Family Christmas Market, where you’ll find festive vendors, seasonal treats, and free Santa photos for the kids.
Tip: Bring a tote bag for your finds and schedule a hot-chocolate break nearby to refuel.
Day 2: Meet Santa and Enjoy Kids’ Crafts
Continue the magic with a Santa meet-and-greet experience at Kelowna Actors Studio’s Okanagan Santa Experience.
Children can decorate cookies, join an Elf-Academy activity, and have a memorable photo with Santa. Bundle up, bring your camera, and capture the moment. But don’t worry! If you miss this event, Santa will be appearing at many more locations around Kelowna. You can check out his busy holiday schedule HERE.
Tip: Book early, dress festive (even holiday pyjamas), and allow some extra time for photos and crafts.
Day 3: Ice-Skating Under the Lights
Head downtown to Stuart Park, where the outdoor rink becomes a winter wonderland.
Skate rentals are available if you don’t have your own, ensuring families can skate against a backdrop of lake and city lights. Glide under the evening sky, sip hot chocolate, and let the kids feel the fresh air.
Tip: Bring your own mittens, check rink openings in advance, and consider early evening for fewer crowds.
Day 4: Outdoor Winter Walk and Nature Pause
Take a refreshing stroll on one of Kelowna’s winter-friendly nature trails. For example, trails managed by the Kelowna Nordic Ski and Snowshoe Club are marked and family-friendly. Pick a scenic trail and make memories in the crisp air before the holiday hecticness kicks off.
Tip: Dress in layers, carry a thermos of warm drink, and keep it short if younger kids are involved.
Day 5: Explore a Local Light-Up Event
One of Kelowna’s enduring holiday traditions is the neighbourhood light displays. For example, the annual Parade with a Purpose lights up downtown Kelowna.
There’s also the Kelowna Winter Street Market & Light Up at Stuart Park, complete with live entertainment, skating, Santa visits, and a grand tree lighting. Make it fun by bringing a thermos of cocoa and doing a mini scavenger hunt for favourite decorations.
Tip: Arrive before the official “light up” moment to stake out a good viewing spot. Bring your camera for festive reflections.
Day 6: Cozy Indoor Arts and Performance Outing
When the weather turns frosty, shift your adventures indoors.
Visit the Rotary Centre for the Arts (RCA) for family-friendly holiday programming, crafts, performance or artisan shopping. Check their schedule for “Magic of the Holidays” events, which include seasonal movie watching (like showings of Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer) and dance performances of The Nutcracker.
Tip: Check their calendar ahead, reserve spots when needed, and combine with a warm café visit nearby.
Day 7: Family Dessert Trail
Treat yourself with a sweet afternoon between cafés.
Map out three local spots offering seasonal delights, such as peppermint mochas, gingerbread cookies, and holiday-themed donuts. Then gather around a table, swap favourite holiday memories, and enjoy.
Tip: Keep the trail walkable (downtown Kelowna is ideal), take photos of each sweet stop, and let the kids pick their favourite.
Day 8: Gift-Shop Local Boutiques
Shift your focus to thoughtful gifting and support local businesses. Browse neighbourhood boutiques, specialty shops, and sample local finds. With markets and boutiques popping up all season, this is a great day for shopping with heart.
Tip: Make a list of categories (for example: “one gift + one treat”) and stick to a budget to reduce holiday stress.
Day 9: Outdoor Adventure Beyond the Slopes
Not everyone skis, and that’s okay.
The Kelowna region offers family-friendly snowshoeing options that are perfect for a seasonal day trip and some great photo-op opportunities! Pick an easy-to-moderate trail in the winter woods, pack a picnic, and enjoy the serenity.
Tip: Go for a late-morning start so you’re back before dusk, carry extra layers, and keep an eye on trail conditions.
Day 10: Volunteer or Give Back
Kelowna residents know that the season is richer when giving is part of the plan.
Consider donating to local food banks, toy drives, or community events. You can find local listings for volunteers HERE. For example, the Central Okanagan Food Bank (COFB) is always grateful for volunteers or donations to help make the holidays special for those who need support.
Tip: Bring the kids, explain the value of helping others, and make this volunteering heading part of your family story.
Day 11: Family Game/Movie Night at Home
After being out and about, plan a cozy evening in.
Pick a holiday-themed movie, bake cookies together, make hot chocolate, and let the day wind down in comfort. Encourage everyone to wear pyjamas and simply enjoy the downtime together!
Tip: Let everyone pick a component (movie, topping, blanket) so it feels inclusive and relaxed.
Day 12: Celebration and Reflection
As you approach the end of the holidays, pause to reflect on the past eleven days.
Have each family member share their favourite moment from each day. Then head out for one final light-up stroll around a decorated neighbourhood (for example, the Candy Cane Lane is a family favourite in Kelowna.
Wrap the evening with a special dessert, family photo, and gratitude for the shared time.
12 Days of Community and Meaning
Rather than just a list of activities, this 12-day plan becomes a meaningful family tradition.
Each day offers a small experience (some lively, some restful) that builds up the anticipation toward the holidays without feeling overwhelming. You’ll be weaving moments of joy, connection, and community into your family’s rhythm at a manageable pace. By planning ahead and keeping things local, you reclaim the holidays from hustle and make them about presence, memory-making, and belonging.
Practical Tips for Families
- Bundle up: Winter temperatures in Kelowna can dip. Dress in layers, bring mittens, a hat, and a warm drink.
- Plan ahead: For markets, Santa appearances, or skating rentals, check times and book or arrive early.
- Balance outdoor and indoor activities: When one day is high-energy, follow with something restful to avoid burnout.
- Capture moments: Take a few casual photos of spontaneous smiles. The kids (and you!) will love looking back on these precious moments.
- Stay local: Many activities happen in or near downtown Kelowna. Stay close to reduce travel time and keep evenings manageable.
- Budget-friendly: A lot of events are free or low-cost. Concentrate on fun over spending.
Ready for What’s Next?
If you’re thinking about the larger scope of home and lifestyle in Kelowna beyond the holidays, consider exploring the community at Trailhead at the Ponds, located in Upper Mission. This neighbourhood offers a beautiful blend of nature, convenience, and family-friendly living with new homes and lots available now.
Connect with us today. Your family’s holiday memories might be just the beginning of a lifestyle that fits year-round.
