Plan your holiday fun in Kamloops with our comprehensive guide. For Kamloops residents and guests, our guide ensures you enjoy all the festive activities.
Experience the magic of the season at the Wildlights Festival, where the British Columbia Wildlife Park is transformed with sparkling light displays. Head down to the heart of Kamloops for the Santa Claus Parade, featuring floats, music, and an appearance by Santa himself. And don't forget the charming Christmas at the Courthouse, which offers a unique blend of holiday crafts and performances. See more details on these and other fun events and activities below!
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The Top Christmas Events in Kamloops
- Santa Claus Parade
- Wildlights Festival
- Christmas at the Courthouse
- CP Holiday Train
- Kamloops Symphony Christmas Concert
- Craft Fairs at TRU
- The Nutcracker Ballet
- Festival of Trees
- Winter Farmers' Market
- Christmas Fun for Families at the YMCA
Kamloops Holiday Light Displays
Wildlights Festival
What to Expect:
Immersive light displays integrated with wildlife habitats
Description:
BC Wildlife Park illuminates its grounds with thousands of twinkling lights, creating a nocturnal wonderland. Visitors stroll through carefully crafted light sculptures depicting local fauna in their natural habitats. The festival seamlessly blends environmental education with holiday spirit, offering a unique perspective on the region's wildlife. Guests can participate in guided night walks to learn about nocturnal animals. This event began as a small community project and has grown into a major attraction, drawing visitors from across British Columbia.
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Christmas Light Tour
What to Expect:
Self-guided tour of the city's best residential light displays
Description:
Kamloops residents outdo themselves with elaborate holiday light displays, creating a citywide spectacle. A specially curated map guides visitors through neighborhoods showcasing the most impressive and creative illuminations. Twinkling lights transform ordinary homes into dazzling works of art. Participants can vote for their favorite displays via a mobile app. This grassroots event has grown organically over the years, fostering a spirit of friendly competition among homeowners and bringing joy to the entire community.
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Kamloops Holiday Markets and Shopping
Craft Fairs at TRU
What to Expect:
Showcasing student and alumni artisans
Description:
Thompson Rivers University campus buzzes with creativity during its holiday craft fairs. The event spotlights the talents of current students, alumni, and local artisans, offering a diverse array of handcrafted goods. Visitors can browse through stalls featuring unique jewelry, pottery, textiles, and more. The fair provides an opportunity to purchase one-of-a-kind gifts while supporting emerging artists. This event has its roots in the university's commitment to fostering entrepreneurship and artistic expression among its community members.
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Winter Farmers' Market
What to Expect:
Indoor market featuring local winter produce and artisanal goods
Description:
The Winter Farmers' Market brings the bounty of local farms indoors during the colder months. Vendors offer an array of seasonal produce, preserves, baked goods, and handcrafted items. The market buzzes with activity as shoppers browse stalls filled with root vegetables, winter squashes, and hearty greens. You can sample artisanal cheeses and locally-made preserves while chatting with the producers. This market highlights the region's agricultural heritage and the innovative farming techniques that allow for year-round local food production.
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Kamloops Holiday Giving Opportunities
Festival of Trees
What to Expect:
Creatively decorated trees supporting local charities
Description:
The Festival of Trees transforms a local venue into a forest of uniquely adorned Christmas trees. Each tree is sponsored and decorated by local businesses, organizations, and individuals, showcasing their creativity and community spirit. Visitors can admire the diverse array of tree designs, from traditional to avant-garde. The event raises funds for various local charities through silent auctions and donations. This festival has grown from a small community initiative to become one of Kamloops' most anticipated holiday events, reflecting the city's generous spirit.
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Kamloops Holiday Shows and Entertainment
CP Holiday Train
What to Expect:
Mobile concert on a beautifully decorated train
Description:
The Canadian Pacific Holiday Train rolls into Kamloops, bringing with it a unique traveling music festival. The train, adorned with thousands of LED lights, transforms into a moving stage for live performances. As the train stops, it opens to reveal musicians who entertain the crowd with holiday tunes. Attendees can donate non-perishable food items to support local food banks. This initiative, which began in 1999, has raised millions of dollars and countless pounds of food for communities across North America.
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Kamloops Symphony Christmas Concert
What to Expect:
Blend of classical and contemporary holiday music
Description:
The Kamloops Symphony Orchestra delivers a harmonious blend of traditional carols and modern holiday compositions. The concert showcases the talents of local musicians and guest soloists, filling the venue with rich, orchestral sounds. Audience members can experience the thrill of hearing familiar tunes reimagined through classical arrangements. This annual performance has been a cornerstone of Kamloops' cultural calendar for over 40 years, evolving to reflect the diverse musical tastes of the community.
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Kamloops Symphony Christmas Concert
The Nutcracker Ballet
What to Expect:
Local dance company's interpretation of the classic ballet
Description:
The Kamloops Ballet Company presents its annual rendition of The Nutcracker, infusing the classic tale with local flair. Dancers gracefully bring the story to life, accompanied by Tchaikovsky's iconic score. The production features elaborate costumes and set designs that transport the audience to a world of sugar plum fairies and toy soldiers. Attendees can marvel at the intricate choreography and the dedication of the performers. This beloved performance has been a staple of Kamloops' holiday season for over two decades, showcasing the city's thriving arts scene.
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Christmas Carol Sing-Along
What to Expect:
Community-wide caroling event in a historic venue
Description:
The historic St. Andrews on the Square opens its doors for a spirited community sing-along. Participants join their voices in a medley of beloved carols, filling the 19th-century church with harmonious melodies. Local choirs lead the singing, encouraging everyone to participate regardless of musical ability. The event revives the tradition of communal caroling, once a common practice in Kamloops' early days. This gathering celebrates both the holiday spirit and the rich heritage of one of the city's oldest buildings.
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Kamloops Other Holiday Activities
Santa Claus Parade
What to Expect:
Community-wide participation with decorated floats
Description:
Kamloops transforms its streets into a moving spectacle of holiday cheer. Local businesses, schools, and community groups craft elaborate floats that parade through the city center. The air fills with the sound of joyful carols as spectators line the route. You can join in by decorating your own vehicle or simply enjoy the procession from the sidelines. This parade has been a cherished tradition in Kamloops since 1980, bringing together residents of all ages to celebrate the season.
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Christmas at the Courthouse
What to Expect:
Historical reenactments in a heritage building
Description:
The Old Courthouse in Kamloops opens its doors for a journey back in time. Costumed interpreters bring the Victorian era to life, showcasing holiday traditions from the late 19th century. The grand architecture of the building serves as a perfect backdrop for this historical celebration. Visitors can try their hand at traditional crafts like candle-making or wreath-creating. The event highlights the rich judicial history of Kamloops, which dates back to the gold rush era of the 1860s.
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Christmas Fun for Families at the YMCA
What to Expect:
Active holiday celebrations promoting family fitness
Description:
The Kamloops YMCA hosts a series of holiday-themed fitness activities designed for families. Participants can join in reindeer races, snowman-building contests, and Santa's obstacle course. The event promotes health and wellness while incorporating festive elements. Children and adults alike can enjoy the pool transformed into a winter water wonderland. This initiative reflects the YMCA's century-long commitment to community health and family engagement in Kamloops.
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Christmas Fun for Families at the YMCA
Photos with Santa
What to Expect:
Santa visits various local businesses and community centers
Description:
Santa Claus makes his rounds through Kamloops, stopping at different locations each day. This unique approach allows families to meet Santa in diverse settings, from cozy bookstores to bustling community centers. Children can share their wishes and pose for photos in a relaxed, familiar environment. The initiative supports local businesses by drawing visitors to various parts of the city. This roaming Santa program began as a way to make holiday photos more accessible to all families in the community.
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Christmas Tree Chipping
What to Expect:
Eco-friendly disposal of Christmas trees with proceeds benefiting local charities
Description:
Kamloops turns the post-holiday cleanup into a community-building and environmentally friendly event. Residents bring their Christmas trees to designated locations where they're transformed into mulch for city parks and gardens. The air fills with the fresh scent of pine as the trees are chipped. A small donation is requested, with proceeds supporting local environmental initiatives. This event, which began as a small volunteer effort, now diverts thousands of trees from landfills each year, showcasing Kamloops' commitment to sustainability.
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Nearby Events
Winterfest (Sun Peaks)
What to Expect:
Multi-day winter sports and cultural festival in a mountain resort
Description:
Sun Peaks Resort comes alive with Winterfest, a celebration of snow sports and mountain culture. Visitors can participate in ski and snowboard competitions, ice sculpting demonstrations, and snowshoe tours. The event showcases the talents of local athletes and artists against the backdrop of stunning mountain vistas. Guests can warm up with a cup of locally-brewed craft beer while enjoying live music performances. Winterfest has its roots in the region's rich skiing history, dating back to the early 20th century.
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Apres Ski Festivities (Sun Peaks)
What to Expect:
Nightly après-ski events combining local cuisine and entertainment
Description:
Sun Peaks Resort extends the excitement of skiing into the evening with lively après-ski gatherings. Local chefs serve up hearty mountain fare, while musicians and performers entertain the crowds. Visitors can unwind in outdoor hot tubs while taking in the starry mountain sky. The events showcase the best of British Columbia's culinary and artistic talents. This tradition of après-ski festivities in Sun Peaks dates back to the resort's founding, reflecting the area's long-standing reputation as a premier winter destination.