Sun Peaks Holiday Kick-Off
Visitors gather at the Sun Peaks Centre Plaza for a festive community celebration to illuminate the plaza's Christmas tree. Supported by the Sun Peaks Municipality, the gathering brings locals and guests together amid seasonal cheer. The surrounding village comes alive with festive lights and holiday atmosphere.
What to Expect
Annual community tree lighting held at the Sun Peaks Centre Plaza.
Event Details
Ages
All ages
Neighborhood
Village Centre
Timed Entry
No
Organizer
Tourism Sun Peaks
Local Insight & Ratings
Family Friendly
Best For
Local residents and holiday-season visitors
Vibe
Festive and communal
Energy Level
Low
Photo Friendly
High
Weather Sensitivity
High
Location
Know Before You Go
- Hours: Friday: starts at 4:00pm with the Artisan Market; Après Bells Tradition at 3:00pm; Artisan Market 4:00pm–7:00pm; Community Celebration 5:00pm–6:00pm; Annual Plaza Christmas Tree Light Up at 5:30pm. Saturday: Artisan Market 11:00am–5:00pm; Photos with Santa 1:00pm–4:00pm; Maple Taffy samples 1:00pm–4:00pm; Gingerbread Cookie Decorating 1:00pm–3:00pm; Hot Chocolate Station 1:00pm–3:00pm; Desert Sounds A Cappella 1:30pm–3:30pm; Après Bells Tradition at 3:00pm. Sunday: Public Skating 9:00am–10:30am; Artisan Market 10:00am–4:00pm.
Tips & Advice
- Bring your own sled if you want to use the free toboggan area at Parking Lot 5, which stays lit through the evening.
- Head to the Clock Tower and Sundance Lodge early on Saturday afternoon, because the free taffy, hot chocolate and gingerbread decorating only last while supplies last.
- Leave your camera in your pocket at Photos with Santa, since personal pictures aren't allowed and digital photos are sold through Alpine Images instead.
- Have an adult sign the waiver before Sunday's free public skating, since it's required for entry and only 75 skaters are allowed on the ice at a time.
- Dress warmly for the outdoor tree light-up on Sun Peaks Centre Plaza, then warm up at the Artisan Market inside the Great Hall.
Special Events & Promotions
- The Après Bells Tradition rings out for the first time this year, marking the start of the après tradition.
- Saturday: drop-in Photos with Santa at the Village Stage, with digital photos for sale through Alpine Images.
- Saturday: free maple taffy samples and a free hot chocolate station at the Clock Tower, plus free gingerbread cookie decorating at Sundance Lodge, all while supplies last.
- Saturday: roving live music from Desert Sounds A Cappella.
- Sunday: free public skating at the Sun Peaks Skating Rink, with a maximum of 75 skaters at a time and an adult-signed waiver required.
Quick Actions
Frequently Asked Questions
What happens at the Friday celebration?
There's a Community Celebration on Sun Peaks Centre Plaza, capped by the annual Plaza Christmas Tree Light Up, which the Sun Peaks Municipality supports. The Artisan Market also opens in the Great Hall at Sun Peaks Centre, and the Après Bells ring out along the Village Stroll.
Is the Holiday Kick-Off good for families?
Yes. It's a family event with something for everyone, including live music, artisan shopping and family-friendly treats.
Can I take my own photos with Santa?
No. Personal pictures aren't allowed at Photos with Santa. It's drop-in with no registration needed, and you can buy digital photos through Alpine Images.
Are the usual winter activities still running during the Kick-Off?
Yes. The toboggan area, snowshoe rentals, skating rink and lifts all keep their regular hours.
What is the "My Secret Santa" movie set?
The Netflix film "My Secret Santa" was shot in Sun Peaks. Its North Pole set is open daily at the Sun Peaks Skating Rink and Centre Stage, and you can step onto it to take your own photos.
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Always check the official website for the most current information.
We've done our best to keep details up-to-date, but event schedules, prices, and policies can change. For the latest updates, please visit the official website or contact the organizers directly. Christmas Events Near Me is an independent guide and isn't affiliated with the events we list.