While your stockings might not yet be hung with care, you most likely have noticed the shift towards the upcoming holiday season — Christmas lights are starting to appear on houses and the radio has already played Jingle Bells at least 74 times.
While some may have already embraced the holiday season, others may be dragging their heels, having yet to put their Halloween costume back in the closet — either way, we’ve got a perfect list to help you find that festive feeling no matter what!
Here is a collection of activities around Osoyoos that are sure to bring out your inner Holiday Spirit!
Take Photos with Santa
Who knew that Santa Claus enjoys both wine and coffee?
Residents in the Osoyoos area are in luck for not one, but two separate appearances from the Jolly Ol’ Fellow this holiday season. St. Nick will be making an appearance at both Nostalgia Wines and Junction Coffeehouse to take photos for all.
Catch Santa at Nostalgia Wines on Saturday, November 26th from noon to 4:00 for a day of fun for all ages. The visit will also include a bonfire, mulled wine, hot chocolate, local artisan products and stocking stuffers…and the best holiday gift of all: WINE!
Santa will also be stopping by Junction 3 Coffeehouse on multiple occasions to get some caffeine before his big journey around the globe. Catch him on December 1-2, 8-10, & 15-17 from 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Families will get to spend 15 minutes with Mr. Claus to tell him all about how good they have been this year. The coffee shop will also be open and offering Christmas Cupcakes by special order.
Visit Our Festive Shops
You don’t have to stray much further than the downtown core of Osoyoos to find the spirit of the holidays!
Several shops along Main Street have switched over their offerings to align with the upcoming holidays. Find the perfect holiday-themed decor at Home Hardware, a new winter outfit at one of the many boutiques, or a peppermint latte and hot apple cider at one of the cafes.
You also won’t want to miss some of the dazzling storefronts including the sparkling lights outside Polka Dot Door or the glowing white Christmas trees at the Osoyoos Visitor’s Centre.
Watch the Town Lite Up
On December 2nd, the Osoyoos Festival Society will be bringing back the Christmas Lite-Up and Parade to welcome the month of December!
You won’t want to miss the glowing, vibrant colours of the holidays.
The parade starts at 6:30 followed by a bonfire, hot chocolate, games, and more at Gyro Beach at the bottom of Main Street!
In addition to the parade, catch Christmas carols being sung by the Okanagan International Choir outside of Home Hardware from 6-6:30 p.m.
Find Holiday Gifts at the Winter Markets & Craft Fair
This time of year is truly a Shopper’s Delight.
There will be multiple artisan markets run over the holiday season — perfect places to do your Christmas shopping, find the newest ornament for your holiday collection or add some new flavours to your holiday meals.
There will be a Winter Market held at District Wine Village on Nov. 26-27 & Dec. 3-4 from 12:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.
You can also find ‘Gifts Galore’ Christmas Artisan Market at The Art Gallery Osoyoos, running Tuesday-Saturday from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
The Elves have also been busy getting ready for the Christmas Craft Fair at the Osoyoos Seniors Centre, which will be held on November 26, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Join the Jingle Bell Run
If you’ve ever wanted to dress up like Santa himself and do a run for charity now is your chance!
The 2nd Annual Jingle Bell Run will be returning to Osoyoos on Dec. 3 with proceeds going towards the Osoyoos Food Bank.
Grab your ugly Christmas sweaters and your sneakers and participate in this 3km fun run/walk/roll or 5km competitive run.
Entry to the run costs $20 per adult and $5 per child. The cost of participation includes a finishing treat from Lake Village Bakery, an event t-shirt, hot drinks and hot dogs and prizes. Dressing up is highly encouraged.
Take in a Christmas Concert
There isn’t anything quite like music around the holidays.
One of the best ways to get in the spirit of this time of year is by listening to some of your favourite holiday tunes.
We suggest doing that by taking in a Christmas concert and you don’t have to stray too far to find one.
Steve Elliott from Elvis Elite will be presenting “Christmas with a King” on November 30 at the Osoyoos Baptist Church — put on by Osoyoos Performing Arts.
Tickets are on sale at the Osoyoos & District Arts Council “Hub” which is located at 8716 Main Street in Osoyoos. It is open from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Wednesdays to Saturdays. Tickets are also on sale at www.osoyoosartscouncil.com
Find more details about this concert on its Facebook page by clicking here.
Attend the first-ever Fire & Ice Carnival at Spirit Ridge Resort
A first-of-its-kind festival is coming to Osoyoos — the South Okanagan Fire & Ice Festival — and with it, it is bringing an all-new marquee feature event: The Fire & Ice Carnival at Spirit Ridge.
The Carnival will feature 16 artisan wineries, breweries, cideries, and distilleries from the South Okanagan, serving up samples alongside curated food pairings.
Enjoy amazing carnival-style entertainment throughout the evening, with roving performers by Kinshira Entertainment, live music, cocktails served “luge” style, and much more.
Your ticket includes all food pairings throughout the evening, plus 5 drink tickets for wine, beer, and cocktail samples from local craft producers.
Tickets to the Carnival can be purchased online by clicking here.
**Note: You must be 19+ to attend this event.
