Get ready for festive fun! Whether you're a Diehard fan of cult holiday movies, or looking to experience the rapture of live music, Kamloops has you covered this winter. Take in a comedy show, immerse yourself in art, and attend a curling-themed play that will tug on your heartstrings. Make sure to leave room on your calendar and experience all that Kamloops has to offer this season.
Take in a Live Play at the Theatre
'Tis the season for live theatre — there's nothing like watching a winter-themed play to get you feeling in the holiday spirit. Luckily, Kamloops is home to the Western Canada Theatre, the largest professional theatre company in BC's interior. Every winter, they fill their lineup with new and classic holiday hits. This year, you can catch "It's a Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play," which sees the beloved classic movie refreshed for the stage as a live 1940s radio broadcast. Expect festive jingles and carols, local talent, and plenty of holiday joy — with a storyline to remind you of the true value of the season. Keep with the play's theme and bring a loved one thanks to the Western Canada Theatre's holiday flex pass. Purchase tickets and passes here. "It's a Wonderful Life" runs from November 24 to December 10, 2022.
Settle In to Watch Holiday Flicks
Home Alone, The Muppets, Elf — this season, catch all your fave flicks courtesy of the Kamloops Film Society. They're bringing the holiday movies you know and love to the big screen every weekend leading up to December 24. Fall on the "Grinch" spectrum when it comes to the holiday season? Don't worry. The film society is hosting an "Anti-Christmas" lineup as well, featuring cult classics like Die Hard, Lethal Weapon, and National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation. So, grab your tickets, make sure to leave room for popcorn and candy, and settle in for a festive film marathon this winter. Bonus — if you're looking to host a holiday party without the fuss, here's a hot tip: you can rent out the Paramount Theatre for you and six of your friends. (Or, make it an extra special date night and book out the theatre for you and your significant other).
Experience Christmas with the Kamloops Symphony Orchestra
Join the Kamloops Symphony for an evening of music and revelry. "Christmas with the KSO," returns to the Sagebrush Theatre featuring a holiday-themed program that will enchant and delight the whole family. New to the symphony? You'll be blown away by the talent of this professional orchestra. Listen as the KSO Chorus lifts your spirits in a wondrous refrain singing a selection of festive hits, or watch in awe during a solo performance by harpist Naomi Cloutier. "Christmas with the KSO" runs December 17 to December 18. Purchase tickets here.
Immerse Yourself in Art at the Kamloops Art Gallery
Take respite from the cold weather and immerse yourself in a world of colour, texture, and shape at the Kamloops Art Gallery. The largest in BC's interior, the gallery hosts a selection of rotating exhibits of national calibre and renown each year. This winter, discover portraiture that plays on themes of gender and family through the work of mixed media artist Alicia Henry. You can catch "Witnessing" on until December 31, 2022. What's upcoming in the New Year? Don't miss "Glacial Resonance," a dynamic video and sound installation that lifts heavy themes like climate change to new artistic heights. This exhibit runs January 21 to April 23, 2022. KAG is open Tuesday to Saturday from 10am to 5pm, with free admission and late evening hours on Thursdays.
Make Time for Reflection at the Kamloops Museum & Archives
The holidays can be a time for poignant reflection. This winter, the Kamloops Museum & Archives can help spur introspection and meaningful discussion with loved ones with their exhibit, "Kamloops As Place" on until January 7, 2023. This exhibit asks important questions focused on the notion of place. Archival images, exhibitions displays, and other visual forms unpack the construction of Kamloops through the various norms and values which have influenced the region over time. While visiting, don't miss the museum's permanent exhibition — the Kamloops Museum and Archives is one of the oldest museums in the province. Open Tuesday to Saturday from 9:30am to 4:30pm.
Bond With Loved Ones Over Comedy
Is there a better remedy for holiday stress than comedy? Do yourself (and your loved ones) a favour and purchase tickets for a night of guaranteed laughs. "Snowed In" is a winter comedy tour that sees four award-winning Canadian comedians take to the stage, each sharing their own unique and hilarious take. There are two shows coming to the Sagebrush Theatre, one on January 6, 2023 and one on January 7, 2023. Purchase tickets here.
Discover a Canadian Curling Classic
Scotties
Forget hockey. For many Canadians, curling is *the* national sport. This beloved winter pastime takes center stage as the backdrop for the hilarious and moving "Hurry Hard" play, coming to the Western Canada Theatre from February 23, 2023 to March 4, 2023. An award-winning play, Hurry Hard is a story of love, second chances, and yes, curling. Brush up on your curling lingo by cheering on the teams at the 2023 Scotties Tournament of Hearts, which takes place in Kamloops from February 17 to February 26, 2023. Purchase tickets for the play here.