Bundle up and get ready for a December to remember in Kamloops! This winter wonderland is brimming with family-friendly festivities that promise to ignite the holiday spirit in everyone. From twinkling lights to Santa sightings, Kamloops is a festive playground for all ages. Join us as we unwrap the magic and explore the enchanting family fun awaiting you this December.
Twinkle Town
Get ready to dazzle your eyes and amp up the holiday vibes in Kamloops! Grab the fam and gear up for a glow-up adventure like no other. It's not just about the sparkle; it's about the full-on magic that comes with it. We've scoped out the coolest spots to catch the most beautiful lights, from streets decked out like a Christmas movie set, to trains passing through that light up the night, to mind-blowing light installations, we've got it all. Don your comfiest winter gear, hit the town, and soak up the festive brilliance. Check out these must-see spots – trust us, your holiday season just got a whole lot brighter!
December 16th (5:00 PM - 5:30PM) Canadian Pacific Holiday Train - Travelling across the U.S. and Canada on the CPKC network, the train brings not only the magic of the season but also a heartfelt commitment to making a difference with food insecurity. This year, the experience gets an extra dose of star power, with performances by Tyler Shaw and Tiesza right from the train. So, mark your calendars, bundle up, and get ready for a night of twinkling lights, festive tunes, and a whole lot of holiday spirit!
December 13th - 31st (Starting 5:00 PM nightly) Cassie's Charity Drive - Cassie's Annual Charity Drive has kicked off a month-long campaign with an amazing community light display at the McNutt home 5215 Dallas Drive. This campaign will include a 50/50 draw and the collection of wish list items for Kamloops Hospice. The community is welcome to come by the home to enjoy the lights, feel the love and cheers to what the season has to offer.
December 15th - January 7th (4:00 PM - 9:00 PM Nightly) BC Wildlife Park Wildlights - As the sun sets, prepare for a dazzling spectacle at the park, where over 1 million magical lights burst into radiant hues every night, transforming the animals home into a breathtaking display of colours. On weekends from 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm (excluding December 24th and 25th), little ones can meet the beloved duo Anna & Elsa, adding a touch of enchantment to their evenings. If the temperatuer goes below -10, fear not – the royal sisters will relocate to the cozy Winter Wonderland display. For those in need of laughter, Uncle Chris the Clown takes the stage every night (excluding Dec 24th, 26th, 31st, and Jan 1st) from 5:00 pm to 8:30 pm, presenting lively shows at the Splash Park, shifting indoors to the Wildlife Presentation Theatre when temperatures plummet. Don't miss the chance for up-close encounters with fascinating creatures; animal presentations are scheduled nightly at 5:00 pm, 6:00 pm, 7:00 pm, and 8:00 pm in the Wildlife Presentation Theatre.
Meeting Santa and his Merry Crew
Santa Claus Parade
Get ready to sprinkle some holiday magic into your month in Kamloops! From the jolly man in red, Santa Claus himself, to the mischievous Grinch and the sweet Cindy Lou Who, all your winter favourites are gathering for a festive party time. It's not just a meet-and-greet; it's a chance to share laughs, wishes, and maybe even a cookie or two with the icons of the season.
December 14th-31st - Winter at Privato - Step into Privato's Winter Wonderland, where joy hangs in the air, and the grounds are alive with frosty festivities! Their winter slide is a laughter-filled adventure waiting for the little ones, and Santa himself is here to sprinkle some extra magic on this year's festivities. You can even get a FREE photo with Santa, too! Explore the picturesque spots tailor-made for family memories and take a hayride through the picturesque Privato property– the perfect backdrop for creating those special moments. Keep warm by the cozy fire pits, and dive into the delightful tradition of roasting s'mores together.
December 15th-17th - Kamloops Who-Ville - Come and experience the festive spirit at the Kamloops Powwow Arbour for a magical Who-Ville evening! The Mayor of Who-Ville, his lovely wife, the mischievous Grinch, sweet Cindy-Lou, and loyal Max the Dog will all be waiting to celebrate with you. Create cherished memories as the original cartoon Grinch comes to life on the big screen, and keep an eye out for the Grinch's playful antics throughout the evening. Who-Ville kindly welcomes gently used children's books or small cash donations, all of which will support Kamloops Literacy. Open December 15th (6 pm - 9 pm), December 16th (6 pm - 9 pm), and December 17th (5 pm - 8 pm)
December 23rd - Breakfast with Santa at The Coast Hotel - Come and enjoy a festive morning at The Coast Kamloops Hotel & Conference Centre! Santa Claus himself will be making a special appearance to spread holiday cheer. Bring your little ones for a delightful breakfast and a chance to meet Santa in person. It's the perfect way to start the holiday season! Don't forget to bring your camera to capture those precious moments with the man in red. This event is sure to make your family's Christmas extra special. This event benefits the Royal Inland Hospital's Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, and they are hoping to raise approximately $10,000.
Featuring Santa Claus himself & friends. As well as gifts for the children, multiple activities, and face painting.
Tickets: $27 per person + applicable taxes.
Tickets include: breakfast buffet, cookie decorating, meeting with Santa, crafts, activities, and much more.
Thrills and Chills For the whole Fam
Whether you're gearing up to carve the slopes with your family on skis, snowboards, or tubes, getting into the groove with some festive tunes and carols, or catching a game and hanging out with the ever-entertaining Digger, Kamloops has a sleigh-load of amazing events to make your December a winter wonderland.
December 18th - Choral Rhapsody - Who doesn't love a free community concert? Eleven local choirs will be presenting a delightful selection of Christmas carols with singalongs in between sets for audience participation. The choirs in attendance will be:
- Cantabile Singers of Kamloops
- Desert Sounds A Cappella+
- Jeweltones
- Kamloops Choristers
- Kamloops Men’s Chorus
- Kamloops Pride Choir
- Serious Options Choir
- The Happy Choristers
- TRU Chamber Chorus Club
- Valley Harmony Choir
- Vivace Choral
In addition to the choirs, handbell choir Bells of Note will welcome the audience with a selection of music in the lobby prior to the start of the concert.
This is a free community concert sponsored by the City—food and cash donations for the Kamloops Food Bank will be gratefully accepted at the door to support residents in our community.
Harper Mountain Snow Town Tube Park - Experience the thrill of tubing at Harper Ski Mountain, where the fun doesn't stop, whether it's day or night! Gather your crew for nonstop laughter as you zoom down the snow-covered slopes. This adventure is perfect for all ages, with tubing available for the littlest adventurers aged 3 and up. The excitement continues off the slopes, too! Warm up by the fires, where you can take in the joy of roasting hotdogs and marshmallows, adding a delicious touch to your tubing adventures.
Sun Peaks Resort - Say hello to a winter wonderland adventure at Sun Peaks Resort, where a plethora of snowy delights awaits the entire family. From the exhilarating slopes for skiing and snowboarding to the serene trails for snowshoeing, there's a winter activity for every taste. Feel the thrill of ice fishing on frozen lakes, conquer the snow-covered trails with fat biking, or gracefully glide across the ice skating rink. If you're in the mood for something indoors, why not try your hand at indoor golfing? Sun Peaks Resort is the ultimate one-stop-shop for a day packed with family fun, ensuring that every member of your crew finds their perfect winter activity in this snowy paradise.
Snowshoeing - Stake Lake
As you navigate the holiday hustle in Kamloops this December, don't forget the real stars of the show: your loved ones and friends. Whether you're shredding the slopes, checking out the twinkle lights, or just chilling at home, soak up the good times and laughter that this month brings. Life's too short not to have a blast, so enjoy the ride, share a few jokes, and make some memories that even the Grinch would crack a smile at. Kamloops is your playground—go have some fun with your crew and soak in all that December magic!
Don't forget to keep us in the 'Loop with your incredible adventures this holiday season. Snap those memorable moments and share your journey with us by tagging @tourismkamloops and using the hashtag #ExploreKamloops.