LEGASSIC: All the Christmas events you’ll want to attend in Kamloops over the holidays!

This amazing event is already up and running — and if you’re looking for a Christmas village, this is it. Terra Restaurant is hosting Miracle at Terra for one month leading up to Christmas. From a festive menu to holiday decor, there’s a little bit of everything at Miracle at Terra. Some of the cocktails you’ll see on the menu include Snowball Old Fashioned’s, Run Run Rudolph, and the Christmapolitan. The event helps support the RIH Foundation, Kamloops Hospice, and the Kamloops Y Women’s Shelter.

Up to Snow Good

Nov. 27 at 7:30 p.m., Kamloops Full Gospel Tabernacle.
Admission: $15
Tickets: Here, or at the door.

The Kamloops Community Band is ready for its annual holiday celebration! Treat yourself to a night of festive music as the band is joined by the Kamloops Choristers. There will be a raffle with prizes up for grabs.

Homes for the Holidays

Nov. 29 from 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m., and Nov. 30 from 12:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m., and 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
Admission: $45 per person, two for $85, or four for $160.
Tickets: Here, any Kamloops and area RBC, the Kamloops Art Gallery, the United Way, Far and Wide locations, or (250) 372-9933.

It’s a Kamloops tradition, a local favourite, and all for a good cause. Homes for the Holidays returns for another year in the city, featuring self-guided tours of homes volunteered by local residents and decorated by Kamloops designers. Homes for the Holidays is one of the most important fundraisers of the year for the United Way.

Image Credit: EventBrite

Kamloops Christmas Cabaret

Nov. 30 starting at 6:30 p.m., CJ’s Nightclub
Admission: $25 to $35
Tickets: Here or email femmefatalekamloops@outlook.com to purchase a VIP table of four for $50

Femme Fatale Dancers are back in Kamloops to ring in the holiday season! These dance shows are created for women of all ages and dance abilities. Classic cabaret music, show tunes, remixes and Christmas favourites are on the soundtrack for the night. The early show will have you home by 9:00 p.m., but you can always head to the late show if that’s more your style!

Ringing in Christmas

Nov. 30 from 2:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m., Kamloops United Church
Admission: By donation

Stop by this special event being held just before we head into December. Bells of Note, Harmony in Hand & Chimers present Ringing in Christmas with special guests the KSA Handbell Choir and School District 73’s Children’s Choir.

Gingerbread House Competition

Dec. 1 to Dec. 24, recurring daily between 11:00 a.m. and 9:00 p.m., Coast Kamloops Hotel and Conference Centre.

One of my favourite parts of Christmas is seeing the beautiful creations local artists make to celebrate the season. You’ll see just that at the annual Gingerbread House Competition at the Coast Hotel. Uptown Chefs is hosting the competition in the lobby of the hotel, where the public can walk through and see the beautiful displays. Everyone is encouraged to bring a Christmas gift in to be donated to the families who use the Kamloops Food Bank.

Seniors’ Lights Tour

Dec. 5 from 6:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.
Register here
If you require handyDART, call (250) 376-7525

The 45th annual Seniors’ Christmas Lights Tour is just around the corner! All Kamloopsians aged 55 and over are invited to participate in the free bus tour. After the tour, the Rube Band and Cadets will provide live entertainment while hot beverages and goodies are served at the Sandman Centre. If you haven’t registered yet — do it before it’s too late! Registration ends Nov. 29. Find more information here.

Image Credit: Missjelena | Dreamstime.com

Spirit of Christmas

Dec. 6 from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., Privato Vineyard and Winery

Get into the Christmas spirit by doing one of my favourite activities — sipping wine and shopping for gifts! The third annual Spirit of Christmas is being put on by Privato Vineyard and Winery and Woodward Cider. A bonfire, mulled wine, hot apple cider, what could be better? Check out the decorations and even grab some stocking stuffers!

Christmas on the Shore

Dec. 7 from 4:30 p.m. until 6:30 p.m., North Shore BIA office

Join the North Shore Business Improvement Association for its annual family Christmas event. Santa Claus will be making an appearance to hand out bags of candy, treats for your furry friends, and roasted marshmallows and s’mores. McDonald’s will provide hot chocolate and coffee, Cookshack Cravings is selling nachos, hotdogs and popcorn. Join along to sing Christmas Carols and watch the Christmas tree light up.

Paramount Theatre Christmas Movies

Dec. 7, 8, 13, 14, 15, 21, 22, Paramount Theatre
Tickets: here or at the door.

Yes, it’s finally Christmas movie time! The Kamloops Film Society will be playing an amazing lineup of Christmas movies during the holidays at the Paramount Theatre, including some free family flicks! All Dogs Christmas Carol, It’s a Wonderful Life, National Lampoons Christmas Vacation, Christmas with the Kranks, and How the Grinch Stole Christmas will all be playing through the month of December. Check out the entire lineup here!

Wildlights

Dec. 13 to Jan. 5 from 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m., BC Wildlife Park
Admission: Adult – $12.45, Senior – $10,45, Children – $8.45, Children two and under are free.

Check out the gorgeous lights at the BC Wildlife Park throughout the month of December and heading into the new year. On top of that, Uncle Chris the Clown will be performing on certain dates, the 12 days of Christmas scavenger hunt will take place, along with an ugly Christmas sweater contest! There will be animal encounters, rides on the miniature train, and plenty of hot chocolate. Find more information here.

Image Credit: Kim Anderson Photography

Pet Pictures with Santa

Dec. 14 from 11:00 a.m. until 3:00 p.m., Bosley’s
Minimum donation of $10

I had to throw in my own family Christmas photo because I love it so much, and I totally need a family photo including Santa! Also any time I can show off pictures of my dog, I will. What’s better than pictures with your pets and Santa?! Bosley’s by Pet Valu is holding its annual pictures with Santa Paws, with donations going toward the Kamloops Ruff Start Rescue. A professional photographer will help you capture the perfect photo. Pets of all kinds, kids and families are welcome to join in.

Christmas with the KSO

Dec. 14 at 7:30 p.m. and Dec. 15 at 2:00 p.m., Sagebrush Theatre
Admission: $45 for adults, $42 for seniors, $10 for youth, and $15 for KSOundcheck Members.
Tickets: Here.

The Kamloops Symphony Orchestra starts off the holiday season with its annual celebration. Guest artist Quartom Vocal Quartet and guest conductor Michael Newnham join the KSO for a traditional Christmas celebration “with a Québécois twist.” Go here for more information.

Swim with Santa

Dec. 14 from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m., Westsyde Pool

Ready to get festive? Take a dip with Santa! The special public swim will take place at the Westsyde Pool and Fitness Centre. More information here.

Image Credit: Sun Peaks Resort / Kelly Funk Photography

Sun Peaks Holiday Kick-off

Dec. 14 and 15, Sun Peaks Resort

Sun Peaks itself has so many holiday activities going on for its holiday kick-off weekend. Santa will make an appearance, a holiday artisan market will be set up, and sleigh rides will be offered. For the full list of activities going on, go here.

CP Holiday Train

Dec. 15, 5:00 p.m. to 5:30 p.m., North side of Sandman Centre parking lot on Lorne Street

CP’s annual holiday train will be making another stop in Kamloops this year, this time with Dallas Smith and Terri Clark putting on an incredible show! The lights on the train are beautiful, and even though it can be cold, catching the performance is amazing. Find more information on the train here.

Choral Rhapsody

Dec. 17 at 7:00 p.m., Sagebrush Theatre
Admission: by donation to the Kamloops Food Bank

Nine local choirs will be performing a festive selection of Christmas carols (with sing-alongs!!!!!) in Kamloops. The Cantabile Singers, Desert Sound Harmony, Jewel Tones, Kamloops Choristers, Kamloops Pride Choir, Serious Option, TRU Chamber Choirs, Vallee Harmony and Vivace Chorale will be performing at the Sagebrush. Find more information here.

Image Credit: YouTube / O Christmas Tea

O Christmas Tea

Dec. 18 at 7:30 p.m., Sagebrush Theatre
Admission: $29 to $44
Tickets: Here

A hilarious British comedy will be making its presence known in Kamloops. Here’s the synopsis: “When catastrophe strikes at James and Jamesy’s Christmas tea party, flooding the world with tea, the friends leap into action, finding innovative and hilarious solutions to keep them afloat. Redefining immersive theatre, these masters of physical comedy — with more than 20 comedy awards to their name — sweep the audience out to sea in a jolly aquatic escapade brimming with whimsy, action, and ingenuity in a celebration of friendship at Christmas.” Fans of Monty Python, Mr. Bean and Dr. Seuss are guaranteed to love this show!

Breakfast with Santa

Dec. 22 from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., Coast Kamloops Hotel and Conference Centre
Admission: $20
Tickets: Here

Breakfast with the big guy! This year’s event is benefitting the Royal Inland Hospital’s Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, with a fundraising goal of $6,000. Santa Claus (obviously) and some of his friends will be in attendance. There will be gifts for the children, activities and facepainting. One ticket gets you breakfast, cookie decorating, a meeting with Santa, crafts, and more activities! Find out more here.

by Ashley Legassic