SUMMERLAND – Every year the Summerland Chamber plans and hosts the Okanagan’s premier kick off to the Christmas season. The 28th annual Festival of Lights will be held on Friday, November 27th this year and the theme is Country Christmas. Just over 6000 visitors are expected for the evening.
We love Light Up because it gives us a chance to celebrate the season, showcase our beautiful downtown and let people know that Summerland is a great community where families thrive and businesses prosper.
The fun begins with the Santa procession at 5:00 pm. The evening also features western themed Ice Sculptures sponsored by Nesters Market, Santa’s workshop hosted by the Summerland Credit Union, and fun kid zone activities and photos with Santa sponsored by IGA. All the Summerland Royalty and candidates will be dressed in their western best this year with matching light up Stetsons. Get a picture of yourself riding ‘El Diablo’ the mechanical bull! And remind your kids to bring their letters to Santa to drop off at the post office. Your family will also enjoy pony and ATV rides, bouncy toys, community dancers and choirs and great music.
At 7:00 pm the street will go dark and the whole crowd will count down to the moment of Light Up. It’s magical! Fresh from Sun Fest and the Merritt Music Festival, county group The Chris Buck Band will entertain on the main stage this year, along with duo Robyn and Ryleigh. A spectacular fireworks finale is sponsored by the Summerland Credit Union and will be set to country music.
You’ll also be able to try the most delicious food you’ve ever seen in one place! We simply couldn’t put on this amazing event without the participation of some great partners, Festival Services sponsor Progressive Waste Solutions and Festival Support from the District of Summerland. See you on November 27th!
You can check out all the activities and details at www.summerlandlightup.com.
This is the kick off to a fantastic weekend with the 5th Annual Light Up The Vines being held on Saturday and Sunday, November 28th & 29th. This beautiful self-guided winery tour is hosted by our winery association, Bottleneck Drive and their member wineries and cideries. All the locations are lit for Christmas and offer tastings and other delicious fare. More information can be found at www.bottleneckdrive.com.
The Summerland Waterfront Resort has exciting accommodation packages designed for the weekend so you can stay and play in style. Check those out at www.summerlandresorthotel.com.
It’s a fabulous weekend to be in Summerland!
– Christine Petkau is Executive Director at the Summerland Chamber of Commerce. She can be reached at cpetkau@summerlandchamber.com.