Okanagan ChristmasFest will be back to support local food banks

The third annual Okanagan ChristmasFest will be held this year at Meadow Vista Winery at 3975 June Springs Road in Kelowna from Dec. 1-12.

Tickets must be purchased in advance. Hours vary by day and are listed on the website www.okchristmasfest.com.

Participants can enjoy the Christmas lights and tunes, grab a bite from a food truck, take photos with Santa and shop for Christmas gifts from the local vendors at the artisan market.

“Once again, the cute little wooden vendor shacks from the Okanagan ChristmasFest will make an appearance. These shacks and our big tree are famous! They are part of the decor in the Hallmark Christmas movie The Angle Tree, premiering on the Hallmark Movies & Mysteries channel this season. And the best part, you can even have a socially distanced visit and pictures with Santa. Santa’s schedule is available on the website www.okchristmasfest.com,” said a news release from event organizers Rosanne Ting-Mak Brown and Sylvia Hermans.

This year things will look a little different. It will be a little saller, with the entire event held outside, with extra spacing and additional COVID protocols in place. Entry this year is ticketed and limited, masks/face coverings will be encouraged. Recognizing that this will be a tough year for many, the net profit from admissions will be donated to three food charities this year the Central Okanagan Food Bank, Salvation Army, and All Are Family Outreach. The Okanagan ChristmasFest has raised $18,000 to date for charities. This is the public’s chance to celebrate the Christmas spirit in their own little bubble, while helping those in need.

“We are excited to host the Okanagan ChristmasFest at our winery this year. We have so many great local artisan vendors in the market, this an opportunity to shop local, celebrate the Holidays, and support local food banks,” said Emily Vanderschee, owner of Meadow Vista Honey Wines.

The organizers are thanking Meadow Vista Honey Wines, Secure-Rite Mobile Storage, Johnston Meier Insurance, Kanata Hotel & Conference Centre and Telus for their support.