As the last leaves of autumn fall and snow covers the pine trees, Sun Peaks transforms into a picturesque Christmas landscape. Outside, homeowners decorate their dwellings with lights, wreaths are placed on doors and a faithful few bring ornaments to decorate the trees underneath the chairlifts.
However, there’s more than snow-covered and ornament-laden pine trees to celebrate the holiday in Sun Peaks. From an artsy Christmas market to eating a pancake breakfast with Santa, there’s a variety of events to partake in leading up to Christmas morning.
Watch a fascinating hand bell performance while sipping hot apple cider at the third annual Sun Peaks Christmas Market on Dec. 18 and 19. If you haven’t quite finished shopping for gifts, you can browse tables of handcrafted art, jewellery and crafts made by local artisans at this event. Regular Farmers’ Market vendors will also be present. The event will be held at the Delta Sun Peaks Resort and is jointly sponsored by the Delta and Sun Peaks Resort. Don’t miss singer Margit Bull’s performances from noon until 2 p.m. on both days.
Catch the Symphony of Snow Holiday Concert for an evening of classical holiday music. The Kamloops Chamber of Musicians and a few talented up and coming performers will fill the Delta Sun Peaks Resort ballroom with beautiful melodies. Tickets can be purchased at the Adventure Centre for $20 for adults and $10 for anyone 18 years old or younger.
In Sun Peaks, Santa doesn’t just go on a sleigh ride, he also slides on skis and ice skates. If your holiday isn’t complete without the jolly bearded fellow’s “Ho, ho, ho”, there will be plenty of chances to get a glimpse of him around the resort.
On Dec. 21, head to the ice skating rink to see if Santa can do a loop or a Lutz on the ice. For $5, you can skate under the stars and relax around a bonfire with roasted marshmallows and hot chocolate. Skating with Santa runs from 6 p.m. to
8 p.m.
Children can hand Santa their wish lists on Dec. 22 for the Skiing with Santa event. Families can meet up with Santa at the top of the Sunburst Express Chairlift at 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. and then ski down the slopes with him. If you can’t make it on this day, you can catch him again on the morning of Dec. 24. The event is free but all participants need to have either an alpine lift ticket or a season pass.
If you’d rather see Santa on a sleigh, sign up for the Horse Drawn Sleigh Rides with Santa on Dec. 23. Go on a tour of Sun Peaks Resort as beautiful, majestic horses pull the sleigh around the valley. Sip hot cocoa, stay warm with a blanket and take photos of the evening scenery and lights. Departure times are 4 p.m., 5 p.m. and 6 p.m. Register at the Adventure Centre.
Enjoy a pancake breakfast with the guy in the red and white suit on Dec. 24. Catch him at Masa’s Bar and Grill at 8 a.m. and 9 a.m. Tickets are $5 per person. Kids two and under eat free. In the afternoon, you can also attend a traditional Catholic Christmas mass at 4 p.m. at the Delta Sun Peaks.
In addition to the lights, snow and the Christmas ornaments, participate in one of these events and catch the Christmas spirit in Sun Peaks.
For more information, contact the Adventure Centre at 250-578-5542.
Help us bring you more local news
SPIN has been able to serve Sun Peaks as its sole news source for over 20 years thanks to the overwhelming support of our community. Join over 126 of your neighbours and become a monthly or yearly member so that we can continue to regularly publish the digital newsletters and stories our readers rely on.
