With a frosty blanket of fresh fallen snow, horse-drawn sleighs jingling through the village, shops, hotels and restaurants dressed in their holiday finest and the sound of carollers ringing in your ears, Christmas is definitely on its way.
To celebrate the season Sun Peaks offers a host of activities. From an eclectic Christmas market to artistic painting classes, there are plenty of ways to ring in the season.
On Dec. 16 and 17 grab a hot chocolate and roam the village square shopping for handcrafted holiday gifts at the 4th annual Sun Peaks Christmas Market. Local artisans offer jewellery, clothing, homemade baked goods and a wide assortment of gift ideas. The market moves outdoors this year with vendors setting up their displays alongside the village’s boutiques and shops. Warm up with a stop at the Delta Sun Peaks Resort to take in the Hand Bell Choir performing from 3 p.m. to 4 p.m. each day.
New to Sun Peaks this season are two Artists’ Workshops hosted by Sherry’s Fine Art Studio. On Dec. 17 create your own hand painted Christmas cards, or join the class on Dec. 18 to paint a holiday themed decorative skate scene. Both classes take place at Nancy Greene’s Cahilty Lodge from 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. and cost $49 per person. Advance registration is required.
When he’s not busy delivering gifts to good girls and boys, Santa likes to hang his hat in Sun Peaks and he doesn’t just ride a sleigh while he’s here; he skis and ice skates too! Dec. 21 provides a perfect opportunity for children to give Santa their last minute list at the Skate with Santa event. For $5 per person you can enjoy an evening skating under the stars, with hot chocolate, bonfires and more.
On Dec. 22, families can join the jolly old elf at the top of Sunburst Express Chairlift at 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. for a ski down the 5 Mile run. The event is free but all participants must have a lift pass.
An accomplished sleigh rider, Santa offers visitors an opportunity to ride along with him on Dec. 23 at 4 p.m., 5 p.m., and 6 p.m. Horses stand in for reindeer to pull the sleigh through the village. Stay snuggled in a warm blanket as you take in the lights and sights of the village. Register for the ride with Santa at the Adventure Centre.
On Dec. 23 and 24 join Nancy Greene as she leads carollers through the village singing songs of the season. Dress for the elements and meet Nancy at 6:30 p.m. at the Village Day Lodge or at 7 p.m. at the clock tower; song sheets will be provided.
There’s one last chance to connect with the man in red right before Christmas at the annual Breakfast with Santa at Masa’s on Christmas Eve at 8 a.m. and 9 a.m. For only $5 per person, enjoy a traditional pancake breakfast and one last chat with Santa before he heads out on his rounds.
On the afternoon of Dec. 24 you may also attend a traditional Catholic Mass at the Delta Sun Peaks Resort beginning at 4 p.m.
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