Lighting up for Christmas

Photo: Downtown Kelowna Association

The Christmas tree in downtown Kelowna will be lit up on Dec. 2.

With snow falling on the local mountains, Christmas can't be far behind.

On Dec. 2, the Downtown Kelowna Association will kick off the holiday season with the 29th annual Light Up celebration, which runs all day.

The celebration will include photos with Santa, ice skating on the outdoor rink, a bouncy castle, face painting, crafts, along with free cookies and hot chocolate.

For the grown-ups, Okanagan Spirits, Tree Brewing and BNA will be on hand with their own treats.

Additionally, Christmas movies will be screened at the theatre in the Okanagan Centre for Innovation.

For the first time, the event will also include a Winter Street Market, located on Water Street near Stuart Park, featuring more than 20 vendors.

Live music begins at 1:15 p.m. at the Stuart Park stage, running until the official tree light up ceremony at 5 p.m.

The event also kicks off the start of free downtown street parking on Saturdays in December, a 22-year-old tradition.