Kelowna 
The South Okanagan is gearing up for a lively mix of food, wine and winter festivities as its annual Fire & Ice Festival returns, bringing together local makers, performers and holiday traditions across the region.
Credit: Destination Osoyoos
Festivities begin in Oliver with the Light-Up & Fireworks Celebration on November 28, a free community gathering running from 4 to 9 p.m. Highway 97 closes to vehicles as the downtown core turns pedestrian-only, making space for live music, holiday displays and special shop offerings. Santa arrives at 6 p.m., followed by the Oliver Elementary School Choir at 6:15, and the official lighting countdown at 6:30. More than 20 vendors take part in the Light-Up Market, with a beverage garden supported by Firehall Brewery and several regional wine groups. The Oliver Visitor Centre hosts a community bonfire, silent auction and hot chocolate by donation, and fireworks cap the night at 8 p.m.
This year’s marquee gathering is the Fire & Ice Celebration at Spirit Ridge Resort on November 29, where guests are encouraged to arrive in their boldest themed costumes. From 6 to 9 p.m., the resort’s Sacred Land will host performances by Lewis Cardinal and Kinshira’s Fire & Ice artists, alongside regional bites prepared by Spirit Ridge’s culinary team with Sweetgrass at Nk’Mip Cellars and Codfathers Seafood Market.
Beverage pairings span Tumbleweed Spirits, Cannery Brewing, and pours from more than a dozen wineries, including Stoneboat Vineyard & Winery, Noble Ridge, Hester Creek, Nk’Mip Cellars, and Fairview Cellars, with Glimmer offering a de-alcoholized sparkling option. Tickets are $89, and purchasers gain access to a $149 nightly rate for a one-bedroom suite at Spirit Ridge.
Additional events include Moon Curser’s s’mores and wine tastings on November 29 and December 6, Miradoro’s $49 longtable dinner on December 2.
Osoyoos Lite Up closes the week on December 5, featuring a parade, carolling, and fireworks at Gyro Beach.
Ongoing seasonal experiences include an artisan market at The Art Gallery Osoyoos and weekend skating at District Wine Village, complete with $5 rentals and post-skate s’mores.
South Okanagan Fire & Ice Festival
Credit: Destination Osoyoos
- Oliver Light Up & Fireworks Celebration, Friday, November 28 (4–9 pm): With its holiday market, food vendors, an appearance by Santa, and fireworks, this is the family-friendly holiday event of the season. Donations to the Oliver Food Bank and Christmas Children’s Hamper are encouraged.
- Savoury S’mores Saloon at Moon Curser, Saturday November 29 and December 6 (10 am–4 pm): Enjoy a wine tasting and a complimentary chewy fireside treat at The Hideout.
- Miradoro Fire & Ice Longtable Dinner, Tuesday, December 2 (6:30 pm): Toast to the start of the winter season with a gorgeous menu ($49 plus tax) and optional wine pairings ($40 plus tax). Menu highlights include a seafood iceberg platter with poached spot prawns, oysters, salmon tartare, mussel escabeche; wood-fire grilled beef picanha with chimichurri, coal-roasted vegetables, potatoes “a la plancha”; and a baked Alaska dessert. Reservations are available here.
- Osoyoos Lite Up, Friday, December 5 (4 pm): This festive day, presented by the Osoyoos Festival Society, includes a Farmers Market at the Museum and merchants’ open house on Main Street before a parade, carols, and a bonfire and fireworks at Gyro Beach.
- Christmas Artisan Market at The Art Gallery Osoyoos (Tuesday to Saturday, 10 am–3 pm, through December 20): Featuring over 25 local artists and artisans, this showcase offers affordable creations from painters, potters, photographers, quilters and more.
- Winter Skating at District Wine Village (Friday to Sunday, 12–5 pm, through December 21): The centre courtyard has once again transformed into an ice rink with cutting-edge CAN-ICE, offering exceptional glide quality for skating. Enjoy free public skating and $5 skate rentals. Afterwards, sample the village’s charming wineries or enjoy s’mores available from Ward’s Wine Country Kitchen.
