After a two-year hiatus due to COVID, Summerland was thrilled to welcome back the Festival of Lights! The festival, also known by locals as Light Up, is one of the largest, and most anticipated winter events in the South Okanagan.
Summerland Festival of The Lights Starts Early
The Santa Parade procession starts at 5 pm with Santa and Mrs. Claus and a few other Christmas favorites, including the characters from the children’s favorite, Frozen, cruising down the streets while little ones are waving and smiling with joy.
People from all over the valley started rolling in the late afternoon and by 6 pm, the streets were full of smiles and laughter, glow sticks and glow bulbs and balloons, from babies in strollers, to grandparents and seniors enjoying the magic of the Christmas season as one. The entire downtown core participates with the retail businesses keeping their doors open, offering treats and exclusive deals to lure people in, encouraging local gift purchasing over the holidays, while food trucks line the streets offering up great food and experiences, and local artisans/vendors pop tents up and present amazing Christmas gift ideas.
Something For Everyone
The Light Up has become such a large event that there are two stages with entertainers, a children’s stage at one end of the event, and the Main stage at the other.
Just before 7pm people start to gather in anticipation of counting down to 7pm for Summerland to hit the lights and “light up” the town! This is one of my favorite parts, listening to the thousands people counting down together!
We were fortunate that the weather participated this year, that it was not windy, and the fireworks that were scheduled to go off for 8:30om, were right on time, and they did not disappoint!
The Summerland Light Up is the best way to kick off the holiday season!
