10 Reasons to Not Miss The Magic
Get ready: from November 21st–30th, the inaugural Kamloops Christmas Market will bring some serious festive vibes to downtown Kamloops.
Located at the Heritage House parking lot at Riverside Park, at 100 Lorne Street, you’ll find festive lights, warmed-up wooden chalets, local artisans, and a community vibe that’s just begging for hot cocoa in hand.
Here are your ten (yes, ten) rock-solid reasons why you should pack your mitts, your camera, and maybe your “I bought too many gifts” grin:
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1. It’s the very first one
New lights, new sights, and a whole new market to make your holiday season bright. Every great tradition starts somewhere!
2. Made with local love
This market is all about community, creativity, and Kamloops pride. Expect handcrafted treasures, one-of-a-kind gifts, and the cozy charm that comes from shopping local.
Who doesn’t love a sneak peek? Here are just a few of the makers, bakers, and creators bringing the magic this year:
Tk’emlúps Traditions, Knot and Nibble Co, Earthen Moon, Strong Spirit - Yegwúp, Far and Wide, The Secret Garden, Evernice Designs, Julia Osâwask Creeations, Rez Dog Apparel, Love Lore Books, Aragorn Arts, Six Seasons, Lauriche Soaps and Such, Needle & Quill, Loose Ends Craftworks, Urso Clothing Inc, Wenhan Yu, By Roland, June, Up the Hill at Loakin Botanicals and many more!
3. A little bit of Europe, a whole lot of Kamloops
All the charm of Europe’s famous holiday markets—wooden chalets, warm drinks, and that festive sparkle—served with Kamloops’ signature laid-back magic.
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4. It’s a great excuse to get out after dark
Forget staying in, this is your sign to bundle up and head out! The Kamloops Christmas Market comes alive after dark, with twinkle lights overhead, fire pits glowing, and that festive buzz in the air. Open late (weekdays until 9pm, weekend until 10pm), it’s the perfect excuse to stretch your evening and soak in some holiday glow.
5. Live entertainment and surprise moments
Festive beats, local talent, and whispers of a VIP in a red suit. We’re not saying it’s Santa—but he does have a habit of showing up where the cookies are. Wanting to write to Santa? Download a PDF letter here and get working on that wishlist.
6. Festive food & drinks to warm you up
Cold hands? Warm drinks like delicious mulled wine by Kamloops Wine Trail, seasonal cider from Left Field Cider, plus cozy coffee favourites from Hey Neighbour and Logjam await!
7. It’s community-powered
The market is proudly organized by the Kamloops Sports Council in partnership with the City of Kamloops, Tkʼemlúps te Secwépemc, Tourism Kamloops, and the Kamloops Central Business Improvement Association (KCBIA). The Kamloops Christmas Market is rooted in the community, and you can feel that in the vibe.
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8. Festive fun 101
Unleash your inner artist with a Paint & Sip, or shake things up by taking a Holiday Mocktail Mixery Class. Fun, creative, and yes, you get to taste your masterpiece after! Sign up here.
9. Breakfast with Santa (name a better combo, we'll wait)
Eat, sip, and be merry! Pancakes, sausages, juice...and the occasional ho-ho-ho from Santa (and special guests Anna and Elsa!). Because holiday magic is better with syrup. Purchase tickets here but please note these tickets are for breakfast only, and do not include admission to the market.
10. Your new favourite holiday tradition
It's the debut packed with festive fun. Come, explore, and start a holiday habit that’ll have you counting down to next year before this one’s even over.
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