This November, sleighbells will be ringing, children will be singing, and joy will be in the air as the first-ever Kamloops Christmas Market is set to be held in Riverside Park. Beginning on Nov. 21 and running until Nov. 30, this new event is the perfect way to start the holiday season.
This new, family-friendly event will emanate from the parking lot beside the Heritage House, running from Nov. 21 through the end of the month. Get a head start on your Christmas shopping by visiting the local artisan vendors selling handcrafted gifts and goodies.
The market will take on a European-inspired atmosphere, decorated to feel like a Christmas village, and will offer something for people of all ages. On opening night, Nov. 21 at 5:30 p.m., a lighting ceremony will kick off the festivities. Many attractions will be available each day of the event, including festive characters for photo ops, such as Santa Claus, who will be making his way to Kamloops early to visit with the kids. Live music and holiday performers will keep the crowd entertained throughout their visit, and a heated tent will host activities such as trivia and karaoke, providing attendees with a respite from the cold. Additionally, local food trucks and vendors will be in attendance, further cementing the market’s emphasis on community togetherness.
The market will also feature themed nights, including Pride Night on Nov. 27, Krampus Night on Nov. 28, and Indigenous Culture Night on Nov. 29.
The Kamloops Christmas Market is being organized and presented by the Kamloops Sports Council in partnership with the City of Kamloops, Tk̓emlúps te Secwépemc, Tourism Kamloops, and the Kamloops Central Business Improvement Association. Although it was initially proposed as an 18-day event, a shorter, 10-day format was decided for the first year, with plans to expand the festival and its duration in the years to come. According to Tourism Kamloops, future plans for the event include making it the largest Christmas market in the interior. In the meantime, the overarching goal of this year’s Christmas market is to foster a sense of community and showcase the best of Kamloops.
For those wishing to get involved by selling their wares, vendor applications are currently being accepted. Each vendor will receive a custom-built wooden chalet, fully enclosed with a service window. Securing a spot from Monday to Thursday will cost $300, and a spot from Friday to Sunday costs $400. For this market, organizers will not be taking a commission on vendors’ sales, giving small businesses a chance to grow. Members of the community are invited to volunteer and help make the experience magical. Roles such as guest services and event support will be essential to making sure the event runs smoothly.
To purchase tickets, apply to be a vendor, see volunteer opportunities, and answer any further inquiries, visit kamloopschristmasmarket.ca.