There's something magical about watching your entire town light up at once. Not on a screen, not from your car window on the way home, but standing right there in the middle of it all, shoulder to shoulder with your neighbors, counting down together as thousands of lights burst to life against the dark November sky. This is what late November feels like in the Okanagan, when communities like Summerland and Oliver transform their downtowns into glowing winter wonderlands, and the entire valley celebrates the start of the holiday season together.

‍

The Heart of the Holidays in Summerland

The 38th annual Festival of Lights in downtown Summerland brings more than 10,000 residents and visitors to the area for lights, live music, local food, fireworks and entertainment. Mark your calendar for Friday, November 28th, when the event kicks off at 5 p.m. and Main Street closes to traffic, turning into a pedestrian playground filled with the scent of food trucks, the sound of live bands, and the anticipation of what's about to happen at 7 p.m.

This isn't just another light display. The Festival started back in 1987, initiated by a small group of local businessmen to promote the downtown businesses of Summerland and to showcase the community to residents and neighboring communities. What began with 25,000 lights has grown into the South Okanagan's signature winter celebration, where local businesses still proudly illuminate their storefronts while the District hangs decorative lights throughout the downtown core.

‍

What to Expect at Festival of Lights

Arrive early to soak in the full experience. This year's festival will feature the same musical lineup as in 2024, including Mandy Cole, Blues Town and The Young 'Uns, with bands and choirs also performing at the family fun area near the post office on Victoria Road North. The energy builds throughout the evening as street performers entertain the growing crowds, and pop-up artisan markets offer perfect opportunities for early holiday shopping from local craftspeople.

At 7 p.m., the moment everyone's been waiting for arrives. The entire downtown illuminates in one spectacular moment, followed by carolers weaving through the crowds and the unmistakable warmth of community spirit in the crisp November air. A fireworks display takes place at 8:30 p.m., with the festival closing at 9 p.m.

But here's the insider tip: the Bottleneck Drive tent, with representatives from Summerland's wineries, breweries, cideries and distilleries, will be moved to a different location downtown. This means you can sample local beverages while enjoying the festivities, making it an adult-friendly evening as well as a family celebration.

‍

Oliver's Light-Up Magic

Not to be outdone, Oliver hosts its own spectacular Light-Up Oliver and Fireworks Celebration on the same evening. The festivities begin at 4 p.m. on Nov. 28, where people can stroll through downtown Oliver as Highway 97 closes to traffic. This transformation of the main highway into a pedestrian zone creates an intimate, walkable experience through Canada's Wine Capital.

Head over to Town Hall at 6 p.m. to get a glimpse of Santa, before the Oliver Elementary School Choir performs holiday favourites, with a countdown at 6:30 p.m. for the flipping of the official Light-Up Oliver switch. The community bonfire at the Oliver Visitor Centre, complete with hot chocolate by donation and DJ Shakes spinning tunes, creates a cozy gathering spot where locals and visitors warm up together.

The light tunnel and community bonfire at Lions Park feature more than 10 food and beverage vendors, with an expanded food and beverage garden at the Oliver Visitor Centre, artisan market, and Christmas Hamper silent auction. The evening caps off with a spectacular fireworks display at 8 p.m., lighting up the sky over the vineyards.

‍

The Real Okanagan Experience

What makes these light-up celebrations so special isn't just the lights themselves, it's what they represent about life in the Okanagan. These aren't corporate-sponsored mega-events. They're community celebrations where local businesses turn off their open signs to join the crowds, where school choirs perform for their neighbors, and where donations to the local food bank are collected alongside the festivities.

Both communities embrace the giving spirit during these events. Drop-off donations for the Oliver Food Bank or the Christmas Children's Hamper are collected at the Oliver Visitor Centre, while Summerland's event similarly supports local causes. This blend of celebration and compassion defines the Okanagan spirit.

‍

Planning Your Evening

Dress warmly in layers. November evenings in the Okanagan can be crisp, with temperatures often hovering around freezing, but the crowds and activity keep the atmosphere warm. Bring your camera for those magical shots when the lights first illuminate, and consider arriving 30-45 minutes early if you're driving, as parking fills quickly.

The beauty of these events is their accessibility. Both downtowns are compact and easily walkable once you're there. Food trucks and vendors accept cash and cards, though having some cash on hand never hurts for smaller artisan vendors. If you're planning to sample beverages at the Bottleneck Drive tent in Summerland or the beverage garden in Oliver, bring your ID and plan for a designated driver or arrange accommodation nearby.

For families, the atmosphere is decidedly kid-friendly earlier in the evening, with Santa appearances, choir performances, and family fun zones. As the evening progresses and fireworks light the sky, it becomes a celebration for all ages.

‍

Living Where the Magic Happens

Here's what visitors to these events often don't realize: this is just one night in a lifestyle that residents get to experience year-round. Living in downtown Summerland or Oliver means walking to these celebrations, popping home to warm up if needed, and returning without the stress of driving or parking. It means knowing the business owners lighting up their storefronts, recognizing faces in the crowd, and feeling genuinely connected to your community.

The walkable downtown cores of both communities offer more than just convenience for events. They provide a lifestyle where morning coffee is a stroll away, where you can walk to dinner at local restaurants, and where farmers' markets and community gatherings happen regularly throughout the year. Properties within walking distance of these vibrant town centers put you at the heart of community life, not just during special events but every single day.

For those drawn to the Okanagan lifestyle, living in or near these downtowns means embracing a different pace of life. It's about front-row seats to the valley's best community celebrations, about supporting local businesses with your presence, and about being part of something larger than yourself. The homes in these walkable neighborhoods often feature heritage charm, with character-rich details that match the historic downtown streets, or modern updates that blend seamlessly with small-town appeal.

The investment in a downtown property is an investment in community connection. It's about choosing a life where you're not just a resident but a participant, where the holidays begin not with traffic and crowded parking lots, but with a short walk through your neighborhood as thousands gather to celebrate together. This is the Okanagan difference, where vacation-like experiences aren't scheduled getaways but the rhythm of everyday life.

As the fireworks fade and the crowds disperse into the November night, residents walk home through streets still glowing with holiday lights, already looking forward to the next community celebration. Because when you live in the Okanagan, the staycation never really ends.