West Kelowna shines all year long, but there’s something especially magical about the way the city transforms during the holiday season.
Twinkling lights all around, Christmas markets fill the air with the scent of fir and baked treats, and local businesses, including West Kelowna’s three standout breweries, bring their own winter warmth to the community.
Whether you’re planning a cozy weekend getaway, exploring with friends, or searching for the perfect holiday gift, West Kelowna offers a festive mix of activities, flavours, and cheer. Here’s your guide to experiencing the best of the city this Christmas on the BC Ale Trail.
Holiday Spirit in West Kelowna
West Kelowna truly comes alive during the holiday season, offering festive events, charming experiences, and plenty of cheer for visitors and locals alike. Here are some highlights you won’t want to miss.
Twinkle Tour – December 1–31 | Various locations
Want to see the best holiday light displays in town? Take a self-guided tour of all the Twinkle Tour entries. Winners will be announced December 19th, and a mobile-friendly map is available online.
Family Paint Night at The Hatching Post – December 11 | 5.30 pm – 7 pm
Create a festive masterpiece — choose between painting Elf Legs or a Snowman. Fun for all ages!
Ugly Sweater Music Bingo at Connector Brewing – December 18 | 6 pm – 8 pm
Head to Connector Brewing dressed in your ugliest holiday sweater. Listen for songs, dab your card, and win fun prizes. Free to play!
Lakesider Brewing Ugly Christmas Sweater Party – December 19
A crowd favourite! Enjoy music, mingle with friends, and compete for prizes in your best (or worst) festive sweater. Free entry.
Pancake Breakfast with Mrs. Claus at Connector Brewing – December 21 | 11 am
Warm pancakes, family fun, and a holiday appearance from Mrs. Claus herself.
Dining in the Domes – Frind Winery | Wed–Sun
Frind’s iconic winter domes return for another cozy season. Book a private, twinkle-lit dome right along the lake and settle in with wintery views, delicious food, and an intimate holiday atmosphere that feels straight out of a snow globe.
Boxing Day Hangover PJ Party at The Hatching Post – December 26
Still recovering from the holidays? Throw on your comfiest PJs (or get dressed if you must) and join The Hatching Post for a day of laid-back fun with all-day Happy Hour and Music Bingo.
NYE Beer-Paired Dinner at Lakesider Brewing – December 31
Ring in the new year on Eastern Time with a 3-course beer-paired dinner and a 9 pm bubbly countdown.
A Craft Beer Christmas: Meet West Kelowna’s Breweries
West Kelowna’s brewery scene is small but vibrant — and during the holidays, each taproom brings its own festive flair. Whether you’re looking for a cozy spot to warm up or the perfect local gift for the craft beer fan in your life, these three breweries deliver.
Lakesider Brewing Co.
Lakesider Brewing Co. embodies everything people love about the Okanagan lifestyle — casual, welcoming, and effortlessly cozy. Their lake-house-inspired taproom features warm lighting, a glowing fireplace, and a just-launched food menu that fits perfectly with winter comfort vibes.
Their seasonal lineup is built for winter comfort. The Fireside Winter Ale brings rich notes of dried fruit and brown sugar (so popular it’s now only available in the taproom). Midnight Swim Nitro Stout is smooth and roasty with dark chocolate and coffee under a creamy nitro head. And Pandosy’s Penance, a Belgian Abbey Ale aged on Okanagan cherries, offers dark fruit, spice, and slow-sipping warmth. Whether you’re sipping in the taproom or grabbing Gift Cards and merch (toques, tees, hats, or hoodies), Lakesider makes holiday gifting easy.
Connector Brewing
Connector Brewing focuses on what its name promises: connection. The modern space blends views, mezzanine seating, and an open brewhouse to make the taproom feel social and inviting from every angle.
Their winter seasonal, Sip Yourself Down Session Stout, is smooth, with chocolate and roasted notes, perfect for chilly afternoons. Pair it with their hearty snack menu — crispy fries, potato rings, or a warm baked pretzel — and you’ve got a winter win. For gifts, their signature crewnecks, glassware, and Gift Cards are excellent grab-and-go options.
The Hatching Post
The Hatching Post is West Kelowna’s most cinematic brewery — a custom-built Wild West saloon full of rustic charm, smoky BBQ aromas, and a lively community vibe. Part brewery, part destination, it’s the perfect place to warm up after a day of holiday exploring.
Their Midnight Run Nitro seasonal is rich, dark, and kissed with hints of coconut, poured silky smooth thanks to its nitro finish. Pair it with a platter from Smokeshow BBQ and settle in for a cozy winter feast. With trivia nights, live music, themed events, and family-friendly fun all month long, The Hatching Post is always buzzing during the holidays. Looking for the perfect gift? Get their Gift Card online or in the taproom.
Sip, Celebrate & Stay Cozy
Whether you’re here for the festive events, the cozy brewery vibes, or the sparkling lights of the Twinkle Tour, West Kelowna offers a winter season filled with warmth, flavour, and holiday spirit. Bundle up, sip local, and make the most of this magical time on the Kelowna and West Kelowna Ale Trail.
For more events and travel inspiration, check out Visit Westside.
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