Copyright vernonmorningstar
It will be a celebration to launch the festive season in late November the 38th annual Festival of Lights in downtown Summerland. Organizers say the South Okanagan festival, held in downtown Summerland, brings more than 10,000 residents and visitors to the area for lights, live music, local food, fireworks and entertainment. The event includes family fun zones, street performers, downtown food vendors and shopping. “The Festival of Lights is the heart of the holidays in Summerland, and it’s only getting brighter,” said Sally Pierce, executive director of Destination Summerland. She added that the festival will be similar to past years, but some details will change for this year. “We’re making the event more sparkly,” she said. The festival will take place on Friday, Nov. 28, in downtown Summerland. The festival will open at 5 p.m. and the holiday lights will be turned on at 7 p.m. This year’s festival will feature the same musical lineup as in 2024, including Mandy Cole, Blues Town and The Young ’Uns. Bands and choirs will also perform at the family fun area, near the post office on Victoria Road North. A fireworks display will take place at 8:30 p.m. and the festival will close at 9 p.m. While much of the structure will be the same as in past years, the Bottleneck Drive tent, with representatives from Summerland’s wineries, breweries, cideries and distilleries, will be moved to a different location downtown. The VIP reception, shortly before the lights are turned on, will be held at the Destination Summerland office on Henry Avenue, and the Summerland Pipes and Drums will warm up next door at the Summerland Fire Hall. “Whether you’re a resident, visitor, or local business, this is your festival, and we can’t wait to celebrate the magic of the season with you,” Pierce said. To accommodate the festival, downtown streets will be closed beginning at 9 a.m.
