Kelowna always has plenty of things to do and places to explore over the warmer months, especially during the summer. But as temperatures drop and the holidays approach, all different kinds of activities and events are being held throughout Kelowna and on campus. If you are sticking around in Kelowna this winter break, below is a list of things you can do off-campus and on-campus to rest, recharge, and have fun after making it through the term.
Off-Campus
Candy Cane Lane - Kelowna
Date & Time: 5:00pm - 10:00pm PDT everyday until January 1st.
Details: Collison Road, Gramiak Road, Mary Court, and a few more nearby streets make up Rutland’s 11th annual Candy Cane Lane, a grassroots and neighbourhood-wide light show to celebrate the holidays. Started by John Sharhon, Candy Cane Lane grew from half a dozen houses to entire streets. You can drop in to walk or take a slow drive through the spectacular display of festive lights and decorations without having to register. While Candy Cane Lane is a free event, they encourage donations for the Kelowna Women’s Shelter, Freedom’s Door, and the Salvation Army. You can also visit their Instagram here.
Stuart Park Skating Rink
Date & Time: 6:00am - 11:00pm PDT everyday (except Monday when it is closed 6:00am-8:00am for maintenance)
Details: Located in downtown Kelowna at 1430 Water Street next to the bear statue, the Stuart Park Skating Rink is an outdoor skating rink right by the lake open for drop-in use without any pre-bookings required. Skate rentals are available on site from 11:00am-8:00pm (except for December 25th) as well as TNT Food Truck which will be on site during peak hours to offer food for purchase. During the day, you can skate and enjoy the scenery of the lake and as it begins to get darker, Stuart Park is lit up with an array of colourful and festive lights. Though the Okanagan sun can be quite warm even in the winter, the wind from the lake can be extra chilly, so make sure to check the weather conditions and layer up accordingly. You can also check to see how busy the skating rink is by checking out the Stuart Park webcam.
UBCO’s Student Experience Office has also organized a chance to skate with Grad Facilitators at Stuart Park on January 3rd from 1:00pm-3:00pm PDT. This is open to all students, registration is not required, and you can stop by at any time. You can see the event details here.
Valley First New York New Years
Date & Time: 5:00pm - 9:00pm PDT on December 31, 2021 (fireworks show at 9:00pm PDT)
Details: Along with the Kelowna Community Theatre, Stuart Park will also be used to host Valley First’s 9th annual “New York New Years” downtown on Water Street. Along with the opportunity to go skating, there will be live music and entertainment, drop-in games, and food trucks on site. Following New York’s countdown three hours ahead, a fireworks display will begin at 9:00pm. This one-night event is free to attend and registering is not required. As it will be held outside, it is always a good idea to make sure to check the weather before heading out and dress accordingly.
New Years Eve at McCurdy Bowling Centre
Date & Time: 11:00am-9:00pm PDT on December 31, 2021
Details: Not a fan of the cold weather but are still looking for something to do to celebrate the New Year? McCurdy Bowling Centre right off the highway at 948 McCurdy Road is celebrating New Years Eve by hosting live entertainment and bowling specials for the day. Virgin Radio’s DJ Bmack will be performing for both the bowling centre and adjacent Freddy’s Brewpub from 12:00pm - 4:00pm with Three Scotch In’s full brand performance taking place right after from 4:30pm - 8:30pm inside the brewpub to finish off the day. The bowling special for the day includes two lanes of bowling for two hours of bowling, two pizza selections, two jugs of pop, and up to twelve people including shoes for $200 before 4:00pm and $250 after 4:00pm plus tax. Cosmic Bowling will be on from 7:00pm - 9:00pm, which includes a specialty appetizer platter with a bottle of Champagne combo for $50 and happy hour drinks all day. Please note that proof of vaccination will be required to attend both the brewpub and bowling centre and that Freddy’s Brewpub is 19+. To book reservations, you can call 250-765-8956.
On-Campus
Student Movie Night
Date & Time: 6:00pm - 8:00pm PDT on December 29th
Details: The Student Experience Office is hosting a student movie night in the Campus Administration Building (ADM) in the University Theatre (ADM 026). All UBCO students are welcome to join their Grad Facilitators to relax, have fun, and watch a movie before the new year. The movie will be selected by popular vote over the Graduate Community’s Facebook, so be sure to vote for your favourite choice by commenting which movie you would like to see. You can also stay tuned by following them on Instagram through this link here. To register for this event, click the link here and fill out the form.
Drop-in Activities
Date & Time: 7:00pm - 9:00pm PDT from December 24th to January 7th
Details: Residence Life is hosting nightly drop-in activities in the Nechako Gathering Room (NHC 221) for all students from December 24th to January 7th. From watching Christmas movies to cookie decorating to board game nights, events will be held daily to give students an opportunity to participate in fun activities and connect with Residence Advisors and other students. Registration for these events is not required and all students are welcome to drop in.
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