There are many things to put you in the Christmas spirit in Kamloops.

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KAMLOOPS - Christmas is many things to many people but there are a few sights that almost everyone will recognize as symbolic of the holidays.

For three weeks every year the B.C. Wildlife Park opens the doors in the evenings so families can take in the tens of thousands of little sparkling lights that make up the displays spread out across the zoo. They also offer hot drinks, bonfires, laser light shows and live entertainment.

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If you’re lucky enough to catch the reindeer bus you’re in for a treat, or at least a giggle. Every year Kamloops Transit outfits a bus with a large red nose and antlers and takes to a different route daily throughout the holiday season.

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There are two tree lightings in Kamloops to mark the season as well. The first is held at St. Andrews on the Square and the second at Wilson House on the North Shore.

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If Christmas lights are your thing, you can always look to the Downtown or North Shore corridors when the light sculptures get installed as a sign of the holidays, or keep an eye on the home of Ron and Louise Edwards at Sixth Avenue and Pine Street. While there are many Christmas lights displays in Kamloops worthy of seeing, the Edwards’ yard is a destination spot for many in the community.

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If you have kids no Christmas is complete without a trip to visit Santa at the mall. Aberdeen Mall, Sahali Mall and Northills Shopping Centre all typically have Santa stop by to meet Kamloops kids beginning after the annual Santa Parade.

Speaking of kids, there are dozens of school Christmas concerts to be seen. Family, friends and neighbours often flock to the schools to see the pint-sized dramas and listen to the off-key carols.

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If you like lights, and skiing, Sun Peaks is a great place to get in the spirit. The village is lit up with lots of lights and you’re almost guaranteed snow. The annual Santa’s Alpine Visit celebration in mid-December fills the village with even more Christmas spirit.

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There are several halls that play host to the many Christmas parties that take place in Kamloops, including Colombo Lodge downtown. It is normal at this time of year to see the outside dressed up and the parking lots full. Also known as the Italian Cultural Centre, Colombo Lodge is a stunning piece of architecture year-round.

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Special mention should be given to the 2141 Steam Engine, which runs the Spirit of Christmas at this time of year. The special train tour was cancelled last year because of repairs being made to the train, but this year is up and running again. Tickets have already sold out for the event. 

Image Credit: Kamloops Heritage Railway

Are we missing a sight or event in Kamloops that says Christmas to you? Let us know.

To contact a reporter for this story, email Jennifer Stahn at jstahn@infonews.ca or call 250-819-3723. To contact an editor, email mjones@infonews.ca or call 250-718-2724.

News from © iNFOnews, 2015