Christmas

Game Cave owner Trevor Sparreboom with the Switch gaming bundles he is giving to deserving families in need. For the third year in a row, Game Cave is donating 2 Nintendo Switch, OLED game console, extra controller, and a game to a family in need of a little extra cheer this Christmas through SOWINS. (Monique Tamminga Western News)

For the 3rd year, Penticton’s Game Cave gifting 2 gaming bundles to families in need

This time, the Nintendo Switch bundles will be given to SOWINS to distribute

Game Cave owner Trevor Sparreboom with the Switch gaming bundles he is giving to deserving families in need. For the third year in a row, Game Cave is donating 2 Nintendo Switch, OLED game console, extra controller, and a game to a family in need of a little extra cheer this Christmas through SOWINS. (Monique Tamminga Western News)
A parcel of land on the Sahtlam Tree Farm is seen, in the Cowichan Valley area of Duncan, B.C., on Saturday, July 31, 2021. The effects of climate change are taking a toll on Christmas tree farms in British Columbia and beyond, and one forestry expert says the sector that’s already shrinking will need to adapt in the coming years. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Chad Hipolito

Climate change affecting Christmas trees in B.C. and beyond: expert

Drought, extreme heat making it difficult for seedlings to grow

A parcel of land on the Sahtlam Tree Farm is seen, in the Cowichan Valley area of Duncan, B.C., on Saturday, July 31, 2021. The effects of climate change are taking a toll on Christmas tree farms in British Columbia and beyond, and one forestry expert says the sector that’s already shrinking will need to adapt in the coming years. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Chad Hipolito
Terry Campbell’s display of Christmas miniatures takes up the entire dining room of his Chilliwack home. He started the display in 2007 but it has been more challenging for him lately as he’s been legally blind since 2018. (Jenna Hauck/ Chilliwack Progress)

VIDEO: Legally blind B.C. man builds Christmas display that takes up entire dining room

Terry Campbell lost most of eyesight in 2018, but still adds to miniature Christmas village every year

Terry Campbell’s display of Christmas miniatures takes up the entire dining room of his Chilliwack home. He started the display in 2007 but it has been more challenging for him lately as he’s been legally blind since 2018. (Jenna Hauck/ Chilliwack Progress)
The hot breakfast team at the Toys for Tots and Teens event at Pen Hi on Thursday morning. (Monique Tamminga Western News)

Photos: In 2 hours, Toys for Tots and Teens exceeds their 1,000 goal at Penticton Secondary

In exchange for a gift donation, Pen Hi offered hot breaksfast and festive entertainment

The hot breakfast team at the Toys for Tots and Teens event at Pen Hi on Thursday morning. (Monique Tamminga Western News)
Langley Trappers, seen here during the previous regular season at George Preston, won’t be asking fans to toss teddy bears this season. Instead, trappers and arena mates Langley Rivermen are asking fans to throw “warmth items” such as blankets, socks, gloves and toques for the homeless. (Langley Advance Times file)

Instead of a teddy bear toss, 2 B.C. hockey teams are asking fans to throw ‘warmth items’ for the homeless

Langley Trappers and Rivermen are asking for socks, gloves, toques and blankets

Langley Trappers, seen here during the previous regular season at George Preston, won’t be asking fans to toss teddy bears this season. Instead, trappers and arena mates Langley Rivermen are asking fans to throw “warmth items” such as blankets, socks, gloves and toques for the homeless. (Langley Advance Times file)
Christmas displays are getting more and more impressive in Vernon. (Jennifer Smith - Morning Star)

Vernon homes light up for Christmas

List compiled of 20 best-dressed spots to visit

Christmas displays are getting more and more impressive in Vernon. (Jennifer Smith - Morning Star)
A BC Hydro survey shows more British Columbians are planning to go all out with their Christmas displays this year, but the majority of residents will stick with more minimalist decorations. (Black Press Media file photo)

More ‘mega’ Christmas displays expected this year despite cost concerns: BC Hydro

Lower Mainland residents three times more likely to be mega decorators

A BC Hydro survey shows more British Columbians are planning to go all out with their Christmas displays this year, but the majority of residents will stick with more minimalist decorations. (Black Press Media file photo)
Tom Verbrugge and his son Mica have the bonfire stoked and the hotdogs ready to roast when Tom’s Trees Christmas tree farm opens on Nov. 26, 2022. (PHOTO COURTESY TOM VERBRUGGE)

It’s beginning to look a lot more expensive for a Christmas tree this year

Variety of factors contributing, effect on Islanders will vary depending on where you shop

Tom Verbrugge and his son Mica have the bonfire stoked and the hotdogs ready to roast when Tom’s Trees Christmas tree farm opens on Nov. 26, 2022. (PHOTO COURTESY TOM VERBRUGGE)
Turkeys are shown in a pen at Root Down Farm in Pescadero, Calif., Wednesday, Oct. 21, 2020. (AP Photo/Haven Daley)

Turkey shortage ahead of Christmas fuelled by avian flu: BC Poultry Association

‘It’s a terrible time of year for this to have to happen’

Turkeys are shown in a pen at Root Down Farm in Pescadero, Calif., Wednesday, Oct. 21, 2020. (AP Photo/Haven Daley)
Santa is visiting Penticton Christmas Wonderland tonight (Dec. 4) at 238 Huth Ave. Come view their backyard Wonderland and front yard display.

Penticton Christmas house welcomes Santa tonight

Wonderland on Huth Avenue will have its backyard Christmas display open

Santa is visiting Penticton Christmas Wonderland tonight (Dec. 4) at 238 Huth Ave. Come view their backyard Wonderland and front yard display.
Anna Lopez (left) and Kailyn Beaudoin are aiming to collect 1,000 toys for kids in need ahead of Penticton Secondary’s Tot for Toys Fundraiser on Dec. 8.

Grade 12 duo leads much-needed return of Pen High’s flagship Christmas fundraiser

Kailyn Beaudoin and Anna López are at the forefront of the Dec. 8 Toys for Tots fundraiser

Anna Lopez (left) and Kailyn Beaudoin are aiming to collect 1,000 toys for kids in need ahead of Penticton Secondary’s Tot for Toys Fundraiser on Dec. 8.
(Pixabay.com)

NeighbourLink Summerland to provide gift packages

Items given to those who are isolated in the community

(Pixabay.com)
Santa Claus is back to take in-person photos at Cannery Brewing for the second time in as many weeks. (Photo courtesy of Cannery Brewing)

Santa will be at a Penticton brewery helping raise money for Children’s Charity

Saint Nick will be at Cannery Brewing on Dec. 4 and 11

Santa Claus is back to take in-person photos at Cannery Brewing for the second time in as many weeks. (Photo courtesy of Cannery Brewing)
Oak Bay resident Michael Hardiman reminds others to play it safe while hanging holiday lights after he fell, Saturday, Nov. 12 and returned home from the hospital the next Tuesday with a fractured vertebra. (Courtesy Michael Hardiman)

B.C. man with fractured spine warns of dangers in hanging holiday lights

‘Tis the season for decorations, ladders and the inevitable falls that go with them

Oak Bay resident Michael Hardiman reminds others to play it safe while hanging holiday lights after he fell, Saturday, Nov. 12 and returned home from the hospital the next Tuesday with a fractured vertebra. (Courtesy Michael Hardiman)
Penticton Vees players help clean up the ice after a previous Teddy Bear Toss night at the South Okanagan Events Centre. (File Photo)

Penticton Vees change time of Teddy Bear Toss game to 7 p.m.

Vees play West Kelowna Warriors at 7 p.m., giving people time to enjoy Santa Parade and game

Penticton Vees players help clean up the ice after a previous Teddy Bear Toss night at the South Okanagan Events Centre. (File Photo)
Bicycles that Bryan Miles repaired for two kids in Penticton this holiday season. (Photo- Lori TC/Facebook)

Osoyoos man turns garage into Santa’s workshop, gifting kids with bicycles this Christmas

Bryan Miles expects to put a smile on more than 70 children’s faces this holiday season

Bicycles that Bryan Miles repaired for two kids in Penticton this holiday season. (Photo- Lori TC/Facebook)
Vernon’s Andrew Allen will be at Cleland Theatre in Penticton on Dec. 16. (Photo- route97culture.com)

Penticton Secondary students to join award-winning musician on stage for Christmas show

Cleland Theatre hosts the Route97 Culture Tour on Dec. 16 with singer Andrew Allen

Vernon’s Andrew Allen will be at Cleland Theatre in Penticton on Dec. 16. (Photo- route97culture.com)
For the first time since 2019, the Canadian Pacific Holiday Train will make its annual journey through Canada and the U.S. to bring live music and raise holiday spirits across the regions. The Canadian Pacific Holiday Train is shown in this undated handout photo. THE CANADIAN PRESS/HO - Canadian Pacific/Neil Zeller **MANDATORY CREDIT**

CP Holiday Train returns to the rails for the first time in three years

Popular cross-country run will wrap up in Port Coquitlam on Dec. 18

For the first time since 2019, the Canadian Pacific Holiday Train will make its annual journey through Canada and the U.S. to bring live music and raise holiday spirits across the regions. The Canadian Pacific Holiday Train is shown in this undated handout photo. THE CANADIAN PRESS/HO - Canadian Pacific/Neil Zeller **MANDATORY CREDIT**
The CP Holiday Train in Salmon Arm on Saturday, Dec. 14, 2019. (Cameron Thomson/Salmon Arm Observer)

CP Holiday Train returns to spread cheer across country

The festive locomotive will arrive in B.C. on Dec. 14

The CP Holiday Train in Salmon Arm on Saturday, Dec. 14, 2019. (Cameron Thomson/Salmon Arm Observer)
DuffleBag Theatre’s A Christmas Carol comes to Penticton’s Cleland Theatre on Dec. 11. (Contributed)

A Christmas Carol comes to Penticton just in time for the holidays

The Dec.11 show is one of two in the Children’s Showcase’s 39th season

DuffleBag Theatre’s A Christmas Carol comes to Penticton’s Cleland Theatre on Dec. 11. (Contributed)