On Friday, December 5th, Naramata brings back the magic of the holiday season with their 5th annual Outdoor Winter Market. For this one night only, the heart of the village transforms into a European-style Christmas market with twinkling lights, two crackling fire pits, a lineup of artisans and vendors, live music, and the type of treats you spend all year craving.

But it’s more than all the offerings, gifts, and baked goods—it’s about what happens when this community comes together to bring some connection at a historically dark time of year. With Naramata so far down the valley, city lights don’t reach their shores, so to bring back the vibrancy of the high season the village businesses band together at a traditionally quiet time of year.

In other words, this market brings back the glow.

Organized by the Naramata Slow Community Group—the same folks who set up the summertime markets and ensure this community remains strong—they first created the event to combat the darker months when everyone could use a dose of connection. Now it’s grown into a beautiful yearly tradition that brings locals and tourists together, with many individuals traveling from across the Okanagan just to experience this one magical evening.

Only spanning three hours, from 4PM to 7PM, they close off Lower Robinson Road from the Church all the way to the end of the drive at 4th Meridian Art + Interiors. Most village businesses open their doors—including the museum—and the streets become a lineup of booths and vendors selling everything from handcrafted gifts to seasonal local produce, all set within the backdrop of soulful live music and thoughtful light displays.

Simply put, it’s Naramata. Their heart and soul. The people. That warm sense of welcome. And we couldn’t love it more.

“This event is special to me because my mom actually started the market years ago,” says René Mehrer, co-owner of 4th Meridian Art + Interiors. Sadly, after a battle with cancer, the community lost her, but the tradition she began is still going strong. 

“I just think it is such a great opportunity for the whole community to come together before the holidays,” Merher says. “People in Naramata scatter after the holidays, heading off to warmer areas. So it does have a local feel, a local market. But we do have a pretty good draw.” Many visitors even book their stay months in advance just for this event.

4th Meridian is a seasonal shop that operates in the warmer months, but always opens its doors for this event. “We have a lot of vintage items but also some new items,” explains Merher. “We carry a lot of art, books, and giftware. We sell a lot of pottery, a lot of Swedish and Scandinavian art glass. So we have really unique gifts.”

“It’s my favourite night in Naramata,” says Ashley Selwood, owner of beloved Just Baked as well as 9 Mile Food + Drink. “I love the connection and creating space for everyone to meet and being a part of that.”

Visitors can expect Just Baked to be fully stocked with hot drinks like teas, coffees, hot chocolate, as well as hot apple cider made from 100% Naramata apple juice. They’ll also have samples of their upcoming holiday baked goods including their famous glazed ginger cookie (which always sells out–don’t say we didn’t warn you!), her baba’s shortbread, as well as their Christmas cake made with local dried fruit and honey.

As the event enters its fifth year, many locals will recognize familiar faces along with some new names to the lineup, with special appearances of seasonally closed businesses.​

“As newcomers to Naramata, we’re thrilled to take part in the Winter Market,” says Tanya Tougas, co-owner of Modesta Winery. “Joining events like this is how we truly become part of the place we now call home. Supporting local makers, growers, and neighbours is at the heart of who we are at Modesta.”

For many of the vendors, they’ve been a recurring presence each December as the market comes to life.“

The winter market not only lets us share our passion for the wines that we make, but also brings everyone out to socialize with your local community,” says Tyson Archer, winemaker and proprietor of Fox & Archer Wines, who has been participating in this annual tradition since it began. “This market has truly become a staple event for many locals, and we eagerly look forward to it every year.”

As for food, the Community Church always offers bowls of soup as well as ugly sweaters and other treasures from the Naramata Clothes Library. The Naramata General Store sets up shop outside serving smash burgers and chili, while the Naramata Friendship Club barbecues their famous hot dogs. Visitors can also wander between a selection of food trucks and more, sampling local flavours and pairing them with local beverages.

And you can’t miss out on the themed photo booth—this year it’s centred around NaramataSlow’s Dark Skies initiative, showcasing the village’s stargazing paradise!

Mark your calendars for December 5th because this is a once-a-year event that you don’t want to miss. Full of village charm, seasonal treats, exceptional gifts, and that quintessential Naramata spirit you can’t discover anywhere else—the Naramata Winter Market is our top choice this holiday season. 

Let’s cherish the lights together.

XX,

Your Okanagan Curators