BC Transit and its partners are celebrating the holidays with events in communities across the province. From parades and light tours to special events to help us stuff a bus, there is no shortage of activities this holiday season. Check out what’s happening in your area, below!
Cowichan Valley
The Ladysmith Festival of Lights Tour will take place on December 8, 2023. This is a free event and the seats on the BC Transit bus are first come, first served.
Pick up/Drop off locations and departure times:
- Village Green Mall – 6:30 p.m.
- Duncan Train Station – 6:32 p.m.
- Cowichan Commons – 6:40 p.m.
- Mt. Brenton Golf Course – 6:55 p.m.
- Ladysmith – 7:25 p.m.
Creston
The annual Creston Tour of Lights is taking place on December 18, 20 and 22. A bus will pick passengers up at the Creston and District Community Complex at 6 p.m. and 7 p.m. to take an hour tour around the community to view all the Christmas lights. The fare to ride is just $1.00. For more details and a full map, click here.
Monday, December 18
Wednesday, December 20
Friday, December 22
Kamloops
The Seniors’ Light Tour is being held on December 7, 2023. This free annual event is open to all Seniors aged 55 plus. Full details and registration for the tour is available here.
Thursday, December 7
6:30 p.m. – 10 p.m.
Kelowna
The 21st annual Santa Bus will take place in Kelowna from December 3 – 9, 2023. During this time toys, food and cash donations will be collected on behalf of the Salvation Army’s Christmas Assistance Program. For the full schedule of events, click here.
Transit will be free on Saturdays in December in Kelowna.
Merritt
The Merritt Lights Tour will be running from December 14 – 16 this year. Tickets are $5.00 and must be reserved by calling 250-378-4080. Riders will meet the bus at Merritt City Hall, 2185 Voght Stret ahead of the 6 p.m. departure time.
Thursday, December 14 – Saturday, December 16
Powell River
Leave your car at home and take transit for only 25 cents! On December 8 rural customers can ride the bus for 25 cents, and 25 cents on fixed-route transit on both December 8 and 9.
The Santa Bus comes to town on Friday December 15 and Saturday, December 16, 2023. Join Santa on the bus for some holiday music and pick up a free candy cane.
Prince Rupert
BC Transit has just made finishing up your holiday shopping a little easier in Prince Rupert! Friday level service will be available on Thursdays, December 7, 14 and 21 for all conventional routes.
Quesnel
Ride the bus for free on Christmas Eve in Quesnel. Whether you’re off getting a last-minute gift or just trying to get home for the holidays, all transit will be free in Quesnel, up until the last bus at 4p.m.
South Okanagan-Similkameen
The Penticton Lights Tour is taking place again this holiday season. On December 13, board the bus (no fare required) at any of the four stops along the way and enjoy a tour of Christmas lights around Penticton.
Scheduled stops include:
- Wade and Martin (6:30 p.m, 7:45 p.m)
- Plaza (6:35 p.m, 7:50 p.m)
- Cherry Lane (6:40 p.m, 7:55 p.m)
- Peachtree (6:45 p.m, 8:00 p.m)
6:30 p.m. – 8 p.m.
Squamish
Get into the festive spirit and join the Seniors’ Lights Tour in Squamish on December 17, 2023. Hot chocolate and donuts will be provided by the drivers of Squamish Transit along the way.
Scheduled stops include:
- Shannon Falls Retirement Home
- Westwind Seniors Home
- Eagle Grove Lobby
6 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.