Welcome to the Winter 2014 Tourism Summerland Newsletter. This year we invite you to join us at all our favourite winter festivals, or just spend time beside the fire, enjoying some of the best views in the Okanagan Valley. 

Visit www.summerlandlightup.com for Festival event listings and updates.

Chef Roger Planiden at Okanagan Crush Pad, Light Up the Vines 2013 Photo: Eric Simard/TOTA/SCC

Twinkling lights, the clink of glasses, and flavours strung out like holiday ribbon - that is what you can expect to experience when you attend Bottleneck Drive Winery Association's annual Light Up the Vines on November 28-29.

Celebrating its 4th year, Light Up The Vines is Bottleneck Drive's signature event. Starting out as a small local festival, word has gotten out about this quaint winter wine tour, which now draws thousands of wine lovers from around B.C. Summerland Waterfront Resort has also launched a new Light-Up weekend package.

Imagine the taste of warm, mulled wine, truffle popcorn and sumptuous Hors d'oeuvres, and sips of a deep Merlot or a refreshing Riesling. 

If you've been thinking of taking a Summerland mini-break, Light-Up weekend is the perfect time to fall in love with winter all over again. 

Remind your senses of summer with a fruity cocktail, chose a table next to a roaring fire, or linger over authentic Japanese sushi. British ex-pats can feel at home again among fabulous fish and chips and huge yorkshire puddings, while coffee lovers crowd the cafes and sip cold-busting peppermint mochas. 

Whatever your tastes, Summerland's eateries are experts at combining their unforgettable flavours with warm, welcoming atmospheres.

Make a splash this New Year - literally. Summerlanders are proud to mark 30 years of hurling ourselves into Okanagan Lake each January 1st. The Polar Bear Swim is not for the faint hearted, but if you're feeling brave and are always looking for an excuse to wear that Hawaiian outfit you keep tucked away in the closet, we invite you to join the official 2015 Welcome Committee at Sunoka Beach.

Warm jazz, rich chocolate, and locally roasted coffee - if this combination appeals to you, don't miss Caf� Noir at the Summerland Art Gallery on February 21. Hosted in partnership with the Summerland Potters Guild, with music by guitarist Sean Perdue, this is a winter event to coddle the senses.

Visit www.summerlandarts.com for updates.

The classic tale of Beauty and the Beast will be told at Centre Stage Theatre in February. Summerland Secondary's annual production runs February 19-21 and February 25-28. 

Tickets go on sale in December and expectations are high for another sell out show. Contact The Beanery Cafe or Summerland Secondary for tickets ($13, starting December).

Summerland Motel is giving away a night for 2 on Friday, November 28 for Festival of Lights! Take in the Festival and head downtown the next morning for a giant skillet breakfast from Drew's Kitchen on Main Street. Contest ends Sunday so enter now!

Brisk, clean air, snowshoeing past sleeping grape vines, and cozy fireside dinners. Read the top 10 ways to celebrate winter in Summerland.

It's become an Okanagan family tradition to celebrate the magic of Christmas with a ride on the Summerland Christmas Express.  Voluminous steam, song and Santa bring the festive season alive as you glide through the hills overlooking Summerland's twinkling lights. The locomotive and coaches are decked out with lights and inside the holiday mood continues as you enjoy a cup of hot cocoa and sing along to your favourite Christmas carols.

 Hockey is Canada's favourite sport for a reason. Head to a Summerland Steam game this winter for the perfect mix of community spirit and adrenaline.