Kamloops city council is celebrating the success of the pilot year of the Kamloops Christmas Market, praising organizers for delivering a high-impact community event that drew tens of thousands of visitors downtown and injected millions into the local economy.
Council received an information-only presentation from Duncan Olthuis, Executive Director of the Kamloops Sports Council, alongside Christmas market marketing chairwoman Chloe Pasemko, outlining results from the inaugural 10-day market held Nov. 21–30 in the Heritage House parking lot.
The Christmas Market attracted more than 23,000 visitors and generated an estimated $2.6 million in economic impact, according to organizers. The event featured 46 vendors over its run, nightly live entertainment, food trucks, festive lighting displays, and a 40-foot live Christmas tree.
“This was a proof of concept year,” Olthuis told council. “And it showed that Kamloops can support and sustain an event like this.”
Vendors and downtown businesses see strong results
Vendor feedback was overwhelmingly positive, with surveys showing high satisfaction for attendance, layout and sales. Several vendors sold out of products entirely, and most indicated they would return if invited back.
Council members also noted spillover benefits for downtown businesses and even nearby craft sales operating outside the market footprint.
“I spoke to a vendor at an adjacent craft sale who said they had their biggest sales ever,” said Coun. Margot Middleton. “That’s a huge impact beyond just the market itself.”
Marketing reach extends beyond Kamloops
Tourism Kamloops representatives highlighted the role of marketing and communications in the market’s success. Dedicated social media channels, a standalone website, digital advertising, print marketing, billboards and transit ads helped drive attendance and awareness.
The Kamloops Christmas Market Instagram account grew from zero to more than 2,000 followers in just a few months. Tourism Kamloops’ own social media channels recorded over 200,000 impressions during the campaign, alongside an 88 per cent increase in engagement.
Ticketing data also showed visitors travelling from across B.C. and beyond, including Kelowna, Vancouver, Calgary and even international visitors.
“There were attendees from as far away as Japan,” council heard.
First-year lessons and future improvements
Council discussion also touched on lessons learned during the pilot year, including public questions around ticketing and weather preparedness.
Some councillors noted that while initial reaction to paid entry was mixed, the low price point and charitable component helped ease concerns once people understood where the money was going. Organizers acknowledged that clearer communication earlier in the process will be a focus moving forward.
Weather planning was also discussed, with Olthuis explaining that future markets could adapt programming during extreme cold or snowfall, including expanded heated warming tents and partial closures if needed.
Bigger plans ahead
Organizers are already planning to expand the market in future years, potentially using the entire Heritage House parking lot, increasing daily vendor capacity from 22 to as many as 50, and adding more chalets, entertainment and daytime programming for children.
Councillors also suggested better integrating the market with Riverside Park amenities, including the new skating rink, to further enhance the visitor experience.
“This event created pride, joy and a sense of community,” said Coun. Katie Neustaeter. “It showed Kamloops showing up well beyond our borders.”
Organizers say they look forward to coming back to council with plans to make the Kamloops Christmas Market even bigger in the years ahead.
