Winter is a special time in Castlegar and not just because it’s an idyllic scene of white mountain peaks, snow-draped evergreens and slow-moving, ice-rimmed rivers and lakes. This is also the season when residents and visitors alike meet up for outdoor activities, indoor warmth and to enjoy a sense of togetherness. Whether it’s at the hockey rink or the gallery or outside by City Hall or the CPR station (for the annual Holiday Train pictured above), there’s plenty to do in Castlegar during the winter months. Some things have been detailed in our top 5 things to do in Castlegar in the winter story but there’s also the city’s annual Snowplace Like Home Festival.
Lasting from December 6 to 17, the Snowplace Like Home Festival in Castlegar features indoor and outdoor events most days and nights to help you get exited for the winter season; relax and eat well; as well as prepare for days of gift giving.
Below is an itinerary of everything that’s happening during Castlegar’s Snowplace Like Home Festival in 2019.
DECEMBER 6 – Winterfest & Parade
When: 5-8pm. Parade begins at 6pm
Where: City Hall, 460 Columbia Ave.
Each year families gather at City Hall and in downtown Castlegar to mix and mingle with friends and neighbours while enjoying an evening of holiday spirit. There will be a parade of lights, a tree lighting, and visits with Santa.
DECEMBER 7 – Selkirk Saints vs. Simon Fraser University
When: 7-10pm
Where: Castlegar & District Community Complex
Cheer on the Selkirk Saints while they defend their home turf against SFU. Enjoy one of the last few BCIHL games before the holidays.
DECEMBER 8 – Christmas Potluck Dinner
When: 5-8pm
Where: 1989 Pass Creek Road
Come out for the Christmas Potluck Dinner hosted by the Pass Creek Neighbourhood Association. They will provide ham, turkey, and beverages, and each family is asked to bring a sweet or savoury item to contribute to the meal. There will be veggie options as well as well as children’s crafts and activities.
DECEMBER 10 – Castlegar Rebels vs. Spokane Braves
When: 7-10pm
Where: Castlegar & District Community Complex
Don’t miss this amazing rivalry between the Rebels and the Spokane Braves. For more about the best hockey players to come out of Castlegar, visit: destinationcastlegar.comsuccessful-castlegar-hockey-players
DECEMBER 11 – Christmas at the Gallery
When: Every day Nov 12 to Dec 24
Where: Kootenay Gallery of Art, 120 Heritage Way
This is an annual show and market of finely crafted gift items created by some of the best artisans in the Kootenays. Come by and support your local artists as well as the Kootenay Gallery.
DECEMBER 12 – CP Holiday Train with Terri Clark
When: 4:30-5:45pm
Where: Castlegar CPR Station Museum
The Canadian Pacific Holiday Train will be in Castlegar this holiday season! Enjoy live performances by country music superstar Terri Clark as well as another special guest. The CP Holiday Train is celebrating 21 years of collecting food and raising funds for food banks across North America.
DECEMBER 13 – Winter Wonderland Crafts
When: 6:30-8:30pm
Where: Castlegar & District Community Complex
Show your winter spirit by creating Christmas-themed crafts. Open to children between the ages of 6 and 12 years, the event will let them create lots of Cool crafts in a nice warm setting. Pre-registration is required.
DECEMBER 14 & 15 – Christmas Craft Fair
When: 9am to 4pm
Where: Sandman Hotel Castlegar
This is the 4th annual Christmas Craft Fair with a total of 35 vendors so make sure to come check it out and get your last-minute gifts just in time for Christmas. This is a fundraiser for the local animal shelters and Heart Rescue from Rossland will be there on Saturday accepting $2 donations or more for entrance into the event. The Castlegar SPCA will be there Sunday.
