With the holiday season fast approaching, the RCA is getting ready for craft markets, theatre productions, and dance performances to celebrate. If you are looking to engage in some festive cheer with the whole family, look no further than the Rotary Centre for the Arts. 

There can be nothing more meaningful than a homemade gift. Find something special for someone (or yourself) at Craft Culture’s Holiday Magic Market, held at the RCA. On Saturday, November 18 and Sunday November 19, visit your one-stop-shop for unique, locally handmade items from over 80 talented vendors. Admission by cash donation, with partial proceeds benefiting the Kelowna Salvation Army. Artisan Showcase’s Magical Christmas on Saturday, December 2 and Sunday, December 3, will keep the holiday markets going with some of the finest local artisans and specialty foods as well as a “young entrepreneur” market. They will be accepting Food Bank donations of non-perishable food items as well as unwrapped toys. 

From November 30 to December 6, get ready for the iconic story of Buddy the Elf like you’ve never seen it before! Based on the beloved 2003 New Line Cinema hit, Elf: The Musical, presented by New Vintage Theatre, is the hilarious tale of Buddy, a young orphan child who mistakenly crawls into Santa’s bag of gifts and is transported back to the North Pole. With Santa’s permission, Buddy embarks on a journey to New York City to find his birth father, discover his true identity, and help New York remember the true meaning of Christmas. Fun for the whole family! Get your tickets here. 

Tuba Christmas will return to the RCA for their legendary Christmas performance on December 8. 2023 will mark 49 years of Tuba Christmas performances around the world! Admission to this tuba-filled holiday extravaganza is free. 

Join the RCA for a morning of Holiday Crafts! On December 9, Kaylyn Hardstaff and Angela Roy (RCA Program Coordinator and arts instructors) as they guide families in making handmade printed wrapping paper and holiday cards. No previous artistic experience is required. Intended for all ages; bring the whole family! Register here. 

The classic tale of Dr. Suess’ The Grinch Who Stole Christmas will come to life though dance in The Kore Dance Project’s You’re a Mean One. Skip ahead in the story and enjoy all the magic, maybe through dancing it won't be so tragic… Tickets available here. 

On December 13 in the Mary Irwin Theatre, the Kelowna City Concert Band will perform their annual Christmas Concert, free of charge. Made up of 60+ musicians of all ages from the Okanagan, the band plays at a variety of local functions including annual Remembrance Day ceremonies, Canada Day Folkfest celebrations, Rutland May Days, public concerts in parks, seniors’ homes, and more. We’re excited to host them in our theatre for this wonderful holiday ensemble. 

Our RCA Presents series brings two holiday shows to the Mary Irwin Theatre - Cod Gone Wild Neighbourhood Rounds Christmas and Country Christmas - Songs of the Southern Belles.  

Cod Gone Wild is an energetic, modern Celtic band based out of the Okanagan Valley. Their unique style, rich harmonies, and upbeat stage presence will keep any party going all night long. Featuring the talents of Andrew Mercer, Shamma Sabir, Sean Bray, Dan Fogarty, and David Mihal, Cod Gone Wild weaves a tapestry of tales evoking a nostalgic experience of days gone by. Join us Thursday, December 14, get your tickets here. 

Santa has renamed his reindeer to Dolly, Loretta, Patsy, Kitty, Alison, Carrie, Tammy, Connie and Brenda in this country Christmas music experience. Songs of the Southern Belles will feature Kinga Heming and Shamma Sabir singing the songs of the great women of country along with their band under the direction of Sean Bray. You won’t want to miss this spectacular holiday show on Saturday, December 16. Tickets on sale here. 

Mission Dance Company will be bringing the age-old classic, The Nutcracker, to the Mary Irwin Theatre on December 20 to 22. This iconic holiday performance will leave audience members in awe from the magic of this production, featuring Mission Dance Company’s principal dancers and their impressive young ballerinas. A story full of fun, suspense, beauty, mischief, and more. Follow young Clara through her extraordinary adventure, witness the exquisite Sugar-Plum Fairy and her Prince, the dancing reindeer, silly clowns and the exciting battle between the pestering mice and the Nutcracker Soldier’s devoted army. Tickets available here. 

Are you already searching for the perfect gift? Look no further than an RCA gift card. Give the gift of entertainment this holiday season with this perfect stocking stuffer. Available at our Box Office, these cards are valid for any RCA Presents performance (like Cod Gone Wild!) and our community programs. Experience theatre, music, comedy, and more with your loved ones. Happy Holidays from the RCA!