Merritt Country Christmas Week 2025: Your Day-by-Day Guide

Merritt Country Christmas Week is back from Monday, November 24 to Sunday, November 30, 2025 – a full week of family-friendly events right here in Merritt, BC. Whether you’re a long-time Merrittonian or you’re driving in from Kamloops, the Lower Mainland, or elsewhere in the Nicola Valley, here’s everything happening and where to find it.

Monday, November 24 – Community Light Up & Sing-Along

Event: Merritt Community & Christmas Tree Light Up with Sing-Along
Time: 6:00 pm
Location: Spirit Square, downtown Merritt

We kick off Merritt Country Christmas Week the right way – with the big community tree light up. Bring a travel mug of hot chocolate, bundle up the kids, and come sing along as the lights flick on for the first time of the season.

Perfect for:

• Families looking for a free Christmas event in Merritt

• Visitors who want that small-town Christmas movie vibe right away

Tuesday, November 25 – NVIT Christmas Movie Night

Event: NVIT Christmas Movie Night – How the Grinch Stole Christmas (2000)
Time: 6:00 pm
Location: NVIT Auditorium

Head up to NVIT for a classic holiday movie on the big screen. Great for students, families, or anyone who wants an easy, low-cost night out in Merritt during Country Christmas Week.

Pro tip for out-of-towners: grab dinner in town first, then make your way up to NVIT for showtime.

Wednesday, November 26 – Adventures in Toyland

Event: Adventures in Toyland
Times:

• Matinée: 12:00 pm (doors open 11:00 am)

• Evening Show: 5:00 pm (doors open 4:00 pm)
  Location: Merritt Civic Centre

A perfect mid-week outing for families with kids, grandparents, and anyone who loves a live Christmas dance production. Two showtimes make it easy to fit in around school, shift work, or travel.

If you’re visiting Merritt from out of town, the Civic Centre is easy to find and close to hotels, restaurants, and downtown shopping.

Thursday, November 27 – Community Christmas Concert

Event: Community Christmas Concert
Time: 7:00 pm (doors open 6:00 pm)
Location: Merritt Civic Centre

Local performers, choirs, and musicians come together for a classic Merritt, BC Christmas concert. This is a great chance to support local talent and soak up that small-town community feel that Merritt is known for.

Arrive early, grab a good seat, and enjoy an evening of Christmas music in the heart of the Nicola Valley.

Friday, November 28 – The Big Night: Parade, Crafts & Santa

Light-Up Christmas Parade

Time: 7:00 pm start (parade line-up begins 5:00 pm)
Where: Through downtown Merritt – route available at merritt.ca/christmas

This is one of the signature Christmas events in Merritt. Floats, lights, community groups, and plenty of Christmas music wind their way through downtown.

If you can only make it to one event during Merritt Country Christmas Week, the parade is the one. Line the streets with your lawn chairs and blankets, grab a hot drink from a local café, and enjoy.

Can’t be there in person? You can watch the parade live on the Country Christmas Facebook page.

Country Christmas Craft Fair – Day 1

Time: 2:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Location: Merritt Civic Centre

Before or after the parade, swing by the Country Christmas Craft Fair to shop local vendors, handmade gifts, baking, and more. This is a great spot to pick up unique Christmas presents from Merritt and Nicola Valley artisans.

Pictures with Santa – Evening Session

Time: 8:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Location: Merritt Civic Centre

Once the parade wraps up, bring the kids inside to warm up and grab their photos with Santa. It’s all under one roof at the Civic Centre – super convenient for families and visitors staying nearby.

Saturday, November 29 – Crafts, Santa & Shopping

Country Christmas Craft Fair – Day 2

Time: 8:30 am – 4:00 pm
Location: Merritt Civic Centre

Day two of the craft fair is perfect for those who couldn’t make it Friday night. Come early, beat the crowds, and work through your Christmas shopping list while supporting local makers.

Pictures with Santa – Daytime Session

Time: 11:00 am – 1:00 pm
Location: Merritt Civic Centre

If the kids were too tired after the parade, this Saturday time slot is for you. Plenty of time to get that Christmas card-worthy photo with the big guy.

Children’s Christmas Crafts

Time: 11:00 am – 2:00 pm
Location: Merritt Civic Centre
Presented by: Nicola Valley Arts Council

While you’re browsing the craft fair, the kids can dive into hands-on Christmas crafts thanks to the Nicola Valley Arts Council. It’s a perfect family combo: parents shop, kids create, everyone wins.

Sunday, November 30 – Breakfast with Santa

Event: Breakfast with Santa
Time: 10:00 am – 12:00 pm (noon)
Location: Merritt Civic Centre
Presented by: Nicola Valley Arts Council

Wrap up Merritt Country Christmas Week 2025 with a cozy Breakfast with Santa. It’s a relaxed way to finish off the week: pancakes, photos, and plenty of Christmas cheer before everyone heads back to work, school, or back home if you’re visiting.

Planning Your Visit to Merritt Country Christmas Week

• Where is everything?
  Most events are at the Merritt Civic Centre or Spirit Square, both near downtown Merritt, BC. That means easy access to hotels, motels, gas stations, and restaurants.

• Who should come?

  • Local Merrittonians looking for affordable, family-friendly Christmas activities

  • Visitors from Kamloops, the Lower Mainland, and the Interior of BC

  • Anyone wanting that classic small-town Christmas experience in the Nicola Valley

• How to stay updated:

  • Check the schedule and parade route at merritt.ca/christmas

  • Watch for updates and the parade livestream on the Country Christmas Facebook page

If you’re thinking about moving to Merritt or spending more time in the Nicola Valley, events like Merritt Country Christmas Week are a perfect snapshot of what this community is all about: welcoming, down-to-earth, and big on tradition.

See you downtown for Merritt Country Christmas Week 2025! 🎅🌟