The holiday season is here; it’s time to bask in all the sparkle and cheer this festive time has to offer. From enjoying dazzling light displays to feasting with friends and toasting the season with some holiday spirits, the fun seems limitless, the calories aren’t being counted, and we’re here to celebrate every glittering moment. And when the holidays wind down, and we look back on the delightful decadence – the late-night holiday movie marathons, the overindulgence in comfort foods, and a bit too much eggnog, we’re ready to start the new year on a bright and balanced note. The Harrison River Valley is your ultimate playground for both the bubbly, pre-holiday merriment and the cozy and tranquil post-season reset. Here is your guide for both the merry before and the cozy after! 

MERRY BEFORE: SO MUCH TO SEE AND DO!

1. ENJOY MAGICAL HOLIDAY LIGHT DISPLAYS 

Shimmering holiday light displays usher in the warm, heartfelt spirits of the season, and our displays will dazzle and delight!

Left: Lights by the Lake illuminates 2km of the Harrison Hot Springs lakefront until January 11, 2026. See custom-built light displays featuring area wildlife and sasquatch, old-fashioned light standards, and colourful selfie stands. The promenade is fully paved, making it wheelchair and stroller-friendly. Our launch took place in late November, but if you missed it, don’t worry: we have two “Festive Nights” taking place on Saturday, December 6 and Saturday, December 20. These evenings feature photos with Santa and Sasquatch, free hot chocolate for the first 100 attendees, live music, and Christmas Storytime! And don’t forget to take a glide around our Starlight Skating Rink!

Right: Winter Night Lights in Agassiz features brilliant holiday lights spanning Pioneer Park from the Agassiz-Harrison Museum to the Historic Aberdeen building from December 1 to 31. Watch for events on December 12 & 13 featuring tons of family-friendly fun! Meet Santa and the Grinch, enjoy complimentary hot chocolate, hop aboard the holiday mini passenger train and take part in face painting, games, and festive activities.

2. PARTY AT A PRE-TRAIN CELEBRATION, THEN ENJOY THE CPKC HOLIDAY TRAIN AND A CONCERT BY THE BARENAKED LADIES!

A beloved tradition, the CPKC Holiday Train chugs its way into Agassiz on Friday, December 19th!! Start the festivities by heading to the District of Kent Community Recreation & Cultural Centre (6660 Pioneer Avenue) at 4:30pm for a Pre-Show, featuring live music, a concession by the Agricultural Association, Children’s Activities and Food Trucks! Then, watch as the Holiday Train pulls into the Agra Centre at 6800 Pioneer Avenue at 5:45pm, followed by a performance by Canada’s own Barenaked Ladies! Cash donations and non-perishable food items for the food bank will be gratefully accepted.

3. INDULGE IN A FOODIE ADVENTURE

From the tasty delights of casual pub fare to premium fine dining, the Harrison River Valley is a foodie’s paradise! Our cafes, pubs and restaurants are the perfect setting to get together with friends or family for a holiday drink or delicious meal. Get a taste for what we have to offer here. You’ll find a range of options to satisfy every craving and budget!

4. MAKE HOSTING EASIER WITH HELP FROM THE CIRCLE FARM TOUR!

Our astonishing array of Circle Farm Tour shops will help you prepare for your holiday celebrations and make you look like a rock-star host! For example, order a Charcuterie Board from Creekside Cheese + Creamery, have oodles of heavenly holiday chocolates on hand from Rocky Mountain Chocolate, buy some brie from The Farm House Natural Cheeses for your famous ooey-gooey brie appetizer, and let someone else do the holiday baking: Cabin Fever Junction Bakery has you covered (and the bonus of hosting celebrations: you get to eat all the yummy leftovers)!

5. SHOP ‘TIL YOU DROP

Our incredible array of stores and shops will help you score the perfect gift for even the fussiest recipient! The best part: shopping local means you’ll find unique gifts you won’t get in a big-box store!

COZY AFTER: RELAX, RESET, AND FIND WELLNESS IN THE WILD!

1. HIT THE LINKS AT SANDPIPER RESORT, OR HEAD TO SASQUATCH MOUNTAIN RESORT FOR POWDERY FUN!

Ski and golf on the same day? Yes, you can do that here! Sandpiper Resort’s immaculate 18-hole, par 72 course is open! The area’s spectacular beauty, combined with a neatly manicured course perched in old-growth forest, makes for an incredible golfing experience. Check out their variety of offers and packages! Meanwhile, up above, the snow is falling in the mountains of Hemlock Valley, and Sasquatch Mountain Resort will be opening for the season soon (watch their socials for details). Enjoy world class skiing, snowboarding, snowshoeing, and tubing. With a 1350 cm total average snowfall and 37 marked runs over 205 acres, you’ll have plenty of room to zoom in this winter wonderland!

2. TAKE A COZY CABIN OR LODGE GETAWAY

Winter calls for a cozy cabin, cottage, or lodge stay for a wondrous winter getaway. Bask in the comfort of a crackling fire for ultimate relaxation. Check out these accommodations and book a stay this season (click on each to learn more).

You’ll find even more choices here. 

3. SOAK YOUR STRESS AWAY IN HOT SPRINGS

Soaking in mineral hot springs not only feels blissful, it also has remarkable health advantages, including easing stress and anxiety, soothing aches and pains, improving blood circulation, aiding in sleep, and healing skin conditions. Book a stay at Harrison Hot Springs Resort, and you’ll have access to five rejuvenating mineral pools: 2 indoor and 3 outdoor, all kept at different toasty temperatures. Plus, the resort is home to Healing Springs Spa, offering facials, massages, water treatments, body care treatments and a variety of spa packages.

If you’re not staying at the resort, you can also experience the warmth and healing benefits of the Public Mineral Hot Springs Pool, kept at a balmy 38C and located at the junction of Hot Springs Road and Esplanade Avenue, available to all visitors.

4. EXPERIENCE THE SEASON OF THE WILD

The Season of the Wild is in full swing until January, with plenty of wildlife watching opportunities. Bring your camera and capture the photo of a lifetime! We’ve compiled the best viewing locations and boat tours here!

5. BOOK A FISHING EXCURSION

Experience the fishing trip of a lifetime with one of our industry-leading guiding companies. Knowledgeable and professional guides will help you land a whopper! BC Sportfishing Group, Champ Sportfishing Charters, Fraser River Lodge, and Kilby Lodge all offer top-of-the-line boats and equipment with impeccable safety standards.

6. TAKE A HIKE!

Reset your mindset by spending time in nature – it’s like free therapy! It’s been scientifically proven that time spent in the great outdoors reduces stress, anxiety, and depression, accelerates recovery from illness, improves memory retention, reduces inflammation, increases Vitamin D absorption, increases creativity, and improves relationship skills. Whether you choose a leisurely stroll around the Lagoon Path, or some serious calorie burning on a challenging hike like the Harrison Grind (The Campbell Lake Trail), you’ll find that area hiking trails are quiet at this time of year, but the workout and views at the top are just as impressive as ever! Check out our wide variety of trails, from easy to difficult – you’ll find our latest hiking guide here!

Make your way to the Harrison River Valley for epic adventures and lasting memories. Don’t forget to tag us on social media @tourismharrison and #HarrisonRiverValley – we love to see your winter experiences in the Harrison River Valley! You’re always welcome to stop by our Visitor Information Centre and Sasquatch Museum at 499 Hot Springs Road.