For the fifth year in a row, Dr. Oleksandr (Sasha) Kondrashov’s Kamloops Winter Holiday Lights Map continues to light up the season, bringing joy and togetherness to the community. What started in 2020 as a pandemic initiative has become a cherished tradition that grows more vibrant each year. With updates from residents and contributions from social media groups, the map reflects the heartwarming generosity of Kamloopsians, showcasing the city’s most dazzling holiday displays.
This year, the map’s reach has expanded even further, thanks to enthusiastic community participation. “I’ve been overwhelmed by the amazing response from people sharing their favorite displays,” Sasha said. “The map is a celebration of creativity, joy, and the kindness of Kamloopsians who light up their neighborhoods for everyone to enjoy.”
A Community Effort: The 2024 Winter Holiday Lights Map
The 2024 Winter Holiday Lights Map is a labour of love built through collaboration and community input. Sasha’s call for updated locations in various social media groups drew a flood of recommendations, with neighbours eager to share their favourite displays.
“This display is my son’s absolute favourite,” one resident shared about 823 Rue Chez Nous in Westsyde. “He makes me drive past it every night!” Another added, “The whole street on Overlander Drive is magical this year. It’s such a joy to see everyone’s effort.”
To make the map even more useful, Sasha introduced in 2021 color-coded markers highlighting neighborhood favorites. These markers allow those with limited time to prioritize the most recommended spots. While the map includes all houses featured since 2020, Sasha reminds users that some may not have displays this year. “Even if a house isn’t lit, you can still see pictures on the map of how it looked in the past and hope for its return in future years,” Sasha explained.
Confirmed 2024 Highlights
Here are the confirmed addresses lighting up Kamloops this year:
Westsyde
- 823 Rue Chez Nous (a perennial favorite)
- 840 Bebek Road
- 950 Ida Lane
- 3719 Overlander Drive
- 3573 Overlander Drive
- 856 Orcrest Drive
- 1008 Pine Springs Road
- 8-3665 Westsyde Road
- 860 Sicamore Drive
Dallas
- 2515 Dallas Drive (Cassie’s Charity Drive) Check the most recent news story: https://infotel.ca/newsitem/in-video-kamloops-family-putting-up-55000-christmas-lights-for-charity-drive/it107296
Aberdeen
- 2150 Fleming Place Holiday Light Show until December 31st
- 1313 Kinross Pl
Batchelor Heights / Westmount
- 845 Woodhaven Drive
- 1731 North River Drive
Downtown
607 Pine St For many years favourite: check the story: https://infotel.ca/newsitem/kamloops-christmas-house-saved-by-neighbours-and-friends/it37806
Dufferin
- 1734 Springview Place
- 1428 Mount Dufferin
- 1732 Hillside Drive
Brock
- 2400 block of Young Avenue
- 975 Alhambra Dr
Barnhartvale
- 5425 Morris place
- 1281 Clearview drive
- 4984 Woodland crt
- 6190 Meadowland Cres N
Rayleigh
- 360 Strawberry Ln
North Shore
- 719 Stewart Ave
Juniper Ridge
- 2717 Skeena Dr
- 2510 Skeena Dr
- 2679 Qu’Appelle Blvd
The map is available on Google Maps and can be accessed here. Sasha encourages residents to send updates to okondrashov@tru.ca, ensuring the map remains as accurate as possible.
Seniors’ Christmas Lights Tour: A Holiday Tradition
This year’s Seniors’ Christmas Lights Tour took place on December 12, 2024, showcasing many of the same addresses featured on Sasha’s map. Residents aged 55 and older enjoyed a festive evening, traveling by bus to see Kamloops’ brightest displays before gathering at the Sandman Centre for entertainment, hot drinks, and holiday treats.
The tour, organized by the City of Kamloops, remains a beloved tradition. A participant shared, “It’s so wonderful to see the city coming together like this. The lights and the celebration make it feel like Christmas again.”
Cassie’s Charity Drive: 55,000 Lights of Generosity
A highlight of the map this year is Cassie’s Charity Drive at 5215 Dallas Drive, featuring a spectacular 55,000-light display that raises funds for the Kamloops Hospice Association. Visitors can enjoy interactive elements like hot chocolate, fire pits, and skits involving Santa and the Grinch, all while supporting a worthy cause.
Cassie McNutt, now 18, began this initiative in 2019 and has since raised over $200,000 for hospice care. This year’s funds will go toward operating costs, ensuring that the hospice can continue providing essential services to the community.
Hope Amid Challenges
The map has taken on special significance for Sasha and Kamloops’ Ukrainian community this year. Reflecting on the destruction of energy infrastructure in Ukraine due to russian aggression, Sasha said, “In Ukraine, kids are growing up without lights, but here, Kamloopsians show how light can bring hope and joy. It means so much to share with community. Seeing these lights is like seeing hope. It reminds us that even in challenging times, there is kindness and light in the world.” Thank you to all who stand with Ukraine and share the light!
Get Involved
The Winter Holiday Lights Map is a testament to Kamloops’ community spirit. Whether you’re a resident adding to the display, a senior enjoying a festive tour, or a family visiting Cassie’s Charity Drive, the map brings everyone together to celebrate the season.
To explore the map and plan your holiday light tour, visit Google Maps. Share your updates and contributions with Sasha at okondrashov@tru.ca, and help keep Kamloops shining bright.
Happy Holidays to all! 🎄✨
References
Ainslie, S. (2024, December 1). Kamloops family putting up 55,000 Christmas lights for charity drive. iNFOnews.ca. Retrieved from https://infotel.ca/newsitem/in-video-kamloops-family-putting-up-55000-christmas-lights-for-charity-drive/it107296
City of Kamloops. (2024, November 19). City of Kamloops announces 48th annual seniors’ Christmas lights tour. Kamloops.ca. Retrieved from https://www.kamloops.ca/our-community/news-events/news-releases/city-kamloops-announces-48th-annual-seniors-christmas
Kondrashov, O. (2020, December 31). Kamloops winter holidays lights 2020. Krasun.ca. Retrieved from https://krasun.ca/2020/12/31/kamloops-winter-holidays-lights-2020/
Kondrashov, O. (2022, January 11). 10 locations to enjoy Kamloops winter holiday lights 2021. Krasun.ca. Retrieved from https://krasun.ca/2022/01/11/10-locations-to-enjoy-kamloops-winter-holiday-lights-2021/
Kondrashov, O. (2023, December 25). Light up Kamloops: Help update the community holiday map. Krasun.ca. Retrieved from https://krasun.ca/2023/12/25/light-up-kamloops-help-update-the-community-holiday-map/
Google. (n.d.). Kamloops winter holidays lights map 2024. Retrieved from https://www.google.com/maps/d/u/0/embed?mid=16am6TVN-H5eUkZqLYCyATOIfHXzudCop&ehbc=2E312F&ll=50.71838984757659%2C-120.25209269999999&z=11
Krasun. (Jan 3, 2021). Kamloops winter holidays lights 2020-2021 [Video]. YouTube. Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eVFlcSUr7UI
Leave a Reply