Thousands of people were in downtown Summerland on Nov. 29 to mark the start of the festive season.

The Festival of Lights, held from 5 to 9 p.m., featured live music, food and beverage vendors, activities for children, visits from Santa and Mrs. Claus and a fireworks display.

Streets were crowded during the mild weather for the evening festival. The event, organized by the Summerland Chamber of Commerce, was expected to draw between 10,000 and 12,000 people. 

Two stages, one on Main Street and one on Victoria Road North, provided plenty of live entertainment, including choirs and bands from schools, dancers and more.

Blues Town and The Young 鈥橴ns both performed from the main stage on Main Street.

At 7 p.m., the holiday lights in the downtown were officially turned on for the festive season.

The Summerland Festival of Lights has been held in Summerland鈥檚 downtown since 1989 and has been billed as a premier holiday season event for Summerland and the rest of the Okanagan.

In addition to the festival events, Light Up the Arts was held at the Ryga Arts and Cultural Centre, with plenty of local art and handcrafted items available for sale.