Country Christmas Week concludes with visit from Santa at light up parade
(Santa and Mrs. Claus at the 2024 Christmas Light Up Parade. Photo courtesy of Merritt Herald.)
Hundreds gathered throughout downtown Merritt of Friday night as the marquee event of the Merritt Country Christmas week of activities ramped up with the annual Christmas Light Up Parade.
The parade featured dozens of floats, lights, music and of course a visit from the one and only, Santa Claus.
“It was a tremendous parade,” said organizer Carrie Ware. “It was such a wonderful way to kick off the Christmas season in the Nicola Valley.”
The week kicked off with the lighting of the giant Christmas Tree in Spirit Square on Monday night. Those in attendance enjoyed hot chocolate provided by Crime Stoppers and Kekuli Cafe, plus music by Just Jerry Karaoke.
Tree Light Up (Monday) Photo Courtesy: Angela Duhy
On Tuesday night, dozens turned up at NVIT for the movie “The Polar Express” at the campus theatre.
It was standing room only on Wednesday as Love to Dance Academy (LTD) Society presented their dance recital “Lights! Camera! Dance! with dancers from three to thirteen years of age participating.
The Minions brought laughter to those in attendance at Dance Recital on Wednesday.
“What an atmosphere out there,” exclaimed Kia Hendriksen, LTD instructor following the second performance. “I’m so proud of our youngsters and their parents for getting this presentation together in ten shorts weeks. We truly have a great community spirit in Merritt.”
On Thursday night, the musical talent of the Nicola Valley was showcased in the annual Christmas concert featuring soloists, choirs, duos, of ever age and genre. Concert coordinator Kurt Christopherson said it was a magical experience.
“It’s unbelievable to think we have so many talented people here in the Nicola Valley,” Christopherson beamed. “Everyone was glued to their seats for every performance and that says something for the array of entertainers we had tonight.”
Friday afternoon, the doors opened for the annual Christmas Craft sale at the Merritt Civic Centre which proceeded the Light Up Parade.
The following is a list of the ribbon winners in this years parade:
Best community club/ organization/team (adult)
- Winner-Filipino Community
- 1st runner up-Nicola Valley Rodeo Association
- 2nd runner up-The Grinch
Best Service Club or Not for Profit
- Winner-Baillie House
- Runner Up-Ciitxw Nlaka’pamuk Assembly (CNA)
Best Youth Group/team/organization or school
- Winner-Tumbleweed Playschool Society
- Runner Up – NVIT
Best Government Agency/Organization
- Winner-City of Merritt
- Runner Up-Ministry of Forests, Lands & Natural Operations
Best Small Business
- Winner -Mar-King Truck Services
- 1st runner up-Nicola Motorsports
- 2nd runner up – Best Valu Glass
Best Large Business
- Winner-Lower Nicola Site Services
- Runner Up- Reliable Towing
Best Lights
- Winner-Lower Nicola Site Services
- Runner Up-Merritt Fire Department
Most Enthusiastic
- Winner-Merritt Centennials
- Runner Up-Merritt Snowmobile Club
Most Original
- Winner-Upper Nicola Band
- Runner Up-Ciitxw Nlaka’pamuk Assembly (CNA)
Best Overall
- Winner-Filipino Community
- Runner Up-Ministry of Forests, Lands & Natural
Operations
The Country Christmas Week activities concluded on Saturday as the craft fair began once again while parents brought their little ones to have their pictures taken with Santa as well.
The Merritt Country Christmas committee wants to thank the many volunteers, participants and volunteers who joined together to make this year’s event one of the most talked about in years.
By the way, next year’s Country Christmas week is November 24-29, 2025.
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