Preparations are underway for Victorian Christmas at the O'Keefe Ranch. (Photo credit: O'Keefe Ranch)

By Vernon Matters Staff

Pet-friendly event

O’Keefe Ranch ready for Victorian Christmas

Nov 27, 2022 | 10:00 AM

The O’Keefe Ranch is getting ready to host a special holiday event.

The historic site in Spallumcheen will hold Victorian Christmas over the first three weekends of December.

The family event features activities such as bonfire, s’mores and marshmallows, roasting chestnuts on an open fire, wagon rides, letters to santa, gingerbread house competition and photos with Father Christmas.

“Last year we opened for all three weekends before Christmas,” said Diane Llewelyn-Jones, guest experience coordinator, “and it was very successful. We will also be continuing our new tradition of the Gingerbread House Competition. Our goal is to make the Ranch “the” place known for gingerbread houses. We want to keep growing this competition year over year.”

First prize is $150 and if you create your house based on a Ranch building, you can also win a season’s pass.

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The Ranch is pet friendly so people can bring their furry family members, which have to be on a leash. Outside of Victorian Christmas, the O’Keefe Ranch allows pets on a leash during daylight hours even when closed.

Returning in 2022 for a second year is the cookie train building for kids. Cost to families is $5 per kit.

Sherrilee Franks, Ranch Manager, said the kits remain low cost to ensure all families are able to access this activity.

“We are lucky to have such great volunteers to make this possible. That said, sometimes labour costs are needed to help offset the workload and we appreciated any additional donation towards the train kit
costs. We would even be open to a sponsorship,” Franks said.

Victorian Christmas runs December 3, 4, 10, 11, 17 & 18 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Admission is by donation.

For more information on O’Keefe Ranch, visit www.okeeferanch.ca.