Mission Hill's 'Festival of Trees' dazzles

18 extravagantly decorated Christmas trees.

Dozens of brilliantly lit outdoor trees.

Thousands and thousands of lights.

Hundreds and hundreds of decorations.

A singular experience.

And an important fundraiser for the BC Children's Hospital Foundation.

It's the 8th annual Festival of Trees at Mission Hill Family Estate in West Kelowna.

The winery kicked off this year's fest with a celebration Friday night that included wandering through the atmospheric barrel cellar, the visitors' hall and wine boutique to view 18 elaborately decorated Christmas trees.

It was a family-friendly event, so you could do so with a glass of wine, mulled wine or hot chocolate in hand.

Food stations served up popcorn, Christmas cookies and currywurst (apparently a German Christmas market favourite of fries smothered in curry sauce and sliced sausage -- a fusion take on poutine, if you will).

Outside all the trees are wrapped in soft white lights, Santa and Mrs. Claus were in the Chagall Room posing for photos with kids, a Christmas market ran the length of the al fresco Terrace Restaurant and carolers sang in the barrel cellar.

While the launch can only happen once, the public has the chance to revel in the Festival of the Trees from now until Jan. 5.

If you book the $65 'Festival of the Trees' 90-minute experience, you'll embark on a guided tour of all the amazing trees with glass of mulled wine in hand.

You'll then end up in the visitor's hall for a seated tasting of three wines, including a rare Legacy library vintage, paired with small bites.

The trees have all been decorated by different businesses and organizations and you'll have a chance to vote for your favourite.

Reserve here: https://www.exploretock.com/missionhillwinery/

Partial proceeds go to the BC Children's Hospital Foundation.

You can also donate to the charity here: https://fundraise.bcchf.ca/event/festivaloftrees/home