Santa Parade in Okotoks

 

 

Santa’s Christmas Eve Parade: A Magical Okotoks Tradition

One of the most heartwarming holiday events in Okotoks, Alberta, is the annual Santa’s Christmas Eve Parade on December 24th. This beloved tradition brings families together on Christmas Eve, as Santa Claus takes a special break from his global deliveries to tour the town, escorted by Okotoks Emergency Services. Often riding atop a vintage fire truck, Santa spreads cheer with flashing lights, sirens, and waves to excited crowds lining the streets. The parade kicks off at 5:00 p.m. from Fire Station No. 1 at 132 Milligan Drive and winds its way through neighbourhoods until around 8:00 p.m. Unlike traditional downtown parades, this one is designed to visit residential areas, following a traditional route that covers much of the town—ensuring Santa gets close to as many homes as possible before his big night ahead. What makes this event extra special is the real-time Santa Tracker available at santa.okotoks.ca. This interactive map shows the planned route, current location, and actual progress of the parade, so you can track exactly when Santa will be passing through your neighbourhood. It's perfect for bundling up the kids and heading out at just the right time—or even watching from home if the weather turns chilly. This cozy, community-focused parade has been delighting Okotoks residents for over two decades, starting from a whimsical story of Santa once "getting lost" and enlisting the fire department for a guided tour. Today, it's a highlight of the holiday season, filled with joy, lights, and the magic of Christmas Eve. On KassDays, we're excited to share footage from last year's parade! Captured amid the glowing lights and enthusiastic waves, this video relives the excitement of Santa's visit—complete with emergency vehicles, festive music, and smiling faces. It's a wonderful way to get into the spirit and reminisce about this timeless Okotoks tradition. Whether you're planning to catch it in person this December 24th or tracking online, Santa’s Christmas Eve Parade is sure to make your holidays brighter. For the latest details and the full route map, visit the Town of Okotoks website at okotoks.ca/santa-parade.

First Major Snowfall in Okotoks Alberta

 

 

Elizabeth Street After the First Big Dump: A Quiet Okotoks Snow Walk with KassDays

The storm rolled out around 4 a.m., leaving behind a few fresh inches and that rare, church-like silence that only new snow can buy. By 7:30 I have walked to the north end of Elizabeth Street, boots on, camera rolling. This is KassDays, solo edition, just me and the town I’ve been walking for the last couple of years on YouTube. I hit record.“Morning, crew. First real snowfall of the season and Elizabeth Street is absolutely dialed right now. Let’s go for a walk.” The sidewalk hasn’t been touched yet in most places. Every step punches through the crust with that perfect skrrranch-crunch that only cold, dry Alberta powder makes. The old elms that line the street are bent low, branches loaded like they’re carrying something sacred. Porch lights are still on; half the houses look like they’re glowing from the inside out, warm rectangles against the blue-white dark. I keep the pace slow. This isn’t a rush-through vlog; it’s a linger. Past the little yellow Craftsman with the crooked mailbox, past the place where somebody always carves a perfect snow ramp for their kids (already half-built at 7:45 a.m., legend). The only sounds are my breathing, the occasional squeak of snow under Sorels, and somewhere down the block a shovel scraping concrete in slow motion. You can hear the snow still falling; tiny crystals ticking against the lens hood like static.“This,” I say, “is why we live here. Ten minutes outside Calgary and the world just… turns the volume knob all the way down.” I stop again, zoom in, let the shot breathe.No music on this one. No jump cuts. Just boots, breath, and the soft hush of Okotoks waking up under a fresh blanket. By the time I reach the south Canada Post Office on Elizabeth Street my nose is frozen, my fingers are cold, and the street behind me holds one lone set of prints. I turn the camera around for a view. I walk along the side of the Sheep River pathway, marvelling at the pristine beauty of it all.  “That’s it for this morning, folks. Elizabeth Street, first real snow of the year. If you needed a reminder to slow down and feel something, this is it. Get out there and make the most of life. I’m Kass, this is KassDays, and I’ll catch you on the next walk.” Thumb on the stop button. Snow keeps falling. Perfect.