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.
