Santa Claus to visit Fort St. John on December 7th

FORT ST. JOHN, B.C. —  With Hallowe’en 2024 happening on Thursday, it’s time to get your jingle bells and festive outfits ready as Fort St. John prepares for the annual visit from jolly old St. Nick.

The city’s Santa Claus Parade will take over 100th Street during the first weekend of December. The floats will journey south from 108th Avenue to Centennial Park.

Fort St. John’s tree lighting ceremony and a visit from Santa and Mrs. Claus will follow in the park.

“We all know there is only one Santa Claus,” reads the city’s website.  “He has confirmed he will ride on the final float of our Parade, then visit the celebrations afterward.”

“Please do not put people in costume as Santa on your float as it could become confusing for the young and the young at heart!”

According to the city’s recreation website, floats must not exceed 13.5 feet in height and incorporate a holiday or Christmas theme.

Walkers on the parade route are the only ones allowed to throw treats and other goodies, not riders upon floats, with the minimum age for a walker being 16.

The city says entries must be made by December 1st for them to be accepted. It adds that it has the right to refuse any entry that ” does not meet parade guidelines or differ from its approved entry application.”

Christmas-themed music from floats is allowed, but the level should be low enough to respect local residents.

Fort St. John’s annual Santa Claus Parade happens on Saturday, December 7th, with marshalling beginning at 4 p.m.

The parade will start at 5 p.m.  To enter a float or learn more, visit Fort St. John’s Parks and Recreation page here.