Times, road closures and more: Santa Claus Parade and Tree Light-Up returns to Fort St John

FORT ST. JOHN, B.C —  The Santa Claus Parade and the Tree Light-Up returns to Fort St. John to bring festive cheer to start the holiday season.

On December 6th starting at 5 p.m. at 108th Avenue. and 100th Street, the celebration will make its way south on 100th Street to Centennial Park. 

When asked what the community can expect from the parade, Ryan Harvey, communications manager at the City of Fort St. John, said: “The Santa Claus parade is a great opportunity to start off the holiday season, and we expect it to be well attended again this year. The forecast is looking pretty good for it, and I’m so excited to see everybody out and enjoying the parade.” 

The city has received over 50 applications to enter a float, with some having multiple vehicles. 

Although there is no particular theme for this year’s parade, Harvey said the city wants “to make sure that they’re celebrating the holiday spirit and so whatever that means to them.”

“Of course, we know there’s only one Santa Claus,” said Harvey. “So Santa Claus will be joining us at the back of the parade, and then people will have an opportunity to visit with Santa and Mrs. Claus in Centennial Park after the parade.” 

At the park, attendees will get to enjoy the Christmas tree light-up, complimentary hot dogs by the Sunrise Rotary Club and Save-On-Foods and hot chocolate courtesy of R360. 

The public can also expect road closures beginning at 3 p.m. until the end of the parade. The roads that will be closed are 100th Street between 93rd and 100th Avenues, 94th and 95th Avenues between 100th and 102nd Streets, 98th Street between 108th and 112th Avenues and 110th Avenue between 98th and 100th Streets. 

Traffic congestion is expected near the parade route and marshalling areas.

To view the full schedule, parade route map and road closure, please visit the Fort St. John website.