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Kickoff to Christmas in Ponoka

Join Us for Our Annual Kickoff to Christmas in Ponoka on November 20, Powered by FortisAlberta

Join us on Friday, November 20, for the annual Kickoff to Christmas event in downtown Ponoka, powered by our key event sponsor, FortisAlberta. The evening will feature an exciting slate of festivities including:

  • Live music on the stage next to the Town Christmas tree (on 48 Avenue and 51 Street), hot chocolate, treats and crafts from about 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.;
  • Santa Claus Parade that will wind through downtown Ponoka at 6 p.m.;
  • Tree lighting festivities at approximately 6:45 p.m. at the Town Christmas tree;
  • Animated, holiday-themed drone light show at about 7:20 p.m. over the Battle River Valley, which can be viewed from the Town Christmas tree in downtown Ponoka;
  • Moonlight Madness at participating businesses throughout Ponoka; and
  • Shop Local with the Ponoka & District Chamber of Commerce’s annual Passport to Christmas program which will be in full swing that evening through the Open Rewards app. More details will be posted to the Chamber’s website at PonokaChamber.ca.

 

Santa Claus Parade

The Santa Claus Parade will feature colourful, holiday-themed floats decorated by local businesses and community groups. Watch for the Town of Ponoka’s float once again this year featuring members of Town Council and festive Christmas decorations.

The parade will begin at 6 p.m. and wind through downtown Ponoka:

  • Along 54 Street;
  • East down 46 Avenue;
  • North on 50 Street;
  • West on 51 Avenue;
  • South on 51 Street;
  • West on 48 Avenue; and
  • South on 54 Street back to the Arena.

 

The Town of Ponoka will set up temporary road closures along the parade route just before 5 p.m. The road closures will be removed once the parade ends. To see a map of the parade route, please click here.

Santa Claus and Tree Lighting Festivities

Immediately after the parade, Santa Claus will arrive at the Town Christmas tree, where families can take photos with Mr. and Mrs. Claus. Children will be able to mail their letters to Santa in the North Pole mailbox (please address your envelope to Santa Claus, North Pole, H0H 0H0, Canada and provide your return address).

You can warm up with a cup of free hot chocolate, enjoy a maple taffy treat and create your own holiday ornament. You can also embrace the holiday season with a tree lighting ceremony where Ponoka Mayor Kevin Ferguson and event sponsor, FortisAlberta will bring greetings.

For those who cannot attend the Santa Claus parade and tree lighting ceremony in person, you can watch a livestream on the Town of Ponoka’s Facebook page.

Other Upcoming Holiday Festivities in Ponoka

Stay tuned for details about other exciting festivities planned for Ponoka as the holiday season approaches including:

  • The annual Christmas light display at Lions Centennial Park in December;
  • The community-wide Christmas lights tour of festively decorated homes in December;
  • The Holiday Train that will roll into Ponoka on Saturday, December 12 at 4 p.m. with musical guests Sam Roberts Band and Owen Riegling; and
  • The Holly Jolly Skate at the Ponoka Arena Complex on Sunday, December 20 from 2 to 4 p.m.