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There are many ways you and your family can celebrate the holiday season in Ponoka.
This list is just the beginning. You can also find other events and activities on our Community Calendar.
Join Us for Our Annual Kickoff to Christmas in Ponoka on November 21, Powered by FortisAlberta
You are invited to join us on Friday, November 21, for our 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 beside the Town Christmas tree from about 4:45 to 6:15 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 beside the Ponoka Legion building at 48 Avenue and 51 Street;
- Animated, holiday-themed drone light show at about 7:20 p.m. over the Battle River Valley. It can also be viewed from downtown Ponoka;
- Moonlight Madness at businesses throughout Ponoka and the annual Passport to Christmas program by the Ponoka & District Chamber of Commerce;
- And more!
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 visit 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.
You can also warm up with a cup of free hot chocolate and enjoy the tree lighting ceremony where Ponoka Mayor Kevin Ferguson and event sponsors, FortisAlberta and Ponoka County 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.
Enter Your Float in the Santa Claus Parade on Friday, November 21
The holiday season is quickly approaching and the Town of Ponoka is inviting everyone to join in the fun by entering a festive float in this year’s Santa Claus Parade. The event will take place on Friday, November 21 at 6 p.m. in downtown Ponoka.
The parade is free to enter and offers a great opportunity for local businesses, community groups and organizations to showcase your creativity and spread holiday cheer. It’s also a chance for your business, community group, or organization to be recognized and celebrated throughout the community.
How to Enter Your Float
Please click here to fill in the online form. The Town of Ponoka will be accepting float registrations until Thursday, November 20 at 11:59 p.m.
Parade Route
All floats will meet at the Ponoka Arena Complex (4410 54 Street) on Friday, November 21 at 4:30 p.m.
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.
To view the parade route map, please click here.
Decorating Your Float
Light up the night with bright colours, festive decorations and holiday music that spreads cheer along the route.
Please do not invite Mr. or Mrs. Claus to ride on your float, as the Town of Ponoka is already making arrangements for Santa to appear in the parade.
Holiday Train - Monday, December 8
The Holiday Train will roll into Ponoka once again on Monday, December 8 at 5:15 p.m. with musical guests Jade Eagleson and Teigen Gayse. Learn more by clicking here.
Holly Jolly Public Skate - Sunday, December 21
On Sunday, December 21, the Town of Ponoka will host the Holly Jolly Public Skate event at the Ponoka Arena Complex from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. More details to come.
