As the Christmas season begins and stores begin to blossom with all kinds of glittery and festive merchandise, it may not seem that difficult to get into the Christmas spirit. But, it's still fun to attend holiday festivities and get into the spirit of the season. In Saskatoon there are plenty of holiday events to attend, but there are three in particular that really sum up the spirit of the season. Each of the following are a can't miss when it comes to celebrating the holidays in Saskatoon.
The Santa Claus Parade
The Santa Claus Parade was started in 1990 and has a new theme every year. The parade route runs in a big circle through the streets of downtown Saskatoon. It's presented by the Midtown Plaza and is put on for the simple reason of exciting and delighting the children of Saskatoon. It usually takes place around the end of November, so it's a great way to kick off the season. If you really want to get into the spirit of the season, you can also sign up as a sponsor, a volunteer, or you can even get involved with a community group and build a float.
The Enchanted Forest
The Enchanted Forest is a 2.5 km drive through an animated light display at the the Saskatoon Forestry Farm Park. It benefits both the Saskatoon City Hospital Foundation and the Saskatoon Zoo Foundation. It was started in 1999 and has become one of the longest running Christmas light shows in Canada. It remains one of Saskatoon's top wintertime attractions and runs from about mid-November until the beginning of January. There is nothing more magical than snuggling up with some blankets in the car (maybe packing a few treats and some cocoa) and driving through a twinkling array of lights and adorable animated displays. Is there anything more enchanting than Christmas lights?
The Festival of Trees
This last one is my absolute favorite, one I make sure I never miss. The Festival of Trees benefits the Saskatoon City Hospital Foundation. Every year, talented tree designers and their sponsors donate their time and money to create over 100 Christmas trees, miniature trees, designer stockings, wreaths, and a gingerbread village. The whole event takes place at the Western Development Museum in their 1910 Boomtown, so not only are you surrounded by beautiful Christmas displays, but you are also able to explore the nostalgic and historical setting of a typical 1910 Saskatchewan town lit up with holiday wonder.
The city of Saskatoon has a lot to offer over the holiday season, from its symphony, to its wealth of decorations and lights, to its quaint and beautiful shops. The reason I chose the above three activities is because they seem to epitomize the magic that the holiday season brings in Saskatoon and should not be missed. However, the city has a lot to offer and every year there are new wonderful activities and events to enjoy. Saskatoon is a magical place during the holidays, it's not hard to find your Christmas spirit here.