Santa Claus Parade and Council’s Starry Night rescheduled to Dec. 7

The Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo is moving forward with an updated approach to this year’s Santa Claus Parade and Council’s Starry Night to ensure residents can continue to enjoy these cherished traditions despite the extreme cold.

Drive-thru Santa Claus Parade

Since the safety of volunteers, contractors, participants, spectators and RMWB staff is the top priority, the Santa Claus Parade will shift to a drive-thru parade on Sunday, December 7. Floats will be staged along Clearwater Drive from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m., allowing residents to take in the festive displays from the comfort and warmth of their vehicles.

Spectators are encouraged to enter the parade route at the intersection of Franklin Ave. and Clearwater Dr., near Home Hardware. Spectators cannot enter the drive-thru parade from the intersection of Riedel St. and Clearwater Dr. Businesses along Riedel St. will continue to be accessible.

Road Closure Information

• No thru traffic from Hardin St. to Clearwater Dr.
• No thru traffic from Father Mercredi St. to Clearwater Dr.
• No right-hand turn from Main St. to Clearwater Dr.
• No left hand turns from Riedel St. to Clearwater Dr. from 4:00 p.m. until 8:30 p.m.
• Clearwater Dr.: southbound lane closed and northbound lane reduced speed limit to 30 km/hr
  
  

Transit available for free

To ensure the event is accessible to everyone, free transit will be provided from Keyano (#1016). Buses will shuttle residents along the drive-thru route, offering a warm, reliable option. The trip will end opposite Keyano (#1017). Transit buses will operate beginning at 5:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. on a 10-15 minute rotation.

Council’s Starry Night

Council’s Starry Night will proceed as scheduled at 5:00 p.m. at kiyām Community Park. Residents are invited to join Mayor and Councillors for a festive evening featuring holiday greetings, an Elder blessing, the lighting of the tipi and community tree, hot chocolate from The Salvation Army food truck, and seasonal music.

The RMWB appreciates the community’s understanding as adjustments are made for safety, and thanks all residents and partners for helping keep the holiday spirit shining bright.

For ongoing updates, please visit rmwb.ca/santa