SASKATOON — The Christmas spirit can now be felt in Saskatoon with holiday lights, trimmings and decorations popping up. Part of the magic that’s in the air is the various events and attractions that can get you in the Christmas mood.
The Saskatoon Festival of Trees began on Friday at the Western Development Museum and the attraction will run until Nov. 27, where the final day will see the Brunch with Santa event from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
The 23rd BHP Enchanted Forest opened at 5:30 p.m. on Friday night at the Saskatoon Forestry Farm Park & Zoo. The attraction ends on Jan. 9, 2022.
Aside from the lights display, the Forestry Park has a snow leopard and arctic fox that are new attractions to the zoo and are both loving the winter weather. Santa is also expected to visit the Enchanted Forest on Dec. 8.
Glow Saskatoon returns on Dec. 2 to Prairieland Park where this year’s theme is Glow Around the World that will take visitors to a magical journey to five different countries — China, England, France, Mexico and the Netherlands. The indoor holiday light festival will run through Dec. 28 and is open from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Saskatoon will also be hosting the annual Santa Claus parade for the 30th time on Sunday starting at 1 p.m. downtown.
Some areas downtown will be closed, and will have parking and lane restrictions starting at 8:00 a.m. on Sunday. The restrictions will be in place up to 3 p.m.
Spadina Crescent, Avenue A, 19th Street, 3rd Avenue, 20th Street, 4th Avenue, 22nd Street, and 1st Avenue will be the parade route and will be closed for motorists.
Those who will be watching the parade or are just going downtown are advised to plan their trips since the area will be busy and restrictions will be in place.
City officials suggest that people who are going to watch the parade to use the Transit bus to avoid the hassle of traffic and finding a parking spot. Buses that travel through the city centre will navigate the detours.
