MOOSE JAW — To help spread a little Christmas spirit and showcase the hard work and creativity of residents who decorated their home for the holidays, Tourism Moose Jaw is once again hosting its annual Twinkle Tour with the first unofficial map already published.
The upcoming trolley tours will take place on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday evenings from Friday, Nov. 29 until Sunday, Dec. 22. On Friday and Saturday nights the tours will begin at 6 p.m., 7:15 p.m., and 8:30 p.m. On Sundays the tours will begin slightly earlier at 5 p.m., 6:15 p.m., and 7:30 p.m.
The tour costs $15 per person for individuals 12 and over, $30 for a family package including two adults and two children, and $10 for each child under 12.
“We’re very happy (to announce) that we are going to be able to offer trolley Twinkle Tours again,” announced Everley Reid, the sales and creativity co-ordinator for Tourism Moose Jaw.
So far, 17 residents have confirmed their participation — although there’s still time to register.
“We’ve never put the call out before Dec. 1, so we expected not to have as many houses as we usually do (initially)… but we do have a decent amount (already),” she said.
Each year’s route differs slightly and is based on who applies.
New this year is a partnership with Wakamow Valley. Guests will receive $5 off the cost of a Valley of Lights tour after taking a trip with Tourism Moose Jaw and vice versa, Reid shared.
Twinkle Tours don’t include a competitive edge but are instead meant to be enjoyed alongside friends and family as everyone enjoys the magic of the season.
“It’s just so people can see and enjoy the decorations,” Reid confirmed. “And it’s kind of a fun way to do it. We tell some Christmas stories and there’s Christmas music playing. You know, everybody’s usually in the Christmas spirit so it’s just a fun family activity.”
There are no official guidelines to register and entries range from a few festive bulbs to elaborate displays with synchronized lights and sound.
To join, simply email [email protected] and state your address before the Friday, Nov. 22 deadline. There’s no cost and everyone is asked to provide only their own home address as others may not wish to be listed.
“We’re hoping people come out and enjoy the tour,” Reid concluded. “We put a lot of work into it and we just want to spread some Christmas cheer.”
An up-to-date map is available through a link on Tourism Moose Jaw’s Facebook page with a final update expected to be published there on Friday, Nov. 29.
To purchase tickets, visit FareHarbor.com/Embeds/Book/TourismMooseJaw. It’s advisable to book well in advance as tours typically sell out each year.
Each trolley tour departs from the Tourism Moose Jaw kiosk at 450 Diefenbaker Drive beside Mac the Moose. For more information visit TourismMooseJaw.com, call 306-693-8097, or visit ‘Tourism Moose Jaw’ on Facebook.
