(Town of Ponoka website)

By rdnewsNOW staff

Nov. 21, 2025

Annual Kickoff to Christmas in Ponoka

Nov 12, 2025 | 1:21 PM

Officials with the Town of Ponoka are encouraging residents to come out and enjoy the upcoming Santa Claus Parade, Tree Lighting, Drone Light Show, Live Music, and Moonlight Madness this month.

On Friday, Nov, 21, the annual Kickoff to Christmas event in downtown Ponoka, 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;

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• 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

Santa Claus Parade

Organizers say the Santa Claus Parade will feature colourful, holiday-themed floats decorated by local businesses and community groups. You can 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.

Town crews 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 Ponoka.ca/p/christmas-in-ponoka.

Santa Claus and Tree Lighting Festivities

Immediately after the parade, town officials say 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.

Other Upcoming Holiday Festivities in Ponoka

Town officials say to stay tuned for details about other exciting holiday festivities planned for Ponoka over the coming weeks including:

• The annual Christmas light display at Lions Centennial Park;

• The community-wide Christmas lights tour of festively decorated homes;

• 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; and

• The Holly Jolly Skate at the Ponoka Arena Complex on Sunday, December 21 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.