High River Christmas
Santa Claus Parade
The High River Santa Claus Parade is a tradition for many families to begin their Christmas season. In addition to celebrating our 35th annual parade with a virtual version, there were three Santa's Porch Parades on December 3, 4, and 5th, 2021.
You can enjoy the porch parade from the NW, SE/NE and SW/Central areas from the comfort of your couch.
Keep the Christmas cheer going by touring the Light Up High River decorating contest entrants and a walk or drive through the magical light displays in Light Up George Lane Park.
the fun begins
December 02, 2021
5:00pm
Until then, welcome to the
35th (Virtual) High River Santa Claus Parade
Sit back and enjoy memories of Santa Claus Parades past and present with updated messages, photos, and Santa's Porch Parade to remember for Christmases to come.
Light Up George Lane Park
The much anticipated tradition of driving or walking through George Lane Park to see the lights dates back to 2013. Organizations, residents and businesses came together to brighten up a dreary post-flood downtown High River with Christmas lights for the Santa Claus Parade.
Inspired by brilliant light displays in other towns across North America, a grant was submitted and received in 2014 for displays, power cords, contractors, etc. Light Up George Lane Park was ignited.
Thank You! to Our Volunteers
Setting up lights, lights, displays, and the pop up skating rink took place November 4-6, 2021. Thanks to volunteers contributing over 600 hours of their time over the 3 days (and many more to prepare), the lights are ready to sparkle and shine for everyone to enjoy.
3 - 2 - 1, Lights!
The full set of lights and displays in the park will be officially switched on
December 03, 2021
5:00pm
Lights in the park will be on each evening from 4:30pm - 11:30pm until end of January, 2022
Skating
Each holiday season brings the excitement of seeing favourite light displays along with discovering new ones.
The outdoor pop-up skating rink in the park's NW corner is the newest addition holiday activities bound to become a tradition too - weather co-operating.
The continued support of sponsors and volunteers keeps the park fresh and glowing along with spreading cheer around town.
Light Up High River
If George Lane Park full of lights could create such joy, imagine what the whole of High River dressed up might cause!
That was the spark behind this friendly town-wide contest to determine the favourite display of the season. Everyone is welcome to participate and share their love of Christmas and the holiday season. No decoration or string of lights is too small.
Home-based businesses are welcome to enter. We suggest selecting either the resident or business category.
Prizes Surprises
Light Up High River Timeline
Light Up High River Winners • 2021
Thank you to all our participants, viewers and voters for making Light Up High River 2021 such a bright spot in our holiday season.
Visit With Santa
Santa has a special spot in his heart for High River and rearranged his schedule with the elves to have as much time as possible visiting with children.
Santa At The Museum
The Museum was chosen as a special workshop for Santa. Children can chat with the jolly old fellow while he tinkers away on toys and such. Keep on the watch for elves popping in and out from the North Pole. Schedule by donation for your family to see Santa in his workshop with the Museum of the Highwood.
Saturdays & Sundays 11:00am - 3:00pm - FULL
December 4 - December 19, 2021
December 10: 5pm-7pm - FULL
December 17: 5pm-7pm - FULL
Call to be on waiting list
Markets
Markets have become part of the traditions of the holiday season in High River. Talented crafters and makers offer shoppers a wide range of gifts with the personal touch to choose from.
High River Winter Market
Inclusion Foothills
The annual 2021 Winter Market hosted by Inclusion Foothills will be held at the Highwood Memorial Centre once again. This is a showcase for incredible local vendors and artisans
Friday, December 03: 12pm - 9pm
Saturday, December 04: 10am - 5pm
Vendor applications currently being accepted.
One World Market
High River United Church
High River United Church is hosting an ongoing One World Market. Jewells are now available. The book table is expanded. More items will be added over the coming weeks with handmade goods, soaps, Mexican vanilla, etc. Small silent auction as well. This will be much smaller than our usual Christmas market, but much of what you love will be available.
Monday - Friday: November 29 - December 17
- 8:30am-12pm (closed for lunch)
- 1:00pm-4:00pm
Cowboy Christmas Market
High River Agricultural Society
Please join the High River Ag Society at the indoor arena at the rodeo grounds for the annual Cowboy Christmas Market.
Saturday, December 04: 10:00am - 6:00pm
Vendor applications currently being accepted.
High River Nativity
Each year the High River Ward of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints hosts a creche display with over 100 nativities.
For 2021, there will be a drive-in nativity presentation, "The Christ Child," in the chapel parking lot:
Wednesday, December 22: 6:30pm & 8:00pm
Santa's Porch Parades
Wave your Christmas Spirit
Santa Claus had to miss a parade, but that doesn't mean High River won't celebrate! Grab your coats and head out the front door to make a whole lot of noise as Santa's Salute passes by. Take in one night, two or all three as it winds it way around town!
Friday, December 03: NW
Saturday, December 04: SE / NE
Saturday, December 05: SW, Montrose, Central and downtown
From the porch to your comfy couch
Santa's Porch Parades 2021
The jolly 'ole fellow and his friends made their way through High River with cheers and a whole lot of lights and noise! All 3 of Santa's Porch Parades are captured in the video below.
December 03, 2021 @ 5:30pm
Friday
View / download printable NW Santa's Porch Parade route map (pdf)
Click to enlarge
December 04, 2021 @ 5:30pm
Saturday
View / download printable SE / NE Santa's Salute route map (pdf)
Click to enlarge
December 05, 2021 @ 5:30pm
Sunday
View / download printable SW Santa's Salute route map (pdf)
Click to enlarge
Don't live on a route?
If Santa's Porch Parade doesn't visit your street, you are welcome to find a spot on the route and watch from the sidewalk. Those coming in from out of town can select any of the 3 Porch Parades and find a location on the route to watch from.
