ALMA – Santa will be in Alma on Dec. 21 at 2pm.
He likes to visit the village as close to Christmas as possible so he can confirm children’s requests.
“So let’s not disappoint him – he wants to see the streets of Alma lined with people,” parade officials stated in a press release.
The Alma Optimist Club has boasted for years that Alma has the only Santa Claus parade that is as long as the town.
By the time the lead float returns to the community centre Santa is usually just pulling out to join the parade route along the main street in Alma.
“Just how Santa will cruise through town each year is top secret,” stated Alma Optimist Club member Sharon Grose.
“Alma is one of the last parades on Santa’s lists for December.
“Unlike the big cities that start their parades in mid November, our Optimist Club likes to wait until almost Christmas to invite the jolly old elf to town.”
The theme of 2025 Alma Santa Claus Parade is “Tractors, Tots and Toys.”
Optimist Club member Jim de Bock is once again the official parade marshal. Contact him at 519-846-5124 for details on entering a float or joining the parade.
What can you expect to find in a country Santa parade besides the jolly old elf?
Organizers say there will be lots of brightly decorated tractors and farm implements in traditional Christmas colours of green, and red (and a few others).
Volunteer fire department trucks and township snowplows, a troupe of unicyclists and plenty of ponies prancing down Elora Street can also be expected.
This year will also feature several heavy horse hitches with wagons pulled by percherons and Clydesdales.
Most of the village businesses and several area farmers also put together floats.
“Santa is always the last person in the parade but folks never know how he will arrive or what he will ride on in the parade – it is always a surprise,” said Grose.
“Santa has been known to ride or drive in a large variety of machines over the years in Alma, from a traditional sleigh to a horse and buggy, or a combine, high hoe, fire truck or farm wagon.
“One year he was pulled by eight deer – John Deere tractors that is.”
Young and old alike enjoy this free community event, organizers say.
Spectators enjoy the parade from their cars or by standing along the main street. Dress for the weather and come enjoy our village parade, organizers concluded.
