A beloved Edmonton holiday tradition marked a significant milestone this Christmas Eve, as Santa Claus once again took to the skies over St. Albert Trail, spreading festive cheer for the 15th consecutive year.
A Festive Milestone for the Community
The iconic sight of Jolly Old Saint Nick waving from his sleigh has become a cornerstone of the local holiday season. On December 24, 2025, residents and pedestrians along the busy corridor were treated to the magical spectacle, with many stopping to capture photos and videos of the moment. The event, captured by CTV News Edmonton photographer Sean McClune, showed Santa pausing to take a photo with delighted onlookers, embodying the spirit of the season.
Spreading Joy Amidst the Holiday Rush
The annual flyover serves as a heartwarming counterpoint to the last-minute shopping frenzy and holiday stress. While many Canadians were finalizing their gift purchases, the appearance of Santa over St. Albert Trail provided a moment of pure, unadulterated joy. The tradition, now in its 15th year, has cemented itself as a signal that the magical night of Christmas has truly arrived for the people of Edmonton and surrounding areas like St. Albert.
A Beacon of Seasonal Spirit
This enduring event highlights the community's commitment to preserving simple, joyful traditions. In a year filled with various headlines, from economic shifts to other news across Canada, the consistency of Santa's flight is a comforting constant. It reinforces the shared cultural moments that define the holiday season in Alberta, offering a unified experience of wonder and anticipation for children and adults alike.
The successful flight also came with an official blessing, as Canada's Transport Minister had previously confirmed that Santa was cleared for Christmas Eve travel, ensuring his global route would proceed without delay. For Edmontonians, his specific pass over St. Albert Trail remains a special, localized highlight of that worldwide journey.
