As winter's darkness descends, Saskatoon transforms into a glittering spectacle of light and colour. The city's annual holiday decoration effort is a massive, carefully orchestrated undertaking that brings seasonal cheer to public spaces, from the twinkling stars on the Broadway Bridge to the festive banners lining downtown streets.
From Christmas to Seasonal: An Inclusive Shift in Design
Melissa Austin, the neighbourhood planning manager who leads the city's urban design team, explains that Saskatoon's approach to public decor has evolved. The focus has shifted from strictly Christmas-themed items toward a broader winter or seasonal aesthetic.
"While we'll still see some of the true Christmas-theme decor, as those age and as they get replaced with new decorations, we're definitely leaning toward more of a winter or season focus," Austin states. This intentional move aims to create a more inclusive environment, reflecting the diversity of the community where not everyone celebrates Christmas.
The Logistics of Lighting Up the City
The execution of this festive vision is a partnership between the City of Saskatoon and Saskatoon Light and Power (SL&P). The process begins swiftly after Remembrance Day, with SL&P crews taking on the installation. According to Austin, it takes two crews of about ten workers each approximately two weeks to complete the citywide installation.
These workers, who normally handle electrical system maintenance, infrastructure upgrades, and servicing new developments, dedicate this period to draping the city in light. Because much of the decor is winter-themed, it remains illuminated until March, providing a bright counterpoint to the long prairie winter.
Planning Begins When the Lights Come Down
The cycle for the next holiday season starts almost immediately after the current displays are removed. Crews assess all decorations for necessary repairs, refurbishment, or bulb replacement. Austin notes that items are typically only replaced when worn out, ensuring careful stewardship of resources.
Public feedback on specific displays is mixed, Austin reveals. "Some people love that traditional Christmas-themed decor — the old tinsel lights wrapped around — versus this new LED lighting," she says. Despite changing tastes and styles over time, the city's commitment to decorating public spaces for the holidays remains a steadfast tradition.
This dedication results in the small, joyful details—poinsettias along 25th Street, seasonal lights on 20th Street, and illuminated displays on Second Avenue—that residents might take for granted in their December bustle, but would undoubtedly notice if they were gone.
