Your perfect guide to the holidays in Saskatoon is here! Explore all the best festive events and activities. Whether you're a local or just visiting, this guide has everything you need for a memorable holiday season.
The Enchanted Forest Holiday Light Tour is a must-see, featuring over 75 displays that light up the night. Marvel at the winter wonderland of lights in The BHP Enchanted Forest, one of Canada's premier light shows. And definitely don't miss the Saskatoon Santa Claus Parade, where floats and festive cheer take over the city's streets. See more details on these and other fun events and activities below!
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The Top Christmas Events in Saskatoon
- Enchanted Forest Holiday Light Tour
- The BHP Enchanted Forest
- Saskatoon Santa Claus Parade
- Festival of Trees
- Canadian Pacific Holiday Train
- Saskatoon Symphony Orchestra’s Holiday Pops Concert
- Eaton's Once Upon a Christmas Exhibit
- Saskatoon Farmers' Market Christmas Sale
- Pike Lake Provincial Park Winter Activities
- Holiday Season at Wanuskewin Heritage Park
Saskatoon Holiday Light Displays
Enchanted Forest Holiday Light Tour
What to Expect:
Drive-through light display in a forest setting
Description:
Saskatoon's Enchanted Forest Holiday Light Tour transforms the city's winter landscape into a dazzling spectacle. This drive-through experience allows visitors to enjoy over 75 custom light displays from the comfort of their vehicles. As you wind through the illuminated forest, you'll encounter twinkling representations of local wildlife and landmarks. The tour, which began in 1999, has become a cherished tradition for many Saskatchewan families. Proceeds from the event support local healthcare initiatives, illuminating both the forest and community spirit.
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Enchanted Forest Holiday Light Tour
The BHP Enchanted Forest
What to Expect:
Walk-through light display with interactive elements
Description:
The BHP Enchanted Forest in Saskatoon offers a unique twist on holiday light displays. Unlike traditional drive-through experiences, this walk-through event encourages visitors to immerse themselves in the illuminated surroundings. Stroll along winding paths adorned with thousands of twinkling lights and discover interactive light installations. You can activate musical light shows or create your own light patterns at various stations. The forest's design pays homage to Saskatchewan's natural beauty, featuring light sculptures of prairie animals and plants. This event has grown from a small community project to a major attraction since its inception.
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Saskatoon Holiday Markets and Shopping
Saskatoon Farmers' Market Christmas Sale
What to Expect:
Local artisans and producers offering unique holiday gifts and treats
Description:
The Saskatoon Farmers' Market Christmas Sale brings together the best of local craftsmanship and culinary talent. This event showcases a curated selection of handmade gifts, artisanal foods, and unique holiday decorations created by Saskatchewan artisans and producers. The air is filled with the aroma of freshly baked goods and locally roasted coffee. You can find one-of-a-kind presents while supporting small businesses in your community. This market has been a cornerstone of Saskatoon's local food movement for over 40 years, evolving to include a diverse range of vendors and products.
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Saskatoon Farmers' Market Christmas Sale
Saskatoon Nutcracker Market
What to Expect:
Artisanal market inspired by European Christmas markets
Description:
The Saskatoon Nutcracker Market brings a touch of European holiday tradition to the prairies. This event recreates the atmosphere of classic Christmas markets, featuring local artisans, crafters, and food vendors in a festive indoor setting. Visitors can browse through stalls offering handcrafted ornaments, unique gifts, and gourmet treats. The market's layout and decor are inspired by traditional European designs, creating an immersive experience. You might discover a one-of-a-kind nutcracker to add to your collection. This relatively new addition to Saskatoon's holiday calendar has quickly become a favorite among locals and visitors alike.
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Saskatoon Holiday Giving Opportunities
White Buffalo Youth Lodge Holiday Feast
What to Expect:
Community feast celebrating Indigenous traditions and holiday spirit
Description:
The White Buffalo Youth Lodge Holiday Feast brings together Indigenous youth and community members for a celebration that blends traditional practices with holiday cheer. This event features a communal meal prepared with locally sourced ingredients, including traditional Indigenous dishes alongside holiday favorites. Attendees can participate in cultural activities, such as drumming circles or storytelling sessions. The feast emphasizes community connection and intergenerational learning. White Buffalo Youth Lodge has been serving Saskatoon's core neighborhoods since 2000, providing a safe space for youth and fostering cultural pride.
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White Buffalo Youth Lodge Holiday Feast
Saskatoon Holiday Shows and Entertainment
Canadian Pacific Holiday Train
What to Expect:
Traveling concert on a festively decorated train
Description:
The Canadian Pacific Holiday Train rolls into Saskatoon, bringing with it a unique musical experience. This brightly decorated locomotive transforms into a moving stage, featuring live performances from Canadian musicians. As the train pulls into the station, it reveals its vibrant light display, creating a striking contrast against the winter sky. Attendees can enjoy the concert and participate in the food drive, supporting local food banks. This cross-country tradition began in 1999 and has since become a highly anticipated event in communities across Canada.
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Canadian Pacific Holiday Train
Saskatoon Symphony Orchestra’s Holiday Pops Concert
What to Expect:
Classical renditions of popular holiday tunes
Description:
The Saskatoon Symphony Orchestra's Holiday Pops Concert elevates familiar holiday melodies to new heights. This event blends classical orchestration with beloved seasonal tunes, creating a sophisticated yet accessible musical experience. The orchestra's skilled musicians breathe new life into traditional carols and popular holiday songs, filling the concert hall with rich, layered sounds. You might find yourself humming along to a symphonic version of your favorite Christmas hit. This concert has been a staple of Saskatoon's cultural calendar for decades, evolving to include guest performers and innovative arrangements.
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Saskatoon Symphony Orchestra’s Holiday Pops Concert
Broadway Theatre’s Christmas Film Festival
What to Expect:
Screening of classic and contemporary Christmas films in a historic theater
Description:
The Broadway Theatre's Christmas Film Festival brings beloved holiday movies to the big screen in a charming, historic setting. This event celebrates the cinematic traditions of the season, featuring a carefully curated selection of classic and contemporary Christmas films. The theater's vintage atmosphere enhances the viewing experience, transporting audiences to different eras of holiday storytelling. You might catch a screening of a rare holiday gem not often shown in theaters. The Broadway Theatre, opened in 1946, has been a cultural landmark in Saskatoon for decades, adapting to changing times while preserving its historic charm.
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Broadway Theatre’s Christmas Film Festival
Saskatoon Other Holiday Activities
Saskatoon Santa Claus Parade
What to Expect:
Nighttime parade with illuminated floats
Description:
Saskatoon's Santa Claus Parade illuminates the city's downtown core with a procession of brightly lit floats. This evening event transforms the streets into rivers of light as elaborately decorated vehicles and costumed participants make their way through the city. The parade's nighttime setting creates a unique atmosphere, with the glow of the floats reflecting off snow-covered streets. Spectators can join in the fun by bringing their own light-up accessories. This parade has been a Saskatoon tradition for over three decades, evolving from a small community gathering to a major holiday highlight.
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Festival of Trees
What to Expect:
Professionally decorated themed Christmas trees
Description:
Saskatoon's Festival of Trees showcases an array of professionally decorated Christmas trees, each with its own unique theme. This event goes beyond typical holiday decorations, featuring trees adorned with everything from vintage ornaments to avant-garde designs. Visitors can marvel at the intricate details and creative concepts brought to life on each tree. The festival also includes a silent auction where you can bid on your favorite tree. Originating in 1987, this event has raised millions for healthcare initiatives in Saskatoon, blending creativity with community support.
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Eaton's Once Upon a Christmas Exhibit
What to Expect:
Nostalgic display of vintage department store Christmas scenes
Description:
The Eaton's Once Upon a Christmas Exhibit in Saskatoon transports visitors to a bygone era of holiday shopping. This nostalgic display recreates the elaborate Christmas window scenes that once graced the Eaton's department store. Intricate mechanical figurines, vintage toys, and detailed miniature settings capture the charm of mid-20th century holiday celebrations. Visitors can press buttons to activate moving parts in the displays, bringing the scenes to life. This exhibit preserves a piece of Canadian retail history, showcasing the artistry and innovation that went into creating these beloved holiday attractions.
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Eaton's Once Upon a Christmas Exhibit
Pike Lake Provincial Park Winter Activities
What to Expect:
Outdoor winter activities in a scenic provincial park setting
Description:
Pike Lake Provincial Park transforms into a winter playground, offering a range of cold-weather activities just outside Saskatoon. Visitors can glide across groomed cross-country ski trails, snowshoe through pristine forests, or try their hand at ice fishing on the frozen lake. The park's natural beauty is enhanced by a blanket of snow, creating picturesque scenes at every turn. You might spot local wildlife adapted to the winter conditions as you explore the trails. This park has been a favorite recreational spot for Saskatoon residents since its establishment in 1963, providing year-round outdoor experiences.
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Pike Lake Provincial Park Winter Activities
Holiday Season at Wanuskewin Heritage Park
What to Expect:
Indigenous cultural experiences with a holiday twist
Description:
Wanuskewin Heritage Park offers a unique blend of Indigenous traditions and holiday celebrations. This event highlights the rich cultural heritage of the Northern Plains peoples while incorporating seasonal elements. Visitors can participate in traditional winter activities, learn about Indigenous storytelling, and explore the park's archaeological sites dusted with snow. The park's interpretive center features special exhibits that showcase how different Indigenous cultures mark the winter season. Wanuskewin has been an important cultural site for over 6,000 years, making it one of the longest-running places of human activity in North America.
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Holiday Season at Wanuskewin Heritage Park
Remai Modern Family Day
What to Expect:
Holiday-themed art activities in a contemporary art museum
Description:
Remai Modern's Family Day offers a unique blend of contemporary art and holiday-inspired creativity. This event transforms the museum into an interactive space where families can engage with art through hands-on activities and guided explorations. Visitors might create holiday-themed artworks inspired by pieces in the museum's collection or participate in a scavenger hunt through the galleries. The museum's striking architecture provides a modern backdrop for these seasonal activities. Remai Modern, opened in 2017, has quickly become a cultural cornerstone in Saskatoon, bringing world-class contemporary art to the prairies.