Dawson Trail Dispatch
Celebrating Over 25 Years of Service to Our Communities!
December 2025
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Santa on Tour Spreads Holiday Cheer Across the Southeast 2025 Santa Stop Schedule Events Completed: Nov 29: Mitchell (10–12), Grunthal Menno Home (5 pm), Grunthal Community Christmas (6:30–7:30 pm) Nov 30: Niverville CRRC (11 am–2 pm), St. Malo/The Prairie Alchemist (3–5 pm) Dec 3: Steinbach/Rocco’s Community Toy Drive (6–8 pm)
For nearly four decades, “Santa” of The Santa Stop has been bringing Christmas magic to communities.
By Dan Guetre For nearly four decades, “Santa” of The Santa Stop has been bringing Christmas magic to communities across southeastern Manitoba and this year’s holiday season is shaping up to be one of his busiest yet. Known for his community-focused approach, Santa says the goal has never been commercial success. “Ummm, being Santa doesn’t that explain itself?” he chuckled. “Ok seriously… I am not in it to make millions. I am in it to help bring an affordable Santa for everyone. At the same time, we are working with multiple communities to help bring Christmas Joy for all.” A Long-Standing Tradition of Cheer Our very own southeast Santa first put on the red suit in 1986, but the modern version
of his mission, what he calls his “Santa 2.0 run”, began in 2000. The community tour, now an annual tradition, was born during the difficult 2020 holiday season. “I could not sit idly by and this is what we came up with,” he said. A Busy Holiday Season This year’s response from communities has been enthusiastic. “We opened up with Steinbach & Area Animal Rescue for their annual Pets with Santa photos on November 8,” he explained. “We also just had a Christmas parade in Kleefeld on November 21 where we ended up tossing almost 1,000 candy bags. And they go to kids only – right?” He admits that it wasn’t only the kids snagging the treats but is happy to see the “child” come out in everyone. “As of November 26, I only
have 10 days (at this point) where I am not in the suit,” he explained but he does not expect that to last. “Those days will be filled soon enough.” New Stops and Returning Favourites Several new events were added to the 2024 schedule, along with some returning favourites. “New this year, after a oneyear break, was a return to the Kleefeld parade. It is amazing how a community of that size pulls something like this off,” Santa said. Free Santa photos at The Prairie Alchemist in St. Malo were also added, as well as an appearance at the new Southeast Event Centre on December 20. “We are also hanging around in St. Pierre-Jolys for photos after our little magical run through their community,” Santa added.
Submitted Photo
Supporting Local Food Banks The Santa Stop also continues to focus on giving back, encouraging visitors to bring “Tin for the Bin” donations to support local food banks. When asked about the “Tin for the Bin” initiative, Santa was candid. “Well, let’s be real. The times are tough. The way I figure it, if you can afford a $20 (or more) photo with Santa, you can give a small bag of goods or a little cash — no problem,” he said. “All our food banks are crippled and they need our help.” He added that supporting food banks is personal. “I know many people who use it, and this is my way of helping.” Behind the Scenes The Santa Stop is powered by volunteers who pour countless hours into ensuring the holiday magic stays alive. “This year we put almost 100 hours into our sleigh alone. That
Upcoming Events: Dec 4: Steinbach/Days Inn (5:30–7:30 pm) Dec 6: Grunthal Grocery (11 am–1 pm); Christmas in Ste. Anne (2–5 pm); IDC Christmas Parade (7 pm) Dec 7: IDC/TC Energy Centre Santa’s Workshop (10 am–3 pm); Landmark Parade (6 pm) Dec 11: Winnipeg/Super 8 East (5–7 pm) Dec 12: St. Pierre Parade & photos (5 pm); St. Malo Parade (around 6:45 pm) Dec 13: Manitoba Mutts Pets with Santa, Winnipeg (9 am–3 pm); Niverville Parade (5 pm); Blumenort Parade & photos (around 6:45 pm) Dec 14: La Broquerie/Rustic Wedding Barn Christmas Market (2–4 pm) Dec 19: Paradise Village Parade (5 pm); Richer Community Christmas in the Park (6 pm) Dec 20: Steinbach/Jake Epp Library (10 am–4 pm); Southeast Event Centre (4:30–7 pm) Dec 21: Grunthal Snow Place Like Home Drive-Thru Light Show Dec 24: Live Facebook reading of “Twas the Night Before Christmas”
is just getting it ready. Not counting running it,” Santa said. “We have a great volunteer team all who have a heart like Santa. At the end of the day if we can get together as a group and have a big meal out somewhere at a nice restaurant, that’s the bonus.”
With dozens of appearances planned and thousands of families expected to take part, The Santa Stop continues to spread joy, generosity, and Christmas spirit throughout the region — one community at a time.