Santa Express to bring North Pole to Northern Manitoba

Christmas spirit is in the air and it will be amplified in the province’s north as Santa Claus himself is set to travel thousands of miles in Manitoba as part of the Santa Express. 

“In many places, Santa is like a rockstar,” said Grand Chief Garrison Settee with the Manitoba Keewatinowi Okimakanak.

“In the city of Winnipeg every mall will have a Santa, in the First Nations there’s nowhere to host Santa so that’s why we do it, and it makes a lot of people happy and we want to continue to do that.”

Between Dec. 16 and Dec. 20, Santa will visit a total of 24 First Nation communities over a five-day period, giving more than 12,000 youth an opportunity to meet the big man in red, with an army of elves attending in the lead-up to prepare presents for kids to enjoy. 

“It takes a long time to do but we keep doing it because I know that it’s impacting the lives of First Nations children all over the north,” said Settee. 

However, when it comes to his famous sleigh, Santa will be leaving it behind for a more modern mode of transportation in the form of a helicopter, as MKO is partnering with Perimeter Aviation and Custom Helicopters to assist with Santa’s travel. 

“It’s all about the kids,” said Carlos Castillo, Vice President of Perimeter Aviation’s Northern Division. “To bring joy to all of them, to their families, to the communities, to make the holiday season a memorable one.”

Grand Chief Settee says it’s great seeing the communities get involved, with last year’s highlight on the Nisicgawayasihk Cree Nation, when the RCMP arrested the Grinch and he says when Santa touches down, it’s always an event.

“The kids come and they start screaming and yelling just to see Santa and they holler out Santa’s name and there’s just that vibe,” he said. 

In 2024, the Santa Express will be celebrating its 15th year as the program officially launched in 2009.