Santa Sleigh Archives - The Gap Today

The Rotary Santa Sleigh Returns in 2024 to Spread Holiday Cheer Across The Gap

For over four decades, the Rotary Santa Sleigh has been spreading holiday magic through the streets of The Gap, lighting up children’s faces and warming community hearts.

Read: Santa Sleigh Tradition at Risk in The Gap Without Volunteer Drivers

This beloved Christmas tradition returns this year from Saturday, 30 November to Friday, 6 December, continuing a cherished local ritual that has become an integral part of the neighborhood’s festive celebrations.

Photo credit: Rotary Ashgrove The Gap/Facebook

Each evening, Santa and his dedicated team of volunteer elves will cruise through the suburb, bringing joy and excitement to local families. The sleigh isn’t just a simple drive-by – it’s an interactive experience where children can meet Santa, receive lollies and stickers, and soak in the Christmas spirit.

Behind the scenes, approximately 15 volunteers work tirelessly each night to make the magic happen. This is more than just a festive activity; it’s a significant Rotary community project that demonstrates the power of local collaboration. Every dollar donated goes directly back into community initiatives, making it a truly meaningful endeavor.

A Community Effort

The Santa Sleigh’s success relies on the generous support of local families and businesses. While Santa tries his best to visit as many streets as possible, the organization asks for understanding. Safety is paramount, and the growing suburb means not every street can be covered. Weather conditions may also occasionally cut the evening short.

Residents are encouraged to track the sleigh’s route and stay updated through the Rotary Ashgrove The Gap Facebook page. The sound of Christmas music between 6:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m. will signal Santa’s approach, creating an atmosphere of anticipation and excitement.

With over 40 years of history, the Santa Sleigh has become more than just a Christmas event – it’s a cherished community tradition that brings people together, supports local projects, and creates lasting memories for children and families in The Gap.

Read: The Gap Keeps 40-Year Santa Sleigh Tradition Flourishing

So mark your calendars, keep an ear out for the festive tunes, and get ready to welcome Santa and his merry band of helpers!

Published 28-November-2024

Santa Sleigh Tradition at Risk in The Gap Without Volunteer Drivers

The beloved Santa Sleigh event in The Gap, organised by the Rotary Club of Ashgrove/The Gap, faces cancellation this year due to a lack of experienced drivers to tow Santa’s sleigh through the streets.

The event is scheduled for 30 November to 6 December, but organisers have issued a call for help, urging anyone with experience towing large vehicles to step forward.

The sleigh has been a tradition in The Gap for over 40 years. Santa, accompanied by volunteers, travels through local streets spreading Christmas cheer to families. According to the Rotary Club, the event relies heavily on community support, including donations from businesses and volunteers. This year, the absence of available tow drivers has jeopardised the entire event.

In a recent appeal, the Rotary stated, “We need people with experience towing large trailers or caravans to tow the sleigh for the seven nights of the event. If we don’t have drivers, Santa will not be able to visit The Gap.”

Caravanning experience is significant as drivers are expected to navigate narrow streets and cul-de-sacs, and turn the vehicle safely.

The Santa Sleigh has long been a highlight of the holiday season in The Gap, bringing joy to children and families who gather to see Santa in their neighbourhoods. Santa visits several stops each night for a week each December, where residents can meet him and receive treats like sweets or stickers. As reported, the sleigh is decorated with festive lights and music, and Santa makes a brief stop in each area, adding to the local excitement.

Since its inception, the Santa Sleigh has been a community-driven effort, with volunteers, local businesses, and even politicians contributing their time and resources. Businesses make the event possible through their in-kind support.

Each night, a traffic safety officer will support volunteers, helping them navigate difficult turns and ensure the sleigh’s safe journey.

“Santa needs more helpers to ensure this tradition continues,” the Rotary Club said in their statement. Anyone interested in helping keep this cherished event alive can contact the Rotary Club through their website.

Losing this annual tradition would be a significant blow to the Gap community’s festive spirit, but with enough support, the sleigh could once again bring joy to the streets this Christmas season.

Published 22-Oct-2024

The Gap Keeps 40-Year Santa Sleigh Tradition Flourishing

Santa Claus is coming to The Gap! The jolly old man from the North Pole is, once again, spreading cheer and goodwill around neighbourhoods this Christmas and locals may catch him on his sleigh at designated scheduled stops.

Beginning Saturday, the 7th of Dec 2019, until Friday, the 13th of Dec 2019, residents of The Gap should listen out when Christmas music fills the air from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. This will be the cue that Santa Claus is in town and he’ll be parking his Santa Sleigh in a designated area for 20 minutes.

Here’s your chance to bring your children to meet Santa Claus face-to-face. Expectedly, Father Christmas will not be visiting empty-handed. He’ll have some handouts for everyone!

Santa Claus is cruising by the following streets in The Gap on these said nights:

WHEN	WHERE
Saturday 7 Dec	Rivercity Church, Settlement Road (by request)
Sunday 8 Dec	Creekside at Riaweena St East
Monday 9 Dec	Payne Road service road at Kays Road roundabout
Tuesday 10 Dec	Paltarra Street
Wednesday 11 Dec	Wittonga Park, Hilder Road
Thursday 12 Dec	Donegal Street (Cnr Harward St)
Friday 13 Dec	St Peter Chanel School

Let the Santa Sleigh elves know if you’re having a street party so that they can swing by and have your guests mingle with jolly old St. Nick!

Santa Sleigh has been running for 40 years and it’s organised by Rotary Ashgrove/The Gap. It’s a laudable effort that brings the community together, as locals and businesses pour their time and resources for free to help Santa complete his annual visits.

Incidentally, Santa needs more helpers to ensure that this tradition continues to be a success. So if you want to experience the spirit of Christmas by spreading goodwill, you can volunteer to become part of Santa Sleigh (and get some exercise as a bonus!).

Contact the Rotary for details.