Santa in the North: Rise Air brings holiday magic to northern Sask.

Uranium City, SK — Here, Santa doesn’t arrive by reindeer.

He comes in on a Twin Otter — red suit bright against the northern sky, boots dusted with snow and a cargo hold full of gifts bouncing with every bump in the air.

Forget reindeer. In northern Saskatchewan, Santa hops on a plane. (Brittany Caffet/650 CKOM)

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By the time the plane landed, the energy inside Ben McIntyre School was electric. The school’s 21 students were practically vibrating, whispering to each other, bouncing on their toes.

“When my mom told me Santa’s coming, I starting jumping in happiness!” said Kashtyn, one of the youngsters eagerly awaiting the arrival of Ol’ Saint Nick.

And when Santa finally stepped through those doors, the room didn’t just cheer — it erupted, as if the northern lights themselves had spilled into the gym.

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Laughter, gasps and shouts collided, lifting the tiny community into a moment of Christmas magic no one would forget.

The excitement in the school gym was palpable in the lead up to Santa’s arrival! (Brittany Caffet/650 CKOM)

Small town, big Christmas anticipation

Uranium City is as remote as it gets. Most of the year, the only way in or out is by plane, with a frozen ice road connecting the town in winter. The population varies between 70 and 80 people depending on the season.

For children like Kaylee, the seclusion can sometimes feel stark. “We can’t really get out much, which is sad,” she said, a small sigh escaping as she spoke of the quiet winter days in Uranium City.

Kaylee said it can be hard feeling so isolated in Uranium City. The visit from Santa helped brighten her spirits! (Brittany Caffet/650 CKOM)

Despite the isolation, or perhaps because of it, the community came together to make Santa’s visit unforgettable.

At Ben McIntyre School, the gym was transformed into a festive haven, with decorations glimmering, tables lined with snacks and a warmth that seemed to radiate from the families, staff and volunteers.

It takes a village to bring this event together. Rise Air partnered with Cameco, Kelly Panteluk Construction Ltd, Graham Construction, Orano Canada, UEC and Athabasca Basin Development to deliver gifts to kids in Uranium City, Black Lake, Stony Rapids, Wollaston Lake and Fond du Lac this year. (Brittany Caffet/650 CKOM)

Even Mayor Duane Larocque could feel the excitement. He noted that having Santa visit the town was a rare treat for the children and adults alike.

“We don’t got the access to Santa on an everyday basis,” he said. “So having Santa come up here is a big thing for the kids. It’s more so a big thing up here than down south. It’s pretty exciting!”

Kashtyn said he is a big gamer, so he was thrilled with his gift from Santa. (Brittany Caffet/650 CKOM)

For parents like Rebecca Wiebe, seeing the children’s smiles and excitement was a reminder that even the smallest towns can be filled with big holiday joy.

“I think sometimes we feel pretty isolated,” she reflected. “You know, and they see things on TV about all the other places having parades and stuff, and sometimes it’s easy to feel left out. It’s extra special when something comes to your very own community, no matter how small, and makes you feel special.”

Abby and her mom Rebecca Wiebe were thrilled to be part of the celebrations. (Brittany Caffet/650 CKOM)

Bringing Santa to the North

This year marked the 25th anniversary of Santa in the North, a tradition that has carried gifts, books, and holiday cheer to remote northern schools for a quarter century.

The journey takes Santa and the Rise Air team to several northern communities, including Black Lake, Stony Rapids, Wollaston Lake, Fond du Lac and, of course, Uranium City.

Some of the students took time to make pictures for Santa ahead of his visit to Uranium City. They knew he was bringing gifts, and wanted to give him a present in return. (Brittany Caffet/650 CKOM)

For Chelsea Jukes of Rise Air, the program is about more than just presents.

“We all come together to bring Santa by airplane to the northern communities that Rise Air serves,” she explained. “We get to bring a little bit of Christmas joy for the kids.”

And that joy is unmistakeable. The children’s gratitude, polite and patient thank-yous and smiles speak louder than words ever could.

“The spirit of Santa, and Christmas, is alive and well in Uranium City,” Jukes reflected with a smile. “These kids were so thankful. They were so kind. Every one of these kids just thanked Santa. Thanked all of us that showed up. And actually, we feel we’re the ones that should say thank you for welcoming us into their community.”

A good ol’ game of Simon Says (or in this case, Santa Says) was enjoyed by all. (Brittany Caffet/650 CKOM)

A Christmas to remember

With gifts in hand — Lego sets, colouring kits, books by Indigenous authors and candy canes — the children of Ben McIntyre School ran for the door.

“Two candy canes! They’re not even broken!” Abby exclaimed, grinning from ear to ear as she clutched her treasures.

As the children disappeared into the crisp northern air, the Twin Otter waited quietly on the tarmac, its engines humming, ready to carry Santa and the Rise Air crew to the next northern community.

He’ll be back in his sleigh on Christmas Eve, but Santa was certainly grateful for the ride from Rise Air. (Brittany Caffet/650 CKOM)

After 25 years, Santa in the North continues to deliver more than presents.

It brings a reminder that even in the most remote corners of Saskatchewan, the magic of Christmas continues to take flight.