Sure, the reindeer are the main event. But in parts of the Northwest Territories, Santa knows dogs do it best.
That’s why his annual outings in territorial capital Yellowknife involve a dog team.
On Saturday, in a tune-up ahead of the big night on December 25, Santa and a pack of five dogs made a festive loop stretching from Yellowknife’s Back Bay through to Yellowknife Bay itself.
Rest assured that on the night, he’ll still have access to the full suite of reindeer – the NWT government has already issued the required licence. The dogs tend to get a little grumpy much past 20 km, meaning the reindeer are more suited to long-range work.
Ever the slick public relations operator, though, Santa knows Yellowknifers like nothing more than seeing St Nick support the North’s affinity for canine transportation.
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“As he’s done for many years past, our favourite North Pole neighbour gave his trusty reindeer a break and hitched up some huskies for a pre-Christmas Eve run around Back Bay and Houseboat Bay,” wrote photographer Bill Braden, who captured the trip.
“Much to the delight of local families, and a few bewildered tourists, Santa tossed handfuls of candy canes and waved Merry Christmas to all before mushing off into the sunset.”
