The holiday season in Lethbridge is set to shine brighter with the upcoming Fifth Annual Alberta Large Cars Christmas Cruise on December 12, 2025.

This festive event, a highlight of the local Christmas calendar, combines the spectacle of a rolling truck show with the spirit of giving, all in support of the Angel Tree Christmas Campaign.

Organizer Jackie Koch describes the cruise as a unique blend of community engagement and charity.

"It's essentially a rolling truck show or a toy run," she explains.

The procession will commence at the iconic Water Tower, proceed along 43 Street South, and culminate at Exhibition Park.

"We'll park in the south parking lot, where the trucks will be on display for the public to enjoy, and we'll collect toys and gifts for the Angel Tree," Koch adds.

The genesis of this event traces back to December 2020, during a time when the Angel Tree Campaign faced a shortage of toys and gifts.

Koch recalls, "We had a shirt made up with my husband's truck on it.

We sold them throughout the province within the trucking community we're part of.

The proceeds, we wanted to donate to charity.

I had a friend who directed me over to Lethbridge Family Services to the Angel Tree."

Recognizing the need, she proposed a toy run to bolster the campaign's efforts.

"That's how it was born.

And it's morphed; it's grown," she reflects.

The event has since become a cherished tradition, with residents lining Mayor Magrath Drive to witness the parade.

"People tend to park down Mayor Magrath Drive, like they do for Street Wheelers Weekend, and watch the trucks go by.

The drivers like to honk their horns and wave at the kids.

It's a lot of fun," Koch shares.

Participation is open to drivers of highway trucks or big rigs, who can register for the event online through Facebook and Instagram.

Many drivers embrace the festive spirit by decorating their vehicles.

"Some decorate, and some just have lots of lights and are lit up," Koch notes.

The event has seen consistent growth, with approximately 40 trucks participating last year.

"It's grown every year, so that's why I like to do the registration too.

It's important for me to know how many we have and make sure we have enough space," says Koch.

Due to its increasing popularity, the event has outgrown its original staging area.

"I'm trying to get in touch with a couple of people for a new staging area because it has become more popular.

The drivers have been talking about it, and I get more drivers every year because they've heard how much fun it is," Koch adds.

The cruise is scheduled to run from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m., offering an evening of festive cheer and community spirit.

As the event approaches, residents are encouraged to support the Angel Tree Christmas Campaign by donating new, unwrapped toys.

Donations can be dropped off at the Angel Tree Toy Depot located at 108-920 2A Avenue North or at various official drop-off locations across the city.

For more information on drop-off locations and ways to get involved, visit the Lethbridge Family Services website.

Join the community in making this holiday season memorable for all, especially the children who benefit from the generosity and warmth of the Angel Tree Christmas Campaign.