The Santa who watches over Paris

Do you spot Santa Claus at the top of this 90-foot evergreen tree? He lives on King Edward Street but overlooks the entire town – and is quite the talk of the town each December. 

Casandra Turnbull

Managing Editor

This story originally ran in December 2024, but its message of community, tradition and holiday cheer is too special - and too uniquely Paris - not to share again.

High above the treeline at night stands a Santa shining bright, bringing the town seasonal delight and guiding folks with his holiday light.

Perched high within a 90-foot-tall evergreen overlooking King Edward Street, Santa Claus shines for all to see. If you’re new to town or just didn’t notice before, this traditional decoration brings joy to so many residents each holiday season. In fact, it has overlooked the town for more than 35 years.

When the tradition looked to be in jeopardy in 2024, one brave soul stepped up — and up and up and up — to make sure the Christmas custom would live on.

The story dates back to the 1990s — perhaps earlier — when Michael and Benita Vlasic, full of Christmas spirit, placed the custom-made Santa in what would become its permanent home: an evergreen tree at 61 King Edward St. 

“My dad is a jack of all trades. He’s a maintenance millwright by trade. I don’t think there is anything he can’t fix or modify. He loves Christmas. To him Christmas is more about making memories and happy times than it is about the gifts,” said Michelle Sass, sharing the story behind the famous decoration that has very much become a part of Paris’ fabric. Each year Michael climbed up that tree, to change the bulb and light Santa, a somewhat unofficial sign that Christmas is near. As the years passed, the task became more difficult to manage and this year Michelle said her father was unable to make the climb. She thought it might be an end of an era until last year when her brother Eric decided to brave the climb. Armed with a safety harness and a whole lot of guts, Eric followed in his father’s footsteps and saved Christmas! That may be a bit of an exaggeration, but the deed did not go unnoticed.

When Michelle announced Santa’s return on social media last year, a flood of comments soon followed. 

“Thank-you for the joy this has brought to our family and the community over many, many years,” commented Aileen Costigan.

“Thank-you so much for doing this. It is iconic in our town and my kids look for Santa every time we pass by,” said Jessica Bartlett-Howells.

Terri Thompson shared, “I noticed last night that Santa was lit up! The Christmas season is here!”

And this year was no exception. As soon as Santa’s light was on, folks were discussing the tradition, some wondering the story, others happily sharing the history. It is guaranteed to start a discussion each December. 

Michelle hopes Santa will continue to bring joy to the town, a shining light and perfect way to keep Michael and Benita’s Christmas spirit alive.