On Sunday, November 24th, the 120th Original Santa Claus Parade will happen in Toronto. The Parade attracts more than 750,000 attendees each year, as the city comes together to celebrate family and love. This is the official kick-off to the holiday season.
Did your family attend the Santa Claus parades or watch on TV? Growing up, whether we attended in person or watched it on TV, it was the beginning of the holiday season for us. This was always the day we would put up our Christmas tree and decorate our home.
Santa’s Secret Workshop
I recently had the opportunity to visit Santa’s secret workshop. The elves were working hard prepping the floats and costumes for the parade. They are at the workshop all year long preparing for the parade. Santa popped in to check on the progress so I had a chance to chat with him on my visit.
About the Santa Claus Parade
It all began in 1905, thanks to the sponsorship from the T. Eaton Company (Eaton’s). The parade continued to be sponsored by Eaton’s until 1982 when the company withdrew their support it. New sponsors were found therefore keeping the tradition alive.
What started as a one-man show travelling around downtown Toronto in a special car has evolved over the years. Each year brings something new whether it’s a float, new characters or even new memories. Watch for the new floats this year from ciBC McDonalds, Fitzrovia, LEGO, McCain, Metro and Tim Horton’s.
The parade always seeks support and sponsors to keep this tradition going. However, costs are rising, and if the parade can’t reach its goal, there may not be one next year. Save the parade by donating to the critical GoFundMe campaign.
This year fans can purchase the toques that are usually reserved for volunteers and an assortment of other merchandise. These items are now available at Peace Collective
Royal Canadian Air Cadets will be at Union Station for the Red Nose drive, so you can purchase one from them.
Santa Claus Parade Route
The parade route has changed over the years. This year there is an updated route to plan your visit. It is always nice to head down early to find the perfect viewing spot. There are many perfect spots between Christie Pits and the St. Lawrence Market.
If you go early, head to Christie Pits at 10 a.m. There will be free activities like dancing, writing letters to Santa and of course, milk, cookies, hot chocolate and coffee. There will be a special meet and greet with Emma Memma who is a former Wriggles star.
Streaming Live On YouTube
As teens, it was a yearly tradition to attend the parade. When I arrived home, my parents would have the TV on watching the parade. This year it will not be on a TV network. This year for the first time, the 120th Original Santa Claus Parade will be streaming live on YouTube. Be sure to follow https://www.youtube.com/@TOS
Never been to the Santa Claus Parade? Make this year the year to start new memories and traditions.
Here is a Santa Letter template so the kids can write their letters to Santa
See you at the parade..
Mama Bear’s Haven is a Canadian lifestyle blog created by Tammy Bell in 2012. She loves cold brew tea, chocolate and taking pictures of nature.There's recipes, parenting tips and crafts.
