Ho, ho, ho; it’s Christmas in Toronto! Full of thick coats and snowstorms and the one and only Santa Claus! But not just that, it’s home to The Original Santa Claus Parade.
Held on the third Sunday in November, it sees a whopping half a million people turn out for the event. Started in 1905, it’s not just one of the biggest parades in North America, but one of the largest productions, period.
Impressed? You should be. With so much going on, it’s easy to lose track of it all. Fortunately, we’re here to filter through the unnecessary information and provide you with the important stuff. Read on to discover everything there is to know about Toronto’s big day.
When is the Santa Claus Parade in Toronto?
Because it’s such a large-scale spectacle, Toronto goes through great pains to make sure the timing of the event is predictable. The show is always held on the third Sunday in November, which means that this year it’ll be on the 20th of November.
Where Can I See Santa in Toronto?
That depends. If you’re in Toronto, you can catch it starting on the corner of Parliament and Bloor Street, running West. But if you’re out of the country or otherwise engaged, the parade is a world event and is broadcast globally, meaning that everybody can join in on the fun.
What Can I Expect?
Imagine a carnival of colour, a parade so energetic, vast, and exciting that you wouldn’t be able to sleep for weeks in anticipation of attending. It really is that great; just check out the crowds that have turned out for the event in years past.
The Toronto Santa Claus Parade offers everything from groups of celebrity clowns strutting down the route, to a Holly Jolly Fun Run that spans the 5km of the parade and kicks off at 11:45 am, with the thousands in attendance cheering participants on. There’s more food than you could possibly sample, more beverages than you could possibly drink, more friends than you could possibly make, and eye-watering floats to see. If you can imagine it, Toronto probably has it, which is why it’s one of the best parades around.
Santa’s Route
The route for this year has not been announced yet, but be sure to be on the lookout for updates via their official website.
Some Tips To Experience Santa’s Parade in Toronto
Planning is key to getting the most from your parade experience, and this all starts with the right clothing. Wrap up warm and pack lots of layers as you’ll be standing around doing a lot of waiting.
Another tip is to get there early in order to secure the best spot or be prepared to use a pair of binoculars. The best way to do this is to take the GO.
Once you find the spot you’re after, check the nearest transport links online to avoid any unnecessary travel time. But be warned, roads will be closed, and getting to your destination may take a little longer than expected.
If you’re worried about what to do to entertain yourself while you’re waiting for the festivities to kick off, it might be a good idea to take a book and a camping chair.
A final handy hint if you want to know where the parade: keep track of its progress on social media.
It’s no exaggeration to say that the Original Toronto Santa Claus Parade is one of the best out there, and it’s definitely one that everyone should see if they get the chance. If you’re vacationing in Canada for the season and looking for a great time—or if you’re studying, or over on an IEC—then look no further than Toronto.
While you’re at it, why not visit Glow Christmas in Toronto? It’s a spectacle like no other, combining specialty vendor markets with bars, live music, and child-friendly play areas. But that’s not all as it boasts the most magical display of lights, with one million on display across several sculptures inside, resulting in a truly spellbinding experience. If you’re looking for the hotspot of the festive period then look no further: Glow Christmas Toronto has it all!
Note: This post is in no way sponsored or endorsed by the Toronto Santa Claus Parade.
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