Thousands turn out to welcome back Santa Claus in person Sunday
Posted November 20, 2022 10:58 am.
Last Updated November 20, 2022 2:53 pm.
Thousands came out to welcome the return of the Santa Claus parade to the downtown streets Sunday afternoon.
After being held virtually the past two years due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the parade returned in-person featuring 26 colourful floats – including Creation Story, an Indigenous float – the Celebrity Clowns, topped off with the arrival of Santa and Mrs. Claus.
Happy #SantaClausParadeTO everyone! @Toronto_Fire pic.twitter.com/TQAXlaiCJF
— Matthew Pegg (@ChiefPeggTFS) November 20, 2022
The 118th edition of the parade started at Bloor Street West and Christie Street before proceeding down University Avenue to Wellington Street West, east on Wellington to Yonge Street, then south on Yonge to Front Street, before finishing at Front and Jarvis Street.
There are a number of road closures as the parade makes its way through the downtown core. All roads are expected to be reopened by 6 p.m.
If you’re looking to avoid the headache of driving and parking, the TTC has added additional subway service on Lines 1 and 2 to accommodate those going to parade.
The Original Santa Claus Parade made its debut in 1905, through sponsorship of T. Eaton Co., and was a “one man show” with Santa as the only attraction, travelling in a special automobile through downtown Toronto, handing out souvenirs and surprise packages to the community along the way. Today it’s the largest children’s parade in North America and the largest outdoor entertainment event held in Canada every year.
