Northern Ontario communities are getting into the festive spirit.
Cities around the region will be hosting their annual Santa Claus parades this coming weekend.
Greater Sudbury
This year’s parade theme in Sudbury, 60 Years of Christmas Magic, is a nod to the event’s six decade anniversary and the event is Saturday, November 17th.
A pre-parade Santa Watch Party begins in downtown Sudbury at 2 pm in the TD Canada Trust parking lot on the corner of Elm and Durham. Family fun planned by the Downtown Sudbury business improvement association will include festival food, balloon animals, free wagon rides, children’s activities, inflatables, and live music.
The parade begins at 5:30 pm and will follow a new route.
North Bay
The parade theme for North Bay’s parade is Futuristic Christmas and will take place Sunday, November 18th at noon.
The route runs from Chippewa Street to Fisher and then onto Main Street.
Sault Ste. Marie
The annual Sault Ste. Marie Rotary Santa Claus Parade has more than 35 entries every year with thousands of spectators lining the streets.
This year, it is being held on Saturday, November 17th at 6 pm.
The route runs on Queen Street from Pim to Gore.
Because big events can be overwhelming and challenging for people with sensory difficulties, this year’s parade will feature a Sensory Friendly block located from Bruce Street to Dennis Street on the north side of the road. This area will be designated for families with children who experience distress dealing with sensory stimulation. All float entries are instructed to not use sirens, air horns or car horns along this portion of the parade route.
Participants do not have to adhere to a specific theme and are encouraged to express the holiday spirit as creatively as possible.
Timmins
This year’s theme for the Timmins Santa Claus Parade is Toyland and is happening on Saturday, November 17th from 6 to 9 pm.
More than 50 entries and over 10,000 spectators are expected.
If you are interested in volunteering for the parade, you can contact the Downtown Timmins BIA at 705-264-8733 or info@downtowntimmins.com.
Donations for the local food bank will be collected along the parade route, as well as walking Canada Post mailboxes for collecting letters to Santa.
On street parking along the parade route is prohibited after 4 pm on the day of the parade.
