Overview of the Toronto Santa Claus Parade:
In 1905, the Toronto Santa Claus parade premiered when a single float carrying Santa Claus arrived at Toronto Union Station and made its way to the downtown Eaton's department store where Santa shook hands with Timothy Eaton.
See photo of 1918 Santa Claus Parade
Today, with more than 25 floats, 25 bands and 1,700 participants Toronto's Santa Claus parade is the longest running children's parade and one of the overall largest parades in the world.
The Toronto Santa Claus parade is held every November in the middle of the month.
Today, with more than 25 floats, 25 bands and 1,700 participants Toronto's Santa Claus parade is the longest running children's parade and one of the overall largest parades in the world.
The Toronto Santa Claus parade is held every November in the middle of the month.
Toronto Santa Claus Parade Date & Time:
The 2009 Toronto Santa Claus parade will be held Sunday, November 15, 2009, at 12:30 pm.
A free grab ‘n go breakfast is offered at Dundas Square from 9 until 11 am.
A free grab ‘n go breakfast is offered at Dundas Square from 9 until 11 am.
Tips for Visiting the Parade:
2009 Toronto Santa Claus Parade - Parade Route:
The Toronto Santa Claus parade route is slightly different in 2009. It starts at Bloor & Christie, moves along Bloor past the ROM to Avenue around Queen's Park, down University, east on Dundas to Yonge, south to Front and ends at Front & Church.
The parade lasts about one hour.
(Previous years saw the parade turn east on Queen, not Dundas, to Yonge.)
The parade lasts about one hour.
(Previous years saw the parade turn east on Queen, not Dundas, to Yonge.)
Toronto Santa Claus Parade - Best Viewing Locations:
Anyplace along the route will allow spectators a view of the parade; however, arrive early if you want a front row spot. People begin arriving along the route and setting up chairs and putting out blankets as early as 9 am.
Keep in mind that watching the parade near the beginning of the route allows you to leave earlier, so spots along Bloor and at the top of University fill up more quickly.
Spectators who are on Yonge Street or Front Street, closer to the end of the route will have to wait for the parade -- about one hour for the parade to reach its end at Front & Church.
Keep in mind that watching the parade near the beginning of the route allows you to leave earlier, so spots along Bloor and at the top of University fill up more quickly.
Spectators who are on Yonge Street or Front Street, closer to the end of the route will have to wait for the parade -- about one hour for the parade to reach its end at Front & Church.
Hotels along the Parade Route:
Many hotels hotels along the parade route offer rooms with a view, Santa Claus Parade packages or just a convenient launching pad for visiting the parade (and handy washroom).
Parking for the Toronto Santa Claus Parade :
The best advice for parking for the Toronto Santa Claus Parade is to park your car at home and get on public transit. Driving and parking in downtown Toronto is no fun at the best of times, but on parade day, with street closures and thousands of pedestrians, it's particularly dismal.
People coming in from out of town may want to park at a GO Station (often free) and take the GO Train into Union Station.
People coming in from out of town may want to park at a GO Station (often free) and take the GO Train into Union Station.
Subway Stops along the Parade Route:
The following Toronto Transit Commission (TTC) stops are along the Toronto Santa Claus Parade route: Christie, Bathurst, Spadina, St. George, Museum, Queen’s Park, St. Patrick, Osgoode, Queen, and King Stations. See a map of the Toronto Santa Claus Parade route
