Photo Credit: thesantaclausparade.com

The upcoming holiday season will shine a bit brighter with the return of the Parade in its 120th anniversary edition, promising a spectacular event filled with a mix of classic elements and exciting new additions. Known for its grand display of hand-crafted floats, vibrant marchers, celebrity appearances, and spirited musical performances, this year’s Parade is anticipated to draw around 750,000 attendees along the streets.

This year’s Parade will boast 26 elaborate floats, each designed with artistry and attention to detail that adds to the magical atmosphere. One of the most cherished of these floats is the Mother Goose Float. Since its first appearance in 1918, this float has undergone numerous transformations, becoming a beloved and nostalgic sight for generations of parade-goers.

Another long-standing tradition returning this year is the inclusion of Celebrity Clowns—members of the local business community who volunteer their time to dress up as cheerful clowns, greeting families, spreading holiday cheer, and adding a touch of whimsy to the celebration. Bringing the Parade to life is no small feat; it takes an impressive 14,000 hours of volunteer work each year, a testament to the dedication of the community to making this event a success.

This year, the Parade kicks off at 12:30 p.m. ET from Christie Pits at 750 Bloor Street West. Following a newly updated route, the procession will move east along Bloor Street, turn south on St. George Street, continue east on Hoskin Avenue, then head south along Queens Wellington Street, before veering onto Yonge Street. The final leg of the route takes the Parade east on Front Street, concluding at the iconic St. Lawrence Market on Jarvis Street.

Adding a modern twist, this year’s Parade will be live-streamed on YouTube. This marks the first time it will be broadcast live across Canada, allowing fans near and far to tune into the festivities. Those eager to watch can subscribe to the channel here for a reminder when the Parade begins streaming.

The Milk and Cookies Zone, opening at 10:00 a.m. at Christie Pits, will offer attendees the chance to partake in free activities before the Parade kicks off. A special guest, former Wiggles star Emma Memma, will also be joining this year’s festivities. Emma will be debuting her new preschool brand, making a Canadian premiere, with a meet-and-greet session and a performance in the Milk and Cookies Zone—a memorable experience for her young fans.

With its combination of rich tradition and new, interactive elements, this year’s Parade promises to bring an unforgettable start to the holiday season for Canadians and beyond.