The 2014 Santa Claus Parade in Toronto

(Updated Nov. 6, 2015): The  2015 Santa Claus Parade in Toronto will be held on Sunday Nov. 15, 2015. Most other details follow directly from 2014. Cheer the athletes in the Holly Jolly 5Km run which starts at noon. Buy a red nose from the Air Cadets. The parade starts at 12:30pm, and follows the same route.

The 2014 Santa Claus Parade in Toronto returns on Sunday Nov. 16. This annual winter Toronto event says “start your engines” for thinking about winter holidays. What are the attractions? Where should you go to watch this parade? (Added Nov. 14, 2014): Or if you want to head out of town, consider “21 GTA Santa Claus Parades in 2014“.

"2009 Santa Claus Parade in Toronto" image by c'est la Viva at Flickr
“2009 Santa Claus Parade in Toronto” image by c’est la Viva at Flickr

Just Before the Toronto Santa Claus Parade

The Toronto Santa Claus Parade’s opening act is the Holly Jolly 5Km Run, starting at noon. It’s a brilliant way to give spectators something to see and to cheer for – the runners pay for the privilege, and the fees help subsidize the parade. This is only the second year for this 5Km run.

Speaking to my fellow recreational runners: you’re unlikely to find as many spectators per kilometre at any other Canadian road race event. That’s because the Holly Jolly 5Km Run follows the parade route. And this may be the only Toronto road closure for sports that is not greeted with “Get off the street so I can drive my car” complaints in the Twitterverse or in angry letters to newspaper editors.

The Toronto Santa Claus Parade Route and Attractions

The Holly Jolly 5Km Run follows the Santa Claus Parade route. It starts eastbound from Bloor & Bathurst, turns south onto Queen’s Park and University Ave., and east onto Wellington and Front. The finish line is near the St. Lawrence Market; the floats “disappear” at Front & Jarvis.

The parade itself begins just a bit west of Bathurst, at Christie Pits, but I’d pick a spot anywhere further along the route in order to watch both the run and the parade.

The parade itself features floats, marching bands, volunteer performers such as the upside-down clowns, and the highly anticipated visit by Santa Claus. The parade launches at 12:30pm.

The 2014 Santa Claus Parade has more floats than ever, with strong entries from Toronto’s professional sports teams. Since both the Maple Leafs and the Raptors are winning over 50% of their games (as of Nov. 13, 2014), there’s reason to cheer when their floats appear.

Tips for Watching the Santa Claus Parade in Toronto

The usual advice includes:

  • Take transit, due to road closures for the parade. I’d pick the northern edge, and take the Number 2 (Bloor-Danforth) subway line to the St. George station.
  • Dress warm, with some protection from wind, snow or drizzle. I’d wear an empty backpack to store a layer of clothing if it turns out that I’m too warm. Comfortable but dry shoes would be smart, too, or perhaps boots.
  • For your children, plan on a spot near a coffee shop for washroom breaks. Then buy a coffee or hot chocolate for the kids. And bring a small variety of things to keep them amused while they wait. A Kindle reader might be a good choice.
  • If you spot Air Cadets selling “red noses”, buy one to support them as well as the Toronto Santa Claus Parade. And it helps keep your nose warm.
  • The best wheelchair access should be at Berczy Park on Front Street, according to the official Toronto Santa Claus Parade web site.

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Your best-laid plans will come to naught if you’re tardy; the sidewalks will get pretty crowded along the parade route.

Looking for More Winter Holiday Ideas?

If you’re thinking about a frugal holiday office party this season, consider including the “Secret Santa Gift Exchange”. Have people sign up; put each name on a separate piece of paper; and hand out the slips. Give clear guidelines on spending limits. Part of the fun is to sneak presents onto people’s desks when they’re not looking; or you could simply hand out wrapped presents at the office party.

My blog tracks many of the annual Toronto events that I find interesting, free or frugal. Last year I’d written “Toronto Santa Claus Parade 2013 and Holly Jolly Fun Run

Disclaimer: DeHaan Services has no relationship to the organizer(s); I am not reimbursed for writing this article. However, DeHaan Services does write web site or advertising copy for clients. Our skills are demonstrated in online articles in Decoded Science, Decoded Pregnancy and other online sites. That’s why DeHaan Services highlights those online articles on this site.

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