Be-Claus We Know

When it comes to Toronto’s annual Santa Claus Parade, it’s good to have friends in high places (we’re talking about the kind with an office or condo directly overlooking the parade route). But if you don’t have any of those, or if you really want to be a part of the action, we’ve got a few recos on how to do the Santa Claus Parade—from getting there to what to wear. Because Santa Claus is coming to town this Sunday, November 20.

Despite all the street closures, you can still drive downtown, but the TTC will be a less-aggravating option. At least eleven TTC stops let you off directly or almost directly on the route. If you’re intent on driving, private lots significantly hike up their prices on parade day. Look online for Green P parking garages or downtown office underground parking garages nearby your planned viewing spot.

The parade route is long, so there are many places to watch. You’ll find big crowds where it starts at Bloor and Christie, but being at the front also means it’s over earlier (good for parents worried about an afternoon meltdown). The key spots (Avenue and Bloor, Yonge and Dundas, anywhere in front of the Eaton Centre) are usually jam-packed, but the clowns are plentiful and the bands generally play their loudest for the TV cameras situated nearby. The end of the parade (Front between Yonge and Church) is generally less crowded, but it means waiting at least an hour from the start to see the first float. Over 500,000 people spread themselves out across the route, so wherever you decide to watch the parade, get there early.

If you want the kids to really experience the wonder of the parade, a clear view of the action is key. Decide who in your family is going down early to secure a spot (and send him down with a few friends to lessen the blow). Setting up camp early is necessary to secure a prime location. Bring folding camp chairs, blankets, and a box cooler (to sit on and use for storage). Then you can arrive later with the kids and lots of warm refreshments and snacks to keep people warm and happy. Speaking of warmth, dress them (and you) for success. It’s always cold on parade day, so don’t listen to the forecast; just pack for a snowstorm. Remember extra blankets, hats, mitts and scarves. Warm boots will help, too. You may want to bring an umbrella (in case that pesky rain starts falling).

Pack lots of tissues, snacks, a thermos or two of soup or hot chocolate and scout out washroom options near your spot before you go because, yes, someone will have to go to the bathroom every half hour before the parade begins. Miraculously, as soon as the floats start appearing, this need will suddenly vanish.

Since they won’t take up much room, come armed with some small portable boredom busters while you await the start of the parade. Sidewalk chalk will keep them occupied for a while. Have them draw pictures or write messages to Santa on the street. An iPad or iPhone may be invaluable. (We’re all for low-tech activities but isn’t technology made for situations like this?)

Santa has been high tech for years (that sleigh must have had a GPS centuries ago, no?) and this year the parade is catching up in every way from social media to downloadable apps. The parade has a Facebook page, a Twitter account, a revamped website and a downloadable app—SantaParade—which has two features: Shake the Bells, a set of jingle bells that will play when you shake your device has organizers hoping to hear a chorus of bells all along the parade route, and TrackSanta that follows and displays Santa’s location on the route. Yes, there really is an app for that.

Finally, don’t forget to bring the camera, a letter for Santa to put in the roving mailboxes and some patience. The magic of Christmas comes alive for kids at the Santa Claus Parade. Asking yourself if it’s really worth it? We think the answer is yes.

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