Where to Catch a Santa Claus Parade in Vancouver 2019
Grab your mitts and scarf, fill up a travel mug with some hot cocoa, and head out to one of the many local parades coming up over the next few weeks. There’s plenty of opportunities to catch a parade this year, from downtown Vancouver to the Fraser Valley, and points between. Don’t forget the cardinal rule: arrive early to snag that perfect spot on the curb so you don’t miss a single float, music band, clown or the big man himself, Santa.
Here’s a round-up of upcoming events:
The 16th Annual Santa Claus Parade
vancouversantaclausparade.com
Plan ahead for this one! There’s always a big crowd at the Vancouver Santa Claus Parade. This year’s event is scheduled for Sunday, December 1. The parade itself runs from noon to approximately 1:30 pm but there’s a variety of family fun scheduled prior to the parade itself, including face painting, entertainment and more. After, from 2 to 4 pm, there will be a chance for photos with Santa. Check out the website for any last-minute updates to the schedule.
Langley’s Magic of Christmas Event
city.langley.bc.ca
Join in on the all-day celebrations in Langley City on Saturday, December 7. The annual Magic of Christmas event kicks off with a Breakfast with Santa at 7 am. There are entertainment and crafts from 4 to 7 pm, and then a parade in the evening starting at 6. To wrap up, there’s a tree lighting and carolling starting at 7 pm.
Surrey Santa Claus Parade
surreysantaparade.com
Inspired by the iconic Coca-Cola lighted trucks Christmas commercial – which was partially filmed in Cloverdale – this evening parade is all about lighting up the night. Trucks, big-rigs, boats and more are decked out in strings of lights on Sunday, December 1. The event helps raise food and money for the Surrey Food Bank and the Surrey Christmas Bureau and includes local community groups, town mascots, traditional floats, plenty of entertainment and, of course, Santa Claus. The parade travels through downtown Cloverdale, starting at 5 pm. Check out their website for full route details and more.
Rotary Christmas Parade – Chilliwack
chilliwackchristmasparade.com
For folks in the Fraser Valley, the annual Rotary Christmas Parade in historic downtown Chilliwack is a perennial favourite. This year, the fun happens on Saturday, December 7, starting at 5:30 pm. The parade has traditional floats, tons of entertainment, and unique entries each year. And as it happens after dark, the magical lights are a favourite for kids and adults alike.
New Westminster Santa Parade
newwestcity.ca
Gather in the historic downtown of New Westminster street to enjoy the Santa Claus parade on December 15. Arrive early and check out the letter writing station at Anvil Centre (running 10 am to 1 pm) where kids can get a hand and some supplies to send a letter through Canada Post right to the North Pole. The parade runs along Columbia Street starting at 11 am sharp.
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