Pumpkin Parades in Toronto

For some neighbourhoods it's a relatively new tradition. For others, it goes back more than a decade. We're talking about fun, sugar-fuelled pumpkin parades! Typically held the day after Halloween, which also coincides this year with the day the clocks go back, families can bring their carved jack-o'-lantern to the designated spot, light them up and enjoy the creations, socializing, and maybe some hot apple cider. It's a more low-key way to enjoy Halloween after the furor of the night before, when kids barely glance at the jack-o'-lanterns carved with love (if not artistic skill). So find a spot, bring your pumpkin, and enjoy some community bonding.

One of the originals, Sorauren Park has been hosting a pumpkin parade since 2004. The spectacle boasts more than 2,000 pumpkins lining the paths to the park. There is no competition, but it's fun to try to pick out a favourite motif (we're predicting lots of Jays-themed pumpkins).

What better place for a pumpkin parade than Old Toronto, with its great architecture and sense of history. It's the sort of place where you might actually come to believe that ghosts do exist! But not to worry, the pumpkin parade is held at cheerful St. James Park and features free hot chocolate and cider and prizes for best pumpkin design by a kid/family as well as by a business.

This is the same awesome organization (Danforth East Community Association) that hosts our favourite famers' market as well as a bunch of other great events like the Arts Festival. It's a great neighbourhood vibe and a sweet park.

The Mimico BIA invites participants to say farewell to Halloween at their pumpkin park at Mimico Square. Don't forget the candles, and definitely don't forget the pumpkins!

Meet ya at Harbord Street at sunset is really all you need to know to get into this pumpkin parade. The jack-o'-lanterns are displayed on tabletops along the streets and there is the requisite apple cider.

It's a midtown marvel as the jack-o'-lanterns make their way to Glebe Manor Square East (also known as Belsize Parkette for some original families). The first two years were wonderful successes and the third annual pumpkin parade in this family-centred neighbourhood is sure to be amazing.

Of course Trinity Bellwoods, coolest park around, has a pumpkin parade. It starts at the footpath just east of Crawford and let's just see how far it will go this year! Lucky Penny General Store will donate the apple cider again and there will be a pumpkin toss after the parade to throw out the pumpkins.

Pumpkinwalk in Vine Parkette is just part of the Junction's super-cool Pumpkinfest. It can be a whole weekend of Halloween hilarity!

Mississauga has caught the pumpkin parade fever and this is the second year for the event hosted in Thornlodge Park. Ever the pragmatic bunch, the organizing committee has even arranged for high school students to receive volunteer hours for helping out at the event. Oh, and free hot chocolate!

Whiteoaks Lorne Park knows pumpkin parades—it's their sixth year hosting the display of lit jack-o'-lanterns. The Whiteoaks Park pathways will be lit up for all to see and it's amazing.

It's the 4th annual McCormick Park Pumpkin parade, and it is fun! The pumpkins are glowing, the kids are laughing, and there is food and drink provided by the McCormick Park Container Café.