Christmas is just around the corner, and what better way to get into the holiday spirit than a Santa Claus Parade? Hot cocoa and the Big Man himself! Buddle up for an evening of Christmas festivities at one of these spectacular events.
Photo by iStockVancouver Santa Claus Parade
When: Sunday, Dec. 2, 2018, starting at noon
Where: The parade will start at West Georgia and Broughton, travelling east along West Georgia, turning south on Howe and finishing at Howe and Davie.
Why you should go: This is everything you want in a Santa Claus parade, the perfect kickoff to the festive Christmas season! This parade features more than 60 floats, marching bands, dancers and community groups, all wishing you a holly jolly season. This televised parade is the Lower Mainland’s largest winter event, drawing over 300,000 spectators.
Island Farms Santa Claus Parade, Victoria
When: Saturday, Nov. 24. 2018, starting at 4:45 p.m.
Where: The parade starts at the corner of Government and Belleville at the Legislative Buildings and then travels down Government Street near Centennial Square.
Why you should go: At the end of the Santa Claus Parade, Santa himself will declare that Christmas In Victoria has officially begun! This is a great way to get in the Christmas spirit and enjoy the magic of the season. While you’re here don’t forget to bring a non-perishable food item to donate to the Mustard Seed Food Bank and lend a hand to those in need this season.
Surrey Santa Parade
When: Sunday, Dec. 2, 2018, starting at 5 p.m.
Where: The parade starts on 60th Street near the Cloverdale Fairgrounds, winding through Surrey and ending at the corner of Highway 15 and 58th Street.
Why you should go: Now in its 13th year, the Surrey Santa Parade continues to grow and inspire people of all ages to get into the jolly Christmas spirit. Spectators will see a wide variety of decorative, festive floats, from a 50-foot crane, to antique vehicles, big rigs, boats, floats, marching bands, dancers, community groups and so much more. Along the route, you’ll find groups selling food and other gifts, with proceeds going to charity. Don’t forget to bring a non-perishable food item for the Surrey Food Bank, or a gift for the Surrey Christmas Bureau.
Photo by iStockFort St. John Santa Claus Parade
When: Saturday, Dec. 1, 2018, starting at 5 p.m.
Where: The parade starts on 100 Street and wind through the city.
Why you should go: Dress warm and come out to meet the man himself, Santa! Every year, the city of Fort St. John goes all out, hosting up to 60 floats in its annual parade, and children of all ages love to come out and see the lights. The North Peace Cultural Centre and the MJ Café Crepe will both be serving hot beverages on what could be a pretty chilly evening waiting for Santa to arrive. After the parade, there will be a tree lighting ceremony in the lot at 96 Avenue and 100 Street.
Sidney Sparkles Christmas Parade
When: Sunday, Dec. 2, 2018, starting at 5 p.m.
Where: The parade starts along Resthaven Drive and turns onto Beacon Avenue. It will then turn right onto Second Street and end at Ocean Avenue.
Why you should go: While the parade is enough to have you singing Christmas carols all the way home, it gets even better! After the parade, spectators are encouraged to move down to the waterfront for the Lighted Boat Parade – a fitting way to kickoff Christmas on the west coast!
