It’s’ that time again for a holiday tradition that’s set to return with the St. Catharines Santa Claus Parade on Sunday, Nov. 17, 2019 with a new time and route.
This year the time for Santa’s annual procession will move to the early evening, kicking off at 4:45 p.m. The change in time will allow participants to get creative with their parade entries, adding lighting to their offerings as the sun sets and evening rolls in.
“There’s a different magic that happens in the evenings with a Christmas parade,” said Community and Events Supervisor Brianne Wilson, adding parade goers can expect plenty of holiday fun as regular parade entries prepare to double down with the addition of illuminating displays.
Beyond the addition of lights attendees can expect many of the same entries that have made the parade popular for years in the city’s downtown with over 55 entries including marching bands, community groups, businesses and the main event, Santa Claus, winding their way through the city core. The parade starts in front of the Meridian Centre on McGuire Street, heading up to Carlisle Street, turning left from Carlisle onto St. Paul Street before heading up James Street to Church Street, finishing in front of City Hall.
Spectators should dress for the weather (currently it looks like plus 5 and a mix of sun and clouds for the weather) and are encouraged to bring non-perishable food items, mittens or hats for Community Care of St. Catharines and Thorold.
Canada Post will once again be walking the parade route, ready to collect letters for Santa Claus.
NEW PARADE ROUTE
Parade begins on McGuire Street at David S. Howes Way
Travels along McGuire Street, left on Carlisle Street
Travels along Carlisle Street, left on St. Paul Street
Travels along St. Paul Street, right on James Street
Travels along James Street, left on Church Street
Ends at City Hall.
The parade will finish with some additional holiday cheer in the form of illumination, with the lighting of the Hotel Dieu Shaver Foundation’s Christmas Tree at City Hall.
“It’s an opportunity to get together with a local partner, and literally flip the holiday switch,” said Wilson.
The fun doesn’t stop there with the addition of a variety of family activities at Market Square following the parade. The post-parade party will feature face painting, inflatable bouncers, crafts, food trucks and the chance to visit with Santa and Mrs. Claus, including the opportunity for a photo with the jolly old elf. The post-parade celebration runs from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. Entry to the celebration will be by donation to the Hotel Dieu Shaver Tree Lighting Celebration.
There is also a chance to get in some holiday cheer before the parade with a free family skate at the Meridian Centre from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. Guests are asked to bring their own skates and helmets and enter via the Rankin Gateway pedestrian bridge after doors open at 1:30 p.m.
For more information visit www.stcatharines.ca/SantaClaus.
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