It’s that time of year- Santa Claus is coming to our various towns! The big guy in red loves to make an appearance at the small towns in our region in an assortment of transportation methods. Will be pull into town on his sleigh? Or in the firetruck with our local department? There’s only one way to find out and that is to go to the Santa Claus Parade!
This is one family tradition we try to do every year! This Villager loves to check out at least one Santa Claus Parade, but often more, if I can swing it. It is a fun, FREE family activity that allows you to go as an individual family unit or make a whole thing of it. Last year, we had Grandma, aunts, uncles and cousins join in the fun and went as a group to watch the Orillia Santa Claus Parade! It is enjoyable to see all the effort and creativity put into the various floats and who doesn’t love candy canes being tossed at their heads? I was also thrilled to have a pack of smoked bacon (yes, bacon) from Leadbetter’s along with toothbrushes and more candy from walkers and those on floats. That was a good year for parade swag, indeed!
This is also a wonderful opportunity to have your little ones write their letters to Santa and have postal workers collect and deliver to Santa himself! It is a wonderful display of community involvement and a sampler of the many small businesses and agencies that make our community shine. This gets us all in the Christmas spirit!
As such, we are also making a list of the different parade routes happening in our region. Some parades are in November, while others are at the beginning of December. Some parades happen in the day, others happen at night so you can really see the lights! To make sure you are ready to roll and catch the one nearest you. We are making a list and checking it twice, so you can mark these dates on your calendar:
Orillia: Saturday, November 23, 2024 at 5:00pm
Over 100 floats, bands and Santa himself will adorn the downtown core of Orillia, in time for the Christmas season! The route typically begins in the staging area on West Street to Colborne Street W to Mississauga Street and then back down Front Street ending at Queen Street.
Waubaushene: Sunday, November 24, 2024 at 1 pm.
Route is along Pine Street from Hazel Street to Fallowfield Lane ending with a visit with Santa at the Waubaushene Fire Hall.
Cumberland Beach: Sunday, December 1, 2024 at 2 pm
Route is Azcona Avenue to Cumberland Road, ending at Hope Community Church.
Photos with Santa and Mrs. Claus, crafts, letter writing and hot chocolate and treats.
Coldwater: Saturday, December 7, 2024, time to be announced.
The Coldwater Lions Club Christmas Parade is hosted by the Coldwater Lions Club and the Coldwater Mill. Following the parade, participants can head to the second floor of the Mill to have their photos taken with Santa and Mrs. Claus.
Warminster: Saturday, December 14, 2024 at 2 pm.
This homegrown parade never disappoints, with the NEW route making its way up Warminster Sideroad, then to the Cheslock Crescent route, along Hwy 12 and dipping over Preston Ave and ending at the school.
So this holiday season be prepared to Parade! Pack a thermos of hot chocolate, grab Grandma’s quilt and some hand warmers and you and your little ones will enjoy some special memories together as we gear up for the holiday season!
