Your guide to the best Santa Claus parades around Greater Toronto

Resumen detallado

Aside from just being plain fun, many parades make an effort to give cash-strapped families a helping hand with toys and food around the holiday season.

Parents know the drill: the November chill means armies of Santas and cavalcades of holiday floats will soon descend on city streets.

Aside from just being plain fun, many parades make an effort to give cash-strapped families a helping hand with toys and food around the holiday season.

From quaint community parades put together by children and volunteers to big-ticket events downtown, here’s what you need to know about Santa Claus parades in and around the GTA this holiday season.

Smaller than its downtown counterpart, the Beaches parade is run by the Centre 55 community agency, and it still promises vibrant floats and holiday spirit for east-enders.

The parade also supports grocery gift card donations and toys for families and seniors.

It begins at Kingston Road and Victoria Park Avenue, going west down Kingston Road and ending at Centre 55 (97 Main St.) for a party after the parade.

Milton has a rich history with Santa Claus, according to the town’s website and a local historian. While celebrations were kept low-key during the First World War and an outbreak of measles in 1924, Saint Nick later arrived on the radiator of a motorcade in 1925. In 1933, the town had its first parade, and in 1965 the big guy arrived via helicopter.

While they haven’t had a parade every year, the town’s website said the community “goes to great lengths” to keep the tradition alive, powered by volunteers who invest hours of time.

This year’s parade celebrates classic stories like “How the Grinch Stole Christmas.”

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