Toronto's Santa Claus Parade was once again a family affair this year, as my mom and I hit the streets of Toronto yesterday to wait for the big guy in red.
Set up at Yonge and Front Streets with hot chocolate, apple cider, and festive treats, anticipation and festive spirit were in the air.
The parade was kicked off by some stellar celebrity clowns, followed by countless costumed paraders, 24 marching bands and more than 30 floats.
Highlights included Disney's Tangled float, Yorkdale's fashionable forest creatures float, Mr. and Mrs. Potato Head playing a game of Connect 4, and a very funky dancing Boo Boo on the Yogi Bear float.
My mom's favourite costumed marchers, as always, were the Upside Down Clowns.
I enjoyed the participants dressed up as fruit, whose costumes take on a whole different meaning during the Pride parade.
While there were long gaps between floats toward the end of the parade as the sun set, waiting for Santa was once again worth the wait, and a great way to kick off the Christmas season.
Toronto's Santa Claus Parade is the longest-running children's parade in the world.
This year's 106th parade was broadcast on CTV, with video available on its website.