Toronto Santa Claus Parade will happen without onlookers
photo by Stephen Uhraney
TORONTO, ON., Oct. 2, 2020 — For the first time ever the Toronto Santa Claus Parade will take place without the magic of excited crowds. It has been over a 110-year tradition for Torontonian families but this year the annual will become a two-hour televised special on December 5, 2020.
Started by Eaton’s department store and held annually mid-November since 1905, officials announced today that the event will be staged in a closed set parade route, and it will be televised at 7 p.m. on CTV and CTV 2.
“Despite the ongoing pandemic, we’ve found a way to make sure Santa Claus is still coming to town. I am pleased that this tradition will continue in a way that families can safely enjoy,” Mayor John Tory said in a written statement released Friday.
The official statement from parade organizers says the parade brings people together, regardless of their background, celebrating hope, family and love. It’s part of the fabric of our community.
“Every year we bring hundreds of thousands of people on the streets of Toronto, and millions more watching at home, come together to celebrate this joyous season together. We’ve been doing so uninterrupted for 116 years, and that’s exactly what we were planning to do again this year, bring Santa’s magic back to town,” the statement reads.
“Our plans, like so many of yours, have changed, but we will still be with you to celebrate the holidays and bring Santa’s magic to Canada.”
“It is going to be as colourful and interesting as anything you’ve ever seen,” Mayor Tory said on CP24 this morning. “(It is) the same one you are familiar with. A lot of the floats and bands and the whole thing.”
Mayor Tory also said that the City will have a decision about Hallowe’en very soon while regarding Thanksgiving, the Mayor told CP24 viewers, “What we are saying for now is plan on just celebrating Thanksgiving with the people you live with directly because that is going to be safe for COVID-19.”
