Downtown Yonge in Toronto, Ontario — Central Canada (North America)
The Santa Claus Parade
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La Parade du Père Noël
Photographed by Cosmos Mariner, May 29, 2022
1. The Santa Claus Parade
In 1905, Timothy Eaton's department store began the tradition of the Santa Claus Parade. Initially, the parade featured Santa Claus on a horse-drawn cart. The parade has grown in size and splendour to include upside-down clowns, colourful marching bands, mascots, characters in elaborate costumes, ornately-decorated floats and — of course — Santa Claus himself. Over the years, Santa has travelled from the North Pole by train, coach, ice floe, airplane and sleigh pulled by nine reindeer. In 1982, a local volunteer group assumed responsibility for the parade. One of Canada's longest-running traditions, the parade remains focused on bringing joy to children and continues to enchant and entertain people of all ages.
En 1905, le grand magasin de Timothy Eaton a commencé la tradition de la Parade du Père Noël. À l’origine, la vedette de cette parade était le Père Noël, dans un chariot tiré par des chevaux.
this page online
Erected by Ontario Heritage Foundation / Fondation du patrimoine ontarien.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Charity & Public Work • Entertainment • Notable Events. In addition, it is included in the Canada, Ontario Heritage Trust series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1905.
Location. 43° 39.132′ N, 79° 22.853′ W. Marker is in Toronto, Ontario. It is in Downtown Yonge. It is at the intersection
Photographed by Cosmos Mariner, May 29, 2022
2. La Parade du Père Noël
Regionally, this marker is in Greater Toronto and on the Golden Horseshoe. It is also in Central Canada. Globally, it is in North America, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once a British colony, the Viceroyalty of New France, the Haudenosaunee (Iroquois) Confederacy, and Rupert’s Land.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: "Old" City Hall (a few steps from this marker); R. C. Harris (within shouting distance of this marker); Old City Hall Cenotaph (within shouting distance of this marker); The Bay Queen Street Store / Le Magasin la Baie de la Rue Queen (within shouting distance of this marker); Old City Hall / Ancien hôtel de ville (about 90 meters away, measured in a direct line); Salvation Army Territorial Headquarters (about 120 meters away); Canadian Bank of Commerce - Yonge-Queen Branch (1905) (about 180 meters away); Cy McLean (about 180 meters away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Toronto.
Also see . . .
1. Toronto Santa Claus Parade.
The Toronto Santa Claus Parade, also branded as The Original Santa Claus Parade, is a Santa Claus parade held annually on the third Sunday of November in Toronto, Ontario,(Submitted on June 16, 2022, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.)Canada. More than a half million people attend the parade every year. First held in 1905, it is one of the largest parade productions in North America, the oldest Santa Claus parade in the world, and one of the world's oldest annual parades.Photographed by Cosmos Mariner, May 29, 20223. The Santa Claus Parade MarkerToronto Old City Hall is in the background. James Street is on the right.
2. Santa Claus is Coming to Town.
Since 1905, the Santa Claus Parade has kicked off the Christmas season, first in Toronto, then for the whole country as it has grown in popularity and importance throughout the years. Every year we bring hundreds of thousands of people on the streets of Toronto, and millions more watching at home, together to celebrate this joyous season.(Submitted on June 16, 2022, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.)
Photographed by Cosmos Mariner, May 29, 2022
4. La Parade du Père Noël Marker
Queen Street is in the background.
Credits. This page was last revised on September 19, 2025. It was originally submitted on June 14, 2022, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida. This page has been viewed 482 times since then and 16 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on June 16, 2022, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.
