Downtown Yonge in Toronto, Ontario — Central Canada (North America)

The Santa Claus Parade / Le Parade du Père Noël

The Santa Claus Parade image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Cosmos Mariner, May 29, 2022

1. The Santa Claus Parade

Inscription. Click to hear the inscription.

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.

[Français]
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. La parade prit de l’envergure et embellit. Elle incluait des clowns marchant sur les mains, des fanfares hautes en couleur, des mascottes, des personnages en costumes élaborés, des chars magnifiquement

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décorés et, bien sûr, le Père Noël en personne. Au fil des ans, le Père Noël a est arrivé du pôle Nord en train, en diligence, sur la glace flottante, en avion ou en traîneau tiré par neuf rennes. En 1982, un groupe de bénévoles local a assumé la responsabilité de cette parade. Une des plus longues traditions canadiennes, la parade pour objectif de divertir les enfants et continue d'enchanter et d’amuser les personnes de tous âges.

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 Foundation 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. Marker is at the intersection of Queen Street West and James Street, on the left when traveling east on Queen Street West. Marker is located beside the sidewalk at the southeast corner of the Old City Hall grounds. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 60 Queen Street West, Toronto ON M5H 2M3, Canada. Touch for directions.

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

Le Parade du Père Noël image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Cosmos Mariner, May 29, 2022

2. Le Parade du Père Noël

(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); Original Site of Toronto Hebrew Congregation Holy Blossom (about 180 meters away); Confederation Life Building (about 210 meters away); Town Tavern (about 210 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, 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.

(Submitted on June 16, 2022, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.)

2. Toronto’s Santa Claus Parade through the decades.

It is one of the largest
Photographed By Cosmos Mariner, May 29, 2022

3. The Santa Claus Parade Marker
Toronto Old City Hall is in the background. James Street is on the right.
and oldest parades of its type in the world. In 1920, Gimbal’s Department Store in Philadelphia copied the idea, and in 1924, Macey’s in New York and J. L. Hudsons in Detroit adopted Timothy Eaton’s idea. However, Eaton’s was reputed to be the grandest and most creative of all the parades, setting the standard for the others. In 1982, Eaton’s decided not to sponsor the parade since its cost exceeded $250,000. Despite over a million people annually lining the parade route and a further 30 million watching it on TV throughout Canada and the United States, it was felt that it did not generate sufficient sales to justify the expense. A non-profit organization stepped in, and with the assistance of various corporations that each provided a float, the event continued.

(Submitted on June 16, 2022, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.)

3. 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.)

Le Parade du Père Noël Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Cosmos Mariner, May 29, 2022

4. Le Parade du Père Noël Marker

Queen Street is in the background.

Credits. This page was last revised on September 5, 2023. It was originally submitted on June 14, 2022, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida. This page has been viewed 158 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.