Grimsby Welcomes 68th Annual Santa Claus Parade This Saturday

The 68th annual Santa Claus parade will take place in downtown Grimsby on November 25, 2023, promising a festive start to the holiday season. Organizers expect approximately 10,000 spectators to line the streets for the event, which features a parade route spanning just over two kilometres.

According to town staff liaison Melissa Rusich, the celebration is a cherished community tradition. “It’s a really good way to start off the holidays,” Rusich stated. The parade will commence at 5:15 p.m. at Blessed Trinity Catholic Secondary School on Livingston Avenue, proceeding east along Livingston and Main Street West before concluding at Ontario Street.

This year’s theme, “Canadian Christmas spirit,” encourages participants to express their interpretation of the concept through decorations and presentations. The event will showcase 85 floats, marching bands, and other entries, including performances by the Grimsby Pipe Band, Ridley College Cadet Band, West Niagara Secondary School Drumline, and Burlington Teen Tour Band.

As the parade is scheduled to begin after sunset, illumination will play a key role in the festivities. “We encourage everybody to decorate their floats accordingly and have lots of bright, beautiful displays to highlight the evening,” Rusich added.

In addition to the entertainment, attendees are encouraged to bring nonperishable food items for the GBF Community Services food bank. Members of the Grimsby Firefighters Association will be on hand to collect donations. Youngsters can also participate by sending letters to Santa, with representatives from Canada Post available to collect these messages.

The parade includes a special award known as the Crowd Pleaser Award, presented to the participant deemed the best by a group of volunteer judges along the route. For those unable to attend in person, the parade will be livestreamed, providing an opportunity for everyone to join in the celebrations.

Road closures will be in effect from 4:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. on Livingston Avenue between Roberts Road and Kerman Avenue, as well as on Livingston Avenue/Main Street between Kerman Avenue and Ontario Street. The disband area along Ontario Street and Clarke Street will be closed from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.

For more information and a detailed map of the parade route, visit the official Grimsby website. This festive event promises to bring the community together in a celebration of holiday spirit and goodwill.