Santa takin’ care of Christmas in Newmarket, Aurora, East Gwillimbury
It’s time for carols and Kris Kringle in Newmarket, Aurora, East Gwillimbury
Yorkregion.com
November 16, 2018
Amanda Persico
From street lights to twinkle lights, East Gwillimbury, Newmarket and Aurora mark the arrival of Kris Kringle and all the jingle bells, kicking off the holiday season.
Jolly Ol’ St. Nicholas will make an appearance, ceremoniously of course, first in Newmarket on Nov. 17, followed by an East Gwillimbury appearance Nov. 18 and on Nov. 24 in Aurora.
Residents are encouraged to scope out a spot along the route and bring lawn chairs and blankets.
Community groups, local businesses, school and professional marching bands, dance teams and sports groups will be spreading holiday cheer during the parades.
Markham resident opens her home to the homeless for Christmas
But you’ll have to wait until the end to get a glimpse of the magical man who wears a suit of red--Santa Claus.
With a wink, a wave and a bellow of good tidings and holiday cheer Santa together with Mrs. Claus and Rudolph and his gang of fellow reindeer officially kick off the holiday season.
Don’t forget to bring your letter for Santa addressed to Santa Claus, North Pole, H0H 0H0 Canada, as Canada Post letter carriers will be collecting letters during the parades.
Also, residents are encouraged to bring non-perishable food items that will be collected at the start of the parades in support of the local food pantry.
After Santa makes an appearance in Newmarket, stop by the Gallery of Festive Trees display at the Elman W. Campbell museum. The trees are expertly decorated based on time period, with trees frosted in Victorian, Edwardian or retro styles
Following the East Gwillimbury parade, residents are invited to a free family skate as well as free children’s activities and a visit with the jolly elf himself, Santa Claus.
Take in a unique experience with Aurora’s annual nighttime parade, Santa Under the Stars.
The magic of the holidays come alive with twinkly lights set against the dark night sky.
Make the most of the Santa Claus Parade with these tips:
- Arrive early if you want a spot. Bring your own blankets and lawn chairs.
- Have a plan if you get split up from your kids. Have a meeting spot.
- Check the weather forecast and dress accordingly. Layer up. And don’t forget a toque.
- Pack a backpack with tissues, extra mitts and hats. And don’t forget snacks.
- Be part of the fun. Download a Christmas bell app to jingle during the parade. Wear antler hats or a red nose.
Newmarket Santa Parade
Date: Nov. 17, 2018, parade starts at 11 a.m.
Route: The parade will start at Lorne Avenue and Eagle Street; proceed east on Eagle Street and head north on Main Street, ending at Ontario Street.
Road Closures:
- Cane Parkway/Lorne Avenue: William Roe Boulevard to D’Arcy Street starting at 7 a.m.;
- Eagle/Water streets: Helmer Avenue to Prospect Street starting at 10 a.m.;
- Main Street: Water Street to Davis Drive starting at 10:30 a.m.;
- Simcoe and Ontario streets: Niagara to Superior streets starting at 10:30 a.m.; and
- Cotter Street: Second to Water streets starting at 10:30 a.m.
East Gwillimbury Santa Claus Parade
Date: Nov. 18, parade starts at 2 p.m.
Route: Parade starts at the East Gwillimbury Civic Centre, 19000 Leslie St., and travels east along Mount Albert Road ending at the East Gwillimbury Sports Complex, 1914B Mount Albert Rd.
Road Closure:
- Mount Albert Road: Leslie Street to Woodbine Avenue starting at 1:30 p.m.;
- Leslie Street: Colonel Wayling Boulevard to Farr Avenue starting at 1:30 p.m.
Aurora Santa Under the Stars Parade
Date: Nov. 24, parade starts at 6 p.m.
Route: The parade travels south along Yonge Street starting at Orchard Heights Boulevard and ending at Murray Drive.
Road Closures:
- Yonge Street: St. John’s Sideroad to Orchard Heights Boulevard starting at 3 p.m., St. John’s Sideroad to Wellington Street, northbound traffic only starting at 3 p.m.
- Yonge Street: Orchard Heights Boulevard to Henderson Drive, full road closures starting at 5:30 to 8 p.m.
- Englehard Drive: Edward Street to Industrial Parkway starting at 5:30 p.m.
