Toronto’s Santa Claus parade to be staged in closed parade route, broadcast live in a TV special

Thestar.com
Oct. 2, 2020

Santa Claus has arrived in Toronto by plane, pulled by horses and at least once pulled by reindeer, but in 2020, in an effort to slow the spread of COVID-19, he’ll be arriving remotely by television.

In a major departure from a tradition that has entertained families for generations, the parade will not wind through Toronto streets cheered on by thousands of children and their parents struggling to to keep warm -- a quintessentially Canadian experience that kicks off the holiday season in the city.

Instead the event will be staged in a closed set parade route and broadcast live in a two-hour national television special, organizers announced early Friday morning.

“We’ve found a way to make sure Santa Claus is still coming to town,” said Mayor John Tory in a prepared statement. “I am pleased that this tradition will continue in a way that families can safely enjoy.”

The city announced on Sept. 23 that it would be extending its ban on major outdoor events until Dec. 31, part of its effort to stem the spread of COVID-19. Santa Claus parade organizers have been saying since early September the parade will not look the same this year, but this is the first time details of what those changes will be have been released.

The televised parade will include 20 floats, which viewers will be able to see close-up for the first time. Organizers are promising special musical guests, celebrity appearances, bands playing traditional Christmas songs, and the parade’s iconic celebrity clowns. It is scheduled to air Dec. 5. The parade typically takes place in November.

“Holiday celebrations will look much different this year, but we are committed to delivering a very special edition of the parade to viewers in prime time,” said Mike Cosentino, president, content and programming.