Location: Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Address: Dwight Ave. & Lakeshore Blvd. West
Date: December 2023
Website: lakeshoreparade.ca
Toronto is known for its Santa Claus Parade that passes through the downtown core. Since 1991, there has also been a second Santa Claus Parade taking place along Lakeshore Blvd. West. We went to check out this smaller, more community driven, parade in 2023. Here are some highlights.
A couple of Looney Tunes favourites arrived in a big, old-time car. They were pulled by some sort of racing truck. Normally these two characters would not get along, but after all it is Christmas.
Thomas The Tank Engine arrived pulling train cars full of gifts.
A group of snowmen were headed down a snow covered hill. One was on skiis, one on a sled and one just slid on his snowy belly.
An inflated gingerbread man walked carefully down the street.
Throughout the parade were many children dressed as woodland creatures. This bunny (above) was most likely trying to catch up to Bugs Bunny and give him a giant carrot.
The Grinch tried to steal this parade float. Sorry Grinch, you can't stop Christmas from coming.
Next Snow White and Prince Charming drove by with a cottage full of dwarves.
Three polar bears raced by in a three man bobsled.
A drumming group went by. Marching bands are a very important part of any good parade.
Another must have for any successful parade is at least one bagpiper.
There was an old fire truck that had retired from active duty.
There was also a shiny, new fire truck flashing its lights and blasting its siren to let us know that it was ready to be called into action.
Speaking of old vehicles, here is one from the Stone Age. Fred Flintstone and Dino were driving this prehistoric car down the street.
From dinosaurs to dragons. This fire-breather was wearing a scarf so that his throat would not get too cold.
Who do you send to defend your castle from a fire breathing dragon? Why a brave knight, of course! This knight saw us, dropped his visor and turned to face us. Merry Christmas Mr. Knight.
Mr. Peanut took some time out from his very busy schedule (It's nuts!) to walk in the parade. There were also some dancing Chinese dragons delighting the crowd with their moves.
A pirate ship sailed past. A loud pop was followed by a plume of smoke. We had just been fired upon!
Next up was a Mariachi band looking sharp in their outfits. They were all piled into the back of a U-Haul trailer. Feliz Navidad !!
Standing in the back of a pickup were a couple of singing Elvises. How could anyone have a blue Christmas with these guys rocking around the Christmas tree?
Woof, woof, woof ! Woof, woof, woof! Jingle Bells as only a pack of dogs can perform it.
Mrs. Claus arrived in a sleigh pulled by a single reindeer. That can only mean that Santa is on his way.
Here comes Santa Claus. Here comes Santa Claus. Right down Lakeshore Blvd. We had a great time. Everyone in the community came together to put on a wonderful parade.
