On Donner! On Blitzen!
It’s time for the man in the big red suit to come riding into town as the annual Rogers Santa Claus Parade fills downtown Vancouver with festive fun on Sunday December 1st.
Starting at 1pm, the parade route begins at West Georgia at Broughton Street, runs east on West Georgia to Howe Street then ends at Howe at Davie Street. More than 3500 participants are expected to walk the parade in 65+ bands, choirs, floats and community organizations. Volunteers will be on hand throughout the day, to collect donations for the Greater Vancouver Food Bank Society. Before and after the parade, there is plenty of holiday cheer to be had at the Coast Capital Saving Christmas Square, in front of the Vancouver Art Gallery. Beginning before the parade at 1030am, the Square features lots of family fun; face painting, gingerbread man and christmas ornament decorating, ‘letters to Santa’ writing stations and entertainment on the Main Stage. After the parade, head to the Skating Rink at Robson Square to get a picture with Santa.
It’s estimated 300,000 people will line the parade route, so it’s best to plan ahead, take transit and arrive early.