Whether you have children or not, attending your town’s Santa Claus Parade is a must. The parade officially kicks off the Christmas season for us and we like to make an event of it! The City of Brampton hosts their parade at night, which is just a little bit better then a day time one. Trust me.
There are a few things you need to do when preparing for an evening Santa Claus Parade. Well, actually the preparations are the same as a daytime event, but there is something exciting about heading to the streets at night. My daughter says it is like getting to do something forbidden. 
So this past weekend I packed up the family and we were off to see Santa! We have been attending this nighttime spectacular for many years now so I thought it was time to share my parade prowess. This is what my checklist includes:
- Bring hot chocolate. A full thermos is ideal complete with insulated cups to sip from. It just sets the mood (and keeps your hands warm), but don’t pack too much unless you love to hang out in a Port A Potty. Don’t forget marshmallows for the hot chocolate. The mini ones will keep the kids entertained if nothing else and let’s face it, they just make hot chocolate taste better.
- Snacks, and a variety at that. We always have a peanut/tree nut free snack bag with us, but bring extras for the wait before the parade starts. See #1 re keeping the kids entertained. Our parade always has vendors selling hot popcorn and cotton candy and while I support local entrepreneurs, $5 for not-so-hot popcorn is a bit of a reach. Then multiply it by the number of kids you have.
- Camp chairs, the kind that fold up into a bag. I think these were the greatest invention ever and we use them for everything from the beach to the backyard, from soccer practice to parade viewing. Smart, easy to carry and they really help you keep the coveted spot on the curb you staked out for two hours before the parade starts.
- Blankets! You can add in hats, mitts and even snow pants for the kids if it keeps them warm. We have watched many a nighttime parade in both rain and snow and I never regret the extra baggage those items feel like at first. We were even able to do a good deed this year by sharing an extra blanket with a freezing young newcomer to town. That’s what Christmas is all about.
- Your camera, some Santa hats and a cheerful disposition. The first two are obvious and trust me, the last one will come in handy after the first ten people try to get in front of your prized place on the curb.
- An honorary mention goes to Letters to Santa, if your parade volunteers collect them and some canned goods for the local food bank.
Attending the annual Santa Claus Parade, with the beautiful lights, creative floats, wonderful music (at what other time can you just enjoy listening to bagpipes) and excited children is a magical way to start the holiday season. This Christmas tradition will afford you many wonderful memories for years to come. It also means you can officially start to wish people, “Merry Christmas!“
Do you attend your local Santa Claus Parade? Is it the traditional daytime delight or more moonlit merriment version?
FT&PD
Suz
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Suz this sounds so magical. I wish we had something like this here. When our Santa arrives in town it’s a 5 minute parade up the high street and that’s it! The only really cool part is that there is a pen with real reindeers in it that you can pet. I am always so envious of the parades you guys have over there
xx
Oh that is too bad Sam
I have always loved going to the parade and fortunately our local towns always have them. It is neat though that you have the real reindeer! You can whisper how good you have been this year to Rudolph!
SUz
We are so thankful for your time and preparation, we truly loved seeing you and taking advantage of your early arrival!
LOL, it was my pleasure Farrah and it was so great to run into you guys. Next year for sure!
Suz
this year we will be missing ours because I am working a craft show, hoping to sell some jewelry so we can have a great Christmas. Sometimes sacrifices have to be made..,.
But I agree, it is usually what starts off our holidays too,
Love this post! We attend our local Santa Parade and have a wonderfully chilly time
Thank you!
It is the best way to kick off the Christmas season Dawn!
Suz
I have fond memories of attending the Santa Claus parade as a kid. Now I get to take my kids. For the past several years, we have been on the float for our church. So awesome!
What a lovely experience to be able to take the kids right on the float Craig! I hope you get lots of pictures!
Suz
I love the night time parades, they just have a whole other feeling to them! My kids would just end up wearing the hot chocolate so we save that for after the parade, lol
LOL Jennifer, the hot chocolate didn’t start making an appearance until the kids were a bit older for that very reason
Suz
Oh great tips! The Santa Clause Parade is something else
We used to go all the time when we were kids as we lived in a small town so it was easy to get to. Living in the city its hard to get out there for us but we like watching them on TV!
Parade prowess. Nice turn of phrase. I agree those chaiors are lifesavers at a parade. Blankets too and a can of food for the food drive.
Thanks Paula
Each year we tend to bring a tad bit more, but it is so worth it!
Suz
We do not do the parade but we go see the holiday Train instead
That sounds like a wonderful tradition Nicole!
suz
Sounds like you are well prepared. This is the first year we will be taking my daughter to any Santa Claus Parades and the one closest to us is a night one so this list is definitely handy so I can make sure it is enjoyable for all of us.
Glad to hear that Katy and I am sure it will be a wonderful adventure for you all. Enjoy!
Suz