Santa Claus comes to town this weekend during annual parade

CTV’s Nick Paparella with a preview of London’s Santa Claus Parade coming up this weekend.

It has been an annual rite of Christmas in the Forest City for 69 years.

The London Santa Claus Parade has delighted both young and old since 1956 and this Saturday night will be no different.

Organizer Shaun Merton is excited to put on another show.

“There is some incredible stuff that we will have to entertain everyone, we have one float that has 5,000 lights on it,” said Merton.

This year’s theme is ‘Santa’s Rockin’ Wonderland’ and the parade will be bigger than previous years when it comes to floats and bands.

“It has more than last year, there are 12 more entries than last year. In all there are 43 entries, five bands, and four or five dance groups,” Merton said.

Organizers want to remind Londoners that Christmas is a time for giving, so if you go to the parade, you can help local charities in more ways than one.

“You can bring food for the London Food Bank and we’ll be collecting toonies for the toonie toss because it goes to the charities,” said Merton.

If you are thinking of going downtown on Saturday night the route is the same as last year. It starts at 6 p.m. at Dundas and Ontario streets, heads west down Dundas Street, and then wraps up approximately 75 minutes later at Dundas and Ridout streets.

Merton says it’s a great way to welcome the holiday season and Santa Claus.

“We always try and find stuff that’s family oriented and that’s our goal each year,” he said.

CTV News London has compiled a full list of Santa Claus parades throughout the region.