The Santa Claus Parade comes back to downtown Montreal for a 70th edition

Montréal centre-ville is proud to announce the return of the biggest holiday-season event in Québec, on Saturday, November 19 starting at 11:00 am. After an unavoidable two-year break, more than 400,000 spectators are expected once again in downtown Montreal to marvel at the arrival of Santa Claus and to kick off the winter season in the city.

Led by THE Québec Santa Claus and the Star Fairy, played for the very first time by Barbada, this prestigious 70th edition will be taking its usual route along Sainte-Catherine West between Guy St. and Place des Festivals. Incidentally, for the first time in its history, the Montreal Santa Claus Parade will be 100 percent electric.

Over 15 creatively designed floats, 500 artists and volunteers along with marching bands from all over the country will make for a magical experience in the heart of downtown.

“The Santa Claus Parade is a great family tradition that has carried on and reinvented itself for 70 years now in downtown Montréal,” states Glenn Castanheira, general manager of Montréal centre-ville. “It inaugurates the winter season, which we’re hoping will be every bit as outstanding as the summer we enjoyed this year. Whether it’s to welcome Santa Claus, spend time with the family, get together with colleagues from work or begin shopping for gifts, our downtown remains the gathering place par excellence for all Quebecers.”

70 Years of Memories
A major new feature for this edition, the different parade tableaux will tell a story based on memories of the arrival of the first Santa Claus procession downtown, 70 years ago.

The 100-percent electric floats traveling the 2.6 kilometers will feature, among others, artists from the Cirque du Soleil show Corteo, the troupe from the Québec Issime show Décembre, and kids’ favorites Atchoum and Henri Godon. Everyone – the young and the young-at-heart – will get to experience holiday magic.

A true tradition for hundreds of thousands of visitors, the event will also be broadcast over the TVA network on Sunday, November 20 at 4:00pm. Isabelle Racicot and Sébastien Benoit will handle hosting duties for the parade with help from Pascal Morissette, who will be on the ground collecting reactions from the crowd.

A unique opportunity to share very special moments with the family

On Saturday, November 19 at 11 am, on Sainte-Catherine St. West between Guy St. and Place des Festivals celebrate the arrival of Santa Claus and kick off the holiday season in the Montreal!

www.montrealcentreville.ca