Hop on down to Carleton Place for the spectacular Santa Claus Parade
- Ottawa Travel Guide
- |
- Wednesday, 21 November 2012 15:47
Located just 45 minutes southwest of downtown Ottawa, the city of Carleton Place is a charming destination for visitors who want to take a short day trip outside of the capital this holiday season, especially if they're in town for the annual Santa Claus Parade. On November 24, Santa himself will make his way through town as thousands of spectators arrive from far and wide to see jolly old St. Nick in person. This year's theme, 12 Days of Christmas, will feature all of the popular song's verses in float form, from five golden rings to two turtle doves.
Funded by the Carleton Place Business Improvement Area (BIA) program, the parade showcases local businesses and highlights what makes this city so charming throughout the year.
"You will see the Christmas spirit is alive in Downtown Carleton Place when you see businesses, community groups, citizens of the community and visitors joining together to share their best wishes for the holiday season to everyone," said BIA coordinator Cathie McOrmond.
Unforgettable floats
As the largest Christmas procession in the Ottawa Valley, the Santa Claus Parade pulls out all the stops to keep everyone entertained all night, and visitors will definitely want to keep their cameras ready to take photos of the amazing floats as they amble their way down the street. Beginning at 5 p.m. at the Carambeck School and ending up at Bridge Street, these ornate and spectacular carriages will pass through the streets of the city, each with its own theme and blasting out everyone's favourite Christmas carols.
Memorable characters like Winnie the Pooh and all of Santa's reindeer will be clad in festive garb as they make their way down the streets, and Santa Claus will also be there with Mrs. Claus, waving jovially at everyone as he passes by.
Sharing the Christmas spirit
Christmas is the season of giving, and during the parade, the Civitan Club will be there to collect canned goods to feed the homeless and donated toys to give to children in need. More than 150 stores and restaurants will open their doors for visitors to get their Christmas shopping done as well, and visitors who travel to Ontario in search of the perfect present will be in merchandise heaven as they peruse seemingly endless rows of potential gifts.
