Do not miss Ottawa’s fun and festive holiday parades

Ottawa Travel Guide

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Monday, 14 November 2011 17:58

The holiday season is fast approaching, and the city of Ottawa is gearing up for its annual celebrations. Travellers who will be in Canada’s capital city this fall should attend the dazzling Help Santa Toy Paradedowntown, which may be a great way to ring in Christmas joy while on vacation.

This spectacle is sure to please guests of all ages, and features some stunning parade performers who are volunteering their time for charity, says the event's website. Proceeds from the festivities go towards toys for local children over the holiday season. In the past there have been fire breathers, decorated fire trucks and, of course, Santa himself.

Parade festivities occur on November 19th, starting at the Library and Archives Canada. L’Express Ottawa says that travellers in the area can also catch another holiday parade on November 26th, Santa's Parade of Lights. Much like the Help Santa Toy Parade, this exciting event is also sponsored by the Professional Firefighters Association and collects toys for children in need. It also features more traditional holiday fare, such as the ringing of church bells to accompany the entertainers' promenade through the city.

Guests in town are welcome to donate toys and gifts to the parade through the Ottawa Fire Department, as the event itself is free and open to all who wish to attend.