Toronto Santa Claus Parade takes new route down Yonge Street on Nov. 22

The 122nd Original Santa Claus Parade steps off at 12:30 p.m. on Sunday, Nov. 22. Organizers say this year's parade takes a new route — the first time in more than a decade it travels down Yonge Street — because of downtown construction, and more than 750,000 spectators are expected along the way.

The new route

The parade starts at Christie Pits (750 Bloor St. W.), heads east along Bloor Street to Yonge Street, then south on Yonge to Richmond Street. From there it turns west on Richmond, south on University Avenue, east on Wellington Street, south on Bay Street and finally east on Front Street, finishing at St. Lawrence Market at Jarvis Street. Unlike past years, when it looped around Queen's Park, the new route passes the Eaton Centre and Sankofa Square.

23 floats, nine of them new

This year's parade features 23 large floats, nine of them new, plus marching bands and performers from Canada and around the world. Roads along the route will be closed from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m. on parade day; organizers suggest taking the TTC, with Christie station (Line 2) right beside the starting point.

(Cover image is a file photo from a previous Toronto Santa Claus Parade. Photo: The Original Santa Claus Parade photo gallery.)