Rogers Santa Claus Parade
bySanta Claus is coming to town in the 10th annual Rogers Santa Claus Parade on December 1st. While the parade in downtown Vancouver is the main attraction, it’s also part of a greater celebration and event that includes the community, local charities and businesses, and over 300,000 spectators.
Rogers Santa Claus Parade Route
The parade begins at 1:00pm on Sunday, December 1, 2013 and features 65 marching bands, choirs, festive floats, and community groups. Setting out from Georgia and Broughton, it travels east on Georgia to Howe, turns south on Howe, and finishes at Howe and Davie.
Coast Capital Savings Christmas Square
Beginning at 10:30am on Sunday, December 1, 2013 the Coast Capital Savings Christmas Square will offer free family entertainment in front of the Vancouver Art Gallery with a gingerbread decorating station, face painting, Letters to Santa station, balloon twisting, and an entertainment stage featuring several music and dance performances.
Photos with Santa at Robson Square
The Robson Square ice rink will be home to Santa for the day (in between his parade appearances) and photos can be taken with the jolly old elf. Ice skating is free at Robson Square and skate rentals are available for $4.
Giving Back
The Rogers Santa Claus Parade is one of the largest food and fund raising events for the Greater Vancouver Food Bank Society. Since 2004, the Parade has collected $110,000 and more than 67,380 lbs of food for hungry families in the Lower Mainland. On parade day, spectators are encouraged to bring a monetary or non-perishable food donation for the Food Bank. For each dollar donated, the food Bank can purchase three dollars’ worth of food. Donation drop-off stations will be setup at the Coast Capital Savings Christmas Square.
Follow the Rogers Santa Claus Parade on Twitter and Facebook for more information. Sponsor and volunteer opportunities are still available.