CTV delivers the longstanding holiday favourite THE ORIGINAL SANTA CLAUS PARADE in a new, two-hour primetime special, premiering Saturday, Dec. 5 at 7 p.m. ET/PT, exclusively on CTV and CTV2. From a brilliant nighttime closed parade route at the iconic Canada’s Wonderland amusement park, and adhering to all local health and safety protocols, Santa lands safely into the homes of Canadians across the country with new safety adaptations and beloved traditions in its 116th year.
Produced by Bell Media Studios, guest performers joining THE ORIGINAL SANTA CLAUS PARADE include Dolly Parton, Kelly Clarkson and Brett Eldredge, Meghan Trainor, Ruth B., Shaggy ft. CARYS, the Toronto Symphony Orchestra, and more. The star-studded lineup joins hosts Melissa Grelo (THE SOCIAL) and Kelsey McEwen (YOUR MORNING). The PARADE features 25 floats, eight marching bands, and other holiday magic including the beloved celebrity clowns.
“We are thrilled to continue this favourite holiday tradition and welcome Santa safely into every town and city this year,” said Pat DiVittorio, Vice-President, Programming, CTV and Specialty. “Without a live parade this year, it’s been a labour of joy to create even more magic for children of all ages by our longtime partners at THE ORIGINAL SANTA CLAUS PARADE and our talented Bell Media Studios production team.”
“The PARADE is an iconic event with a 116 year-history; it’s a symbol of community that represents the start of the holiday season,” said Clay Charters, President & CEO of The Original Santa Claus Parade. “This year, we’re so glad to be working with CTV to bring this special tradition to life in a whole new format for Canadians everywhere. Thanks to CTV and all of our partners, Santa is still coming to town.”
This year’s parade, set at Canada’s Wonderland spectacularly decorated for the holidays, is filmed in advance without spectators or mass gatherings. For the first time, THE ORIGINAL SANTA CLAUS PARADE is a night-time parade with dazzling lights illuminating the floats and marching bands, including a heroes-themed float sponsored by Scotiabank, highlighting frontline workers leading the fight against COVID-19.
Once again, CTV is part of the action with its own festive float featuring ETALK co-anchor Tyrone Edwards. The float features a sneak peek of the holiday classics available on the CTV Holiday Hub, now streaming on CTV.ca and the CTV app. The festive collection currently includes holiday movies such as Hook, The Perfect Holiday, Eight Crazy Nights, and much more.
Continuing the CTV holiday tradition, THE ORIGINAL SANTA CLAUS PARADE will also feature season’s greetings from celebrities around the world, including superstars Tyra Banks, Sting, Sam Smith, Pentatonix, Paris Jackson, Mayim Bialik, Ty Dolla $ign, Brett Kissel, Bebe Rexha, Ryan Seacrest, Kelly Ripa, Ian Armitage, Giacomo Gianniotti, Jose Feliciano, Tyler Shaw, and Charlotte Cardin.
An encore presentation of THE ORIGINAL SANTA CLAUS PARADE airs Saturday, December 12 at 1 p.m. on CTV. In addition to on-air coverage, CTV’s parade-day essential website CTV.ca/Santa returns with all of the latest THE ORIGINAL SANTA CLAUS PARADE news, closed set parade route details, on-demand access post-broadcast, as well as exclusive video content.
