Kingston’s Santa Claus Parade, 1949

In Ontario, the tradition of a Santa Claus Parade started in Toronto in 1905 when Mr. and Mrs. Timothy Eaton met Santa at the train station and escorted him through the streets to the Eaton’s Store, watched only by a few passers-by. Since that time, the event has grown, being held in many small towns in Canada and elsewhere, and through the decades the parade, floats and costumes have become more and more elaborate. In this photograph, the parade was moving down Princess Street here in Kingston on a wet and snowy night in November of 1949. Be sure to get out early on Saturday to take part in this Kingston tradition which starts at 5pm, from Bath Road down Princess, and watch the Christmas tree lighting in the square at 7:30pm.