The holiday season comes early to West Niagara. Two community Santa Claus parades are set for the next few weeks, and both are a chance to cheer on local businesses and groups as their floats roll by.
West Lincoln: Saturday, November 28th, 5 p.m.
The 36th annual West Lincoln Santa Claus Parade takes to the streets of Smithville with the theme "A Very Country Christmas." The route starts at the West Lincoln Community Centre and follows West Street and Regional Road 20, finishing at St. Catharines Street and Industrial Park Road. Businesses and groups that want to enter a float have until November 6th to send in an entry form.
Grimsby: Saturday, December 5th, 5:15 p.m.
The Grimsby Santa Claus Parade, themed "Christmas Night of Lights," brings about 90 entries from Blessed Trinity Secondary School to downtown. Bring your letters: Canada Post volunteers collect letters to Santa along the route.
Before the Grimsby Santa Claus Parade, Grimsby lights its town tree on Thursday, November 26th, at 6 p.m., outside Town Hall.
Shop local while you're there
Parade nights bring big crowds downtown, which makes them a great time to visit local shops and restaurants. Grab dinner before the West Lincoln or Grimsby Santa Claus Parade, warm up with a hot drink afterwards, and maybe pick up a gift or two from a business down the street.