Most years, many look forward to the Santa Claus Parade making its way down the streets of Toronto. Not only do Torontonians flock to see the event in person, but it’s broadcast all over the world as well. However, for the second year in a row, the parade will instead be pre-recorded, before being televised on Saturday, December 4th.

A film crew assembled at Canada’s Wonderland last Wednesday morning to begin filming the event. The decision to pre-record the event is once again due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. However, organizers hope to be able to hold the event in person once again by this time next year.

Furthermore, for the first time in the parade’s history, the procession will be led by a float made by an Indigenous designer, and featuring an Indigenous theme. The first Indigenous float was brought into the parade back in 2016, and was designed by Peguis First Nation designer David Thomas.

The Toronto Santa Claus Parade is one of the oldest ongoing Christmas parades in the world, beginning in 1905, and running through two world wars, the influenza pandemic of 1918, and now the COVID-19 pandemic as well.

The Santa Claus Parade will be broadcast on Saturday, December 4th at 7 pm ET/PT on CTV.