Santa Claus is coming to Hyde Park after all.
The Hyde Park & District Lions Club and Hyde Park Business Improvement Association have teamed up to transform the traditional neighbourhood parade into a drive-by holiday event. Dubbed 'Here Comes Santa," the December 5 celebration will take place at the Lowe's at 1335 Fanshawe Park Rd. from 12:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Spectators will be able to enjoy live music, Christmas decorations, reindeer, and see Santa and Mrs. Claus while remaining inside of their vehicles.
"Families are encouraged to bring along food and toy donations to help other families facing unprecedented needs this holiday season," organizers of the Here Comes Santa event said in a statement. "A volunteer team of elves will be on-site to collect donations from vehicles to maintain social distancing protocol."
The event replaces the annual Hyde Park Santa Claus Parade and breakfast with Santa which were cancelled this year due to COVID-19 restrictions. Organizers consulted with the Middlesex London Health Unit to ensure the new 2020 holiday celebration meets current health protocols.
While paper letters to Santa won't be accepted this year, children are still welcome to email the man in red at Hyde.Park.Santa.Letter@gmail.com.
Prior to the start of the event, Rogers TV will televise the 2019 edition of the Hyde Park Santa Claus Parade with new footage and prerecorded greetings from London children. Anyone interested in sending in a video or audio holiday message for the broadcast can do so by emailing info@hydeparkparade.com.
The London Santa Claus Parade has also switched to a drive-in format this year. It will be held on November 14 at the London International Airport.
