(Photo: submitted)

A longtime,  much-loved tradition to kick off the festive season returns this year after a two-year pandemic hiatus.

The deadline to register your floats, marching bands and walking groups in the Royale Greater Moncton Santa Claus parade is quickly approaching.

You must apply by November 11th.

“This is an incredible opportunity to bring joy to the kids and to the kids at heart in your community,” says Alex Morton, president of the committee. “The Royale Greater Moncton Santa Claus Parade has been such an iconic part of Southeastern New Brunswick for decades.”

For more than 55 years, the Royale Greater Moncton Santa Claus Parade has marked the start of the holiday season. Thousands of families from throughout New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, and Prince Edward Island flock to the downtown core to celebrate the Christmas spirit.

The route begins at the corner of Cameron and Main Streets in Moncton, at 5pm on Saturday, November 26. The parade continues along Main Street, ending at the corners of Champlain and Paul Streets in Dieppe.

This year’s theme for the parade to be held on November 26th is ‘A North Pole Party’.

Tim Horton’s will lead off the parade with one of the region’s largest food drives of the year, collecting non-perishable food and cash donations to support local food banks. Canada Post employees will also walk the route, accepting letters for Santa.