Over 100,000 Maritimers will be drawn to Moncton’s downtown this month to officially welcome Old Saint Nick.

The Royale Greater Moncton Santa Claus parade will be held on November 25th.

The theme for this year’s Parade is “The World Celebrates the Season”.

Parade Committee President Scott Eagles says the parade has a long history, starting back in 1967.

“It was born in humble beginnings with a group of local citizens who felt that something needed to be done to celebrate the season, and it has grown from there over the years through the hard work of the committee and lots of businesses and support,” said Eagles.

He adds that Maritimers from across New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island and Nova Scotia come to Main Street in downtown Moncton to watch the parade.

“They always enjoy and consider this to be the start of their Christmas season,” said Eagles.

The RCMP will lead the parade with one of the region’s biggest food drives of the year.   Spectators are encouraged to bring non-perishable food items to help support our local food banks. Canada Post will also be walking the parade to collect letters from the children for Santa.

Fifty floats will be featured this year, beginning at 5 p.m. at the corner of Cameron and Main Streets.

It wraps up at Paul and Champlain Streets about 30 minutes later.