Downtown Halifax is expected to be filled with tens of thousands of spectators Saturday evening as the annual Holiday Parade of Lights gets underway.

Each year, Santa Claus leads a procession of floats from community groups and corporate partners as it winds through the downtown core to help get the holiday season started in Halifax.

Spectators are encouraged to bring non-perishable food items, packaged toys, or cash donations, which will be collected along the parade route to assist those in need.

City officials say the popular parade will also cause road closures so people are urged to plan their travel downtown in advance.

According to the Municipality, parade participants will begin forming on Cogswell Street, adjacent to the Halifax Common and Cogswell Street, between Robie Street and North Park Street will be closed at 11 a.m. for parade marshalling.

The remainder of the parade route will begin closing around 4 p.m. with the parade starting at 6 p.m. at the Cogswell Street roundabout winding through the downtown before finishing at Barrington and George.

Officials are asking drivers to avoid the area or consider taking public transit to and from downtown as parking will be limited and traffic expected to be heavy.

The Alderney Ferry will be free between 4 to 9 p.m. with people asked to make a donation to the Parker Street Food Bank.

For the full parade route, visit the Holiday Parade of Lights website.