Traditional Seasonal Celebrations Done in a Tasteful & Timely Way

This year it was the day after Halloween that the first shopping centre decorations were first spotted where we live. We tried to ignore them, or at least past them, as a matter of principle - too early. But in this era of year-round Christmas music radio stations and made for TV movies, the "Christmas Season" is  different now.

Nonetheless, more traditional ways of marking the season may still be found locally - though some celebrations have been adapted for the times.

For example, Santa Claus parades or Christmas parades are parades held in some countries to celebrate the official opening of the Christmas season with the arrival of Santa Claus who always appear in the last float. The parades usually include themed floats, dancing or marching groups and bands playing Christmas songs. They are moving pageants that typically end near the centre of a city. Often sponsored by department stores, they may reinforce the store's brand recognition during the important Christmas shopping season.

The most famous Santa Claus parades are in Toronto and Montreal. But the parade in Cambridge is noteworthy as well. It is is one of the first city parades in Ontario to go to the night-time format.

The 44th edition of the local Santa Claus Parade will take place this weekend (November 19),  traveling along Hespeler Road.

Parade organizers say that there were over 95 entries last year with a waiting list. This year they are expanding to 100 to accommodate those were left out last year.

Cambridge's Santa Claus Parade touts itself as one of the only parades to have both Santa and Mrs. Claus visit.

Looking ahead, another tradition,  the Canadian Pacific Holiday Train, will be making a stop in Cambridge.  . The train, now in its 18th year,  arrives in town as part of an effort to raise money, food and awareness for local food banks and food shelves. Two trains are decorated in lights, on two separate routes and start their excursion on the East Coast to finish on the West Coast.

This train will arrive at the former Galt Station on Malcolm Street from 4:00 p.m. to 4:45 p.m on November 29. Pre-show with live entertainment at 3:30 p.m. The train arrives at 4 p.m., with performances by Kelly Prescott and Doc Walker (on train) 4:15 p.m. to 4:45 p.m. Train departs station at 4:45 p.m.

Afterwards, the train will continue and make another stop in Ayr at the Canadian Pacific crossing on Inglis Street and Willison Street from 5:20 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.

Locally, this annual Food Bank fundraising program is entering its 17th year, and thanks to the support of communities, has raised over $10.6 million and 3.6 million pounds of food since 1999.

Finally, the City of Cambridge will be celebrating the festive season with numerous events throughout the city, including Candyland, Unsilent Night, Music and Lights in the Village and more. More info.