‘Tis the Season in Burlington with Santa’s Holiday Magic Trail and Story Time
*Please see below a media release issued by the City of Burlington.
Burlington, Ont.—Nov. 25, 2020 -- To help bring some happiness and joy to the neighbourhoods of Burlington this holiday season, the City of Burlington is launching Santa’s Holiday Magic Trail and asking you to join virtually for Story Time with Santa.Santa’s Holiday Magic TrailSanta’s Holiday Magic Trail is an innovative alternative to the traditional Santa Claus Parade. Due to COVID-19, the traditional Santa Claus Parade will not happen this year as the City continues to follow public health direction and the need to maintain physical distancing and avoid crowding.Santa’s Holiday Magic Trail will feature Santa Claus riding on an antique fire truck with a police escort through different Burlington neighbourhoods each weekend in December. To keep residents safe, the truck will not make stops and residents are asked to view Santa from within their own household or if outdoors, follow public health direction and maintain 2 metres physical distancing from anyone not from your household.
"Challenging times call for innovative solutions. Since we can’t have our regular parade and most floats can’t be safely created, we’ll bring Santa to the neighbourhoods – after all, he is the most important person in the parade. Santa is ready and eager to see all the kids from a safe distance to bring joy to our city." -- Chris Glenn, Director of Recreation Services, City of Burlington
ScheduleEach day, Santa will be moving throughout the neighbourhoods from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., weather permitting:
- Dec. 5: Rural Burlington, Tyandaga, Brant Hills and Mountainside;
- Dec. 6: Headon Forest, Palmer, Tansley and Millcroft;
- Dec. 12: Alton Village, the Orchard, Corporate, Pinedale and Elizabeth Gardens;
- Dec. 13: Longmoor, Shoreacres, Roseland and Dynes;
- Dec. 19: Aldershot, Central and Plains; and
- Dec. 20: Make-up inclement weather date, if needed.
For resident safety, the exact route of Santa’s Holiday Magic Trail cannot be posted in order to avoid potential gatherings along sidewalks awaiting his arrival. Santa will safely move through neighbourhoods and residents are asked to avoid gathering. The fire truck and police escort will sound their sirens occasionally.Anyone who sees Santa can use the hashtag #SpotSantaBurlON to notify neighbours of his location and spread the magic.Santa will not be stopping to accept letters, milk or cookies or posing for photos. Please use caution and stay safe when near the road.Information is also posted on burlington.ca/parade.
Story Time with SantaBeginning Dec. 19, at 6 p.m., Santa will bring greetings to Burlington residents and read “'Twas the Night Before Christmas” as well as tell stories of the north pole, his reindeer and the 'nice list'. The video will be posted on burlington.ca/parade and will be available for viewing anytime until Dec. 31.MAYOR MEED WARD'S TAKE:The silver lining throughout this year has been finding new and creative ways to do things and celebrate holidays from how we’ve traditionally done it before. I want to thank our Recreation Services staff for coming up with Holiday Magic Trail and Storytime with Santa, and putting it together to help our community usher in the Christmas spirit to Burlington.Links:
--*Posted by John Bkila, Mayor's Media and Digital Communications Specialist