Santa Claus will be led by a giant inflatable Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer this year when the annual Niagara Falls Santa Claus Parade marches through downtown Niagara Falls on Saturday, Nov. 18.

The parade will be hosted by The Peet & Reet Show and include 12 marching bands, stilt walkers, inflatable gingerbread men and snowmen, as well a variety of floats and school entries. Spiderman is even said to be making an appearance.

The route begins at 11 a.m. on Victoria Ave. at Armoury St. and ends at city hall, travelling north along Victoria Ave. turning right onto Valley Way and right again onto Queen St.

There will also be a number of activities during the parade, including free hot chocolate at the Rosberg Family Park, provided by The Salvation Army, free face painting, balloons and caricatures near city hall, and as usual Canada Post will be collecting letters to Santa along the Parade route.

Tim Hortons will also be giving away free coffee, hot chocolate a lattes at the corner of Valley Way and Queen St.

Project Share will be collecting food donations along the parade route.

Following the parade there will be a meet-and-greet with Santa and Mrs. Claus, with a live performance by local musician Chelsea Crites. There will be a craft area for kids and Kobbler Jay, Jack Frost and Bella Snow are rumoured to be stopping in.

For those sending letters to Santa, remember to include a return address so Santa can send a letter back.

For those who can’t make it, the parade will be streamed live on the city’s YouTube channel, found here.