Due to the COVID pandemic, Niagara-on-the-Lake is holding a drive-by Christmas parade again this year. Santa will make a special visit to town and will make the rounds of all the communities of NOTL for Santa Around the Town. In the meantime, he has sent us this special dispatch, direct from the North Pole. He's looking forward to seeing everyone again this year.

Santa Claus
Special to The Lake Report

Ho-ho-hello to all the families in beautiful Niagara-on-the-Lake.

I have been asked by the NOTL Christmas Parade committee to make my appearance again this year and I am truly looking forward to the trip.

Last year was one of the most unique parades that I have been involved as it took me through all the different suburbs from Glendale to St. Davids to Queenston to Old Town Niagara to Garrison Village and finishing up in Virgil.

What an amazing view to see all the beautiful, decorated houses from the street rather than overlooking them all from the rooftops.

Riding around on the float was much quieter than usual as I missed the music from all the bands but it brought me much closer to those watching me go by.

Of course, the crowds were much smaller but I found this a much more personal experience for myself and for everyone who came out.

The most unique adventure last year was when I actually climbed down from the Santa float and was able to mingle with some of the families along the way.

Also getting to travel along many of the rural concessions and lines gave me a different perspective of the beauty of the whole area, especially in daytime. (It looks a lot different at night, when I usually visit.)

I know it would be impossible for me to do something like this on Christmas Eve because I have so many countries to visit all around the worlld, so many houses to stop at, so many cookies and glasses of milk to eat and drink.

I have to use my wonderful reindeer to fly me from all over the world, to visit every house with a load of presents for all the wonderful boys and girls.

So, I look forward to visiting all the areas of Niagara-on-the-Lake again this year. I haven’t received an official date and route for this year's drive-by so keep watching The Lake Report for all that information.

I hope we will have nice weather on the day and I again remind all the moms and dad’ out there to help Santa (my memory isn't what it used to be). Please call out the names of the children along the way or signs, black on white with large letters, really helps me. My vision isn't what it once was. Ho, ho, ho …)

I am looking for Ward to being part of the Christmas season once again in Niagara-on-the-Lake.

Merry Christmas – I will see everyone soon!