Hundreds turned out Saturday evening to welcome Santa Claus to Niagara Falls.
The Christmas tree was lit at the end of the parade.
It is also the beginning of the outdoor Niagara Falls market featuring artisanal vendors.
The Niagara Health Foundation is one of the sponsors of Celebration of Lights. It is raising funds in collaboration with municipalities in the region to help fund urgent patient care needs.
Other sponsors of the Celebration of Lights are Alectra Utilities and Niagara Falls.
The parade was an opportunity for those who wanted to see a Santa Claus parade back on the streets. Some municipalities are holding virtual Santa Claus events because of the pandemic.
Jim Diodati, Mayor Niagara Falls, said the official Christmas tree is strewn with 7,660 LED lights every year with a beautiful sparkling star on the top.
Santa Claus noted that people have had to stay at home for a long time because of the pandemic. “We are back,” said Santa to a loud ovation from the crowd.
“I came all the way down and I bring you greetings from the mayor of North Pole as well as all the elks and Rudolf the red nosed reindeer,” said Santa.
According to Niagara Region Public Health, COVID-19 is still circulating in Niagara. The region has 49 new cases as published on its website on the morning of the parade.
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Santa Claus comes to town – Niagara Falls 2021 – Photo Mosaic Edition
Celebration of Lights – Tree Lighting – Photo Mosaic Edition Edward Akinwunmi
Celebration of Lights – Tree Lighting – Photo Mosaic Edition Edward Akinwunmi
Celebration of Lights – Tree Lighting – Photo Mosaic Edition Edward Akinwunmi
