Santa Claus Parade hits Toronto with thousands packing downtown

The 111th annual Santa Claus Parade marched through Toronto's streets Sunday, greeted by up to one million onlookers on television and thousands in the crowd.

To get a good spot, some families parked themselves on the route at around 8 a.m., even though the floats weren't set to take off until 12:30 p.m.

But everyone was rewarded with sunny skies as the holiday music began.

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More than 25 floats made their way from Christie Pits Park down to the St. Lawrence Market, winding their way along Bloor Street West and University Avenue before pulling to a stop on Wellington Street.

This year, Toronto's sports teams took centre stage with Blue Jays, Maple Leafs and Raptors floats, fans and some former and active players including Muggsy Bogues,Dalton Pompey and Liam Hendrickstaking part in the festivities.

More than 20 marching bands, including military and police musicians, serenaded the crowd with Christmas carols and holidays classics. Some of the police force's mounted officers even rode along the route.