November 22, 2025

SHORT AND SWEET, SANTA ARRIVES IN BLAZE OF GLORY THIS MORNING WITH PARADE IN GRAVENHURST

GRAVENHURST — Short and sweet and it put a smile on happy faces.

Santa arrived in a blaze glory here this morning — his second seasonal stop in Muskoka — for the 72^nd annual Gravenhurst Chamber of Commerce Santa Claus Parade.

Under a sparkling sun and Muskoka Road lined with more than 1,000 well-wishers young and old, St. Nick was at his jolliest in years.

Kids lines the street to watch the 72nd annual Santa Claus parade this morning in Gravenhurst with the Just For Kicks dancers among the entries enjoyed by more than 1,000 young and old. PHOTOS Mark Clairmont MuskokaTODAY.com

With jovial off the cuff quips (you could hear) aimed at happy campers nestled on curbs and standing several deep craning for a look, he entertained following a truncated parade that had Mrs. Claus riding in a white preceding Santa’s eight dashing reindeer.

They brought up the end of a lineup of floats mostly festively decorated.

The GAP put in the most effort and should win top prize for best float.

But it didn’t matter; everyone had a good time judging by the grins and smiles gracing the sidelines.

A few even received a little candy as a reward for watching and waiting.

Happily the end justified the means.

Especially for those who got to sit on Santa’s knee afterwards at the Op — thanks to the Lions Club — and tell him that they were nice (not naughty) this year.

Santa makes his next parade appearances locally the following Fridays: