Holiday cheer filled the capital on Saturday as thousands of people lined streets in downtown for the 46th annual Help Santa Toy Parade.
Dozens of floats, marching bands, and local community groups took part in the annual event that has been kicking off the Christmas season in the city since 1969.
The parade started on Wellington Street in front of the National Archives Building at 11 a.m., then travelled east on Bank Street to Laurier Street before finishing at City Hall. Laurie Boschman, the Sens President of Alumni, was this year's parade Marshall.
Since its inception in 1969, the parade has helped thousands of less fortunate families put toys under their Christmas trees. Families who couldn't make the parade today can donate new, unwrapped toys at fire stations across the city until mid-December.
The Santa Claus Parade is organized by the Ottawa Professional Firefighters' Association.
