Downtown Vancouver Santa Claus Parade

This year was the kids’ second time at the Downtown Vancouver Santa Claus Parade presented by TELUS. Last year, James and the kids went together while I was away, but this year we all got to go as a family. I think we can officially start to call it a holiday tradition.

We decided to make a mini staycation out of the weekend and stayed overnight at the Vancouver Sheraton Wall Centre; what a good idea! I think it was one of our best getaways of the year. A staycation at the Wall Centre has so many perks: it’s not too long of a drive from home, there’s a hot tub and pool to relax in with the kids, we had access to the club floor (aiding to the children’s 24/7 snacking needs), the hotel is only a short walk to the parade, and the late checkout made it extra enjoyable. You could say it checked off all the boxes.

Before we left for the parade, I made sure to grab my glasses. It’s been over 6 years since I’ve had glasses and I still forget them sometimes. As my kids would say: “Silly Mommy!”

Over the past couple years I’ve shared about my eyewear journey with IRIS — you can read more here and here — but what I really wanted to highlight was how important it is to get your eyes checked. I waited far too long before getting my eyes tested and realizing I need glasses. I can see so much better now, and it makes all the difference to be able to see all the kids’ moments vividly and enjoy special moments with them.

So, check: glasses on. Parade ready.

We headed to Downtown Vancouver and met up with the TELUS group and our lovely hosts for the parade. It was such a treat to meet up with some friends. We had a great time at the Santa Claus Parade!

Downtown Vancouver Santa Claus Parade

1. We got to sit in the TELUS seating area bleachers, which gave us an amazing view of the parade.
2. We enjoyed Starbucks hot chocolate and Krispy Kreme donuts, courtesy of TELUS.
3. The floats were amazing! The Grinch “escaped” from a cage — it was so funny, and was probably my favourite part of the parade. The Vancouver Christmas Market is one of our favourite family activities to do each year, and it was neat to see its float. The final float was TELUS’ float: Santa and his reindeer came to visit Downtown Vancouver!
4. A lot of floats handed out stickers and/or candy to kids who were watching the parade. Sophie felt like she was missing out on potential candy opportunities, so we squeezed down roadside for a bit.
5. We took advantage of the Vancouver Sheraton Wall Centre’s late checkout so that we could walk back to the hotel, hit the club floor for snacks, and hang out a bit before heading home.

I think I was just as into the parade as the kids were, watching intently as each float strolled past. All of us enjoyed it, and we already can’t wait for next year’s parade!

Disclosure: TELUS invited us to the parade; we’ve had the pleasure of working with them throughout the year and they invited us to join their seating area. Our stay at the Sheraton Wall Centre was complimentary and I work with IRIS as a yearly ambassador. This post is all my own views and opinions.