'Merry Christmas': Santa Claus parade draws thousands to North Bay’s streets

North Bay Santa Claus Parade draws thousands WATCH: Thousands line the streets of North Bay to get a glimpse of Santa Claus in the annual Christmas parade. (Eric Taschner/CTV Northern)

The holidays may still be just over five weeks away, but North Bay is in the Christmas spirit after Sunday's Santa Claus parade.

Thousands of young children and their families huddled along Chippewa St., Ferguson St., and Main St. just to get a glimpse of jolly old Saint Nick as he cruised through the city in the annual parade.

"I asked for art supplies, painting supplies, plushies and other art stuff," 13-year-old Alexa Sarrazin told CTVNewsNorthernOntario.ca before the parade.

Standing beside her was Liam Burleigh, 9.

"I asked for books on the solar system and a telescope," he said.

The theme for this year's parade was 'A Country Christmas.'

"I’m just excited to see how everybody decorates their floats," said 11-year-old Chloe Sarrazin.

"The floats are always really beautiful."

Joining Santa, Mrs. Claus and his elves were the usual cast of characters, Buddy the Elf, Frosty the Snowman and the Grinch.

A few cowboys, cowgirls and bull riders could also be seen as the marching band from St. Joseph-Scollard Hall Catholic Secondary School played the tunes of classic Christmas songs.

The team from Apollo Gymnastics performed some acrobatic moves and volunteers with Canada Post were collecting letters that will be mailed to Santa.

Instead of his normal red hat, Santa swapped it for a stylish black top hat.

Khloe Bromberg stood with her friends Casey Harvey, Lilly Peach and Shae Harvey.

"I like the candy. The candy is my favourite," she chuckled as some parade marchers handed her candy canes.

"I’m super excited to get all the candy canes and see all the magical creatures that are going to come," Shae Harvey added.

Peach maintains she was well-behaved this year and hopes to find a new pair of Uggs under her tree while Casey Harvey said that he wrote in his letter to Santa that he wants a new Nintendo Switch video game.

All in all, there were nearly 50 floats in the parade.

Organizers said they’re already coming up with ideas and concepts for next year’s parade.

Timmins, Sault Ste. Marie and Sudbury all have their own parades running this upcoming weekend.