There won’t be fireworks, but there are flurries.

Santa is back in town this weekend, as the 110th annual Santa Claus Parade kicks off in Toronto.

Thousands of people flocked to the colourful event Sunday, where all the usual fanfare was on display, including Santa, the elves, Mrs. Claus and a whole host of lively floats.

Those heading to the parade will want to bundle up, as a high of just 1 C is expected, with a low of -3 C.

That said, there's something in the air for those who do venture out. With ongoing flurries, parade-goers got a treat that only Santa could deliver.

In downtown Toronto, where the parade is held, only about one centimetre of accumulation is expected.

As in past years a Holly Jolly 5K Run along the parade route kicked off at 12 p.m. before the actual parade got started.

Those heading down to the run and parade will want to plan their route. With a number of road closures in effect, people are being advised to take the TTC downtown instead of driving.

Parade Route

The parade kicks off Sunday at 12:30 p.m. It will start at Christie Street and make its way along at Bloor Street West, turning south at Queen’s Park Crescent and continuing down University Avenue. It will then move east along Wellington Street and finish off at Front Street East and Jarvis Street.

Road Closures

A number of rolling road closures will be in effect to accommodate the parade. They are as follows:

  • Bloor Street West from Ossington Avenue to Christie Street starting at 8 a.m.
  • Bloor Street West will be closed between Christie and Bathurst streets starting at 10 a.m.
  • Bloor Street West, from Bathurst to Bay streets starting at 10:45 a.m.
  • Avenue Road/Queen's Park Crescent will be closed from Davenport Road to College Street starting at 10:45 a.m.
  • University Avenue, between College and Dundas streets starting at 11 a.m.
  • University Avenue, between Dundas and Front streets starting at 11:15 a.m.
  • Wellington Street, from University Avenue to Jarvis Street, starting at 11:30 a.m.
  • Front Street, between Bay and Jarvis streets starting at 11:45 a.m.

The roads are expected to reopen as the parade route moves along.

TTC diversions, closures

The TTC says subway service will be increased Sunday to accommodate the large crowds expected to attend the parade.

The nearest subway stations for accessing the parade route are:

  • Line 1: Museum, Queen’s Park, St Patrick, Osgoode and St Andrew stations
  • Line 2: Christie, Bathurst, Spadina and St George stations

During the parade, the 501 Queen, 504 King, 505 Dundas and 506 Carlton streetcar routes will experience delays, the TTC say.

A number of bus routes will also be diverting to accommodate the parade. They include 5 Avenue Road, 6 Bay, 7 Bathurst, 26 Dupont, 63 Ossington, 75 Sherbourne, 94 Wellesley, 126 Christie, 172 Cherry Street, 161 Rogers Road and 300 Bloor-Danforth.