Thousands turn out to celebrate the season during the 9th annual Rogers Santa Claus Parade
Santa Claus waves to spectators as the 9th annual Rogers Santa Claus Parade makes its way along West Georgia Street in downtown Vancouver, British Columbia, Sunday, December 2, 2012. More than 3,500 participants, including 60 marching bands, choirs, festive floats, and community groups took part in this year's parade.Rafal Gerszak/The Globe and Mail
Young spectators watch as the 9th annual Rogers Santa Claus Parade makes its way along West Georgia Street in downtown Vancouver, British Columbia, Sunday, December 2, 2012. More than 3,500 participants, including 60 marching bands, choirs, festive floats, and community groups took part in this year's parade.Rafal Gerszak/The Globe and Mail
Members of the Vancouver Police Department participate in the 9th annual Rogers Santa Claus Parade as it makes its way along West Georgia Street in downtown Vancouver, British Columbia, Sunday, December 2, 2012. More than 3,500 participants, including 60 marching bands, choirs, festive floats, and community groups took part in this year's parade.Rafal Gerszak/The Globe and Mail
Brent Hayden(centre), Canadian swimmer and London 2012 bronze medalist, waves to the crowd as he participates in the 9th annual Rogers Santa Claus Parade in downtown Vancouver, British Columbia, Sunday, December 2, 2012. More than 3,500 participants, including 60 marching bands, choirs, festive floats, and community groups took part in this year's parade.Rafal Gerszak/The Globe and Mail
Members of the BC Ambulance Service participate in the 9th annual Rogers Santa Claus Parade in downtown Vancouver, British Columbia, Sunday, December 2, 2012. More than 3,500 participants, including 60 marching bands, choirs, festive floats, and community groups took part in this year's parade.Rafal Gerszak/The Globe and Mail
Mrs. Clause from the Magic of Santa musical participates in the 9th annual Rogers Santa Claus Parade in downtown Vancouver, British Columbia, Sunday, December 2, 2012. More than 3,500 participants, including 60 marching bands, choirs, festive floats, and community groups took part in this year's parade.Rafal Gerszak/The Globe and Mail
Members of the Magic of Santa musical participate in the 9th annual Rogers Santa Claus Parade in downtown Vancouver, British Columbia, Sunday, December 2, 2012. More than 3,500 participants, including 60 marching bands, choirs, festive floats, and community groups took part in this year's parade.Rafal Gerszak/The Globe and Mail
Members of the Vanleena Dance Academy participate in the 9th annual Rogers Santa Claus Parade in downtown Vancouver, British Columbia, Sunday, December 2, 2012. More than 3,500 participants, including 60 marching bands, choirs, festive floats, and community groups took part in this year's parade.Rafal Gerszak/The Globe and Mail
A Santa's helper hands out gifts during the 9th annual Rogers Santa Claus Parade in downtown Vancouver, British Columbia, Sunday, December 2, 2012. More than 3,500 participants, including 60 marching bands, choirs, festive floats, and community groups took part in this year's parade.Rafal Gerszak/The Globe and Mail
The Grinch showed up for the 9th annual Rogers Santa Claus Parade in downtown Vancouver, British Columbia, Sunday, December 2, 2012. More than 3,500 participants, including 60 marching bands, choirs, festive floats, and community groups took part in this year's parade.Rafal Gerszak/The Globe and Mail
Spectators take pictures as the 9th annual Rogers Santa Claus Parade makes its way along West Georgia Street in downtown Vancouver, British Columbia, Sunday, December 2, 2012. More than 3,500 participants, including 60 marching bands, choirs, festive floats, and community groups took part in this year's parade.Rafal Gerszak/The Globe and Mail
A parade participant makes her way with the 9th annual Rogers Santa Claus Parade along West Georgia Street in downtown Vancouver, British Columbia, Sunday, December 2, 2012. More than 3,500 participants, including 60 marching bands, choirs, festive floats, and community groups took part in this year's parade.Rafal Gerszak/The Globe and Mail
Kids run out to play in artificial snow being blown from a float during the 9th annual Rogers Santa Claus Parade in downtown Vancouver, British Columbia, Sunday, December 2, 2012. More than 3,500 participants, including 60 marching bands, choirs, festive floats, and community groups took part in this year's parade.Rafal Gerszak/The Globe and Mail
Spectators watch as the 9th annual Rogers Santa Claus Parade makes its way along West Georgia Street in downtown Vancouver, British Columbia, Sunday, December 2, 2012. More than 3,500 participants, including 60 marching bands, choirs, festive floats, and community groups took part in this year's parade.Rafal Gerszak/The Globe and Mail